
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.
This transmission is installed on multiple cars, including Nissan Altima, Cube, Juke, Maxima, Murano, NV Cargo, Pathfinder, and Quest.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bad transmission speed sensor
- Engine bangs when placed in Drive / Reverse.
- Check Engine Light On
- P0720 Fault Code
- P0500 - Vehicle Speed Sensor
- Harsh shifting
- Cruise control stopped working.
- Possibly Related Fault Codes
What you need
- Nissan CVT Speed Sensor
- Jack or Car Ramps
- Jack Stands
- 10mm socket, extension, and ratchet.
- 1/4" socket and ratchet drive recommended.
- 4" Extension
- Flexible ratchet extension can make it easier to get to the 10mm bolt.
Procedure
There are two methods to replace the speed sensor on 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.
- Jack up the vehicle or drive it on ramps. A secure vehicle with jack stands.
- Remove the plastic splash shield from the bottom of the engine.
- Locate the transmission speed sensor. In this Nissan Quest, you can see the sensor on the driver 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.
- Disconnect the electrical connector. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the plug away from the sensor.
- Remove the 10mm bolt. Get it loose using your 10mm socket and ratchet. Next, remove the bolt by hand.
- Remove the old speed sensor from the transmission housing. There may be a tiny amount of oil leaking from the sensor hole.
- 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.
- Tighten the 10mm bolt. Connect the electrical connector.
- 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.
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.
- Service manual instructions can be found here.
-
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.
- Locate the OBD2 port under the dashboard.
- Turn the ignition to position II. All dash lights will turn on.
- Allow the scanner to power on.
- Select the Automatic Transmission menu or A/T menu.
- Select read codes.
- Verify that fault codes are pointing to a faulty transmission speed sensor.
Comments
Add new comment