Changing the oil in automatic transmission Nissan Almera - a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute, considering it complicated or unnecessary. However, ignoring this maintenance may result in premature wear of clutches, jamming of solenoids and breakdown of automatic transmissions costing from 150,000 rubles. In this article, we will look at when and how to change the oil, which one to choose, and also reveal the subtleties that even official dealers are silent about.
Automatic transmissions Jatco (installed on Almera N16, G15, Tino and other modifications) are sensitive to the quality and level of oil. If in an engine a low level of lubrication manifests itself immediately (by knocking or overheating), then in an automatic transmission problems accumulate for years - until it is too late. We collected data from manuals, the experience of craftsmen and reviews of owners to create the most practical guide.
When to change the oil in an Almera automatic transmission: regulations and real terms
Official regulations Nissan for models Almera with a machine it says: automatic transmission oil filled for the entire service life and does not require replacement. However, this approach is only valid for ideal operating conditions - moderate climate, smooth roads, gentle driving style. In reality:
- 🔥 Hot climate (temperature above +30°C): oil oxidizes 2 times faster, losing its lubricating properties.
- ❄️ Frost below -20°C: During a cold start, the oil thickens, increasing the load on the torque converter.
- 🚗 City mode (frequent acceleration and braking): overheating of the oil due to traffic jams reduces its service life by 30–40%.
- 🏔️ Off-road or loaded vehicle: increased load on the automatic transmission accelerates wear of additives.
Experts and service technicians recommend the following replacement intervals:
| Operating conditions | Partial replacement (30–40%) | Complete replacement (hardware) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal (road, moderate climate) | 80,000–100,000 km | 120,000–150,000 km |
| City (traffic jams, frequent stops) | 50,000–60,000 km | 80,000–100,000 km |
| Aggressive driving (sharp starts, towing) | 40,000–50,000 km | 60,000–70,000 km |
| Extreme (heat/cold, off-road) | 30,000–40,000 km | 50,000–60,000 km |
How to determine when it's time to change the oil already now? Please note:
- 🔄 Jerks when switching (especially when cold).
- 🔊 Hum or vibration in the field of automatic transmission.
- 🟢 Oil color: if the dipstick is dark (brown/black) or has a burning smell.
- 🚨 Error light up
P0730(transmission malfunction).
- According to regulations (never)
- Every 60,000 km
- Every 100,000 km
- Only when problems arise
What kind of oil to pour into Almera automatic transmission: original vs analogues
Oil selection is a critical step. B Almera with a gun Jatco (models RE4F03A, RE4F04B) manufacturer recommends only original liquid:
- 🔹 Nissan Matic Fluid D (article
KE908-99931) - for automatic transmissions until 2010. - 🔹 Nissan Matic Fluid S (article
KE908-99932) - for models after 2010. - 🔹 Nissan Matic Fluid J (article
KE908-99944) — for CVTs (if installed).
However, the original oil is expensive (from 1,200 rubles per liter), and many owners are looking for analogues. Important: replacing with an incompatible fluid can kill the automatic transmission within 10,000 km. Acceptable analogues (according to classification JWS 3309):
| Brand | Title | Article | Price (liter) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobil | ATF 3309 | 152697 | 800–900 rub. |
| Idemitsu | ATF Type-J | 30450055-825 | 750–850 rub. |
| Ravenol | ATF J1 Fluid | 4014835734507 | 900–1,000 rub. |
| ZIC | ATF Multi Vehicle | 162627 | 600–700 rub. |
⚠️ Attention: Never use oils labeled Dexron III/VI or Mercon V - they are incompatible with Jatco and lead to slipping of the clutches. Also avoid generic fluids like ATF+4 (for Chrysler) or SP-III (for Hyundai/Kia).
Oil volume to change:
- 🔧 Partial replacement: 3–4 liters (~30–40% of the total volume is drained).
- 🔄 Complete replacement: 7–9 liters (depending on the automatic transmission model).
Before buying oil, check its authenticity: on the original canister Nissan Matic There should be a hologram with a changing pattern when tilted.
