NTB15-085B

Classification:
AT15-014b
Reference:
Date:
NTB15-085b
April 1, 2016
2013-2015 ALTIMA; CVT DELAYED ENGAGEMENT
WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE
This bulletin has been amended. Instructions have been changed and parts information added for
installing a new oil strainer when the valve body is replaced.
Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLE: 2013-2015 Altima Sedan (L33)
APPLIED ENGINE:
QR25 (4 cylinder) only
IF YOU CONFIRM:
The CVT has a delayed engagement when shifting into Drive or Reverse,
AND
There are no DTCs stored in the ECM and/or TCM.
NOTE:
 Engagement in Drive or Reverse within three (3) seconds after shifting is considered
normal.
 A delayed engagement when shifting into gear may only occur one time per ignition
cycle.
ACTION:
1. Refer to page 5, step 6 in the SERVICE PROCEDURE to check if TCM reprogramming
applies to the vehicle you are working on.
 Reprogram the TCM, if reprogramming applies.
2. Inspect the CVT belt per the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin.
NOTE: Essential Tool Tech Cam (borescope) J-51951 has been sent to dealers. This
tool’s attachments make CVT inspection possible.
3. Perform CVT repairs based on inspection results.
IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you
will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it
contains information that is essential to successfully completing the repair.
Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
1/26
Repair Flow Chart
No
Delayed engagement (longer than 3
seconds) has been confirmed
Yes
This bulletin
does not apply
Check for applicable
TCM reprogram
If reprograming applies,
reprogram the TCM
Remove the control valve (valve body),
inspect the CVT belt
No evidence of
belt slippage
Evidence of
belt slippage
Replace the
valve body
Replace the
CVT assembly
See page 26
for important
pre-authorization
2/26
NTB15-085b
SERVICE PROCEDURE
TCM Reprogramming
NOTE:

Most instructions for reprogramming with CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) are
displayed on the CONSULT PC screen.

If you are not familiar with the reprogramming procedure, click here. This will link
you to the "CONSULT- III plus Reprogramming" general procedure.
CAUTION:

Connect the GR8 to the vehicle battery, set to “power supply” mode.
If the vehicle battery voltage drops below 12.0V or rises above 15.5V during
reprogramming, the TCM may be damaged.

Be sure to turn OFF all vehicle electrical loads.
If a vehicle electrical load remains ON, the TCM may be damaged.

Be sure to connect the AC Adapter.
If the CONSULT PC battery voltage drops during reprogramming, the process
will be interrupted and the TCM may be damaged.

Turn OFF all external Bluetooth® devices (e.g., cell phones, printers, etc.)
within range of the CONSULT PC and the VI. If Bluetooth® signal waves are
within range of the CONSULT PC during reprogramming, reprogramming may
be interrupted and the TCM may be damaged.
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NTB15-085b
1. Connect the CONSULT PC to the vehicle to begin the reprogramming procedure.
2. Start C-III plus.
3. Wait for the plus VI to be recognized.

The serial number will display when the plus VI is recognized.
4. Select Re/programming, Configuration.
Step 3:
plus VI is
recognized
Step
4
Figure 1
5. Follow the on-screen instructions and navigate the C-III plus to the screen shown in
Figure 2 on the next page.
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NTB15-085b
6. When you get to the screen shown in Figure 2, confirm this bulletin applies as follows.
A. Find the TCM Part Number and write it on the repair order.
NOTE: This is the current TCM Part Number (P/N).
6A: Current TCM P/N
TRANSMISSION
31036 -
Figure 2
B. Compare the P/N you wrote down to the numbers in the Current TCM Part Number
column in Table A below.

If there is a match, this bulletin applies. Continue with the reprogramming
procedure.

If there is not a match, go to page 11, Control Valve (Valve Body) Removal
and CVT Belt Inspection.
Table A
MODEL
2013 Altima
(4-cyl engine only)
CURRENT TCM PART NUMBER BEFORE
REPROGRAMMING: 31036 3TA0A, 3TA4A
3TA4B
3TA4C, 3TA9C
3TY0A, 3TY1A
2014-2015Altima
(4-cyl engine only)
9HM0A, 9HM0C, 9HM0D
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NTB15-085b
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to navigate C-III plus and reprogram the TCM.
NOTE:

In some cases, more than one new P/N for reprogramming is available.
 If more than one new P/N is available, the screen in Figure 3 displays.
 Select and use the reprogramming option that does not have the message
“Caution! Use ONLY with NTBXX-XXX”.

