Selecting transmission oil for a gearbox is a task that affects not only driving comfort, but also the life of the unit. Brand Kixx (manufacturer GS Caltex) has been on the Russian market for a long time, but there is still controversy surrounding its products for gearboxes. Owners Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail and other models share conflicting reviews: some praise Kixx G1 oil for the smoothness of switching, others complain about premature wear of synchronizers. Where is the truth?

In this article we have collected real reviews from forums and service centers, analyzed laboratory tests of oils Kixx and compared them with manufacturers' recommendations. You will find out which oil from the line is suitable for Manual transmission And Automatic transmission different models Nissan, what to look for when replacing, and why some craftsmen refuse to work with this brand. And also - unique data on Kixx compatibility with Jatco boxes, which you will not find in official manuals.

Kixx line of gearbox oils: technical specifications

Company GS Caltex offers several types of gear oils under the brand Kixx, but for gearboxes Nissan Only three are relevant:

  • 🔧 Kixx G1 75W-85 — semi-synthetic for manual transmissions, complies GL-4. Popular among owners Nissan Almera And Juice.
  • ⚙️ Kixx G1 75W-90 — universal oil for manual transmissions and transfer cases, class GL-4/GL-5. Often used in X-Trail T31 And Pathfinder R51.
  • 🔄 Kixx ATF DX-III — automatic transmission fluid, compatible with Jatco RE0F10A (installed on Qashqai J10/J11, Murano Z50).

Important: Kixx ATF DX-III positioned as an analogue Nissan Matic S, but has another viscosity base. Laboratory tests show that at temperatures below -20°C its fluidity deteriorates by 12–15% compared to the original. This is critical for regions with harsh winters.

Parameter Kixx G1 75W-85 Kixx G1 75W-90 Kixx ATF DX-III
Base type Semi-synthetics Semi-synthetics Synthetics
API class GL-4 GL-4/GL-5 —
Pour point, °C -45 -42 -38
Compatible with Nissan Manual transmission RS5F92R (Almera N16) Manual transmission FS6R31A (X-Trail T32) Automatic transmission Jatco RE0F10A/RE0F11A
⚠️ Attention: Oil Kixx G1 75W-90 not recommended for boxes Nissan with brass synchronizers (for example, Primera P12). The sulfur content in the composition exceeds the permissible 0.12% for such gearboxes, which accelerates wear.

Owner reviews: pros and cons of Kixx oil

Analysis of reviews from forums (Drive2, Nissan-Club, Auto.ru) shows that opinions are divided approximately equally. Positive responses are more common among owners of cars with mileage up to 150 thousand km, while negative ones are found among those who have filled Kixx in boxes with wear.

  • ✅ Pros:
  • 💰 Price is 20–30% lower than original oils Nissan (For example, Kixx G1 75W-85 costs ~800 rub/l versus ~1200 rub/l for Nissan MT-XZ).
  • 🔄 Smooth shifts in the first 10–15 thousand km after replacement (noted by owners Qashqai J10 with manual transmission).
  • 🛡️ Good protection against oxidation - no black deposits are observed after 60 thousand km (according to an independent laboratory Oil Club).
  • ❌ Cons:
  • ❄️ Deterioration of fluidity at lower frosts -25°C (owners complain X-Trail in Siberia).
  • 🔊 Increased gearbox noise when cold (typical for Kixx G1 75W-90 paired with gearbox FS6R31A).
  • 🛑 Risk of leaks through seals (especially in automatic transmissions Jatco after 200 thousand km).

Interesting fact: on Drive2 user with nickname @X-Trail_T31 did the test - uploaded it Kixx ATF DX-III in automatic transmission after Nissan Matic J. After 5 thousand km, jerks appeared when switching 3-4 gears, which disappeared after washing and returning to the original. At the same time in the laboratory Oil-Expert not found in Kixx critical deviations for the additive package.

📊 What oil do you use in your Nissan's gearbox?
  • Original (Nissan MT-XZ/Matic S)
  • Kixx G1/ATF DX-III
  • Other (specify in comments)
  • I don't know what's in there

Comparison of Kixx with original Nissan oils

To understand why Kixx is controversial, let's compare it with original oils Nissan according to key parameters. The main difference is in the base and additive package:

  • 🧪 Base: Original oils Nissan (For example, MT-XZ) are produced on the basis PAO synthetics, whereas Kixx G1 - on hydrocracking. This affects the stability of viscosity under high loads.
  • ⚗️ Additives: B Nissan Matic S contains a unique friction modifier FM-12, which is not in Kixx ATF DX-III. This explains the difference in the smoothness of automatic transmission shifts.
  • 🌡️ Temperature range: Original oils retain fluidity up to -40°C, whereas Kixx begins to thicken already at -30°C (test data AutoExpress).

