Nissan Qashqai J10, J11, J12 CVT repair: prevention, consequences of ignoring problems

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)
1st generation Nissan Qashqai J10	2006 – 2013	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.

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

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.

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

Required

Phone or tablet running Android version no lower than 4.2
Program CVTz50
Bluetooth or WiFi adapter ELM327 version 1.5 or lower (successful operation with adapters version 2.0+ is unlikely or functionality may be limited). You can buy on AliExpress, see our selection of products.

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.

If the oil level is less

If you find that your oil level is at or below a critical level, you need to urgently add fluid. For this purpose, in fact, the fluid level in the variator is checked on the Nissan Qashqai. The brand of oil, or its characteristics for choosing an analogue, is always indicated in the user manual. It is necessary to fill in oil of equivalent characteristics.

You can see the mark left by the oil on the opposite end of the handle: the level should be between the two notches. General method, cold engine and shutdown. Stop the car on a horizontal surface, wait four to five hours after stopping the engine so that all the oil has time to drain into the crankcase, including the torque converter oil.

Open the engine cover, find the dipstick, it is shaped like a ring or bright hook protruding from the transmission, pull it out and pull the metal rod all the way.

Wipe the rod and replace it until it stops without waiting for it again.
A guide to learn which tags to use.

Please note that automatic transmission oil is not manual transmission oil or motor oil: it is very thin and varies markedly according to the markings. Use only the one recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, at the risk of rapid and irreversible degradation of the transmission.

You don't have to look for a specific brand. It is important that the fluid in the system and the one being added are identical. When topping up, you should understand that overfilling is undesirable. This is why the maximum is marked on the dipstick. In order not to overfill the system, control measurements should be carried out, repeating the steps described above.

Locate the oil filler cap, it is always found on the top of the box and is usually identified by the oil can or oil can symbol. Do not add more oil than necessary; excess oil may damage the transmission. Be careful not to forget that the oil takes a while to get to the crankcase, wait a few minutes before checking the level again. The following describes how to check the oil level using the gauge.

The filling tube locking cap has a safety device that prevents accidental opening. Once this step is completed, you can finally add the remaining oil. Consequently, part of the sensor may protrude from the filling tube even if it is placed in the abutment.

Park the car horizontally on its wheels.
The filler tube is located in the engine compartment.
Break the locking pin using a suitable tool.
The locking pin can then be removed and the locking cap unscrewed.
Move all gears briefly several times.
The gear oil level should be between min.
And max.
If necessary, correct the oil level and repeat the check.
Be sure to remove the dipstick after measuring the oil level!
The locking cap can be secured with a new cotter pin.

Motor oil is the lifeblood of our car, the lubricant that allows it to travel thousands of miles without problems, but too many times we tend to forget about it.

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.

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:

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.
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.
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.
Use a car with a CVT mainly for driving on good roads. Drive on a country road at low speed. Avoid potholes.
Avoid wheel slipping off-road, in snow or drifting on ice.
Do not tow a trailer whose actual weight is more than 0.5 tons.
Do not tow another vehicle or pull a stuck vehicle out of mud or a snowdrift.
Constantly monitor the engine temperature to prevent transmission overheating and expensive repairs.
On a cold engine, avoid high speeds until the power unit and variator warm up.

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.

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.

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.