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Nissan X-Trail T-31 2007-2013 factory workshop and repair manual download

Tools & supplies
- Jack and jackstands or ramps (rated). Wheel chocks.
- Oil drain pan (large).
- 1/4–3/8" fluid transfer pump (syringe-style or hand pump) with hose (for refill through fill/level hole).
- Socket set (6–19 mm), extensions, ratchet; adjustable breaker bar.
- Torque wrench (in-lb and ft·lb ranges).
- Flat screwdriver / plastic scraper and gasket scraper.
- Clean rags and brake cleaner or degreaser.
- Funnel (for topping up) or pump adapter.
- New transmission/CVT fluid — OEM Nissan CVT fluid (NS-2 / NS-3 per owner's manual) or exact equivalent. Quantity: order enough for a complete refill (typically several liters) — see “capacity” note below.
- New pan gasket and/or sealant if applicable, new pan filter/strainer if serviceable (many Nissan CVT pans contain a magnet and a strainer assembly), and a new crush washer for the drain plug (copper/aluminum).
- Disposable gloves, safety glasses, oil-absorbent pads.

Safety (read first)
- Work on level ground, parking brake on, wheels chocked. Do not rely on a jack alone — always use jackstands or ramps.
- Engine must be turned OFF for drain and pan removal, but fluid level check requires engine running — follow steps exactly and keep hands/loose clothing away from moving parts.
- CVT fluid is hot after running; allow boiling risks, use gloves.
- Dispose used fluid and parts at a recycling center.

Overview of procedure
1) Warm fluid
2) Raise vehicle and secure
3) Remove fill/level plug first (important)
4) Drain fluid from drain plug and remove pan
5) Replace filter/clean pan/magnets, install new gasket
6) Reinstall drain plug (with new washer) and torque
7) Refill through level/fill hole with correct fluid using pump
8) Warm up and check fluid level per temperature procedure; top up to correct drip/level
9) Road test and re-check level

Step-by-step detail

1) Warm the transmission fluid
- Start engine and let it idle until normal operating temperature (~5–10 minutes driving or idling). Warm fluid drains faster and removes more contaminants. Turn engine off before step 2.

2) Raise and secure the vehicle
- Park on level surface, chock rear wheels.
- Use ramps or raise front and support on jackstands at safe lift points. Ensure vehicle is level (important for accurate level check later).

3) Locate and remove the fill/level plug
- On Nissan CVT (T31), the level/fill plug is on the side of the transmission case (higher than the pan). Identify it before draining so you can refill later.
- Remove the level/fill plug first. This allows air to enter and prevents vacuum when draining; also confirms you’ll be able to refill the unit (some fill holes use a specific size or tool; verify the hex size).
- Keep plug and O-ring/drain washer clean; inspect O-ring — replace if damaged.

4) Drain the fluid
- Position drain pan under the transmission drain plug (on the pan or case bottom). Loosen the drain plug slowly with appropriate socket/wrench. Allow fluid to drain completely. Remove the drain plug completely and let fluid finish draining.
- Catch fluid in a suitable drain pan; watch for hot fluid.
- Replace the drain plug washer (use new crush washer). Clean the drain plug and magnetic tip (if present) before reinstalling. Torque to spec (if you don’t have spec: snug, then a small fraction of a turn — use torque wrench if possible; typical drain plug torque ~25–40 Nm on many vehicles, but confirm manual).

5) Remove the transmission pan (if doing filter service)
- If replacing pan gasket and service filter/strainer: remove pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, leaving one corner hand tight until fluid mostly drained to control slosh. Slowly lower the pan — fluid will spill.
- Remove pan, drain remaining fluid into pan. Inspect pan magnets for metallic particles; clean thoroughly.
- Remove and replace the CVT strainer/filter if serviceable (some Nissan CVTs have a strainer retained by a couple of bolts or clips). Replace the filter and any O-rings/seals. Clean mating surfaces; remove old gasket material carefully.
- Install new pan gasket (or apply specified sealant if required by part). Refit pan, tighten bolts finger-tight, then torque in a criss-cross pattern to specified torque (commonly low torque — e.g., 8–12 Nm — confirm manual). Do not overtighten bolts (crush the gasket/pan).

