Everything about using a CVT on a Nissan X Trail

Author: Victor

The Nissan X Trail CVT is a structurally complex unit consisting of many parts and mechanisms. Unlike a classic automatic transmission, CVT transmissions are more sensitive to errors made during operation. In this article you can learn about the malfunctions, disadvantages, as well as rules that must be taken into account when using a gearbox.

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Design and principle of operation

First, let's look at the device and operating principle of a CVT gearbox. If you don’t know what a CVT transmission looks like and how to distinguish it from an automatic transmission, then the second type of transmission is installed only on SUVs equipped with diesel engines. In addition, CVT gearboxes are equipped with additional knobs for shifting and downshifting. There are no other visual differences.

Nissan X Trail cars of 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and other years of production are equipped with two types of CVT transmissions. This could be model RE0F06A or RE0F10A, which developers began installing on newer cars. The second option is characterized by the use of lighter pulleys and the use of a single-piston shaft.

During production, the designers increased the pressure level in the drive pulley circuit to 60 kg/cm. The external machining frequency has also been improved, which helps prevent the adhesion of working lubricant. In Nissan X Trail CVTs 141, 144, 169 l. With. a more expanded range of gear ratios is used, while the developers have completely modernized the hydraulic control system.

Learn about the operating features of CVT transmissions in X Trail SUVs from the video filmed by the NenaRockOff channel.

In terms of their design as a whole, the X Trail CVT gearboxes in the T31 and T32 bodies of 2012, 2014, 2015 and other years of production can be simplified compared to the design of a bicycle chain drive. A CVT uses a metal belt that runs over the surface of two shafts. To change the gear ratio, the diameter of these elements changes. The primary shaft of the transmission is connected by means of a clutch connected to position D. The input pulley acts on the secondary one, pushing it with the help of a belt, which is structurally composed of many steel segments.

In accordance with the vehicle control mode, the surfaces between the pulleys change under the influence of the control module. Thanks to its proper operation, the belt can rotate on the input shaft more slowly if a reduced speed is simulated, or faster if it is increased. By changing the position of the shaft, the control module can achieve any ratio.

Life time

Now let’s look at the average service life of a new CVT transmission in a car produced in 2021, 2021 with an engine capacity of 2 liters. The official manual states that the CVTs of these cars last on average at least 100 thousand km before the first scheduled repair. Such a resource is possible with proper operation of the gearbox and timely replacement of transmission fluid, which the manufacturer recommends every 6 months.

If maintenance is performed on time, the reliable X Trail CVT will last much longer. It is only necessary to periodically check its performance and at least once a year diagnose the condition of the circuit.

Common problems and their solutions

Failed variator cone

Before checking and repairing the variator, familiarize yourself with the signs of its breakdown:

• when driving on a flat surface the car slips;
• an indicator for activating the emergency operating mode appeared on the control panel of the car in the cabin;
• the vehicle reduces engine speed, while a hum is heard from the transmission;
• there are problems when changing gears, the lever does not shift at all or shifts but with difficulty;
• the car’s power decreases, the driver presses the gas pedal, but the car’s engine does not gain speed, but only hums louder;
• vibration has appeared in the area of ​​the gearbox selector; it may be present constantly or periodically;
• Jerks appear when the driver switches the gearbox selector to another position.

Improper operation and maintenance leads to problems in the operation of machines and the need for repairs. In their reviews, X Trail owners often share that after changing the transmission oil, the gearbox hums and the car jerks or does not move at all. Let's look at the faults typical for the transmission of Japanese SUVs.

Noise

One of the most common problems with CVT transmissions X Trail t31 or in another body is the breakdown of bearing parts. When the service life of the devices comes to an end, noise begins to be heard from the transmission. In practice, this usually happens after 50 thousand kilometers. Bearing failure is usually associated with the design features of CVT gearboxes.

As a result of rapid wear, if the driver fails to use the CVT correctly, wear products clog the oil passages of the unit. Two filter devices with magnets will not be able to attract all the metal dust. The chips eventually settle in the transmission channels and clog them, which leads to the need to replace the bearing parts.

If you reduce the transmission fluid replacement interval to 30 thousand km, as some car enthusiasts advise, this will not solve the problem and will not help increase the service life of the bearings.

Nissan CVT transmission bearing

Power Loss

Car owners usually encounter the problem of reduced power when they do not change the transmission fluid in a timely manner. Most likely, the reason lies in clogged oil channels, which leads to the need to not only change consumables, but also flush the unit. It is necessary to check the operation of the gearbox after you are convinced of the operability of the engine and the main components that affect the drop in power. We are talking about the fuel filter and all kinds of sensors. When changing the oil in the gearbox, it is necessary to remove as much as possible all wear products and contamination from the gearbox, otherwise the car will continue to lose “traction” in the future.

