P17F0: Nissan: CVT judder detected, transmission (T/M) inspection needed

CVT judder, transmission inspection (Nissan)

P17F0 in short

On Nissan vehicles, P17F0 means the CVT computer detected judder, a shudder or vibration, and flags the transmission itself for inspection. Nissan bulletins often start with a computer reprogram, but belt slip inside the CVT is also possible. Have it inspected soon, and check for a bulletin or warranty extension first.

In a Nissan CVT, engine speed and transmission input speed should stay within a few rpm of each other. When the belt slips or the computer has to correct for judder, the gap grows; Nissan logs P17F0 (transmission inspection) or P17F1 (control unit inspection).

Nissan has issued many bulletins for P17F0 across the Altima, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Versa, Kicks, Pathfinder and others. The first step in them is usually a transmission computer reprogram; Nissan also extended CVT warranties on some models.

Trade sources warn that misfires, sensor faults, ABS faults and electrical problems can make the computer see false judder, so those should be ruled out before blaming the CVT. If the judder is real, repairs range from software to a valve body, computer or transmission.

Pick your make

P17F0 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Cause 1: Transmission computer software needs updating

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan bulletins for judder and P17F0 tell dealers to reprogram the transmission computer when an update applies.
    What would change this
    Rises if a bulletin covers your model and the computer has not been updated.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)
  2. Cause 2: Belt slip or internal CVT wear

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Trade sources say P17F0 may mean the belt is slipping inside the CVT.
    What would change this
    Rises if judder continues after the software update, or the engine revs flare on acceleration.
  3. Cause 3: Transmission computer fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Trade sources name a faulty computer as a possible cause, but it is less common than software or belt slip.
    What would change this
    Rises if other computer or communication codes are stored.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)
  4. Cause 4: Misfire, sensor, ABS or electrical faults causing false judder detection

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Trade sources advise ruling out misfires, sensors, ABS and electrical faults first, because they can make the computer think the CVT is juddering.
    What would change this
    Rises if misfire, wheel speed or sensor codes are stored too.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Step 1: Read all codes from the engine, transmission and ABS computers before anything is cleared.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission and ABS modules

  2. Step 2: Ask a Nissan dealer to check your VIN for P17F0 bulletins, campaigns and CVT warranty extensions.

    Low risk

  3. Step 3: Have a dealer or CVT specialist follow Nissan's diagnosis for judder, including a road test and fluid check.

    Best left to a shopTool: Nissan diagnostic equipment

    Warning:Shop job. CVT diagnosis and repairs need the maker's procedures and tools.

Symptoms

  • Judder, shudder or vibration when pulling away or at low speed
  • Check engine light
  • Engine revs flare without the car speeding up Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Reduced power or limp-home mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Step 1: Before paying for repairs, ask a Nissan dealer whether a bulletin, campaign or CVT warranty extension covers your VIN.

  2. Step 2: Fix any misfire or ABS fault first, then recheck whether P17F0 returns.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Nissan's first fix is often reprogramming the existing computer, not replacing it.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2013–2023 · Altima

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB17-039R covers P17F0 or P17F1 on Altima, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder and Quest CVTs. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2014–2017 · Rogue

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB16-110Q covers 4-cylinder Rogue (and 2013–2017 Altima) with judder codes including P17F0 and P17F1. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2018–2020 · Rogue

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB19-076C covers 2018–2020 Rogue and Altima with judder codes including P17F0 and P17F1. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2018–2022 · Versa

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB22-021A covers Versa and Kicks with CVT codes including P17F0 and P17F1. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2017–2019 · Rogue Sport

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB21-051A covers 2017–2019 Rogue Sport with judder codes including P17F0 and P17F1. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2013–2017 · Versa

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB17-034K covers CVT judder and P17F0 on the Versa sedan and Versa Note. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2013–2014 · Pathfinder

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan campaign PC500 reprograms the transmission computer for better CVT diagnostics and extends the warranty; the flat file lists P17F0. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • NTB17-039RStatus unverified

    DTC P17F0 or P17F1 stored in the TCM

    2013–2023altima, maxima, murano, pathfinder, quest · issued · NHTSA 11001202

    Covers P17F0 or P17F1 stored in the transmission computer on 2013–2023 Altima, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder and Quest; amended several times. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB16-110QStatus unverified

    P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 stored (4-cylinder)

    2013–2017altima, rogue · issued · NHTSA 10206371

    Covers 2013–2017 Altima and 2014–2017 Rogue 4-cylinder models with P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 stored. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB19-076CStatus unverified

    P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 stored

    2018–2020altima, rogue · issued · NHTSA 10213159

    Covers 2018–2020 Altima and Rogue with P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 stored. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB22-021AStatus unverified

    P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 and/or P17F1 stored in the TCM

    2018–2022kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10232664

    Covers 2018–2022 Kicks and Versa with P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 and/or P17F1 stored in the transmission computer. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB21-051AStatus unverified

    P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 stored

    2017–2019rogue-sport · issued · NHTSA 10206378

    Covers 2017–2019 Rogue Sport with P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 stored. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB17-034kStatus unverified

    CVT judder and/or P0746, P0965, P17F0 or P0846 stored

    2013–2017versa, versa-note · issued · NHTSA 10172234

    Covers 2013–2017 Versa sedan and 2014–2017 Versa Note with CVT judder and/or P0746, P0965, P17F0 or P0846 stored. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PC500 - 2013-14Status unverified

    CVT software update and warranty extension campaign

    2013–2014pathfinder · issued · NHTSA 10109118

    Voluntary service campaign to reprogram the transmission computer to improve CVT diagnostics, with a warranty extension; the flat file lists P17F0 for this record. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Transmission codes

P17F0 questions

Does P17F0 mean my CVT is finished?

Not always. Nissan's bulletins usually start with a computer reprogram, and misfires or ABS faults can trigger false judder detection. Belt slip inside the CVT is possible, so have it checked before agreeing to a replacement.

Sources and review

  1. Nissan NTB15-083: CVT judder, DTC P17F0 / P17F1 — Nissan North America (read via CarComplaints.com mirror) ,
  2. Nissan CVT Judder Codes and Diagnostics: What Sets P17Fx Codes and How to Repair Them — GEARS Magazine (Keith Clark) ,
  3. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  4. Nissan NTB17-039R: DTC P17F0 or P17F1 stored in the TCM — Nissan North America ,
  5. Nissan NTB16-110Q: 4-cylinder Altima and Rogue with P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 — Nissan North America ,
  6. Nissan NTB19-076C: DTC P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 stored — Nissan North America ,
  7. Nissan NTB22-021A: DTC P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 and/or P17F1 stored in the TCM — Nissan North America ,
  8. Nissan NTB17-034K: Versa and Versa Note CVT judder and/or P0746, P0965, P17F0, P0846 — Nissan North America ,
  9. Nissan NTB21-051A: 2017–2019 Rogue Sport with P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 — Nissan North America ,
  10. Nissan PC500: 2013–2014 Pathfinder CVT software update and warranty extension campaign — Nissan North America ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.