A complete guide to changing the oil in the Nissan Murano Z51 CVT

Crossover owners Nissan Murano second generation (Z51 body) are often faced with the issue of extending the transmission life. The variator (CVT) of this model is a high-tech unit that requires special attention to the quality of the working fluid. Wrong choice of oil or untimely replacement can lead to expensive repairs or complete replacement of the unit, which is a critical financial loss for the owner.

Many car owners mistakenly believe that the transmission fluid is filled for the entire service life of the car. This is a myth that is destroyed during the first serious run of 60 thousand kilometers. For Nissan Murano Z51 It is extremely important to follow maintenance regulations, since the gearbox is sensitive to overheating and contamination with wear products.

In this article we will look at the technical nuances of choosing oil, the differences between specifications and step-by-step maintenance instructions. You will learn how to properly check the level, what tools you will need and why saving on oil can result in replacing the entire variator.

Nissan Murano Z51 transmission specifics

CVT installed on Nissan Murano Z51, belongs to the Jatco JF011E series (also known as RE0F10A). This is a reliable but demanding design where torque is transmitted through a belt between two tapered pulleys. To ensure the required coefficient of friction and prevent belt slipping, a special fluid is used, the properties of which are radically different from oil for classic automatic transmissions.

The main feature of the operation of this unit is the constant change in the gear ratio. The hydraulic control system creates the pressure necessary to close the pulleys. If the oil loses its properties, the pressure drops and the belt begins to slip. This leads to overheating, the appearance of metal shavings and, ultimately, to the destruction of the cones.

You must understand that the CVT cooling system is often integrated with the engine cooling system or has its own radiator. Under high loads, especially in traffic jams or when driving off-road, the fluid temperature rises sharply. This is why using the original specification NS-2 or acceptable NS-3 is a prerequisite for long transmission life.

⚠️ Attention: Using oil that does not meet JATCO specifications may cause permanent damage to the valve body and solenoids over several thousand kilometers.

There are two main types of fluids that may be relevant for this vehicle, depending on the year of manufacture and modification. However, for most Murano Z51 (produced before 2014-2015) the standard is liquid NS-2. Later revisions or specific markets may require NS-3, but you absolutely cannot mix them without completely flushing the system.

• 🛢️ NS-2 (KLE52000043) - classic fluid for Jatco 6-series CVTs, providing optimal friction for the belt.
• 🛢️ NS-3 (KLE53000043) — improved formula with increased viscosity and thermal stability, suitable for more severe operating conditions.
• 🛢️ Analogues — there are certified substitutes from manufacturers like Motul, Idemitsu, but the risk of counterfeiting on the market is very high.

It is important to note that the color of the liquid also matters. Original oil NS-2 has a bright red color and NS-3 - light brown or yellowish tint. Mixing these fluids changes their rheological properties, which disrupts the operation of the clutches.

Choosing the right oil: original or analogue

When choosing transmission fluid for your Nissan Murano Z51, a dilemma arises: buy an expensive original product or save on analogues. The market is overflowing with offers, but in the case of CVTs, the savings are often not justified. Manufacturers of analogues try to bring the characteristics closer to the original, but rarely can reproduce the unique additive package developed by Jatco engineers.

Original oil Nissan undergoes strict factory tests specifically on Jatco units. It contains special friction modifiers that create the necessary film between the steel belt and aluminum cones. If this film is too thick or thin, the belt will begin to slip or, conversely, jam the pulleys.

If you still decide to use an analogue, be sure to check for a certificate of compliance with the specification JATCO JF011E. Many popular brands produce fluids labeled CVT, but this does not guarantee their compatibility with your specific box. Check the packaging for manufacturer approval codes.

• ✅ Idemitsu CVT Fluid NS-2 - one of the most reliable analogues, since Idemitsu is a supplier for Nissan on the assembly line.
• ✅ Motul Multi CVT - a universal liquid, but requires careful checking of compatibility with Z51 before filling.
• ❌ Cheap brands - oils without clearly marked specifications or with a suspiciously low price, which may contain aggressive additives.

Regardless of your choice, pay attention to the integrity of the packaging. Original Nissan canisters have a complex anti-counterfeit system: holograms, special relief on the plastic and precise barcode markings. If the packaging looks cheap or the font is blurry, it's best not to risk it.

⚠️ Attention: Fake oil can cause instant destruction of the friction linings of the cones, which will require replacing the entire variator, and not just the fluid.

