Nissan Qashqai CVT repair: performance check, prices

Many popular modifications of the Nissan Qashqai have been and continue to be equipped with a CVT transmission from the Japanese company Jatco. The first generation crossovers, depending on the engine, were equipped with CVTs JF011E and JF015E. Engines of models after 2013 were combined with JF016E and JF017E transmissions. The JF010E (RE0F09A) variator is designed for powerful engines. If the first models of CVTs were not reliable, the latest versions have proven to be quite practical and repairable units. They work effectively with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines.

Crossover generation	Year of issue	Engine	CVT modification
1st generation Nissan Qashqai J10	2006 – 2013	Gasoline 1.6 l	JF015E (RE0F11A)
		Gasoline 2.0 l	JF011E (RE0F10A)
2nd generation Nissan Qashqai J11	2013 – 2021	Diesel 1.6 l	JF017E
		Gasoline 2.0 l	JF016E
		Gasoline 1.2 l turbo	JF015E (RE0F11A).
3rd generation Nissan Qashqai J12	from 2021	Hybrid 1.3L turbo	JF022E

The continuously variable transmission provides smooth gear shifting without the use of standard gears. The advantage of CVT is driving comfort and fuel efficiency.

The automaker provides a 5-year or 150 thousand km warranty on the CVT transmission, subject to the restrictions and recommendations for operating the unit. If your car is not covered by warranty service and repair, then contact our company. Masters will perform all operations competently and at a high quality level.

Characteristics of CVTs

Transmission	Drive unit	Engine	Torque	Resource
JF010E (RE0F09A)	Front/Full	up to 3.5 l	up to 350 Nm	250 thousand km
JF011E (RE0F10A)	Front/Full	up to 2.5 l	up to 250 Nm	200 thousand km
JF015E (RE0F11A)	Front/Full	up to 1.8 l	up to 160 Nm	160 thousand km

All Nissan Qashqai CVT transmissions have an identical design with a Bosch belt and a 14-valve valve body. Only some mechanical components differ, made with reinforcement to ensure high torque.

The JF011E variator was developed in 2005 and was installed on many modifications of the Nissan Qashqai. Has a classic design. The force between the pulleys is transmitted using a belt. Changing the position of the cones to select the gear ratio is carried out using a stepper motor.

The Nissan Qashqai JF015E continuously variable transmission was introduced in 2010 to work with small engines. Transmission features: two-stage planetary gear, smaller pulleys, reduced weight and dimensions, control solenoids in the valve body.

The JF010E variator was installed on Nissan models from 2002 to 2017 with high-power engines. The transmission features reinforced mechanical components and a high-performance gear oil pump.

Typical malfunctions of the Nissan Qashqai continuously variable transmission that require repair:

• Strong noise (hum, whistle) when the transmission is operating - wear of the cone bearings.
• The oil pump does not work - failures during acceleration, the car may stop.
• Belt slipping on cones - vibrations are felt during acceleration.
• The valve body is defective - the speed begins to fluctuate, the car accelerates jerkily.
• Control unit errors - problems with sensors, valve defects.

These breakdowns and the need for repairs arise due to the driver’s failure to comply with the restrictions and rules for operating a car with a CVT:

• Failure to comply with transmission lube and filter replacement intervals.
• Using non-certified oil.
• Sports driving style: sharp acceleration and emergency braking.
• Long-term operation of the engine at maximum speed (moving at maximum speed).
• Frequent collisions with curbs and other obstacles causing shock to the suspension.
• Natural wear and tear of parts and components. Resource development with high mileage.

