Changing the oil in a Nissan Note gearbox: a complete guide with photos and videos

Changing the gearbox oil Nissan Note - a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute, considering it complicated or unnecessary. However, ignoring this maintenance can lead to expensive repairs: wear of synchronizers, bearings, and even complete failure of the gearbox. In this article we will look at how to change oil in manual transmission and variator correctly Nissan Note (including models E11 And E12), what tools will be needed, what oil to choose and what to pay attention to so as not to damage the transmission.

The manufacturer often claims that the oil is in the box Nissan Note filled for the entire service life, but this is only true for “ideal” operating conditions - moderate climate, smooth roads and a gentle driving style. In reality the oil loses its properties after 60–80 thousand km, and in the variator JF015E/JF016E - even faster. If you notice jerks when switching, a hum in the gearbox or difficulty shifting gears, these are clear signals for replacement.

What kind of oil to put in a Nissan Note box

The choice of oil depends on the type of transmission you have. Nissan Note. For manual transmission (RS5F92R, RS6F94R) and variator (JF015E/JF016E) different fluids are required. An error in selection can lead to gearbox breakdown after 1–2 thousand km.

For manual transmission Nissan Note oils with classification are suitable API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity 75W-80 or 75W-90. Original oil from Nissan - KE908-99932 (1 l), but analogues from Motul, Castrol, Liqui Moly will also fit if they meet the specifications. Important: do not use oils with limited slip additives (LSD) - they are incompatible with synchronizers Nissan.

For variator JF015E/JF016E requires special fluid NS-2 or NS-3 (original article number - KE909-99944). It is strictly forbidden to fill in regular ATF or “universal” oils for CVTs - this will lead to belt slippage and overheating. If you live in a region with frosts below −30°C, give preference NS-3, since it has better low-temperature properties.

• 🔧 Mechanical (RS5F92R/RS6F94R): Nissan KE908-99932, Motul Gear 300 75W-90, Castrol Syntrans Transaxle 75W-90
• 🔄 CVT (JF015E/JF016E): only Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 (articles KE909-99944, KE909-99945)
• ⚠️ What to Avoid: oils with GL-5+ for mechanics, universal ATF for variator, fakes (check the packaging for a hologram)

Tools and materials for oil change

Before you start replacing, prepare everything you need. Without the right tools, you risk breaking the drain plug, overfilling the oil, or underfilling it. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Keys and sockets: socket head on 10 mm (for manual transmission drain plug), 14 mm (for CVT), torque wrench (optional, but recommended)
• 🛢️ Capacities: basin or bucket with a volume of at least 5 liters (for draining waste), a funnel with a flexible hose (for a variator)
• 🧰 Other: new sealing rings for plugs (11026-01M02 for manual transmission, 31397-31X01 for the variator), rags, gloves, jack or inspection hole
• 🔍 Diagnostics: dipstick for checking the level (in the variator Nissan Note The dipstick is often missing - the level is checked through the inspection hole)

If you have a CVT, you will additionally need special adapter for oil filling (For example, JTC-5448), since a standard funnel will not work due to the inconvenient location of the filler hole. Also prepare 10–12 l oil for a complete change (in the variator Nissan Note full volume - 7.8 l, but with partial replacement it goes away 4–5 l).

Step-by-step instructions: changing the oil in a Nissan Note manual transmission

Changing the oil in a manual transmission Nissan Note easier than with a variator, but requires care. Follow the instructions to avoid errors:

1. Warm up the oil. Drive 5-10 km or let the engine run for 10 minutes - warm oil drains faster and more completely.
2. Raise the car. Use a jack (raise the front end) or drive the car into a viewing hole. Be sure to secure the wheels with chocks!
3. Drain the old oil:
   • Unscrew the drain plug with a wrench 10 mm (located in the lower part of the gearbox housing).
   • Place the container - the oil will flow out under pressure!
   • Wait until the maximum amount has drained (10–15 minutes).

Wash the magnets. On the manual transmission drain plug Nissan Note Magnets are installed to collect metal shavings. Clean them with a rag.

Tighten the drain plug with a new O-ring. Tightening torque - 35–40 Nm (do not overtighten!).