Preparing for replacement: tools and consumables
To change the automatic transmission oil yourself Almera you will need:
New oil (4–9 liters depending on the type of replacement)|Automatic transmission filter (part number 31726-31X00> or 31726-31X01)|Pan gasket (art. no. 31397-31X00)|10 mm wrench and 24 mm socket (for drain plug)|Funnel with a thin spout and 8–10 mm hose|Drain container (minimum 5 liters)|Lint-free rag and gloves|Torque wrench (for tightening pan bolts)|Scanner for resetting adaptations (e.g. Launch X431 or ELM327)|
If you plan complete replacement (hardware), additionally required:
- 🔌 Automatic transmission flushing unit (you can rent or use a pump with a pressure gauge).
- 🔄 Additional 3–4 liters of oil for washing.
- 🛠️ Special adapter for connection to the automatic transmission cooling system.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use automatic transmission flushing additives! They can soften deposits that could clog the solenoids or valve body. If the oil is very dirty, it is better to do double partial replacement at intervals of 500–1,000 km.
Also prepare the car:
- 🅿️ Place it on a flat surface (pit or lift).
- 🔥 Warm up the oil to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km).
- 🔌 Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to reset errors).
Step-by-step instructions: partial oil change
Partial replacement suitable for preventive maintenance and takes 1–1.5 hours. It allows you to update 30–40% of the oil without risk to the automatic transmission.
Step 1. Drain the old oil
- Place a container under the drain plug (it is located on the automatic transmission pan).
- Unscrew the plug with a 24 mm wrench. Be careful — the oil is hot!
- Wait until it drains completely (usually 3–3.5 liters flow out).
- Wipe the plug and install a new sealing washer (part no.
11026-01M02).
Step 2: Replacing the filter and cleaning the pan
- Unscrew the pan bolts (10 mm) and carefully remove it. ~0.5 liters of oil will remain inside.
- Remove the old filter (it is secured with 3 bolts).
- Clean the tray and magnets from metal shavings (use carbcleaner or gasoline).
- Install a new filter and pan gasket. Tighten the bolts crosswise with a force of 8–10 Nm.
Step 3. Filling with new oil
- Insert a funnel into the filler hole (located next to the battery or under the hood, depending on the model).
- Fill in the same amount of oil as you drained (usually 3–3.5 liters).
- Start the engine and warm up the automatic transmission (switch the selector through all modes with a delay of 5 seconds).
- Check the level using the dipstick (with the engine running, in
P).
⚠️ Attention: If after replacement there are jerks or delays when switching, this is normal - the automatic transmission adapts to the new oil. After 100–200 km, work returns to normal. If problems persist, you need to reset adaptations through a diagnostic scanner.
A partial oil change in an Almera automatic transmission is the safest method of maintenance, as it does not interfere with the operation of the solenoids and valve body.
Complete oil change: hardware method
A complete replacement is required if:
- 🔄 The oil has not been changed for more than 100,000 km.
- 🟤 The color of the oil is black, there is a burning smell.
- 🚗 Automatic transmission works with jerks or slips.
- 🔧 It is planned to repair the box (replacement of clutches, solenoids).
Full replacement algorithm:
- Connect the replacement device to the automatic transmission radiator pipes (input/output).
- Start the engine and turn on the device. It will pump new oil, displacing the old one.
- Drain all the liquid (7-9 liters should come out until clean oil comes out).
- Replace the filter and pan gasket (as in a partial replacement).
- Fill new oil through the filler hole to the level
HOT on the dipstick.
- Adapt the automatic transmission using a scanner (required!).
⚠️ Attention: A complete replacement can wash away deposits, which previously compensated for the wear of parts. If knocking or vibrations appear after the procedure, this is a sign hidden problems in automatic transmission (worn bushings, bearings). In this case, diagnostics is required.
The cost of a complete replacement in the service: 3,000–5,000 rubles (excluding oil). It is not recommended to do it yourself without experience - there is a high risk of oil overheating or incomplete removal of air from the system.
What happens if you do not reset adaptations after replacement?
After a complete automatic transmission oil change Almera may not work correctly: delays when switching, increased speed. This is due to the fact that the control unit is “accustomed” to old oil and wear of parts. Resetting adaptations via the scanner (for example, Launch X431) allows the box to “retrain” for new conditions. Without this process, increased wear of the clutches is possible in the first 1,000 km.