Riding jerkily

The presence of noticeable jerking while driving may indicate the use of low-quality gear oil or its deficiency in the unit.

If the level is normal and the fluid quality is good or satisfactory, we recommend diagnosing the hydraulic valve. If it breaks down, the car will jerk 1-2 times per kilometer traveled when the cruise control is on. It is better to entrust the inspection to specialists who have the necessary equipment.

Replacing the variator

If desired, the car owner can replace the CVT transmission with a manual one. Manual transmissions, due to their technical characteristics and design features, are more reliable, unlike CVT. But replacing the box must only be done at a specialized service by qualified technicians. When changing the unit, you will need to reflash and adapt the control module to work with mechanics. Otherwise, the control unit will constantly generate an error, and the CVT transmission itself will become unstable. Jerks, shocks and vibrations will occur. If the replacement is performed incorrectly, you will not be able to start the engine.

Learn more about CVT repair from the video filmed by the DDK Motor channel.

User manual

Below we will analyze the instructions that will allow you to correctly use and drive a car with a CVT transmission.

Please remember the following precautions:

1. When the power unit is idling, the gearbox modes must be switched smoothly. When shifting, the metal transmission belt is automatically transferred to the required gear. If the transition is too abrupt, the belt will wear out faster. This leads to rapid exhaustion of the transmission resource and a reduction in its service life.
2. Do not start moving from a standstill by pressing the gas pedal all the way. This places high stress on the gearbox structure, which can lead to component damage.
3. To prevent malfunctions from occurring, it is better to avoid constant driving at high speeds.
4. Do not tow other vehicles or trailers.
5. Do not engage or disengage reverse gear until the vehicle is completely stopped.
6. Avoid wheel slip. Cars often slip when they get stuck in mud or snowdrifts. You should not try to drive out of an obstacle while rocking, alternately turning on modes R and D. It is better to put the gear in neutral and ask someone to pull the car out of the obstacle.

Starting the engine in winter

It is necessary to operate CVT with special care in the cold season. At low negative temperatures, the vehicle engine warms up at idle speed, but the transmission cannot be effectively heated in this way. The gearbox warms up optimally while driving. But you should not drive at high speeds immediately after starting the engine. Having started the engine, the driver needs to press the brake pedal, and then switch the gearbox selector to position R or D. This will allow the unit to warm up faster, but we recommend moving slowly for the first 10-15 minutes after starting the internal combustion engine.

In hot weather or under stress

When operating a car in hot weather, the driver must regularly check the oil level and condition in the gearbox. When operating at high temperatures, the lubricant loses its properties faster. A special radiator device is used to cool the unit. The car owner must periodically diagnose it and ensure that the unit operates clean. Otherwise, the unit may overheat, which will lead to its breakdown.

Find out how to prevent problems in the operation of a CVT transmission from the video filmed by the AnTiNooB Stream / Live channel.

Possible gearbox failures on the Nissan X Trail

Diagnostics of the Nissan transmission system is a necessary procedure aimed at identifying violations of its operation. Its breakdown is indicated by the appearance of a hum, vibrations, and difficulty when changing gears.

Breakdowns with any type of transmission on a crossover occur as a result of untimely maintenance. Do not travel for a long time with a clogged filter.

If the Nissan X-Trail has a CVT or automatic transmission, you should not adhere to an aggressive driving style. Both options have a complex structure, their repair is not cheap. That is why it is important to follow the prescribed operating rules. Before starting, you need to warm up the car. Difficulty shifting gears often occurs when the rod is worn out. For these boxes, both low oil level and excess oil are critical.

Off-road travel is one of the reasons that urgent repairs to the CVT box will soon be required. The need for the first repair of the variator may be necessary after a mileage of 100,000 km.

Any type of transmission that may be present on the Nissan X Trail must be equipped with original components. With timely maintenance, the high-speed gearbox will last for several years.

Service

Briefly about the nuances that need to be taken into account when servicing the X-Trail model with CVT.

Diagnostics

To identify malfunctions in the operation of a CVT transmission, it is advisable to use computer diagnostics using a laptop and special software. The error codes obtained as a result of the test must be deciphered and the breakdown determined.

