CVT transmission slips when going uphill?

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
2014 NISSAN VERSA
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
85,000 MILES

Hi, I have the vehicle listed above SV. When going uphill the engine tachometer reaches 4,000 RPMs but the vehicle will barely reach 40 miles per hour, when the ground is level the vehicle accelerates fine, do I need a new CVT transmission and how much does a new Nissan CVT transmission cost? As I have heard its over $4,000.00. When I saw the insurance company car shield being advertised on TV, this is the second CVT transmission the vehicle had as the original CVT transmission had been replaced at about 50,000 miles under the vehicle extended warranty because it was stalling the engine, so I didn't get how much it had cost the vehicle manufacturer. Also, can I change the CVT fluid at the Nissan dealer or will the Nissan dealer will just shrug it off and tell me that it doesn't need a CVT fluid change.

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Sunday, December 18th, 2022 AT 5:27 AM

13 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Am I correct in assuming this transmission only lasted 35K miles? CVT transmissions are not the most reliable or repairable transmissions, but that is crazy.

Have you checked to make sure the transmission fluid is full? This requires the engine/trans to be at a specific temperature and a special tool. They make nothing simple anymore. That is where I would recommend starting. If there is a shop near you that can check the fluid level, do that. I attached the directions below for testing. I'm not sure if you are comfortable performing it. If fluid needs added, you must use the correct fluid. See pics below.

As far as a new transmission, the manufacturer's retail price is 2642.82. If you add labor and shop materials into that price, it will be well over $4,000.00. It calls for over 6 hours labor.

If this was my personal vehicle, I would be on the phone with Nissan demanding they repair it. There is no reason why a new transmission should fail after 35K miles or even the original 50K miles. There should be a customer assistance phone number in the rear of your owner's manual. Also, the last pic shows the phone number if you can't find it.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

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Sunday, December 18th, 2022 AT 2:19 PM

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
71 POSTS

Hi, yes the CVT transmission only lasted 35,000 miles, I mean it still drives the vehicle but it has poor acceleration when going uphill, I see that you guys are savvy and expert on the price of a new CVT transmission and the six hours labor it calls for and you are the same automotive experts who answered my question about engine valve train noise on the same above vehicle so can you tell me how much is the retail value of a new engine and how many hours labor does the engine installation call for, I mean it's cheaper to replace both the engine and transmission than to buy a new 2022 Nissan versa which retails for over 20,000 dollars, the car shield insurance advertisement had said that engine replacement is 5,500 dollars and transmission replacement is 4,300 dollars, is this true? Thank you in advance for your help and for your expertise.

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Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 AT 2:29 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

I attached the parts and labor prices below. Note that there are two ways of getting an engine. A short block will require the reuse of many of the engine components presently on your vehicle. For example, the intake manifold, exhaust manifold, fuel rail and injectors, and so on. A long block will come with many of the parts the other won't have.

If you look below, the engine cost is the retail price. The labor, in this case, would be considered for a long block, so there are 12 hours of labor. See pic 1.

Pics 2 and 3 are related to the transmission. Keep in mind, these prices don't include things like shop supplies and disposal costs. However, the labor for one should be much less because they both come out at the same time, so they shouldn't charge fully for both labor rates.

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 AT 4:55 PM

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
71 POSTS

Hi, from the diagram I see that the price of a new Nissan versa engine is 6,000 dollars for the part only plus 12 hours of labor which would be another 2,000 dollars and the total cost approaches 10,000 dollars, the lkq used part company has plenty of used engines with varying miles on them that retail for 350 dollars, I mean my current engine is a used engine with 85,000 miles on it and it's still running but I hear a steady valve train noise when I am away from the car possibly because we delayed its oil change, I mean valve train noise wouldn't have caused the engine to seize up would it? It just causes performance problems and I have heard that a rod knock or metallic crankshaft bearing noises would cause an engine to seize up and not valve train noises, the oil level is over full but I haven't changed it in five months, I also see that you guys are based in California which requires a smog test or exhaust emissions test, what kinds of repairs do they recommend to pass the smog test and is an engine overhaul one of the recommended repairs to pass a smog test? I also heard that California will ban new gasoline powered cars, will it also ban used vehicles?

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Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 AT 1:19 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

CA can't ban used gasoline vehicles. It would be illegal. It is your personal property and a functional part of your daily needs. No one has a right to take that away from you. I don't know what is happening in the US, but I'm not a fan.

Regardless, I personally am in PA. The site owner is in CA. As far as passing smog, there is no one fix because there are so many things that can cause it to fail. For example, a cylinder misfire or a faulty gas cap can both cause failure. The list is long.

Is it possible for you to record it running and upload it for me to hear? I may know if there is a simple cause of the noise. Also, as far as I'm concerned, Nissan should be paying for the transmission and not you. Did you try contacting customer service? Oftentimes, they can be very helpful. Apparently, if two transmissions failed this quickly, it is a design issue.