However, there is a nuance: in boxes Nissan older than 2010 (for example, Teana J31 or Maxima A34) original oils are often counterfeited. In this case Kixx may be a safer choice - counterfeits are less common due to the less popular brand.

Parameter Nissan MT-XZ (75W-85) Kixx G1 75W-85
Viscosity index 165 150
Sulfur content, % 0,08 0,11
Flash point, °C 210 195
Compatible with synchronizers Brass/copper Steel/Brass (limited)
⚠️ Attention: If your gearbox previously used original oil Nissan, transition to Kixx requires complete flushing (at least 2 volumes of oil). Mixing additives can cause the formation of sediment that clogs the solenoids in the automatic transmission.

Which Kixx oil is suitable for your Nissan model?

The choice of oil depends on the type of gearbox, year of manufacture and operating conditions. Below are recommendations based on an analysis of service manuals and reviews:

  • 🚗 Manual transmission (mechanics):
  • 🔹 Nissan Almera N16 (checkpoint RS5F92R) — Kixx G1 75W-85 (but requires replacement every 50 thousand km).
  • 🔹 Nissan X-Trail T31/T32 (checkpoint FS6R31A) — Kixx G1 75W-90 only with mileage up to 100 thousand km.
  • 🔹 Nissan Juke F15 (checkpoint RL4F11A) — Kixx not recommended due to high loads on synchronizers.
  • 🔄 Automatic transmission (automatic):
  • 🔹 Nissan Qashqai J10/J11 (automatic transmission Jatco RE0F10A) — Kixx ATF DX-III only with a complete replacement with flushing.
  • 🔹 Nissan Murano Z50 (automatic transmission RE0F11A) - original Nissan Matic J preferred due to high temperatures in the torque converter.

For regions with frosts below -30°C better alternatives: Motul Gear 300 (for manual transmission) or Idemitsu ATF Type-J (for automatic transmission). These oils have a lower pour point and stable viscosity.

Vehicle mileage (critical for Kixx oils after 150 thousand km)

Condition of the seals (risk of leaks when using Kixx ATF DX-III)

Type of synchronizers in manual transmission (brass or steel)

Operating conditions (city/highway, frost/heat) -->

Real cases: when Kixx saved and when it ruined the checkpoint

To avoid subjectivity, let’s analyze specific cases indicating mileage, model and symptoms:

  • 🔧 Successful experience:
  • 📌 Nissan Note E11, mileage 87 thousand km, manual transmission RL4F09A. After replacement Nissan MT-XZ on Kixx G1 75W-85 The crunching sound disappeared when engaging 2nd gear. The owner noted an improvement when cold (test temperature: -20°C).
  • 📌 Nissan Terrano R20, mileage 120 thousand km, transfer case. Kixx G1 75W-90 eliminated vibrations when driving off-road.
  • ⚠️ Negative experience:
  • 📌 Nissan Pathfinder R51, mileage 180 thousand km, automatic transmission RE5R05A. After pouring Kixx ATF DX-III after 3 thousand km, shocks appeared when switching from 1st to 2nd. Diagnostics showed clogged solenoids.
  • 📌 Nissan Primera P12, mileage 210 thousand km, manual transmission FS5R30A. Kixx G1 75W-90 caused accelerated wear of brass synchronizers (confirmed by autopsy).

General trend: Kixx performs well in new or moderately worn boxes (mileage up to 120 thousand km), but can aggravate problems in the gearbox with production. Its use in slot machines is especially risky. Jatco older than 2015 - their hydraulic units are sensitive to the composition of the oil.

Why can Kixx “kill” the Jatco automatic transmission?

Jatco automatic transmissions (for example, RE0F10A) use an adaptive shift control system, which is calibrated for the specific additive package of the original oil. Kixx ATF DX-III has a different coefficient of friction (μ=0.08 versus μ=0.065 for Nissan Matic S), which leads to:

1) Incorrect operation of the solenoids - they open with a delay.

2) Overheating of clutches due to increased slippage.

3) Accumulation of varnish deposits on the valve body (confirmed by opening a gearbox with a mileage of 160+ thousand km after using Kixx).

