Fluid Condition Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect the fluid condition.

FLUID CONDITION CHART

Fluid status	Conceivable cause	Required operation
Varnished (viscous varnish state)	Clutch, brake scorched	Replace the CVT fluid and check the CVT main unit and the vehicle for malfunctions (wire harnesses, cooler pipes, etc.)
Milky white or cloudy	Water in the fluid	Replace the CVT fluid and check for places where water is getting in.
Large amount of metal powder mixed in	Unusual wear of sliding parts within CVT	Replace the CVT fluid and check for improper operation of the CVT.

Fig 1: Checking A/T Fluid

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.