Owners often ask if it is possible to pour from NS-2 in NS-3 without complete rinsing. Theoretically, if the mileage is low and the oil is in good condition, a switch is possible, but practice shows that it is better to stay at the specification that was filled in from the factory. Incorrect viscosity can impair the performance of the torque converter.

Replacement intervals and condition diagnostics

Official regulations Nissan for Murano Z51 often indicates that oil changes are not required during the entire service life. However, experienced mechanics and owners know that this is only true under ideal operating conditions: quiet city driving without traffic jams, no trailer towing, and a moderate climate.

The actual oil change interval in the variator should be reduced by half compared to the declared one. For the Russian region, with its traffic jams, abrupt starts and temperature changes, it is considered optimal to carry out a partial or complete replacement every 40,000 – 50,000 km. This will significantly extend the life of an expensive unit.

Diagnosis of the condition of the liquid is carried out visually and by smell. If you remove the cap and see a dark, almost black liquid with a burning smell, then there is already a problem. The presence of metal suspension or shavings on the drain plug magnet is an alarming signal that the cones are beginning to wear out.

• 🔍 Color - fresh oil is bright red, old oil becomes dark, but should not be black.
• 👃 Smell — no smell of burning or burnt oil; the appearance of an odor indicates overheating.
• 🧲 Magnet — there should be a magnet on the drain plug that collects small chips; large particles are not allowed.

There are two replacement methods: partial and complete. A partial replacement involves draining the old oil through the sump plug and filling in the same volume of fresh oil. This allows you to update about 30-40% of the volume. Complete replacement requires special equipment and is often performed using the displacement method, which is more effective but more expensive.

To monitor the condition, it is also useful to check for errors in the variator control unit. The scanner may show increased oil temperature or pressure errors, which will indicate the need for urgent replacement.

Preparation for the procedure and necessary tools

Before starting work on changing the oil in the variator, you must carefully prepare. You will need a lift or inspection hole, since access to the variator pan from below the car is limited. It is also important to keep the work area clean so that dust and dirt do not get inside the transmission when opening the pan.

Tools should include a set of sockets (usually 10, 14, 17 mm), a torque wrench for tightening the drain plug, and a magnetic holder for unscrewing the pan bolts. Don't forget to prepare a container for draining old oil with a volume of at least 5 liters, as well as a funnel and hose for filling in new fluid.

The oil volume for a partial change is about 3.5-4 liters, and for a full change - up to 10-12 liters, since a significant part of the liquid remains in the torque converter and cooling radiator. It is recommended to buy liquid with a small supply.

It is also worth preparing a new variator filter and pan gasket. On Murano Z51 The filter is often a replaceable element, and replacing it along with the oil is a mandatory procedure. An old filter may contain large amounts of dirt, which will clog the new channels.

If you plan to do a complete replacement with flushing, make sure that you have access to a compressor or a specialized device for flushing CVTs. Without this equipment, a complete replacement is impossible, and you will have to limit yourself to a partial one.

⚠️ Attention: Never use solvents or harsh chemicals to clean the pan unless they are specifically designed for transmissions - the residue can damage the rubbers and seals.

It is better to carry out work on a warm engine, since heated oil has a lower viscosity and drains better. However, be careful: hot parts may cause burns. Let the car idle for 5-10 minutes before starting the procedure.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil

The oil change process begins with draining the used fluid. Unscrew the drain plug on the variator pan, replacing the container. Let the oil drain completely. Pay attention to the presence of a magnet in the plug - clean it of metal shavings.

Next you need to remove the pan. Unscrew the bolts around the perimeter, carefully prying the tray up with a screwdriver so as not to damage the gasket (if it is reusable) or break the fragile plastic (if the tray is metal with a rubber gasket). After removing the pan, you will see the filter and magnets located on the bottom of the pan.

Remove the CVT filter. It is usually secured with several bolts. Be prepared for the remaining oil to pour out of the filter. Replace the filter with a new one and clean the magnets in the pan until shiny. Install the new filter and secure it.

Reinstall the pan with a new gasket. Tighten the bolts crosswise, observing the tightening torque specified in the manual (usually about 4-6 Nm). Over-tightening can lead to deformation of the pan and oil leakage.

Fill in new oil through the hole where the dipstick was located (if there is one) or through the service hole. For Murano Z51 The filler neck is often used and can be difficult to access. Use a funnel and hose.