6) Reinstall drain plug and tighten
- If you removed the drain plug earlier and re-installed it to torque, verify it’s secure after pan reassembly. Use new crush washer. Torque to spec.

7) Initial refill (bulk)
- If you removed the fill/level plug earlier, fill through that hole with the recommended CVT fluid using your pump or funnel/hose. If you drained only the pan, fill with the amount roughly equal to what was drained. If you performed a full fluid change, you’ll need the vehicle’s total capacity.
- Use OEM spec fluid (Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 or the exact spec in the owner’s manual/repair manual). Do not use ATF not rated for Nissan CVT.
- Typical partial drain (pan and filter) will take ~4–5 L back in; total transmission capacity for many X-Trail CVTs is ~6–8 L — verify exact numbers before doing a full flush.

8) Warm up and cycle gearbox
- With the vehicle still level and transmission filled to initial level, start the engine and let it idle.
- Shift the gear selector through all positions (P, R, N, D) pausing a few seconds in each to circulate fluid. Return to Park and let idle a few minutes. Keep a watch for leaks under vehicle.
- Do not accelerate rapidly; let the transmission pump circulate fluid.

9) Check and adjust fluid level at specified temperature
- Many Nissan CVTs require checking fluid level at operating temperature (warm). Typical procedure:
- Run engine until transmission fluid reaches operating temperature (often indicated by engine temp stable or specified temperature range ~35–50°C; check manual).
- With engine idling and selector in Park, remove the level/fill plug. Fluid should be at the edge of the hole and either trickle out or drip slowly. If fluid does not appear, add small amounts until steady drip. If fluid pours out, too high — wait and drain excess until only a slow drip.
- Only when fluid drips slowly from the level hole is the level correct. Reinstall level plug with new O-ring if required and torque to spec.

10) Final checks
- Lower the vehicle, road test gently for transmission feel and leaks.
- After short drive, re-check fluid level per step 9 and top up if necessary.
- Properly dispose of used fluid and parts.

Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Not removing the fill/level plug before drain: You may not be able to refill (airlock) or verify level.
- Overfilling: Causes overheating, slipping; always check level by specified procedure (warm and engine idling).
- Underfilling: Causes poor lubrication, overheating, and premature failure.
- Using incorrect fluid: CVT transmissions are sensitive to fluid formulation. Use Nissan-specified CVT fluid (NS-2/NS-3 as required) — aftermarket “universal” CVT fluids can damage the transmission.
- Not replacing crush washer/O-rings: Causes leaks.
- Over-torquing pan bolts: Warps pan or crushes gasket causing leaks. Use proper torque and sequence.
- Not cleaning magnets/strainer: Metal debris indicates wear — inspect for large shards; small filings are normal.
- Not warming fluid: Cold fluid drains slowly and won’t remove as much contamination.

Replacement parts typically required
- CVT fluid (OEM Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 or the spec in the manual).
- Drain plug crush washer (always replace).
- Pan gasket and/or pan bolts if corroded.
- CVT strainer/filter and O-rings if serviceable (recommended when removing pan).
- Level/fill plug O-ring (if damaged).

Notes on tool use
- Fluid pump: insert hose into level/fill hole and pump fluid slowly while monitoring level at the fill hole. Use a clear hose to see flow.
- Torque wrench: use correct torque spec for drain plug, pan bolts, and level plug. Hand-tightening is not sufficient for leak-free service.
- Jackstands: place under manufacturer-specified lift points; confirm vehicle stability before getting under.

Final reminder
- Exact torque values, fluid type, and capacity vary by engine/transmission variant. If unsure, consult the vehicle’s service manual for the Nissan X-Trail T31 for exact specs before starting.
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