Fill with new oil through the filler hole (located on the side of the gearbox, next to the drive). Use a funnel. Volume for manual transmission - 2.0–2.3 l.

Check the level. It should reach the bottom edge of the filler hole. Tighten the plug.

Warm up the oil (drive 5–10 km)

Secure the car on a jack or pit

Prepare a container for draining (at least 3 l)

Buy a new O-ring for the plug

Have a torque wrench on hand (optional) -->

Important nuance: in some versions Nissan Note E12 The filler hole is located inconveniently - you may need a flexible hose on the funnel. If the oil does not flow when drained, check whether the hole is clogged with dirt (clean it with a wire).

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil in your manual transmission there is a hum or crunching sound when changing gears, you probably overfilled the oil or used the wrong viscosity. In this case excess must be drained or repeat the change with the correct oil.

Changing the oil in a Nissan Note variator: features and nuances

CVT JF015E/JF016E in Nissan Note more sensitive to oil quality and replacement procedure than a manual transmission. Here you cannot simply drain the old oil and fill in new oil - it requires full or partial replacement with flushing.

There are two methods:

1. Partial replacement (drain-fill): ~50% of oil is replaced. Suitable for prevention every 40–50 thousand km.
2. Complete replacement (hardware or manual flushing): requires special equipment or multiple drains and fills. Recommended for mileage over 100 thousand km or if the oil has turned black.

Step-by-step instructions for partial replacement:

1. Warm up the variator (drive 10–15 km).
2. Remove the engine protection (if equipped) and unscrew the drain plug with a wrench 14 mm.
3. Drain the oil into a container. In the variator Nissan Note ~4 liters are drained from 7.8 liters.
4. Unscrew the pan (12 bolts per 10 mm) and clean it of old sealant and deposits. Do not use metal brushes - only a plastic scraper!
5. Replace the variator filter (part no. 31726-1XF0A). It is located inside the pallet.
6. Install the pan onto the new O-ring (31397-31X01) and tighten the bolts crosswise (torque 10 Nm).
7. Fill with new oil through the filler hole (an adapter will be required). The volume is equal to the drained volume.
8. Check the level:
   • Start the engine and warm up the variator until 50–60°C (use diagnostic scanner or wait for fan to turn on).
   • Switch the selector to all positions (P-R-N-D) with a delay of 5 seconds.
   • Check the level through the inspection hole - oil should drip in a thin stream.

What happens if you don’t change the oil in the variator?

Driving for a long time on old fluid leads to:

- Worn belt and cones (jerking and slipping appear).

- Overheating (the variator goes into emergency mode, the “skull” on the dashboard lights up).

- Solenoid contamination (the box begins to “kick” during acceleration).

- Pump failure (requires replacement of the entire variator, cost - from 150 thousand rubles).

In critical cases, variator JF015E may “go into emergency mode” within 1–2 thousand km after ignoring the replacement.

Critically important: when changing the oil in the variator Nissan Note Do not use flushing fluids or additives such as “variator cleaners”. They destroy the friction properties of the oil and cause the belt to slip.

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce the service life of the gearbox. Here are the most common of them:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Using non-original oil for the variator	Belt slippage, overheating, solenoids failure	Buy only Nissan NS-2/NS-3 from official dealers
Underfilling or overfilling of oil	Air locks, insufficient lubrication (underfilling) or foaming (overfilling)	Check the level at the control hole at operating temperature
Changing the oil without flushing the variator pan	Old oil residues and chips quickly contaminate new oil.	Always remove the pan and clean it when replacing it
Using sealant instead of pan gasket	Oil leak, sealant getting into the valve body	Use only original gasket 31397-31X01

Another common mistake is ignoring the magnets on the drain plug. In manual transmission and CVT Nissan Note The magnets collect metal shavings, and if not cleaned, the particles will fall back into the box, accelerating wear. Also many people forget reset variator adaptations after changing the oil (this can be done through a diagnostic scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil in the variator there are jerks during acceleration, you probably used non-original fluid or did not warm up the box before checking the level. In this case replacement must be repeated with the correct oil and strictly follow the instructions for checking the level.

