Programming CVT Control Modules

1.1 Programming CVTs

This eLearning reviews the programming procedures for Nissan and Infiniti Continuously
Variable Transmissions.
Programming the Transmission Control Module is required if the transmission assembly
or the Control Module (also called the TCM) are replaced.

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1.3 CVT Pre-Authorization Form

In December of 2013, a Claims Policy Bulletin was released announcing that a CVT Pre-
Authorization Form must be completed before replacing a Continuously Variable
Transmission.

The form has many more fields than those shown above. Fields such as DTCs, CVT fluid
condition and level require information that the technician must provide. Once the form
is completed, the Warranty Administrator follows instructions on the bulletin for
Authorization.

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1.4 TCM Calibration ‘Write’ Procedure

Starting with the 2013 Altima, the IP Characteristics of the CVT are unique to each transmission.
If the CVT is replaced, the characteristics of the new solenoids must be programmed to the
transmission control module or TCM.
This eLearning will cover the procedures required to correctly program IP Characteristics for
CVTs.

1.5 IP Characteristics

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IP Characteristics describe how the Transmission Control Module (or TCM) is
programmed to provide the amperage required to precisely control CVT fluid pressure.
Current for each solenoid is calibrated so the pressure for the pulleys, clutch and brake
is ideal under all operating conditions.

Current changes in fractions of an amp to provide this precise control. The I in IP stands
for current or amperage and the P stands for hydraulic pressure. Each transmission
control module must be programmed with the unique characteristics of each solenoid in
the CVT valve body.

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1.6 IP Data Monitor

This Data Monitor screen shows typical readings for the Select Solenoid under normal
conditions. The solenoid reduces pressure as the current from the control module
increases. The reading of 0.804 amps will maintain enough pressure to apply the clutch
or brake as the transmission is shifted to Drive or Reverse.

The Data on this screen shows readings for a transmission that is not programmed. The reading
of 0.000 amps indicates the Select Pressure will be too high. This transmission has a symptom of
shift shock when drive or reverse are engaged.

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1.7 IP Characteristics

Current as of December 2013, these are the vehicles that require IP programming if the
transmission or the TCM must be replaced.
Each valve body is unique, and the factory determines the ideal current rate for each
solenoid to maintain the correct CVT fluid pressure.

1.8 CVT Reprogramming Bulletin

Nissan published a service bulletin to describe the reprogramming procedure for 2013 & 2014 Altima and
the 2014 Pathfinder. Expect to see similar bulletins for other Nissan and Infiniti models.

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1.9 CVT Reprogramming TSB

Replacement transmissions for these models are shipped with a disc containing the
programming unique to that transmission.
It's critical to use only that disc to program a replacement transmission. Be sure to read
the TSB that applies to the vehicle you are working on to learn the details required for
programming.

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1.10 Programming for new CVT Unit

The current version of the TSB instructs you to select Transmission from the Diagnosis
(One System) menu. This eLearning will first review procedures for a replacement CVT
assembly.

1.11 IP Programming - Work Support

The Work Support menu offers several options. The correct choice for unit replacement
is Write IP Chara for Replacement AT / CVT.

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1.12 Disc with IP Programming Data

After selecting the correct Work Support item, you will need to load the programming
data from the disc that came with the new transmission. Connect the external disc drive
to CONSULT and follow the screen prompts to load the IP Characteristics file from the
disc to the TCM.

1.13 Accessing the Disc Drive

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After you select OK from the dialog box on the screen, you will need to identify the
location of the external drive. The bulletin suggests using the My Computer icon you see
being selected in this screen. The external drive may be the D or E drive, look for the
drive with a picture of a disc beside the name.
Once you open that drive, you will see a small file that contains the IP Characteristics for
your transmission. You need to 'Open' that file to continue.

1.14 Confirm Serial Numbers Match

Once you have opened the file for the CVT you have just installed, the CONSULT screen

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will ask you to confirm that the serial number of the transmission matches the number
on the screen.
This step is critical. If the vehicle is driven with no IP programming or the wrong
programming the transmission could be damaged.

