So I'm being told by my dealer to replace my fluid. I live in Colorado where I drive in the mountains a fair bit, use engine braking in the mountains a lot, and generally drive hard. I've been researching this topic in this forum, the maintenance manual from Nissan (which I think is a pretty up to date copy), and a mechanic I trust (not at the Nissan dealership). I've come across some info that does not go contrary to this 210,000 number, but certainly needs to be taken into consideration.
Page CVT-69 of my manual states:
Check“CVTF DETERIORATION DATE”
CVTF DETERIORATION DATE More than 210000
: It is necessary to change CVT fluid. Less than 210000
: It is not necessary to change CVT fluid.
CAUTION:
Touch “CLEAR” after changing CVT fluid, and then erase “CVTF DETERIORATION”.
This is the CVT Fluid Deterioration
Date. How this number is calculated is not stated, but at worst, this number is simply something to do with how long your transmission fluid has been in your Murano. At best this number is somehow calculated using how long the fluid has been there, how much you drive, and how hard you drive. I find this very doubtful and would suspect this is only time related. This brings me to what is stated on page CVT-15 which no one has talked on this thread.
Page CVT-15 states:
FLUID CONDITION CHECK
Fluid status | Conceivable Cause | Required Operation
Varnished (viscous varnish state) | Clutch, brake scorched | Replace the CVT fluid and check the CVT main unit and the vehicle for malfunctions (wire harnesses, cooler pipes, etc.)
Milky white or cloudy | Water in the fluid | Replace the CVT fluid and check for places where water is getting in.
Large amount of metal powder mixed in | Unusual wear of sliding parts within CVT | Replace the CVT fluid and check for improper operation of the CVT.
This seems to indicate there are more reasons to have to change your transmission fluid than just that number. Varnished state being the most common which is caused through things like stop and go driving and using your engine to brake. I've verified that my fluid (yes my Murano's fluid) is varnished, and I will be having it changed out. At least doing that will make sure I keep the new extended warranty that Nissan has granted on our CVTs. Not keeping up with maintenance may void any auto warranty if that is determined to be the cause of the failure.
YMMV, but it should be noted that there is typically not one reason to have to replace fluid. That number is not part of analyzing the fluid, just looking at a number that the diagnostic computer spits out when it's talking to the transmission's computer. This number should be reset if your fluid is changed. I've determined through the manual, my transmission fluid color/state, and a trusted mechanic that mine should be changed. If anyone is interested in the manual I'm reading, you can find it here:
2003 Murano Service Manual