If you get this screen and it is blank (no reprogramming listed), it means there is no
reprogramming available for this vehicle. Close C-III plus, and then go to page 11,
Control Valve (Valve Body) Removal and CVT Belt Inspection.
TRANSMISSION
Figure 3
IMPORTANT: If C-III plus locks up or freezes at this point or displays “cannot
complete reprogramming, the CONSULT PC is set up with User Rights.
Reprogramming can be completed with Administrator log in”, the TOUGHBOOK
settings need to be changed so that Users have full access rights. See your
Dealership’s IT System Administrator for details.
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NTB15-085b
8. When the screen in Figure 4 displays, reprogramming is complete.
NOTE: If the screen in Figure 4 does not display (indicating that reprogramming did not
complete), refer to the information on the next page.
9. Disconnect the battery charger from the vehicle.
10. Select Next.
Step
10
Figure 4
NOTE:

In the next step (page 9), you will perform Erase All DTCs.

DTC erase is required before C-III plus will provide the final reprogramming
confirmation report.
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NTB15-085b
TCM Recovery:
Do not disconnect plus VI or shut down C-III plus if reprogramming does not
complete.
If reprogramming does not complete and the “!?” icon displays as shown in
Figure 5:

Check battery voltage
(12.0–15.5 V).

Ignition is ON, engine OFF.

External Bluetooth® devices
are OFF.

All electrical loads are OFF.

Select retry and follow the
on screen instructions.

“Retry” may not go through
on first attempt and can be
selected more than once.
Figure 5
If reprogramming does not complete and the “X” icon displays as shown in
Figure 6:

Check battery voltage
(12.0 – 15.5 V).

CONSULT A/C adapter is
plugged in.

Ignition is ON, engine OFF.

Transmission is in Park.

All C-III plus / VI cables are
securely connected.

All C-III plus updates are
installed.

Select Home, and restart
the reprogram procedure
from the beginning.
Figure 6
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NTB15-085b
11. Follow the on-screen instructions to Erase All DTCs.
12. When the entire reprogramming process is complete, the screen in Figure 7 will display.
13. Verify the before and after part numbers are different.
14. Print a copy of this screen (Figure 7) and attach it to the repair order for warranty
documentation.
15. Select Confirm.
31036 - _ _ _ _ _
Step
13
31036 - _ _ _ _ _
TRANSMISSION
Step
14
Step
15
Figure 7
16. Return C-III plus to the Home screen.
17. Turn OFF C-III plus and the vehicle ignition.
18. Disconnect C-III plus from the vehicle.
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NTB15-085b
Exploded View
(Total of 9 bolts)
Figure 8
Terminal cord assembly
Control valve (valve body)
O-ring
Oil strainer assembly
Oil pan gasket
Oil pan
Drain plug
Drain plug gasket
Two original magnets
Spring washer
Manual plate
Lip seal
Snap ring
Overflow plug
O-ring
Transaxle (CVT) assembly
10/26
NTB15-085b
Control Valve (Valve Body) Removal and CVT Belt Inspection
1. Remove the valve body.

Before lifting the vehicle:
 Place the transmission gear selector in Neutral.
 Leave the driver door unlatched. A step further in the procedure may require it.

Refer to the ESM, section TM – Transaxle & Transmission / RE0F10D, for valve
body removal.
NOTE: The number ‘7’ is on the head of all bolts that need to be removed for valve
body removal. Do not remove any bolt that does not have the number ‘7’.
CAUTION: Never allow any chemicals or fluids other than NS-3 CVT fluid or
equivalent to enter the CVT assembly. Never allow any foreign debris, dust,
dirt, etc. to enter the CVT assembly.

For additional information, see video # 544: “CVT Belt Inspection”. This video is
located under the TECH TRAINING GARAGE VIDEOS tab in Virtual Academy.
11/26
NTB15-085b
2. Secure the front right tire with a suitable
strap.

This will assist in making the belt turn.
3. Mark the front left tire with a suitable
marking.

This will assure all 360° of the belt is
inspected.
Figure 9
4. Using borescope J-51951 with mirror
attachment, inspect the entirety of the two
sides of the belt that come in contact with
the pulleys (see page 14, Figure 15).
Reference the pictures on pages 14-18
for comparison.
Belt
Pulley
Case
NOTE:
 Be sure to remove the protective film
from the mirror before the first use.


