Nissan Change CVT Transmission Speed Sensor

This guide shows how to replace the primary VSS sensor on Nissan with the 3.5L V6 engine and CVT transmission. Note that your Nissan may have a secondary VSS sensor causing the problem.

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The transmission speed sensor on Nissan CVT automatic transmission may fail, causing shifting problems. It can cause hard shifting, check engine light, or a bang when you move the shifter from Park to Drive or Reverse gears.

• Nissan CVT Speed Sensor
• Jack or Car Ramps
• Jack Stands
• 10mm socket, extension, and ratchet.
  • 1/4″ socket and ratchet drive recommended.
• 4″ Extension
  • A flexible ratchet extension can make getting to the 10mm bolt easier.

Procedure

There are two methods to replace the speed sensor on the Nissan CVT transmission. This first requires removing the battery and the starter, which will take a lot of time.

The second is to access the speed sensor from the bottom of the engine. The sensor is on the side of the transmission housing facing the front. It is on the same side as the starter.

1. Jack up the vehicle or drive it on ramps. A secure vehicle with jack stands.
2. Remove the plastic splash shield from the bottom of the engine.
3. Locate the transmission speed sensor. In this Nissan Quest, you can see the sensor on the driver’s side, between the radiator and transmission housing. The black part is the starter. You will need to get under the vehicle to access this sensor.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the plug away from the sensor.
5. Remove the 10mm bolt. Get it loose using your 10mm socket and ratchet. Next, remove the bolt by hand.
6. Remove the old speed sensor from the transmission housing. There may be a tiny amount of oil leaking from the sensor hole.
7. Reinstall the new sensor. Make sure it has the O-ring in place. Apply a little bit of oil on the O-ring before installation. It is not recommended to reuse the old O-ring.
8. Tighten the 10mm bolt. Connect the electrical connector. 
9. Lower the vehicle and follow the proper procedure to check the automatic transmission fluid level.

If the check engine light is on, plug an OBD2 scanner into the diagnostic port under the dashboard (driver’s side) to read and clear any stored fault codes. The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes on every control module of your Nissan vehicle.

Notes

• The sensor is right below the starter. If you are accessing the sensor from underneath the vehicle, using a 1/4″ ratchet and 4″ extension is better to get to the 10 mm bolt.

Input Speed Sensor Location

On Nissan vehicles equipped with the CVT transmission, the input speed sensor is located on the side of the transmission housing.

How to diagnose Nissan transmission speed sensor

A mechanic will connect an OBD-II transmission scanner that can read Nissan codes.

1. Locate the OBD2 port under the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition to position II. All dash lights will turn on.
3. Allow the scanner to power on.
4. Select the Automatic Transmission menu or A/T menu.
5. Select read codes.
6. Verify that fault codes are pointing to a faulty transmission speed sensor.

We hope you find the Nissan Change CVT Transmission Speed Sensor guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Nissan.