Transmission Service at M'Lady Nissan

Have transmission troubles? No one understands Nissan’s CVT transmission better than the certified Nissan technician at M'Lady Nissan. We offer a wide range of engine and transmission services including vehicle inspections, engine repairs, fluid changes/flushes, and more! M'Lady Nissan service technicians are highly trained and certified to perform whatever work you may need on your vehicle.

We service makes and models of all kinds, including cargo vans and work trucks! Don't hesitate to stop by our Crystal Lake, IL service center no matter what you drive and see how you can save big with our regularly updated service specials. Keep reading to learn more about Nissan’s transmission, signs of transmission issues, and recommended maintenance schedules. Enjoy all the perks M’Lady Nissan provides for each customer with amenities including:

  • Factory Trained Technicians
  • Free Loaner Vehicles
  • Nissan Express Service
  • Car wash on every service visit
  • Premium amenities in the waiting room
  • Kids play area
  • Outdoor Patio area

Nissan Continuously Variable Transmission

Nissan’s innovative Continuously Variable Transmission uses a belt system instead of fixed gears. This method helps provide a constant smooth motion that performs seamless shifting, better acceleration, and improves fuel mileage. Instead of shifting gears, the CVT is always ready with a variable gear for any driving situation. The Continuously Variable Transmission has a proven track record of offering:

  • Stronger acceleration from a standing start
  • Rapid & seamless acceleration during merging and passing
  • Always in the right gear - no gear hunting
  • Significant improvement in the fuel economy
  • Smooth and quiet at cruising speed

How the CVT Works

The CVT is an automatic transmission that uses two pulleys with a steel belt running between them. To continuously vary its gear ratios, the CVT simultaneously adjusts the diameter of the "drive pulley" that transmits torque from the engine and the "driven pulley" that transfers torque to the wheels. With stepless shifting of gear ratios, the CVT can avoid the shift-shock and deliver smooth driving, making it an exceptional transmission solution.

Transmission Failure Warnings Signs

Although Continuously Variable Transmissions generally have fewer issues than normal transmission due to not having to change gears and experience the same level of friction. Issues can still arise due to driving habits, damage, and other unforeseen variables. Common warning signs to look out for include:

  • Unable to switch gears or slipping gears
  • Burning smells and odd noises
  • Leaking fluid or check engine light
  • Grinding or shaking 

Nissan 10K Mile Service

The 10k mile service is one of the mileage-based maintenance services being offered by car dealerships today. Aside from this, some dealers also offer 15k and 20k mile services. Generally, by around 10,000 miles of running up and down, your vehicle is due for its first service maintenance. This initial service round is not really very demanding, and it usually just includes the need for tire rotation, air filter, oil change and parts (cooling and brake systems) inspection.

  • Change of Spark Plugs
  • Change of primary lubricant for chaincase lubricant and Cleaning of drain plug
  • Checking and adjustment of the primary chain

Many other services are included in the 10K Mile Service, our service center technicians would be more than happy to help you with!

Why Service at M'Lady Nissan?

Our service technicians can take on any job, from a wiper rubber change to a major engine overhaul. Unlike other local competitors, our Nissan service center offers more than 24 service bays and a team of experts who will take great care of your vehicle. Furthermore, if you want to buy genuine Nissan parts, we have a vast inventory kept on our premises.

We work hard to get you back on the road as soon as possible, our Nissan state-of-the-art facility service center is open until 7 p.m. Monday-through-Friday. Speak with one of our auto service technicians about the repairs your vehicle may require, no matter what make and model you drive. Reasons why you should choose M’Lady Service Department:

  • Our Service Team knows your vehicle inside and out
  • We know how to evaluate your vehicle
  • We use Genuine Nissan Parts to ensure quality performance
  • Our Factory-Trained Technicians specialize in servicing your Nissan
  • Our Advanced Diagnostic System ensures we service your vehicle right the first time.

Transmission FAQs


A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) provides simple, efficient power delivery creating better fuel economy than traditional transmissions. With CVT, shifting is seamless – the vehicle performs as though it has a variable gear for every driving situation, and you won’t feel any shift shock. It uses a steel belt or chain and a pulley system to move up and down the gear ratio in a continuously smooth motion, providing seamless, stronger acceleration and increased fuel economy.

  • Stronger acceleration from a standing start
  • Rapid & seamless acceleration during merging and passing
  • Always in the right gear - no gear hunting
  • Significant improvement in the fuel economy
  • Smooth and quiet at cruising speed

The required fluid for all XTRONIC CVT-equipped Nissan models is Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. Do not use Automatic transmission fluid (ATF), Manual transmission fluid, or mix this fluid with other fluids, as it may damage the CVT transmission and void the warranty. When checking or replacement of XTRONIC CVT fluid is required, we recommend a Nissan dealer for service.

The real difference between a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an automatic transmission (AT) is that while both are technically automatic transmissions and don’t require the driver to use a clutch to manually change gears, a traditional automatic transmission has fixed gears -typically ranging from five to nine in number. Nissan's XTRONIC CVT and all CVTs don’t have any traditional fixed gear ratios at all. There is no “shifting” in the conventional sense of the word.

A CVT vehicle has fewer moving parts, which reduces friction and heat. This reduces wear and tear on your transmission, meaning it works harder, longer.

Nissan first adopted the Continuously Variable Transmission globally in 1992 and has gone through constant development, enhancement, and improvement ever since. The first major application of the XTRONIC CVT in the U.S. marketplace was the 2003 Nissan Murano.

Every Nissan XTRONIC CVT comes with a 5 year/60,000 mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty for CVT repairs, replacements, or related towing