Step 4a
Clean the camera lens and mirror
before each inspection. Use 90%
isopropyl alcohol, and a lens swab
from Lens Swab packet J-51963 listed
in PARTS INFORMATION.
Step 4c
Figure 10
Before inspecting, make sure the
camera handle’s AA batteries are
fresh and the LCD monitor’s battery
is charged.
Camera
flexible tube
Front
a. Insert the camera lens between the
CVT case and pulley where shown in
Figures 10 and 11.

Insert the lens approximately seven
(7) inches, and then view the side
of the belt that contacts the pulley.
Figure 11
12/26
NTB15-085b
b. Slowly and carefully turn the front left
tire one full turn in the forward rotation
to view all of the belt.

Holding the borescope with one
hand allows for turning the tire with
the other hand (see Figure 12).
CAUTION: If the tire is rotated in the
rearward rotation, the camera lens
may get caught between the belt and
pulley.
c. If the inspection result is OK, inspect
the other side of the belt.

Figure 12
Insert the camera lens in the
second location where shown
in Figures 10 and 13, and then
perform step 4b again.
d. If the inspection result is OK 360° on
both sides of the belt, skip to step 5 on
the next page.

If any evidence of belt slippage
is found, go to step 4e, and then
step 6.

For additional information, see
video # 544: “CVT Belt Inspection”.
This video is located under the
TECH TRAINING GARAGE
VIDEOS tab in Virtual Academy.
e. Once CVT replacement is determined
as required, use borescope J-51951 to
record a 15 second or less continuous
video of the most severe evidence of
belt slip and the VIN on the F.M.V.S.S.
certification label (VIN label). See
Figure 14.
NOTE: This required video must be
attached to the Powertrain Call Center
CVT Preauthorization Form (in ASIST)
prior to calling for authorization.
Failure to submit a continuous video
will cause immediate denial of request
for replacement.
13/26
Pulley
Front
Figure 13
VIN
label
Figure 14
NTB15-085b



Before starting to record, make sure the camera handle’s AA batteries are fresh and
the LCD monitor’s battery is charged.
The whole video will show as backward, or reversed mirror image. This is okay.
The required video must show clear evidence of belt slippage and be 15 seconds or
less.
5. If the belt inspection result is OK, replace the valve body.


There is no need for pictures or video showing “OK” belt surfaces.
For valve body replacement, go to page 19, Control Valve (Valve Body)
Installation.
6. If the belt inspection result is NG, replace the CVT assembly.
 Get authorization to replace the CVT assembly (see page 26).
 Make sure to perform step 4e on page 13.
 For CVT assembly replacement, refer to the appropriate ESM, section TM –
Transaxle & Transmission / RE0F10D.
IMPORTANT: Perform "ADDITIONAL SERVICE WHEN REPLACING TRANSAXLE
ASSEMBLY".
 Refer to TM – Transaxle & Transmission / RE0F10D / BASIC INSPECTION:
o Check for fluid leakage.
o Install Write IP Characteristics to the TCM; see NTB12-103.

The CVT unit requiring replacement will need to be reassembled for Nissan parts
return/collection.
7. Flush the CVT cooler(s).
IMPORTANT: A CVT Cooler flush is required after a valve body or CVT assembly
replacement. Refer to bulletin NTB15-013 to perform CVT Cooler flush.
Inspect these sides
Do not inspect
these sides
Figure 15
14/26
NTB15-085b
Figure 16: New belt
Figure 17: Close-up of section to be inspected
15/26
NTB15-085b
Pictures in Figures 18 and 19 were taken with borescope J-51951.
OK
Visual
lines
Figure 18: Belt is OK
OK
Visual
lines
Figure 19: Belt is OK
16/26
NTB15-085b
NG
Scuffing
Figure 20: Example of NG belt
NG
Lines
“smeared”
Figure 21: Example of NG belt
17/26
NTB15-085b
Pictures in Figures 22-24 were taken with borescope J-51951.
NG
Figure 22: Example of NG belt
NG
Figure 23: Example of NG belt
NG
Figure 24: Example of NG belt
18/26
NTB15-085b
Control Valve (Valve Body) Strainer and Pan Installation
IMPORTANT: This section may contain different style parts than what were originally
installed in the CVT. Pay careful attention, REASSEMBLY MAY NOT BE IDENTICAL
TO DISASSEMBLY.
CAUTION: Handle the valve body carefully.
1. Discard the oil strainer bracket (Figure 25).
2. Install a new lip seal. Do NOT reuse the old lip seal (Figure 26).
NOTE: Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the lip seal to keep it in place on the
CVT.
Oil strainer
bracket
Lip seal
Figure 25
Figure 26
3. Install the Control Valve with nine (9)
mounting bolts (Figure 27).
IMPORTANT: Leave Four (4)
holes blank at this step.
bolt
CAUTION: Make sure the wiring harness
is not in the way / does not get pinched.

