CVT fluid cooler with the matching inline filter and O-rings for the 2012-2017 Nissan Versa 1.6L. Replaces 21606-3JX2C and 31726-3JX0A.
A 2012-2017 Nissan Versa 1.6L that loses power on the highway, shudders once it is hot, or shows milky CVT fluid often has a problem at the small cooler bolted to the side of the transmission. This kit replaces that part and the filter behind it: the CVT oil cooler assembly (replaces Nissan 21606-3JX2C), the cartridge filter (replaces 31726-3JX0A), and the O-rings shown. Changing the cooler is a bolt-on job and costs far less than a transmission. Nissan's own bulletin on these cars says not to replace the entire CVT when only the oil warmer/cooler is needed.
The Versa's JF015E (Nissan RE0F11A) uses a plate-type heat exchanger that Nissan calls the CVT oil warmer/cooler. Engine coolant runs through one set of passages and CVT fluid through the other. On a cold start it warms the fluid toward operating temperature quickly. On the highway it pulls heat out. Fluid temperature matters a great deal on this unit: the TCM uses it to decide when idle neutral control can run and when to protect the belt and pulleys. When the cooler restricts flow or stops shedding heat, the TCM pulls power to protect the belt and pulleys. The cartridge filter sits on the case next to the cooler circuit and catches fine metal from the belt and sheaves. A drain and fill never reaches it.
Check both fluids first. Coolant in the CVT fluid, or CVT fluid in the coolant reservoir, means the cooler has failed internally. Replace it right away and flush the transmission, because coolant ruins the clutch frictions and the belt. If the fluids are clean, scan for codes, then watch fluid temperature on a scan tool during a highway drive. A temperature that keeps climbing points to the cooler circuit. Our CVT limp mode causes guide separates heat-related power loss from sensor and pressure faults. If the unit still shudders with normal temperatures, read the Jatco CVT problems and fixes guide before buying more parts.
Listed for the 2012-2017 Nissan Versa sedan with the 1.6L HR16DE engine and the JF015E CVT, in 1.6 S, 1.6 SV and 1.6 SL trims, plus the 1.6 S Plus from 2013-2017. Manual-transmission Versas do not use this part. Nissan's 2014 bulletin lists the earlier cooler as 21606-3JX0C; 21606-3JX2C is the later number. Some Versa Note and hatchback builds use different parts, so compare the numbers on your old cooler and filter before ordering, or send us your year and VIN. Other parts for this unit are on our CVT collection page.
If coolant got into the transmission, plan on a full fluid and filter service as well. The JF015E service kit with NS-3 fluid has the sump filter and pan gasket. A unit that kept slipping after contamination may need the JF015E clutch pack kit.
| Fits | 2012-2017 Nissan Versa 1.6L HR16DE with CVT (1.6 S, 1.6 SV, 1.6 SL; 1.6 S Plus 2013-2017) |
| Transmission | JF015E / RE0F11A CVT |
| Replaces | 21606-3JX2C (cooler), 31726-3JX0A (filter) |
| Includes | Oil cooler assembly, CVT filter, O-rings |
| Weight | 2.2 lb |
This kit is listed for the Versa sedan 1.6L. Some Versa Note and hatchback builds use different cooler and filter numbers. Compare your old parts with 21606-3JX2C and 31726-3JX0A, or send us your year and VIN to check.
Look for milky or pink CVT fluid, CVT fluid in the coolant reservoir, or a coolant level that keeps dropping with no outside leak. Any of these means the cooler has failed internally. Replace it and flush the transmission fluid.
No. The cooler bolts to the outside of the CVT case with four bolts and two coolant hoses. You drain coolant and some CVT fluid, swap the cooler, filter and O-rings, then refill and bleed.
Use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid in the transmission, and Nissan-specification coolant in the cooling system mixed no stronger than 50 percent. Set the CVT level hot, and do not overfill.
When CVT fluid runs too hot, the TCM goes into a protective mode and limits power or speed until the fluid cools. A restricted cooler, wrong fluid level or wrong coolant mix are the first things to check before blaming the belt.