How to properly operate the JF011E variator

The manufacturer imposes the following requirements for the use of the F011EJ transmission:

1. The fine filter cartridge must be replaced every 30,000 km. During prolonged use, wear products from the belt and cones clog the pores of the part and reduce operating efficiency.
2. It is forbidden to sharply accelerate or brake before the working fluid warms up to 65 degrees. At low temperatures, motor oil does not lubricate belt plates and cone surfaces. If the car accelerates sharply, the surfaces wear out, which negatively affects the service life of the working fluid, filter units, and gearbox.
3. It is necessary from time to time (once every six months) to carry out a visual check of the quality of the motor oil. If the lubricant has darkened, it must be replaced.
4. Some cars use a standard gearbox radiator, located in front of the cooling system heat exchanger. To reduce the contamination of honeycombs with dust particles and fluff, a mesh with small cells is installed - it is installed in the air intake window.
5. If the car is used in urban conditions, you need to add an additional heat exchanger to the gearbox design, which will cool the car oil. The radiator design includes a thermostat, which serves to prevent overcooling of the liquid in winter. The radiator is installed in front of the heat exchangers of the engine cooling system and the air conditioner. To install an additional radiator, an improved adapter with 4 pins is used, located on the transmission housing.
6. It is undesirable to drive for a long time at speeds exceeding 150 km per hour.
7. It is forbidden to try to drive out of snow or mud by abruptly switching the transmission from forward to reverse mode. When moving the selector, you need to pause, waiting for the car to stop. If this requirement is not observed, the splines located in the planetary gear coupling connection will be destroyed.

Self-check of the variator performance

To independently diagnose a CVT transmission, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work:

• Warm up the engine and gearbox by driving a short distance.
• Check the voltage at the battery terminals (must be at least 12V).
• Disconnect current consumers inside the car.
• Turn off the alarm if there is a break in the standard power supply.
• Place the variator lever in the “Parking” position.

Checking the technical condition and the need for repair of the variator can be done in the following sequence:

• Quickly turn the ignition on and off twice.
• Leave the ignition on.
• The CVT warning light should come on for a few seconds and then go out.
• Turn off the ignition.
• Apply the brake and switch the variator lever to the “Drive” position.
• Turn on the ignition.
• Release the brake and move the selector lever to the “L” position.
• Press the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time. Move the selector to the “Drive” position.
• Release the pedals.

Self-diagnosis starts. The light on the instrument panel begins to blink with short (0.5 sec.) and long (1 sec.) flashes, the combination of which determines the nature of the malfunction and the need for repair.

If the variator goes into emergency mode while the car is moving, then the step motor is checked. You can connect to the motor winding at the variator connector, which is located under the battery. This connector is used to diagnose the transmission electronics. The activation of emergency mode after warming up indicates a malfunction of the rotation sensors. When the continuously variable transmission slips, the pressure in the port and the voltage supplied to the pressure sensor are checked.

In “garage conditions”, you can check the serviceability of the Nissan Qashqai CVT transmission without special equipment only by visual inspection. Independent repair of a unit that is complex in design and operation can lead to an erroneous diagnosis of a breakdown and further expensive repairs of the variator.

To diagnose the electronic control unit, as well as troubleshoot mechanical components and parts, it is better to contact our specialists. For clients who decide to use the services of our auto center for CVT repair:

• It is possible to perform free diagnostics of the unit using computer equipment.
• Accurate determination of the nature of the malfunction and the feasibility of repair.
• Competent troubleshooting of mechanical components.
• Checking the correctness of the control unit algorithm.
• Repairs are carried out quickly and inexpensively.
• The correctness of the work performed is guaranteed.

What do we need for this?

1. Vision and hearing are the main tools when checking not only a CVT, but also a used car in general.
2. A clean paper napkin or rag.
3. Cheap car scanner ELM 327 ODB 2 format and installed software.

The first point is needed to conduct a visual inspection of a static car and check it by ear while driving. A napkin is useful for wiping your hands and monitoring the quality of the oil in the variator. ELM is needed to scan the parameters of the CVT transmission during a test drive.

Before describing in detail all the stages of checking the variator before buying a car, I will provide several useful links:

https://disk.yandex.ua/d/ETAQFNEwd7jAQQ – link to the CVTz50 mobile application for Android. In the playmarket they demand money for it, but here you can download it for free.