54 mm long bolt
– 7 pieces

44 mm long bolt
– 2 piece

25 mm long bolt
– 2 piece
25 mm bolts
44 mm bolts
Wiring harness
CAUTION: These two bolts are
installed WITHOUT the strainer
bracket.
Figure 27
 Bolt torque: 8.0 N•m (0.81 kg-m,
70.8 in-lb.)
19/26
NTB15-085b
4. Replace the metal bracket of the temperature sensor as follows:
NOTE: The new bracket will be oriented the same way the old bracket was.
a. Cut the plastic zip tie with an appropriate tool to remove the temperature sensor
bracket from the terminal harness assembly. (Figure 28).
CAUTION: Cut the plastic zip tie over the metal bracket to avoid damage to the
temperature sensor.
b. Discard the removed bracket and plastic zip tie.
c. Use the plastic zip tie from Parts Information to attach the new temperature sensor
bracket to the temperature sensor of the terminal connector harness.
IMPORTANT: Locate the plastic zip tie at the center notch of three notches on the
temperature sensor.
d. Cut off plastic zip tie excess.
Temperature
sensor
Metal bracket
Plastic zip tie in center notch
Figure 28
20/26
NTB15-085b
5. Connect the electrical harness connector
(Figure 29).
Harness
connector
Figure 29
6. Install the CVT fluid temperature sensor
bracket to the valve body with one (1)
bolt (Figure 30).
NOTE: Leave one (1) bolt hole blank as it
will be used to secure the oil strainer at a
later step.

Bolt torque: 8.0 N•m (0.81 kg-m, 70.8
in-lb.)

Bolt length: 54 mm
1 bolt
Figure 30
7. Install the new oil strainer with its new
O-ring seal with two (2) bolts (Figure 31).
NOTE: replacement strainer maybe a
different shape.

Bolt torque: 8.0 N•m (0.81 kg-m, 70.8
in-lb.).

54 mm long bolt
54 mm
bolts
- 2 pieces.
Figure 31
21/26
NTB15-085b
8. Install the manual plate, lock washer, and
nut (Figure 32).
NOTE: Make sure the manual plate fits
into the slot of the manual valve before
applying torque to the nut.

Reuse the existing manual plate, lock
washer, and nut.

Nut torque: 22.5 N•m (2.29 Kg-m,
16.6 ft-lb.)
Slot and manual
plate end
Manual plate
Lock washer
Nut
Manual valve
Figure 32
9. Clean the original oil pan and magnets
with a suitable cleaner. Visible debris
should not be present at re-assembly.
10. Reassemble the original magnets to the
pan.
NOTE: Return the magnets to their
original locations.
11. Install a new oil pan gasket to the pan.
12. Install the oil pan bolts (see Figure 33).

Reuse the existing pan bolts.

Oil pan bolts torque: 8.0 N•m, (0.81
Kg-m, 70.8 in-lb.)
13. Install a new drain washer to the drain
plug on the oil pan.
Figure 33
22/26
NTB15-085b
14. Fill the CVT assembly with NS-3 CVT fluid or equivalent.

Refer to the ESM, section TM – Transaxle & Transmission / RE0F10D,
for CVT fluid filling.
15. IMPORTANT: Install Write IP Characteristics to the TCM; see NTB12-103.

