CVT oil for Nissan Murano Z51: original, analogues and replacement rules

Nissan Murano Z51 with variator Jatco JF011E is a reliable crossover, but its continuously variable transmission requires special attention to the choice of oil. Incorrect fluid or late replacement can lead to belt slippage, overheating and costly repairs. In this article, we will look at what kind of oil the plant fills, what analogues are acceptable, and how to avoid common mistakes during maintenance.

CVT JF011E installed on Murano Z51 (2009–2014) with engines VQ35DE (3.5 l) and QR25DE (2.5 l). The manufacturer clearly regulates the use specialized fluid NS-2 or her successor NS-3. However, there are many fakes and incompatible analogues on the market - let’s figure out how not to make a mistake.

Original oil for Murano Z51 variator: part numbers and specifications

Manufacturing plant Nissan recommends for JF011E exclusively liquid series NS (Nissan CVT Fluid). For Murano Z51 fit:

• 🔹 NS-2 (article KLE52-00004) - basic specification for CVTs before 2012. It has a green color, but is not a “lifetime” liquid, despite marketing claims.
• 🔹 NS-3 (article KLE53-00004) - improved formula since 2013, compatible with JF011E. Has better thermal stability and anti-friction properties.

Important: NS-3 is backward compatible with NS-2, but not vice versa - pouring NS-2 into a CVT designed for NS-3 is prohibited. The color of the liquid (green for NS-2, blue for NS-3) does not affect compatibility - refer to the article number and specification.

The original oil is supplied in 4 liter canisters (for a complete replacement you will need ~10–12 liters) or liter bottles (for a partial replacement). The cost of the original is from 1,200 to 1,800 rubles/l, depending on the region.

Acceptable analogues of the original oil: what can be filled

If the original oil is not available or its price seems too high, certified analogues can be used. The main condition is compliance with the specification JWS 3309 (for NS-2) or JWS 3324 (for NS-3). Verified brands:

Brand	Article	Specification	Volume	Note
Idemitsu	30050077-001	NS-2/NS-3	4 l	Approved Nissan, often used by dealers
Ravenol	4014835734616	CVT NS-2/NS-3	1 l	High thermal stability, suitable for harsh environments
Mitsubishi	MZ320266	DIA Queen CVT NS-2	4 l	Analogue of the original, used in Outlander with JF011E
Liqui Moly	20008	CVT NS-2	1 l	Good option for partial replacement

⚠️ Attention: Some sellers position universal ATF fluids (for example, Toyota CVT FE or Honda HMMF) as analogues for Nissan. This is a dangerous misconception - such oils are not compatible with friction clutches JF011E and cause the belt to slip.

When choosing an analogue, check:

• 📌 Availability of a certificate JWS 3309/3324 on the packaging.
• 📌 No cloudiness or sediment in the canister (a sign of fake).
• 📌 Production date - oil older than 2 years may lose its properties.

💡

Before purchasing an analogue, check it for compatibility through the service Nissan TechInfo (section "Approved Fluids").

Frequency of oil changes in the Murano Z51 variator

Official regulations Nissan for Murano Z51 provides change the oil in the variator every 90,000 km (or once every 6 years with low mileage). However, this interval is relevant only for ideal operating conditions:

• 🚗 Driving along the highway at a constant speed.
• 🌡️ Moderate climate (from −20°C to +30°C).
• 🛣️ No towing or overloading.

In reality, most owners Murano Z51 it is worth reducing the interval to 60,000 km, if:

• 🏙️ More than 50% of the mileage is due to city traffic jams.
• ❄️ Operation at temperatures below −25°C or above +35°C.
• 🏔️ Frequent driving on off-road or mountain serpentines.
• 🚛 Towing a trailer or transporting heavy loads.

⚠️ Attention: If the variator begins to “kick”, emit a hum or vibration during acceleration, the oil needs to be replaced regardless of mileage - these are the first signs of fluid degradation and belt wear.

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

Long-term operation with old fluid leads to:

1. Loss of frictional properties of the oil → belt slipping and jerking when switching.
2. Contamination of solenoids and valve body → errors P0776 or P0841.
3. Overheating of the variator → deformation of the cones and replacement of the CVT assembly (from RUB 250,000).
4. Accelerated wear of bearings → hum at idle.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in the variator

Changing the oil in JF011E can be done in two ways: partial (3–4 l) or complete (10–12 l with rinsing). For Murano Z51 A complete replacement is recommended, since a partial replacement only replaces ~30% of the fluid.

Required tools and materials:

• 🔧 10 mm wrench (for drain plug).
• 🔧 19 mm wrench (for pallet).
• 🛢️ Oil NS-2/NS-3 (12 l for a complete change).
• 🔧 New variator filter (article no. 31726-31X00).
• 🧰 Pallet gasket (article 31397-31X02).
• 🧴Sealant Loctite 574 (to seal the pallet).

Work order:

1. Warm up the variator up to 50–60°C (drive 10–15 km).
2. Drain the old oil through a plug (volume ~4 l).
3. Remove the pan, clean the magnets from metal shavings.
4. Replace the filter (internal and external, if any).
5. Install the pallet with a new gasket, tighten the bolts crosswise (torque 10 Nm).
6. Fill with new oil through the dipstick (the level should be between HOT MIN And HOT MAX).
7. Flush the system (for a complete replacement): connect the bleeding device or repeat draining and filling 2-3 times.

Check the oil level on a warm variator|Buy an original filter and gasket|Prepare a container for draining (at least 5 l)|Have a torque wrench on hand|Read the repair manual (section "CVT")-->

⚠️ Attention: After changing the oil, it is necessary to reset the variator adaptations via the diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431). Without a reset, jerks are possible in the first 100–200 km.

Typical mistakes when changing oil and their consequences

Even experienced technicians make mistakes when servicing the variator JF011E. Here are the most common:

1. Using a non-original filter (for example, from Kia or Hyundai). Consequence: grid clogging and pressure drop → error P0841.
2. Insufficient sump flushing. Remaining chips accelerate belt wear.
3. Overfilling or underfilling oil. At a higher level HOT MAX foaming occurs, below HOT MIN - oil starvation.
4. Using sealant instead of gasket. Leads to leaks and air entering the system.
5. Changing the oil without resetting adaptations. The variator “does not understand” the new fluid and works jerkily.

Another critical error - mixing NS-2 and NS-3. These fluids have different viscosities and additives; their mixture forms gel-like clots that clog the solenoids.

1. Oil level (must be strictly between the marks HOT).

2. Quality of the filter (is it fake).

3. Presence of errors in the ECU (for example, P0776 — solenoid malfunction).-->

Signs of oil and variator wear: when to sound the alarm

Oil in the variator JF011E degrades gradually, but there are obvious symptoms indicating the need for urgent replacement:

• 🔴 Oil color turned dark brown or black (the norm is a green/blue tint).
• 🔴 Burning smell - a sign of overheating of the clutches.
• 🔴 Metal shavings on tray magnets (minimum quantity permissible).
• 🔴 Foam or emulsion - indicates the ingress of water or antifreeze.

If you ignore these signs, the variator will begin to “signal” problems:

• 🚘 Jerks during acceleration (especially at speeds of 40–60 km/h).
• 🚘 Delay when switching from D on R (more than 1 second).
• 🚘 Vibration or hum at idle.
• 🚘 Bugs P0776 (solenoid pressure), P0841 (gear ratio mismatch).

⚠️ Attention: If the oil on the dipstick is milky color, this is a sign of antifreeze entering through a damaged heat exchanger gasket. In this case, disassembling the variator and replacing the seals is required.

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)