ELM 327 will not be compatible with CVTs on pre-2002 vehicles. The application will not be able to connect normally to the control unit. In this case, you need to use the official Nissan Consult.

https://disk.yandex.ua/d/QkrmaMTOmkheiw – link to the Qashqai manual in the J10 body (in English). Do you check the CVT before buying a used car from another brand? – download your instructions. They are easy to find on the Internet and are freely available. This will be useful to know the permissible values ​​of a particular CVT transmission.

If any link doesn't work, let me know in the comments.

We’ve decided on the software and the necessary tools, let’s begin testing the continuously variable transmission of the Nissan Qashqai.

I recommend: Buy a used Nissan Xtrail or what a future owner can expect from a used car

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Consequences of ignoring problems

If you do not pay attention to the symptoms indicating the need for repair of the Nissan Qashqai CVT, serious problems may arise:

• The crossover loses power and acceleration dynamics.
• Gears stop shifting.
• Knocks begin to be heard in the gearbox.
• When slowing down and stopping at a traffic light, the car stalls.
• As the driving speed increases, extraneous noise from the continuously variable transmission increases.

Considering the high cost of spare parts, it is beneficial not to cause problems, but to carry out repairs immediately. Delaying repairs will lead to complete failure of the variator.

Underfilling or overfilling of oil in the variator - consequences

Operating a CVT with insufficient oil level can lead to serious damage. Of course, if there is a lack of fluid, the transmission can automatically go into neutral mode. But in any case, metal particles will pass through the oil pump.

Metal shavings on the variator tray

In the future, the pump may become unusable, followed by the variator. And it is unknown when the breakdown was discovered. It happens that the pump breaks down after just a few months, and the box is replaced under warranty. But quite often the mechanism is damaged after a few years, when the warranty period expires.

After checking, it may turn out that the fluid does not reach the required level. In this case, it is necessary to add oil and not operate the gearbox in this condition. Otherwise, it may require repairs or fail in the future. When replaced, the cost of a new CVT will be more than 100 thousand rubles. It is necessary to top up even with the slightest deviation of 2-3 millimeters.

With a warmed-up variator, the acceptable parameter is a level 1 millimeter above the upper mark. If the amount of liquid is greatly exceeded, it will begin to foam. In this case, when checking, foam will be detected on the dipstick. It is better to drain the excess, otherwise the problems described below in the operation of the car are possible.

Foamed oil in the gearbox - bubbles are visible on the dipstick

When standing with the brake on in mode D, a sharp drop in revolutions is observed. Then, after the click, the speed increases again. Then they fall again, and everything starts again. When trying to move, there will be a strong jerk forward. Only draining the excess oil will completely get rid of the problem.

The reason for exceeding the normal level by several centimeters may be the ingress of antifreeze. This problem occurs when the radiator is damaged. With this breakdown, the liquid is often colored, and slipping may occur when the speed increases.

Don't be alarmed if there is too much oil, the problem is easy to solve. It is enough to take the hose from the dropper and connect it to the syringe. Using this device it will be easy to pump out excess. It is also important to ensure that no dirt gets on the dipstick. The slightest speck will act as an abrasive and gradually destroy the mechanism.

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When to carry out scheduled repairs

To ensure trouble-free operation of the Nissan Qashqai CVT and increase the life of the continuously variable transmission, it is important to comply with the service deadlines. The oil and filter element must be changed every two years or after 60 thousand kilometers. It is recommended to fill the variator with only original lubricant to avoid repairs. When changing the oil, it is necessary to clean the magnets and pan from metal particles.

The operation is performed carefully so that metal shavings do not get into the transmission oil. Repair of the Nissan Qashqai variator, which involves replacing the bearing, depends on the operating conditions of the vehicle. On average, replacement will be required at a mileage of 100 thousand km. If the operating rules are violated, critical wear of the bearing can occur even after 50 thousand kilometers.

Features of checking the oil level in the variator for different car brands

A CVT usually has a dipstick that can be used to determine the amount of oil. It has a twisted shape, with marks under the lower curl. Often the risks are round slits. But some manufacturers use letter designations indicating the minimum and maximum permissible levels.