Refer to TM – Transaxle & Transmission / RE0F10D / BASIC INSPECTION, and
perform ADDITIONAL SERVICE WHEN REPLACING TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY.
 Check for fluid leakage.
 Attach the QR label with the new calibration data onto the transmission range
switch (inhibitor switch).
o See Figure 34 and 35 below.
o A QR Label and CD-R are included with the replacement valve body.
16. Erase the DTC.
Air cleaner
intake duct
Inhibitor
switch
------
Valve cover
-----
QR label
Figure 34
Figure 35
23/26
NTB15-085b
PARTS INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
CVT ASSEMBLY (1)
VALVE ASSEMBLY-CONTROL
(valve body) (3)
STRAINER ASSY-OIL, AUTO TRANS
BRACKET (for temperature sensor)
BAND (zip tie for sensor bracket)
GASKET-OIL PAN
SEAL-LIP
WASHER-DRAIN
SEAL, O-RING (fluid filler plug gasket)
PART NUMBER
(2)
QUANTITY
1
31705-28X0B
1
31728-28X0A
31069-3VX0D
24224-3VX0A
31397-1XF0D
31528-1XZ0A
11026-JA00A
31526-3VX0B
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
999MP-NS300P
NS-3 CVT Fluid (4) (5)
As needed
Lens Swab (6) (7)
J-51963
As needed
(1) If the CVT assembly is being replaced, no other parts in the table above, except NS-3
CVT fluid or equivalent, are needed.
(2) Refer to the electronic parts catalog (FAST or equivalent) for the correct part number.
(3) Includes QR Label, CD-R, and Control Valve Assembly.
(4) For warranty repairs, Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid must be used. For customer pay repairs,
Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid or an equivalent is recommended.
(5) NS-3 CVT Fluid can be ordered through the Nissan Maintenance Advantage program:
Phone: 877-NIS-NMA1 (877-647-6621) or Website: Order via link on dealer portal
www.NNAnet.com and click on the “Maintenance Advantage” link.
(6) Lens swabs are available from Tech•Mate online: www.nissantechmate.com, or by
phone: 1-800-662-2001.
(7) Shop supply.
Tech Cam J-51951
Lens swab J-51963
(not part of J-51951)
Figure 28
Remove protective
film before first use
Additional kits and components of Tech Cam J-51951 are available from Tech•Mate online:
www.nissantechmate.com, or by phone: 1-800-662-2001.
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NTB15-085b
CLAIMS INFORMATION
NOTE: Refer to CVT Assembly Replacement Approval Procedures (on the next page)
before submitting a claim.
Only Claim if TCM requires reprogramming
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
OPERATION
PFP
TCM Reprogramming
(1)
OP CODE SYM
JE99AA
ZE
DIAG
FRT
32
(2)
(1) Refer to the electronic parts catalog (FAST or equivalent) and use the TCM part number
(31036 - *****) as the PFP.
(2) Reference the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated Flat
Rate Time.
NOTE: FRT allows adequate time to access DTC codes. No other diagnostic
procedures subsequently required. Do NOT claim any diagnostic OP Codes with this
claim.
If belt inspection shows no signs of belt slip, OK
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION
RPL CVT CONTROL VALVE ASSY
PFP
(3)
OP CODE
JD48AA
SYM DIA FRT
ZE
32
(4)
(3) Reference the Parts Information Table and use the applicable Control Valve Assembly
Part Number (31705-*****) as the Primary Failed Part.
(4) Reference the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated Flat
Rate Time.
NOTE: FRT allows adequate time to access DTC codes. No other diagnostic
procedures subsequently required. Do NOT claim any diagnostic OP Codes with this
claim.
And
DESCRIPTION
OP CODE
FRT
Inspect CVT Belt, Belt = OK
JX37AA
0.3
OR
Claims Information continued on the next page.
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NTB15-085b
Clams Information Continued:
If belt inspection shows signs of belt slip, NG
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION
CVT R&R
PFP
OP CODE
SYM
DIA
(1)
JD01AA
JD023A
ZE
32
FRT
(2)
CVT TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
JX22AA
0.5
(1) Reference the electronic Parts Catalog (FAST or equivalent) and use the CVT assembly
part number for the vehicle being repaired as the Primary Failed Part.
(2) Reference the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated Flat
Rate Time.
NOTE: FRT allows adequate time to access DTC codes. No other diagnostic procedures
subsequently required. Do NOT claim any diagnostic OP Codes with this claim.
And
DESCRIPTION
OP CODE
FRT
Inspect CVT Belt, Belt = NG (includes control valve R&I)
JX36AA
2.2
CVT Assembly Replacement Approval Procedures

If CVT belt inspection indicates CVT assembly replacement is required:
a. Complete the PCC CVT Preauthorization Form in ASIST.
b. Attach the required video (15 seconds or less) to the CVT Preauthorization
Form.

Failure to submit a continuous video showing evidence of belt slip and the
VIN will cause immediate denial of request for CVT unit replacement.
c. Call the PCC for authorization at 800-973-9992 (opt 2).
IMPORTANT: Make sure the video has a clear image of the VIN on the F.M.V.S.S.
certification label (VIN label).
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