What kind of oil to fill in the Nissan Murano Z51 variator: official recommendations and practical tips

CVT Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2021) is one of the most reliable in the Japanese brand’s lineup, but its durability directly depends on the quality and type of transmission fluid. The wrong choice of oil can lead to belt slipping, overheating or even gearbox failure. In this article we will look at what oil does the manufacturer recommend?, which analogues are suitable, how often to change the fluid and what to pay attention to when replacing.

CVT feature Jatco JF011E, installed on Murano Z51, - high sensitivity to oil viscosity and composition. Original liquid NS-3 was developed specifically for this model, but there are also worthy analogues on the market. We analyzed technical documentation, owner reviews and service center recommendations to create the most complete guide possible.

Official Nissan recommendations: what oil to fill in the Murano Z51 CVT

The manufacturer clearly indicates that for the CVT Murano Z51 (with engines VQ35DE 3.5 l or QR25DE 2.5 l) must be used only original Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. This oil meets the standard KE909-99945 and has unique additives to prevent belt and cone wear.

Important: NS-3 is not compatible with previous versions (NS-1, NS-2) and other universal CVT fluids. Filling with the wrong oil will void your warranty and may cause permanent damage. In the manual Murano Z51 It is expressly stated that the use of alternative fluids is permitted only if they fully comply with the specifications NS-3.

• 🔹 Article number of the original oil: KE909-99945 (1 l) or KE909-99946 (4 l)
• 🔹 Volume for complete replacement: 9.5–10 liters (with flushing)
• 🔹 Volume for partial replacement: 4–5 liters
• 🔹 Color: transparent with a greenish tint (new), dark brown (used)

⚠️ Attention: There are fake liquids on sale NS-3 in non-original packaging. Check for a holographic sticker on the canister and buy only from authorized dealers or trusted suppliers.

Analogues of NS-3: can other oils be used?

Although Nissan insists on using exclusively original fluid, in practice some analogues show good results. The main condition is Full compliance with NS-3 specification and availability of CVT manufacturer certificates Jatco.

Among the proven analogues:

• 🔧 Idemitsu CVTF NS-3 - produced in the same factory as the original, but under a different brand. Article: 30050037-7604 (4 l).
• 🔧 Ravenol CVT NS-3 - a German analogue with improved cleaning properties. Article: 4014835734716 (1 l).
• 🔧 Mitsubishi DiaQueen CVTF-J4 - Compatible in viscosity, but requires more frequent replacement. Article: MZ320290.

Important: even among analogues there are fakes. For example, liquid Febi with markings NS-3 not certified Jatco and may cause jerking when switching. Before purchasing, check the availability of the certificate on the manufacturer’s website.

Oil volume in the Murano Z51 variator: how much to fill?

The volume of fluid depends on the type of replacement:

Replacement type	Volume, l	Notes
Partial replacement (draining through the plug)	4–5	~40% of the fluid is replaced. Recommended for scheduled maintenance.
Complete replacement (hardware flushing)	9,5–10	Requires special equipment. Removes up to 95% of old oil.
Replacement with removal of the pallet	6–7	Allows you to clean magnets and coarse filter.

During a partial change, the new oil is mixed with the old one, so It is recommended to carry out a complete replacement every 60–80 thousand km, even if, according to the regulations, partial is sufficient. This is especially true for cars operated in city mode or with frequent slipping.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing hardware (using the displacement method), use only original oil NS-3. Analogues can give an unpredictable reaction when mixed with the washing liquid.

Replacement frequency: when to change the oil in the variator?

Official regulations Nissan for Murano Z51 provides for changing the oil in the variator every 90 thousand km or once every 6 years (whichever comes first). However, this interval is designed for ideal operating conditions:

• 🚗 Driving on the highway at an average speed of 60–90 km/h.
• 🌡️ Ambient temperature from –10°C to +30°C.
• 🛣️ No trailer towing or overloading.

In real conditions (city traffic jams, frosts, off-road conditions), oil ages faster. Optimal intervals:

• 🔄 60 thousand km - for urban use.
• 🔄 40–50 thousand km - when driving with a trailer or in hot climates.
• 🔄 30 thousand km - if the variator already has a mileage of >150 thousand km.