1.15 Identifying Serial Numbers

The transmission has the serial number printed on a label attached to the range switch. If the
disc is damaged, you can call Tech Line to get the required file for that transmission.
You would need to photograph the QR code on the range switch and send that photo to Tech
Line.

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1.16 Matching Numbers

In this example, the serial number on CONSULT matches the number on the QR code on
the previous screen. Once you have confirmed the numbers match, you can proceed
with programming.

1.17 Erasing IP Characteristics

The TCM has the IP Characteristics of the old transmission, and those must be erased
before loading the correct data for the replacement transmission.

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As of December 2013, the TSB had instructions that clarified the procedure described on

1.18 TSB Erase Procedures

This page from the bulletin indicates the ignition should be ON and the accelerator pedal
depressed about 1/2 way. The closed or open pedal switches should both be Off.
Once you select Start, the erase procedure will begin.

1.19 Step 1 - Erase

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The CONSULT screen will prompt you to turn the ignition Off and wait 2 seconds. The
screen indicates the status of the Ignition and the Waiting time.

1.20 Step 2 - Erase

On this screen you see that 2 seconds have passed and you can now turn the ignition
back On. Notice that the next button is 'inactive' at this point. You cannot continue the
procedure until completing the on screen instructions.
After turning the ignition back On, the next button becomes active and can be selected.

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1.21 Writing IP Data

Now you write the new IP data to the TCM. This next step is important. Before selecting
the Write button, you must shift the transmission to Park.

1.22 Data Writing Confirmation

The Complete message in the current status field indicates the new data has been
Written to the TCM.

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1.23 Error Message

This is a typical error screen that will appear if writing IP data was not successful. The
CONSULT screen will give you the option to 'Retry' the procedure.
If this happens, confirm the transmission is in Park and follow the on screen instructions.

1.24 Instrument Panel Indicator

The instrument panel will not indicate P in the range indicator if the IP data is erased and not programmed.
The blue button shows the location of the range indicator, and in this example the vehicle is running, but
the CVT will not operate correctly. It is important NOT to operate the vehicle in this condition.

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1.25 IP Data Erased

You do not need to view this data during reprogramming. This Data Monitor screen
displays 0000 for most of the Unit Calibration items. This indicates IP Data is not
programmed.
This screen shows how most of the Calibration data has a value other than 0000 after
programming.

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1.26 TCM Replacement

If the TCM needed to be replaced, but the transmission was OK, there is a Work Support
procedure for Reading the IP data on the old TCM and writing that data to the
replacement control unit. This procedure is necessary if the TCM is replaced.

1.27 QR Code Location

You would not need a disc with programming data if CONSULT was able to Read and Save data
from the old TCM. However, if you were unable to save the IP data from the old TCM, you would
need to contact Tech Line to get the correct IP file for the CVT assembly.

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The QR Code on the range switch is currently the only way to retrieve this data. Use a
smart phone and get a clear picture of the QR code. Tech Line will use the code to
retrieve the data file for that transmission.

1.28 Saving IP Data

This screen will appear after you have selected the work support item Read IP
Characteristics for Replacing the TCM. You will select start and follow the on screen
instructions.

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1.29 Save Completed

The screen prompts you with a dialog box. After selecting 'yes', the saved IP data should
be written to CONSULT.
This screen indicates that data writing was successfully saved to CONSULT.

Read OK

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1.30 Writing to Replacement TCM

Now you need to select the Work Support menu item for writing the data to the new
TCM. Erasing is not required because the new TCM is not programmed with any IP data.
Another dialog box will prompt you to say Yes and write the stored data to the TCM.

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1.31 Data Writing Completed

The 'Complete' message confirms the new TCM has the IP Characteristics which match
the old transmission. CONSULT does not save IP characteristics files after data writing is
completed. This makes it less likely to program a CVT with the wrong data.

1.32 Erase DTCs

During the erasing and writing procedures it is possible for DTCs to set. Be sure to open Diagnosis (All
Systems) on CONSULT and check DTCs. On this screen the PNP switch code is related to the erasing
procedure. Erase any related DTCs and test drive the vehicle to be sure the CVT is operating properly.

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1.33 Thank You

Thank You for watching this eLearning program.

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