The dipsticks of most cars, such as Mitsubishi or Honda, have Hot and Cold marks. They are often located next to round slots. When checking on a hot engine, the oil should be at about. If the level is measured with a cold engine, then the liquid should reach the “Cold” mark.

Above are oil measurement marks on a hot engine, below are oil measurement marks on a cold engine.

If there is no dipstick, checking is still possible. When diagnosing boxes of this type, it is necessary to unscrew the liquid level button. It should not be confused with the second plug used for filling. To accurately interpret the results of determining the amount of fluid in the CVT, you can use the table:

Determining the oil level in the variator using a dipstick and without a dipstick
Verification method	Type of marks on the dipstick*
By dipstick	Hot and Cold marks	Two round slots		Three round slots		Hatching	Min and max marks
Normal level	Normal level	Normal level	Normal level with warm engine	Normal level with warm engine
with warm engine	oil at HOT mark	with warm engine (hot zone)	the oil is in the shaded area, slightly above the top slot	with warm engine (hot zone)	the oil is located in the shaded area - from the middle to the top slot	oil on shading	oil between min and max marks
with cold engine	oil at Cold mark	with cold engine (cold zone)	oil is between the slots	with cold engine (cold zone)	the oil is between the lower and middle slots
Exceeding level	Exceeding level	Exceeding level	Exceeding level	Exceeding level
with warm engine	liquid is 1-2 cm or more above the mark	with warm engine (hot zone)	oil above the hatch and well above the second slot	with warm engine (hot zone)	liquid above the top slot	liquid above hatching	oil above max mark
with cold engine		with cold engine (cold zone)	liquid above the top slot	with cold engine (cold zone)	oil above middle slot
Low level	Low level	Low level	Low level	Low level
with warm engine	liquid below the mark by 1-2 cm or more	with warm engine (hot zone)	oil near the bottom slot or below	with warm engine (hot zone)	oil below middle slot	oil below shading	oil below min mark
with cold engine		with cold engine (cold zone)	liquid below the bottom slot	with cold engine (cold zone)	liquid below the bottom slot
Without dipstick (oil drain through plug)	Normal quantity	Exceeding the norm	Lack of oil
3.2-4 liters	more than 4-4.5 liters	less than 3.2 liters

*Note. The bottom mark is applied near the tip of the probe.

Nissan Qashqai CVT repair

Based on the color of the drained oil and the presence of metal shavings on the magnets, one can conclude about the degree of wear of the components of the Nissan Qashqai variator and the need for repair. A humming sound coming from the gearbox indicates the presence of a large amount of wear products, which makes it difficult for the pump to pump such lubricant. The repair is carried out in stages:

• The variator is removed from the crossover and disassembled.
• Troubleshooting of parts is carried out.
• If there are burrs on the cones, the surface is polished.

• Deformed and heavily worn parts must be replaced.
• When variator spare parts wear out naturally, they must also be replaced.
• The integrity of the clutches is checked. Those that are burnt are immediately replaced.

• The valve body solenoids are being replaced due to metal dust.
• If there is scoring, the pump valve must also be replaced.

• Assembly after repair and installation of the unit on the car.

SMOOTH RIDE

The second most common malfunction is jerking and jerking of the car. The main culprit is the oil pump pressure reducing valve. Due to wear products getting on the friction surfaces, it jams in intermediate positions. As a result, the pressure in the system does not correspond to the norm, which leads to a mismatch in the operation of the drive and driven pulleys and belt slippage. If you contact the service in time, the repair will be cheaper: in case of minor damage, the conical surfaces of the pulleys can be treated by grinding. But the belt will have to be changed. The approximate cost of repairs, including costs for spare parts, is 60,000–80,000 rubles.

Cost of work

Work performed	Average cost, rub	Note
Replacing the variator	18000	No price per unit
Belt replacement	16000	Belt cost included
Changing transmission oil and filter	3000	No consumables
Valve block repair	18000
Dismantling/installation of the variator	12000
Torque converter repair	5000
Replacing the step motor of the variator	3000

Diagnostics of the Nissan Qashqai variator is free, provided that repairs are carried out.