I will help you in any way I can, so let me know if you have questions. Also, if possible, record it running so I can hear the noises you are referring to.

Take care of yourself and I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Joe

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Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 AT 8:35 PM

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
71 POSTS

Hi, I don't know how to upload and livestream a video, but I have one final question and that is what causes an engine to seize up, I know that if it runs out of oil it's going to seize up but I am wondering can delayed oil changes cause an engine to seize up? We are putting 2,000 miles every four months in our 2014 Nissan versa and this month we are going to do a Mobil 1 synthetic oil change and the last synthetic oil change was five months ago on August 13th, is five months between oil changes okay or will it cause an engine to seize up and the oil level is over full so it's not about to run out of oil, how many months is the recommended oil change interval if you don't put a lot of miles on the engine? Another reason an engine can seize up is a rod knock and metallic crankshaft bearing noises and also a broken connecting rod that has resulted from a magnaflux defect or Crack in the connecting rod I-beam and the magnaflux defect or Crack can't be avoided even if you do regular oil changes on the engine, right? Your expertise on how an engine can seize up and what causes an engine to seize up your expertise is greatly appreciated and oh I forgot to ask that a stretched timing chain or jumped timing chain wouldn't cause an engine to seize up or fail to turn or crank or rotate right? A stretched timing chain or jumped timing chain just causes performance problems, right? Thank you in advance for your expertise and for your help.

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Friday, December 23rd, 2022 AT 10:15 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

As far as oil changes, regardless of how many miles you drive and how quickly the miles add up, it shouldn't go beyond (in my opinion) 5K miles. If you reach that number of miles in 2.5 months, it still needs to be changed. Engines produce dirt internally. So, when it comes to changing oil, it is not as much an amount of time that passes, but rather how long the engine is used which we determine by miles driven. So, every 5K miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

Also, if you have delayed oil changes, yes, it can ultimately lead to internal engine issues. As mentioned, engines create dirt, the oil gets dirty, and eventually, it causes the oil passages in the engine to block. As a result, oil can't get to different components that need it.

As far as the engine locking, there are a number of things that can cause it. However, although there are many causes, ultimately the lock-up is caused by internal engine damage. You mentioned the term Magna Flux. That is a product used to check for cracks in engine blocks and cylinder heads. You also mentioned a rod knock. That is caused by excessive clearance between a bearing and what it is connected to, the crankshaft. The noise doesn't cause the failure, but rather, it is an indication there is a problem that will ultimately lead to failure.

Next, on many of the newer vehicles, a failed timing belt or timing chain can cause internal damage to the engine. Today's vehicles have very limited clearance between the top if the engine piston and the valves in the cylinder head. If timing is off or there is failure to the belt or chain, the top of the pistons can hit an open valve bending it. As a result, you would lose engine compression and likely need to replace the cylinder head. Can that happen to your vehicle's engine? It can. All modern Nissan engines are considered interference engines.

What can be done to increase the longevity of the powertrain, simply maintenance is our only defense. Of course, driving the vehicle normally helps. LOL

I do have a suggestion. When you purchase your next vehicle, try to stay away from the ones that have a CVT transmission. They are known to fail much faster than a traditional automatic transmission. Also, when one fails, in almost all cases, the repair is the replacement of the transmission.

Additionally, try to find a vehicle that doesn't have an interference engine. If you are questioning one, let us know and we should be able to tell you if it is or isn't an interference engine.

I hope I answered all your questions. Let me know if you have others.

Take care and Merry Christmas.

Joe

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Saturday, December 24th, 2022 AT 12:03 PM

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
71 POSTS

Hi, on December 26th I did my next oil change on our 2014 Nissan Versa SV at Walmart using bulk synthetic oil but not bottled synthetic oil and the 1.6 liter twin cam, variable valve timing four-cylinder engine runs fine, and I know I mentioned engine noise in my previous posts before we did our late December Walmart oil change. Well, if I stick my ear to the intake manifold and to the valve cover with the hood open while idling then the engine just makes a slight valve train noise above the intake manifold and above the valve cover that is not covered by the intake manifold but I don't hear the noise at a distance and I am passing many other cars whose engines are knocking very loudly from far away because their owners don't maintain them as meticulously as we maintain our engine, Walmart made the oil level slightly over full so I have plenty of clean oil. I have also noticed a rough idle and the engine and the air intake hose are slightly shaking at idle so I need guidance about what might be causing the rough idle? Is it the throttle position sensor? The idle speed control solenoid valve? The electronic gas pedal which is not cable operated like it was on older cars? The gas pedal position sensor? The spark plugs? All of the above? I appreciate any diagnosis help you might offer because Walmart can't diagnose a rough idle even though Walmart is good with the synthetic oil changes which keep the crankshaft from seizing up on the bearings and also keep the pistons from seizing up on the cylinder walls. Thank you in advance for your help. Written by Alex Stathas.

