The Nissan Pulsar's RE0F11A (Jatco JF015E) CVT uses genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 — do not substitute NS-2 or generic ATF. There is no dipstick: level is set by the overflow method through a charging pipe in the drain hole, and it must be done with the fluid at 35–45 °C, which you can only read with a scan tool. A service drain-and-fill takes roughly 3 litres; the total dry capacity is around 6.9 litres.
Overview
The RE0F11A is Jatco's CVT7 (JF015E), a pressure-sensitive belt-and-pulley transmission that is unforgiving about fluid. Using the wrong fluid or setting the level cold or hot causes pulley-pressure problems and, over time, failure. Nissan designed it as a sealed unit with no dipstick, so the correct level is set by letting excess fluid overflow at a specific temperature. Because the temperature window is mandatory and there are no dipstick temperature bands, a scan tool that reads the CVT fluid temperature is required to do this properly.
Applies to
2014–2018 Nissan Pulsar (C13) with the RE0F11A / Jatco JF015E (CVT7). Capacities are approximate: a service drain-and-fill is about 3 litres; the total dry (overhaul) capacity is around 6.9 litres — reference only, not a drain-and-fill figure.
What you’ll need
- Genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3
- Scan tool that reads CVT fluid temperature and can reset the deterioration counter (Nissan CONSULT or a capable generic tool)
- Charging pipe for the drain hole (Nissan KV311039S0 or equivalent)
- Basic hand tools; optional new filter and pan gasket
Step-by-step
- Use the correct fluid — Only use genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 for the JF015E/CVT7. NS-2, generic ATF or 'universal CVT' fluids risk belt/pulley pressure loss and damage.
- Bring the transmission to the right temperature — Warm the transmission, then monitor with a scan tool so the fluid temperature is in the 35–45 °C window when you set the level. Setting it outside this window gives a wrong fill.
- Drain and (optionally) service the pan — Remove the drain plug and drain — roughly 3 litres comes out. Optionally drop the pan to clean or replace the filter and clean the magnets, then refit.
- Refill through the charging pipe — Fit a charging pipe (Nissan tool KV311039S0) into the drain hole and add fresh NS-3, starting with about the amount you drained.
- Set the level by the overflow method — With the engine running and the fluid temperature in the 35–45 °C window, shift through the gear range, then open the level/overflow: the correct level is reached when fluid just dribbles from the overflow tube. Let the excess drain, then plug it.
- Reset the fluid counter — Use the scan tool to reset the CVT fluid-deterioration counter after the service.
Important
- Use only NS-3 fluid. The wrong fluid is a common cause of CVT failure on this box.
- The level check genuinely cannot be done accurately without reading the fluid temperature — setting the level cold or hot will over- or under-fill it.
- Never overfill or underfill a CVT; both cause pressure and cooling problems. If you are not equipped to monitor fluid temperature, have this done by a workshop.
Related trouble codes
If a warning light stays on after this reset, check the stored diagnostic trouble codes:
- P0868 — Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
FAQ
What CVT fluid does the Nissan Pulsar RE0F11A take?
Genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. Do not use NS-2, ordinary ATF or generic 'compatible' CVT fluids — this transmission is pressure-sensitive and the wrong fluid can destroy it.
Does the Pulsar CVT have a dipstick?
No. It is a sealed design with no dipstick. The level is set by the overflow method through a charging pipe in the drain hole, at a controlled fluid temperature.
Why do I need a scan tool to change the CVT fluid?
The correct level is only valid at 35–45 °C, and there are no dipstick temperature markings, so you need a scan tool to read the CVT fluid temperature. It is also used to reset the fluid-deterioration counter afterwards.
How much fluid does a Pulsar CVT service take?
A simple drain-and-fill is roughly 3 litres of NS-3. The full dry capacity is around 6.9 litres, but that figure only applies to an overhaul, not a routine service.