How to properly change Kixx oil in a gearbox: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to fill Kixx, follow this algorithm to minimize risks:

  1. Preparation:
  2. Warm up the gearbox to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km).
  3. Raise the car on a lift or pit (tilt angle of at least 15° for complete drainage).
  4. Prepare your tools: key on 24 mm (for the drain plug), syringe for filling, new plug gasket.
  5. Draining old oil:
  6. Unscrew the drain plug (on manual transmission Nissan it is usually located on the right in the direction of travel).
  7. Drain the oil into a container - you should get at least 2.8–3.2 l (for manual transmission) or 7–8 l (for automatic transmission with complete replacement).
  8. Evaluate the color and smell of the waste: if the oil is black with a burning smell, it requires flushing.
  9. Filling with new oil:
  10. For manual transmission: fill Kixx through the filler hole to the level of the lower edge (check with a feeler gauge or finger).
  11. For automatic transmission: use the method "double replacement" — first drain/fill 4 liters, drive 500 km, then repeat.
  12. Check the level after the gearbox has warmed up to 60°C (for automatic transmission - with the engine running).

Critical moment: in automatic transmission Jatco after changing the oil to Kixx ATF DX-III adaptations must be reset using the scanner (for example, Launch X431). Without this, the box will “learn” to switch for 2–3 weeks, which increases wear on the clutches.

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If after changing the oil in the manual transmission there is noise in neutral, check the level - its excess creates foaming. In an automatic transmission, noise may indicate insufficient flushing of the valve body.

Alternatives to Kixx: what to upload instead?

If in doubt Kixx, consider proven analogues with the best reviews:

Gearbox type Alternative to Kixx Benefits Disadvantages
Manual transmission (75W-85) Motul Gear 300 Stable viscosity up to -40°C, compatible with brass synchronizers The price is 2 times higher
Manual transmission (75W-90) Castrol Syntrans Transaxle Approved for gearbox Nissan with high loads Difficult to find in small towns
Automatic transmission (ATF) Idemitsu ATF Type-J Complete analogue Nissan Matic J, ideal for Jatco Counterfeits are common
Automatic transmission (station wagon) Ravenol ATF J1A1800 Superior Kixx for antioxidant properties High price (~1500 rub/l)

For owners Nissan with mileage over 200 thousand km, the best choice is original oils or Idemitsu. Savings on Kixx in this case, it may result in gearbox repairs costing 100–150 thousand rubles.

💡

If your Nissan is under warranty, using Kixx will void it. Dealers check the oil using the label on the canister and performance analysis.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Kixx oil in Nissan gearboxes

Can Kixx be mixed with genuine Nissan oil?

No, mixing is not recommended due to the different base and additive package. In a manual transmission this can cause foaming, in an automatic transmission it can cause clogging of the solenoids. If you have to top up, use the same brand and type (eg. Kixx G1 75W-85 + Kixx G1 75W-85), but perform a complete replacement as soon as possible.

Why did the box start making noise after replacing it with Kixx?

The reasons may be different:

  • 🔊 In manual transmission: low oil level (check and top up).
  • ❄️ In automatic transmission: incompatibility with clutch materials (flushing required).
  • ⚙️ In both cases: bearing wear, which became noticeable after changing the oil (Kixx has lower viscosity at high temperatures).

If the noise does not go away after 500 km, contact diagnostics.

How often to change Kixx in the gearbox?

Replacement times depend on the type of box:

  • 🔧 Manual transmission: Every 50–60 thousand km (versus 90 thousand km for original oil).
  • 🔄 Automatic: Complete replacement every 40–50 thousand km, partial - 20 thousand km.

When driving aggressively or operating in the city (frequent traffic jams), reduce the interval by 20%.

Is Kixx suitable for Nissan CVTs?

No! For CVTs Nissan (For example, XTronic in Qashqai J11) requires special fluid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. Kixx not certified for CVT and may cause belt slippage or overheating of cones.

Where to buy original Kixx oil so as not to run into a fake?

Proven methods:

  • 🛒 Official distributors GS Caltex in Russia (list on the website kixxoil.ru).
  • 🏬 Large chain stores: AutoSpetsCenter, existential, AutoAll (there are certificates of authenticity there).
  • 🔍 Check the canister: the original has a holographic sticker with a QR code (you can check it on the manufacturer’s website).

Avoid shopping on marketplaces (Avito, Ozone) - there are up to 40% fakes.