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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023 AT 7:40 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi Alex, if you have a rough idle, the first thing I would look for would be an engine vacuum leak.

Do me a favor. Take a look at this link. It explains how to locate and repair an engine vacuum leak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

This is where I would start. I do have a question. Is there still a transmission issue? That is where we started. I'm just curious.

Take care and let me know the results.

Joe

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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023 AT 8:07 PM

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
71 POSTS

Hi, I have heard about vacuum leaks and a vacuum leak is when the vacuum hoses allow extra air to enter the intake manifold and that extra air dilutes the gasoline mist coming out of the electronic injector needle valve tips and the leaner gasoline mist upsets the engine idle speed and causes a rough idle. I am afraid to fool or mess with the vacuum hoses to connect a vacuum gage to them because if I did mess with the vacuum hoses the unknown vacuum leak might get larger and stall the engine instead of just idling it rough and stalling when you release the gas pedal is a road hazard so I will have to live with the rough idle. A vacuum leak also leaks dirt into the combustion chamber and further reduces engine performance but that's where the frequent synthetic oil and oil filter changes come in and help out the ailing engine. And yes I still have CVT transmission issues and the CVT transmission races the engine tachometer to 3,000 to 4,000 rpm just to accelerate from 0 to 50 miles per hour even when it is on a ground level while my brothers vehicle tachometer just hits 1,500 rpm to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour even when it is slightly uphill. My mother doesn't want to rebuild the CVT transmission because it still drives the car even though it has a very slow pickup or very slow acceleration so I will have to live with the bad CVT transmission since it can still move the car albeit at slow acceleration and I have nowhere to change the CVT fluid because the dealer will tell me that I don't need a CVT fluid change and I don't know if Tire Kingdom changes CVT fluid. Thank you for the information and guidance though.

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Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 AT 12:40 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

An engine vacuum leak will allow unmetered air to enter the engine. That produces a lean fuel mixture ratio. However, that won't cause the transmission issue.

As far as the dealership is concerned, won't they do it for you? Even if you request that they do?

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 AT 6:58 PM

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
71 POSTS

Hi, I know that in previous posts I mentioned slight valve train noise coming from the top of the engine if I stick my ear to the intake manifold and to the valve cover with the hood open and Walmart changed the engine oil with bulk synthetic oil two weeks ago and made the oil level slightly over full so I have plenty of clean bulk synthetic oil, the pressing question is do I need to switch to a thicker viscosity or thicker weight oil like 10W40 from 5W30 to cushion the excess clearances of the older engine parts? Because Walmart won't allow me to upgrade to 10W40 engine oil and only allow the manufacturer recommended 5W30 weight or viscosity oil and I am afraid to get underneath the vehicle to change the oil myself because I fear that the jack stands will collapse and crush me, now as far as the CVT transmission and its slow acceleration is concerned is the CVT transmission a sealed system? Is the CVT fluid inaccessible? I am asking because I have noticed two transmission cooler lines going to and from the radiator and also, I have noticed a very small transmission dipstick behind the flywheel housing, I also have questions about other parts on the 2014 Nissan Versa SV, is the battery charging device a direct current generator or an alternating current alternator? I am asking because I don't see a voltage regulator on the back of this device I just see two thin wires connected to the back of it and the owner manual calls it a generator and I don't notice a back cover that would have housed the rectifier assembly three positive and three negative diodes which change alternating current to usable direct current, my next question is about the starter motor and is the starter motor a permanent magnet starter motor with six electromagnetic pole pieces or a regular starter motor with four electromagnetic pole pieces and field windings between them? Also does it have carbon brushes that can wear out or is it a brushless starter motor? My final question is about the original equipment battery and whether it needs maintenance like unbolting the caps above the eight battery electrolytes and adding water on them, my current battery is an aftermarket battery from O Reilly auto parts so it probably must be maintenance free, thank you in advance for enlightening me about the auto mechanics of our 2014 Nissan Versa SV, written by Alex Stathas

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Monday, January 9th, 2023 AT 10:20 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Alex, the shop won't change the oil weight because they don't want responsibility for damage. Can you put a heavier-weight oil in it, yes. But you really need to do that with consideration of the ambient temps where you live. If you use a heavier weight, it takes longer for it to circulate when cold. Also, the startup is when most wear is done to bearings.

In most owner's manuals, it will show optional oil weights that can be used. They base it on outside temperatures. Take a look through your manual to see if you can find that. You can take that to Walmart and show them.

As far as the transmission level check, it requires what is called a charging pipe to check the level. This pipe is installed at the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission pan.

With the charge pipe installed, you need to add approx 1/2 qt of CVT fluid, start the engine, and allow it to reach a specific temp. Then, you remove the rubber supply hose to see if the fluid drains. If it doesn't, you need to add fluid. If it trickles out, it's good. They make nothing easy anymore.

Also, you may want to have the G sensor recalibrated just to see if it makes a difference. See last pic below.

I attached the directions below. Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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