When to change the oil in a Nissan Note gearbox: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan states that the oil in the manual transmission and variator Note does not require replacement, but this is only true for “laboratory” conditions. In reality, the intervals are:

• 🔧 Manual transmission: every 80–100 thousand km or once every 5 years (whichever comes first). When driving aggressively - every 60 thousand km.
• 🔄 CVT: partial replacement - every 40–50 thousand km, full - every 80–100 thousand km. When operating in traffic jams or heat, reduce the interval by 20%.
• ⚠️ Signs of urgent replacement:
  • Jerks or delays when switching (variator).
  • A hum or crunch in the manual transmission when driving.
  • Darkening of the oil (checked with a dipstick or through the drain hole).
  • Burning smell from the oil (indicates overheating of the variator).

If you bought Nissan Note with mileage and don’t know if the oil in the box has been changed, be sure to replace, even if the mileage is short. The previous owner may have neglected maintenance. To check the condition of the oil in the variator, you can use the “paper test”: drop oil from the dipstick onto white paper - if the stain is dark with black spots, an urgent replacement is required.

Cost of oil change at a service center vs replacement yourself

Prices for changing gearbox oil Nissan Note vary depending on box type and region. Here are the estimated prices for 2026:

Type of work	Cost in service (₽)	Cost yourself (₽)
Changing the oil in a manual transmission (without flushing)	1 500 – 2 500	500 – 1,000 (cost of oil + gasket)
Partial oil change in the variator	3 000 – 5 000	2,000 – 3,000 (oil + filter + gasket)
Complete oil change in the variator (hardware)	6 000 – 10 000	3,500 – 5,000 (oil + filter + adapter for filling)
Transmission diagnostics before replacement	1 000 – 1 500	Free (self-examination)

Replacing it yourself is cheaper, but requires time and care. If you have never serviced a gearbox, it is better to contact a service center - especially for a variator, where errors can lead to costly repairs. However, even in the service control the process: ask to see the drained oil (it should be dark, but not black) and check whether the filter in the variator has been replaced.

It’s not worth saving on oil: the difference between the original Nissan NS-3 and a cheap analogue - total 500–1 000 ₽ per canister, but the consequences of using a fake will cost tens of times more. If your budget is limited, it is better to postpone the replacement for a month and save up for quality oil rather than fill it with a dubious product.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in Nissan Note

Is it possible to mix different oils in a Nissan Note CVT?

No, mix NS-2 And NS-3 or oils of different brands in the variator absolutely not possible. This will lead to a change in the viscosity and properties of the fluid, which will cause the belt to slip. If you urgently need to add oil, use only the same brand and type that is already filled. Perform a complete replacement as soon as possible.

How much oil to fill in manual transmission Nissan Note E12?

Oil volume in manual transmission Nissan Note E12 (models 2012–2020) - 2.0–2.3 l. The exact volume depends on how much old oil has drained. Do not top up by eye — check the level at the filler hole. Overfilling is just as harmful as underfilling.

Do I need to flush the transmission when changing the oil?

For manual transmission Flushing is not necessary if the oil is changed regularly. It is enough to drain the old and fill in the new. For variator washing the pan and replacing the filter are required at every oil change, as chips and deposits accumulate in the pan. A complete flushing of the device is recommended for mileage over 100 thousand km or if the oil is heavily contaminated.

What to do if after changing the oil the variator starts to twitch?

If jerking or kicking occurs after changing the oil in the variator Nissan Note, the reasons may be as follows:

1. Incorrect oil (for example, instead of NS-3 flooded NS-2 or universal ATF).
2. Failure to maintain the level (overfilling or underfilling).
3. The variator adaptations have not been reset (you need to disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or reset the errors with a scanner).
4. Air entering the system (re-checking the level is required).

First check the oil level at operating temperature (50–60°C). If the problem persists, contact the service for diagnostics.

Is it possible to drive with slightly darkened gearbox oil?

Slight darkening of the oil in a manual transmission or variator is normal after 20–30 thousand km mileage However, if the oil becomes black, has a burning odor or contains visible metal particles, you can’t travel with him. This indicates severe wear of gearbox parts. In this case it is required complete oil change with flushing (for variator) or box diagnostics.