Qashqai error codes

Error codes on Nissan Qashqai cars encrypt component malfunctions. The car owner needs to understand what kind of breakdown can cause a diagnostic error and how to fix it.

P0420

Error P0420
Qashqai error P0420 occurs when the catalytic converter in the exhaust system stops working properly. Oxygen and unburned fuel appear in the exhaust; the signal is read from the crossover lambda probes. There are seven reasons for the malfunction:

• low quality fuel is used (for example, leaded gasoline);
• rear oxygen sensor damaged;
• there is a short circuit in the lambda probe circuit;
• the catalyst is damaged;
• there is a leak in the path of exhaust gases (in the manifold, muffler, etc.);
• long operation of the internal combustion engine with misfires;
• Excessive fuel pressure.

Nissan Qashqai J10 with HR16DE engine
To troubleshoot the problem, you can try the following:

• swap the lambda probes (if the lower oxygen sensor is faulty, another error should appear);
• fill the tank with high-quality fuel and drive several kilometers;
• check the throughput of the neutralizer.

If solving the problem is difficult, it is better to contact the service center.

U1000

Error U1000 and the message Check Engine appear in a situation in which the Qashqai control unit does not receive a signal from the OBD diagnostic system via the CAN bus. Already with a two-second delay in the signal, such a code makes itself felt. The CAN bus provides high-speed transmission of information about the presence of problems in vehicle components. In case of problems with the wiring (oxidized contacts, poor connection to the grounding of the car), this error appears during diagnostics.

Nissan Qashqai M9R diesel 2.0

P1147, P0139

In addition to error p0420, codes p1147 and p0139 may appear on Nissan Qashqai. When they are detected, drivers often also observe a separation of the connecting flange behind the catalytic converter. During repairs, with the oxygen sensor chip removed, new O-rings are installed. The reason for the appearance of these errors on Qashqai is poor gasoline, improperly sized sealing rings, and poor lambda contact. The problem is solved by refueling with high-quality fuel, installing the original rings and cleaning the probe contacts with alcohol.

Nissan Qashqai with MR20DE engine

Prevention

Following the recommendations of experienced drivers and car manufacturers will allow you to operate the Nissan Qashqai CVT for a long time without repair:

1. When the first signs indicating a breakdown of the variator appear, you must immediately contact specialists to diagnose and repair the unit. The sooner the problem is solved, the cheaper it is to repair a high-tech gearbox.
2. The level and quality of transmission oil matters for the service life of the variator. It is necessary to change the lubricant and filter element in a timely manner. Use only original oil.
3. Driving a car with a CVT should be calm without sudden acceleration and braking. Avoid city traffic jams if possible. Do not drive for a long time at maximum speed. Do not rev the engine to maximum speed.
4. Use a car with a CVT mainly for driving on good roads. Drive on a country road at low speed. Avoid potholes.
5. Avoid wheel slipping off-road, in snow or drifting on ice.
6. Do not tow a trailer whose actual weight is more than 0.5 tons.
7. Do not tow another vehicle or pull a stuck vehicle out of mud or a snowdrift.
8. Constantly monitor the engine temperature to prevent transmission overheating and expensive repairs.
9. On a cold engine, avoid high speeds until the power unit and variator warm up.

Test on a stationary car with the engine running

The second stage is to start the engine and check the variator in a static car (standing in one place). This must be done on a cold and hot engine. When you look under the hood, place your hand on the powertrain or exhaust manifold to make sure the car is cold.

We start the engine and switch gearbox modes. In all selector positions the car should not kick much. You will feel a slight jolt, this happens in any transmission, but you should not be thrown out of your seat . In any position, the gearbox should engage smoothly. This procedure should be done cold and hot; there should be no significant differences.

We linger in each position for a few seconds. The engine speed should not drop much. They will change relative to “N” - neutral gear, but not much, approximately within 100 rpm.

We look carefully at the instrument panel. It should display the gear selector position correctly. There were cases when “D” was turned on, but the brush showed “R” - this is a sign of a variator malfunction.