Signs that it's time to change the oil regardless of mileage:

• 🔴 Jerks or delays during acceleration.
• 🔴 Humming or vibration at speeds of 40–60 km/h.
• 🔴 Darkening of the oil (checked with a dipstick).
• 🔴Lamp lights up AT or Check Engine with errors P0710, P0776.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in a variator yourself

For partial oil change in the variator Murano Z51 you will need:

• 🔧 Oil canister NS-3 (5 l).
• 🔧 New fine filter (article no. 31726-31X00).
• 🔧 Pallet gasket (article no. 31397-31X02).
• 🔧 10 mm wrench and 6 mm hexagon.
• 🔧 Funnel with a thin spout and a container for draining (at least 5 l).

Procedure:

1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C) so that the oil becomes less viscous.
2. Lift the car on a lift or place it on a viewing hole.
3. Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped) and unscrew the variator drain plug (6 mm hexagon).
4. Drain the old oil into a container. It should be warm, but not scalding.
5. Unscrew the variator pan (14 10 mm bolts) and remove the coarse filter. Clean the magnets from any metal shavings.
6. Install a new filter and pan gasket. Tighten the bolts crosswise to a torque of 8–10 Nm.
7. Fill in new oil through the dipstick hole. Use a funnel to avoid spills.
8. Warm up the box (drive 5–10 km) and check the oil level on the dipstick. Top up if necessary.

Important: when replacing yourself do not use flushing fluids for automatic transmissions - they can damage the variator clutches. If the oil is very dirty, it is better to double replacement: drain, fill with new, drive 500 km and repeat the procedure.

Common mistakes when changing oil and their consequences

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

• ❌ Overfilling or underfilling oil. The optimal level is between the marks HOT on the dipstick. Exceeding the level leads to foaming and overheating, and underfilling leads to oil starvation.
• ❌ Using non-original filters. Cheap analogues may not retain fine metal dust, which accelerates wear of the cones.
• ❌ Mixing different types of oils. For example, NS-2 And NS-3 are incompatible - this causes the formation of a precipitate.
• ❌ Ignoring adaptations. After changing the oil, the variator needs to be “trained” using diagnostic equipment.

Consequences of incorrect replacement:

• 🔥 Box overheating (due to oil foaming or clogged radiator).
• ⚙️ Belt slippage (leads to jerks and errors P0776).
• 💥 Bearing damage (due to metal shavings in the oil).

What to do if jerking occurs after changing the oil?

If after changing the oil the variator begins to twitch, the reasons may be as follows:

1. **Incorrect level** - check the dipstick on a warm box.

2. **Poor quality oil** - drain and fill with original NS-3.

3. **Unreset adaptations** - requires diagnostics with a scanner (Launch, Bosch KTS).

4. **Dirty radiator** - flush the variator cooling system.

If the jerking does not disappear, contact the service to check the pressure in the valve body.

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can NS-2 oil be used instead of NS-3?

No, NS-2 and NS-3 are not compatible. NS-3 has a different additive package for working with a chain variator JF011E. Using NS-2 will cause accelerated wear on the belt and cones.

How much does the original NS-3 oil cost?

The cost depends on the volume:

• 1 l (KE909-99945) — ~1,200–1,500 rub.
• 4 l (KE909-99946) — ~4,500–5,000 rub.

Buy only from authorized dealers or trusted suppliers (for example, Existent, Nissan Parts Europe).

Do I need to change the filter every oil change?

Yes, fine filter (article 31726-31X00) it is recommended to change at every oil change. The coarse filter (metal mesh) can be washed and reinstalled if it is not deformed.

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

The consequences depend on the mileage:

• 100–150 thousand km - jerking, increased noise, errors P0710 (oil temperature).
• 150–200 thousand km — belt slipping, loss of traction, error P0776 (pressure in the valve body).
• 200+ thousand km — destruction of cones, jamming of the box.

Repairing a variator will cost 150–300 thousand rubles, so saving on oil is unjustified.

Is it possible to flush the Murano Z51 CVT?

Flushing the variator JF011E allowed only by hardware method using original oil NS-3. It is strictly prohibited:

• Use universal automatic transmission washes.
• Rinse the box with kerosene or diesel fuel.
• Clean without replacing filters.

The best option is double oil change at intervals of 500 km.