It is necessary to carry out a more detailed diagnosis of the CVT transmission if the oil in it is too dark or there is a burning smell coming from it. As a result of the repair, the unit will also need to be flushed. If the diagnostics showed the presence of wear products in the gearbox, then the radiator unit will need to be replaced and its lines flushed.

The “Service, Repair, Diagnostics Nissan” channel in its video showed the process of diagnosing and repairing a CVT transmission in the X Trail.

Changing the oil and filter

What nuances should be taken into account when changing the lubricant:

1. If you are performing the procedure for changing transmission oil in a garage, then use only the original CVTF+4 product for filling. According to the manufacturer, the use of other lubricants may lead to transmission malfunctions. Experts recommend replacing the filter device when changing the lubricant.
2. Be careful when adding liquid so as not to overfill it. If the lubricant level is higher than normal, this will lead to an increase in pressure in the gearbox. As a result, the car owner will be faced with the problem of squeezing out the plug and hole, which will cause leakage of consumables. With such a problem, squeaks may occur in the operation of the transmission, but due to the good sound insulation of the vehicle interior, the driver will not hear them.
3. Always monitor the lubricant level in the system. If the gearbox operates without lubricant due to a leak, it will fail within half an hour when running dry. Restoring the unit will not be possible.

The Automatic Transmission Repair Technology channel in its video showed how you can independently restore the functionality of the CVT transmission in a Nissan X Trail.

Advantages and disadvantages

Let's look at all the pros and cons characteristic of X Trail CVT transmissions.

Advantages:

1. This car model uses a gearbox that is simpler in design than its predecessors. The RE0F10A variator model is characterized by a simplified design, which allows car owners to independently diagnose and service the unit.
2. The designers have made access to the gearbox easier. When changing the oil, the car owner will be able to independently dismantle the coarse filter device and wash it.
3. Nissan CVTs are equipped with magnets installed in the pan, the presence of which allows them to attract wear products in the form of metal shavings.
4. In new Nissan X Trail models, it is not necessary to warm up the fluid when starting the engine. Structurally, the gearbox includes an additional lubricant heater, which is automatically activated when the power unit is started.
5. Thanks to the use of a single-piston shaft in RE0F10A CVT transmissions, the weight of the pulleys is significantly reduced, which reduces their wear.
6. The presence of an air radiator in the design. This allows you to reduce adhesion and foaming of the transmission fluid, as well as reduce the operating temperature of the variator to prevent it from overheating.
7. Device reliability.
8. There are many reviews about fuel consumption. Compared to a manual transmission, cars with CVTs consume more fuel. But if you compare it with a traditional automatic, cars with CVTs “eat” less fuel. This is due to the lack of steps in the CVT.
9. A car with a CVT accelerates smoothly. Moreover, acceleration itself on such cars occurs more quickly due to the absence of gears.
10. Ease of Management.
11. CVT belongs to the category of the most environmentally friendly transmissions. Compared to traditional automatic and manual transmissions, cars with CVTs emit fewer harmful substances into the atmosphere.

Minuses:

• sensitivity to improper use;
• high cost of repairs and maintenance;
• failure of one of the sensors in the design of a CVT transmission will lead to the inoperability of the unit as a whole.

Operation of manual transmission on Nissan X-Trail

Foreign cars equipped with manual transmission are common. This device is durable. Thanks to the clutch, the manual transmission is connected to the power unit. The shafts present, which include gears with different numbers of teeth, synchronizers are designed for a long service life. The driver controls the gear shift mechanism using a lever from inside the cabin.

If the Nissan X Trail T31 manual transmission breaks down, extraneous noise and characteristic vibrations from the transmission will be noted when moving. Periodically, the owner of this vehicle must check the quality of the filled oil and change it if it has darkened.

If mechanical repairs are required, it is necessary to remove the gearbox from its original location, followed by its cleaning, disassembly, replacement of worn components, assembly and installation.

Video “Repair of Nissan X Trail CVT transmission”

The AKPP-TOP channel in its video showed the procedure for repairing the CVT gearbox in a Nissan X Trail.

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Features of power plants

Nissan X Trail

It seems possible to purchase a Nissan X Trail with a diesel or gasoline engine. These installations are reliable.

A 2.5-liter engine that produces 169 horsepower can run on gasoline. The type of drive this car has is front-wheel drive, acceleration occurs in about 10 seconds, and around the city it consumes about 13 liters.

The two-liter petrol variant can have either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The power reaches 144 horsepower.

A maximum of 130 horsepower is produced by a 1.6 liter diesel engine; it has front-wheel drive. In the city, approximately 6.5 liters of fuel are consumed. This power plant meets the Euro-5 environmental standard.