Typical mistakes when changing oil in an Almera automatic transmission
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that can lead to automatic transmission breakdown. Here are the most common:
- 🛢️ Incorrect oil level:
- 🔺 Underfilling leads to oil starvation and gear wear.
- 🔺 Overflow causes oil foaming and loss of pressure.
Correct: check the level on a warm automatic transmission (oil temperature 50–60°C), the engine is running, the selector is in P.
- 🔧 Using the wrong oil:
- 🔺 Dexron III instead of Matic Fluid D/S causes friction clutches to slip.
- 🔺 Universal oils (for example, ATF+4) reduce the life of the solenoids.
- 🧹 Uncleaned pan:
- 🔺 The remaining shavings or dirt will clog the new filter in 5,000 km.
Correct: wash the pan carb cleaner and wipe the magnets.
- 🔄 Ignoring adaptations:
- 🔺 After a complete replacement, the automatic transmission will be “stupid” without resetting the settings.
Another common mistake is oil change after 150,000 km without diagnostics. In this case, the new oil can “wash away” the deposits that previously compensated for the backlash. The result is knocking, vibration and the need for major repairs.
⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil, the automatic transmission begins to slip or appears error code P0730, stop immediately! This is a sign that the clutches are already worn out and the new oil has made the problem worse. Further driving without repair will lead to destruction of the box.
The cost of changing the oil in an Almera automatic transmission: service vs independently
Prices for changing automatic transmission oil Almera vary depending on region and type of procedure:
Replacement type
Cost (labor)
Cost of oil (4 l)
Total
Partial (on your own)
0 rub.
3,000–4,800 rub.
3,000–4,800 rub.
Partial (service)
1,000–1,500 rub.
3,000–4,800 rub.
4,000–6,300 rub.
Complete (hardware, service)
3,000–5,000 rub.
7,000–9,000 rub. (9 l)
10,000–14,000 rub.
Complete + filter replacement
4,000–6,000 rub.
7,000–9,000 rub.
11,000–15,000 rub.
Self-replacement is beneficial, but requires:
- 🔧 Skills in working with a car (draining/filling oil, tightening bolts).
- 🛠️ Availability of tools (wrenches, torque wrench, funnel).
- 📄 Knowledge of the features of your model (probe location, filter type).
If you have never serviced an automatic transmission, it is better to contact a service center. Errors during replacement (for example, overfilling the oil or improperly tightening the pan) can result in repairs costing 50,000+ rubles.
Saving on oil or filter when replacing an Almera automatic transmission costs 3–5 times more if the box breaks down.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in Almera automatic transmission
Is it possible to mix different oils in an Almera automatic transmission?
No, mix different types of oils (e.g. Matic Fluid D And Matic Fluid S) is strictly prohibited. This will lead to a chemical reaction, sludge formation and clogged solenoids. If you don't know what kind of oil was filled previously, do complete replacement.
What should you do if, after changing the oil, the automatic transmission starts to jerk?
This is normal in the first 100–200 km - the automatic transmission adapts to the new oil. If jerks do not pass:
- Check the oil level (should be between
HOT minimum and maximum).
- Reset adaptations via diagnostic scanner.
- If the problem remains, perhaps the oil is not suitable or the automatic transmission is already worn out.
Do I need to change the filter every oil change?
Yes, the automatic transmission filter is a consumable item. It becomes clogged with wear products and loses capacity. Exception: if you do partial replacement every 30,000 km, the filter can be changed every 2 procedures.
Is it possible to flush the Almera automatic transmission with flushing fluid?
No! Flushing has an aggressive effect on the seals and can wash away deposits that will clog the valve body. If the oil is very dirty, it is better to do double partial replacement at intervals of 500 km.
What kind of oil to pour into the Almera N16 automatic transmission (2000–2006)?
For Almera N16 with box RE4F03A suitable only Nissan Matic Fluid D (article KE908-99931). Analogues: Idemitsu ATF Type-J or Mobil ATF 3309. The volume for a complete replacement is 7.7 liters.