Start the engine and let it idle. Switch the selector lever to all positions (P, R, N, D), holding each position for 3-5 seconds. This is necessary to pump oil throughout the system and fill the torque converter.

Check the oil level. On Nissan Murano Z51 level is checked with the engine running, warmed up to operating temperature (about 50-60°C). Unscrew the control plug on the variator housing. If oil starts to leak out, the level is normal. If not, add until a trickle appears.

• 🔧 Tightening the plug - use a torque wrench to avoid stripping the threads in the aluminum crankcase.
• 🌡️ Temperature — the level is checked strictly at an oil temperature of 50-60 degrees, and not at the engine.
• 💧 Leaks — after replacing, drive a few kilometers and check for any leaks under the car.

What to do if you overfilled the oil?

If the oil level is too high, it may cause the fluid to foam and overheat. It is necessary to drain the excess through the control plug, since overfilling is no less dangerous than underfilling.

After completion of work, make sure that all plugs are tightened and tools are put away. Start the engine and check the operation of the variator: gear shifting should be smooth, without jerking or noise.

Typical mistakes and their consequences

One of the most common mistakes is using oil with the wrong viscosity. Owners often try to replace NS-2 on NS-3 without taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations, believing that thicker oil provides better protection. However, this changes how the hydraulics work and may cause the solenoids to fail to produce the required pressure.

Another mistake is ignoring filter replacement. Many people believe that the filter is “for its entire service life”, but after a mileage of 100,000 km it is already clogged with wear products. Installing new oil in an old filter defeats the whole purpose of the replacement, since dirt will quickly contaminate the fresh fluid.

They also often forget to check the condition of the variator cooling radiator. If it is clogged with dirt or clogged from the inside with wear products, the oil will overheat even with a fresh change. In such cases, it is recommended to flush the radiator or replace it.

Improperly checking the oil level is another common cause of problems. If you check the level on a cold engine, the readings will be incorrect, resulting in overfilling or underfilling. Both scenarios are dangerous for the variator.

Sometimes owners try to save money by buying oil in bulk or by weight. This is a huge risk as you cannot be sure of the origin of the liquid. It’s better to overpay for the original canister than to change the variator after a year.

If jerks or kicks appear after changing the oil, this may mean that the system requires adaptation or there are problems in the valve body. In this case, you need to contact a specialist for diagnostics and, possibly, reset of adaptations.

Parameter	Meaning	Comment
Original specification	NS-2 (KLE52000043)	Basic recommendation for Z51
Volume for partial replacement	3.5 - 4.0 liters	Replacement via drain plug
Volume for complete replacement	10 - 12 liters	With system flushing
Replacement interval	40,000 - 50,000 km	For severe operating conditions
Level check temperature	50 - 60 °C	Only when the engine is running

With proper care and timely oil changes Nissan Murano Z51 can run 300,000 km or more without serious problems. The main thing is not to ignore the regulations and use high-quality materials.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

Is it possible to mix NS-2 and NS-3 oil?

It is strictly not recommended to mix these oils. They have different chemical bases and additive packages. Mixing may result in sedimentation, changes in viscosity and damage to the variator. If you want to upgrade to NS-3, a full system flush is necessary.

How often do you need to change the oil in the Nissan Murano Z51 CVT?

The official regulations speak of “eternal” oil, but the real experience of owners and mechanics shows that replacement should be carried out every 40,000 - 50,000 km. In city conditions with traffic jams, it is better to reduce the interval to 30,000 km.

What to do if jerking occurs after changing the oil?

First check the oil level. If the level is normal, the variator may need to be adapted via a diagnostic scanner. In some cases, this may indicate wear on the clutches or problems with the valve body that were not corrected by changing the oil.

Is it possible to do a complete oil change yourself?

A complete replacement without specialized equipment (washing apparatus) is almost impossible. At home, you can only make a partial replacement (up to 40% of the volume), repeating the procedure several times to displace the old oil.

Do I need to change the filter every oil change?

Yes, the CVT filter is a consumable item that must be changed at every oil change. The old filter is clogged with dirt and will not be able to ensure normal circulation of fresh fluid, which will lead to rapid wear of the unit.

Taking care of your transmission Nissan Murano The Z51 is an investment in its longevity. Don't skimp on oil and filters, and your car will enjoy smooth running and reliability for many years.

⚠️ Attention: Ignoring an oil change in the variator on a Nissan Murano Z51 is the most common cause of transmission failure after a mileage of more than 150,000 km.