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Replacing the variator

The first CVT transmissions were not reliable, often required repairs and created many problems for Nissan Qashqai owners. Modern CVTs have eliminated the shortcomings of previous modifications and, subject to operating rules, they can operate for up to 200 thousand kilometers without repair. But, if low-quality oil is used, service intervals are not observed, and minor repairs are delayed, the continuously variable transmission can suffer serious damage. In this case, repairs will be very expensive.

Therefore, we recommend carrying out diagnostics and troubleshooting of the unit to determine the degree of wear of components and an objective assessment of the technical condition of the unit. The data obtained allows you to make a decision on the feasibility of repairing the gearbox. In some cases, it is cheaper and faster to install a new CVT. Our experts will help you choose the optimal gearbox for Nissan Qashqai.

Summarize

I have given you a guide to how to properly check the CVT when buying a used car . It mostly applies to Nissan continuously variable transmissions, but it can be used for other brands. There are some small differences, but the principles do not change.

Steps for testing the gearbox:

1. Visual inspection of the box;
2. Checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid;
3. Whether the car was pulling loads, whether there was a tow bar or not;
4. Check with the engine running without the car moving;
5. Test drive in motion, monitoring variator parameters.

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Replacement with automatic

Some owners of Nissan Qashqai, especially the 1st generation, who are faced with problems and repairs of the continuously variable transmission, not wanting to further comply with many restrictions, are thinking about replacing the CVT with an automatic transmission. Automatic transmission, when compared with a CVT, has advantages:

• Increased wear resistance and reliability of electronic and mechanical components.
• Less wear and tear with sporty driving style.
• Provides the ability to confidently move off-road.
• Allows you to load the car more and tow a trailer.

Disadvantages include higher fuel consumption and slightly worse ride comfort. If the Nissan Qashqai engine is structurally compatible with an automatic transmission, then our specialists will quickly and correctly replace the gearbox.

Variator

Among all types of automatic torque converters, the variator is of particular interest to designers. It is capable of smoothly changing the gear ratio over a wide range (it’s not for nothing that the British call it CVT, Continuously Variable Transmission), which makes it possible to maximize the traction capabilities of the engine. It is not surprising that the pool of CVT models is becoming wider every year.

The unusual design worries many car enthusiasts. Instead of the usual gears, the variator uses a belt drive with two pulleys of variable diameter. Each of them consists of two cones facing each other: the convergence and divergence of the cones changes the radius along which the steel belt or wedge-shaped multi-link chain operates - due to this, a smooth change in the gear ratio occurs. The absence of the usual steps irritates some drivers, because during acceleration the crankshaft speed hangs at a certain level, the engine roars monotonously, but the car’s speed increases - contrary to the usual spin-up algorithm in each gear.

The unreliability of CVTs is legendary. For some reason they are considered to be delicate and irreparable. Some people even refuse to buy a car after learning that it has a CVT. What frightens people is that official dealers do not repair units: a faulty variator is replaced with a new one, and this is a serious expense if the warranty has already expired (it’s the same story with hydromechanical automatic transmissions). But specialized workshops have successfully mastered the repair of CVTs, which we will take advantage of: the masters agreed to share their rich experience.

CVTs are most widely used on cars of the Renault-Nissan concern. The unit is produced in Japan, and the most common model is JF011E. Among the Nissans, the X-Trail (T-31 body), Qashqai and Teana can boast of this CVT. Renault has Latitude, Koleos, Megan, Scenic and Fluence.

Using the Jatko-JF011E as an example, we will talk about common problems with continuously variable transmissions.

Possible causes of malfunction

Possible causes of such a breakdown according to code P0826 are presented in the table.

Cause	Details
Gear shift problems	The PCM signals incorrect operation of the downshift/upshift switch connected to the general system wiring circuit
Incorrect operation of the device that controls the modes	Equipment malfunctions occur when changing the speed control mode
Damage to wiring	Breaks, corrosion, oxidation of contacts in the general circuit