CVT Nissan Murano Z52 - one of the key components of the crossover, requiring special attention to the quality and condition of the transmission fluid. Incorrect choice of oil or untimely replacement can lead to slipping, jerking and premature wear of the variator belt, the repair of which will cost tens of thousands of rubles. In this article we will look at which oil is suitable for a variator Jatco JF011E (installed on Murano Z52), how often to change it, and what mistakes owners make during maintenance.

CVT feature Nissan — high sensitivity to liquid quality. The manufacturer recommends using only specialized oils marked NS-2 or NS-3, but there are also worthy analogues on the market. We analyzed technical bulletins Nissan, reviews from owners and the experience of service centers in order to create a checklist of oil selection criteria and step-by-step instructions for replacement - taking into account the nuances that are silent in official manuals.

Technical requirements for CVT oil Murano Z52

CVT JF011E, installed on Nissan Murano Z52 (2015–2021), imposes stringent requirements on transmission fluid. The manufacturer specifies two main specifications:

  • 🔹 NS-2 - standard for CVTs Nissan until 2013, but also suitable for Murano Z52 under moderate loads. Liquid with this marking is green in color and is designed for a mileage of up to 60,000 km.
  • 🔹 NS-3 — updated standard (blue), recommended for models from 2014. It has improved anti-friction properties and extends the life of the variator belt. NS-3 is the optimal choice for the Murano Z52, as it takes into account the increased load on the crossover transmission.

Key parameters of variator oil:

Parameter NS-2 requirements NS-3 requirements
Viscosity at 40°C 30–35 mm²/s 28–33 mm²/s
Pour point −40°C −45°C
Viscosity index 150–170 170–190
Additive content Standard package Increased content of antioxidant and anti-wear additives

Important: oils with markings Dexron VI or ATF don't fit for variator JF011E. Their use leads to belt slippage and accelerated wear of the cones.

⚠️ Attention: If you find metal shavings in the oil or it has acquired a dark brown color with a burning smell, this is a sign of critical wear of the variator. In this case, replacing the fluid can only aggravate the problem: diagnostics at a service station are required to check the condition of the belt and cones.

Original oils and proven analogues

Official supplier of CVT oils Nissan - company Idemitsu. Original liquids are supplied in canisters with markings Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2/NS-3, but their price is often inflated (from 1,200 rub/liter). Below is a list of proven analogues that meet the standard NS-3:

  • 🔧 Idemitsu CVTF NS-3 - a complete analogue of the original, produced at the same factory. Price: 900–1,100 rub/liter.
  • 🔧 Ravenol CVT NS-3 - a German brand with improved anti-friction properties. Suitable for severe operating conditions.
  • 🔧 Motul Multi CVT Fluid — universal liquid, compatible with NS-2 and NS-3. A good option for mixed mileage (city/highway).
  • 🔧 Liqui Moly CVT Fluid — contains molybdenum additives that reduce belt wear. Recommended for used cars > 100,000 km.

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to certification. The canister must have a compliance mark Nissan NS-3 or Jatco JF011E. Avoid generic type oils ATF+4 or Dexron III - they do not provide the necessary protection for the variator.

📊 What oil do you use in the Murano Z52 CVT?
  • Original Nissan NS-3
  • Idemitsu NS-3
  • Ravenol NS-3
  • Motul Multi CVT
  • Other

Replacement frequency: when to change the oil in the variator

Official regulations Nissan provides for changing the oil in the variator Murano Z52 every 60,000 km or once every 4 years (whichever comes first). However, this interval is relevant only for ideal operating conditions:

  • 🚗 Driving along the highway at a constant speed.
  • 🌡️ Moderate climate (without extreme frost or heat).
  • 🛣️ High-quality road surface.

In reality, most owners Murano Z52 face difficult conditions:

  • 🏙️ Urban cycle with frequent acceleration and braking - increases the load on the variator by 30–40%.
  • ❄️ Operation at lower temperatures −25°C or higher +35°C — accelerates oil oxidation.
  • 🏔️ Driving off-road or towing a trailer leads to overheating of the transmission.

Under such conditions, the replacement interval should be reduced to 40,000–45,000 km. It is also recommended to check the oil level and condition every 10,000 km.

💡

If you often tow a trailer or drive on mountain roads, install an additional CVT cooling radiator. This will reduce the oil temperature by 15–20°C and extend the transmission life.

Signs of oil wear and variator malfunctions

Oil in the variator Murano Z52 degrades gradually, but there are a number of symptoms indicating the need for urgent replacement:

  • 🔴 Jerks during acceleration — are especially noticeable when you gently press the gas pedal. Reason: loss of oil viscosity and belt slippage.
  • 🔴 Switching delays (for example, when switching from “D” to “R”) - indicate clogging of the valve body or wear of the solenoids.
  • 🔴 Hum or whistle from the variator area - often caused by insufficient oil level or foaming.
  • 🔴 Vibrations at speeds of 60–80 km/h - may indicate bearing wear or belt deformation.

If you ignore these signs, the consequences can be critical:

  • 💥 Broken variator belt - requires replacement of the entire assembly (cost from 150,000 rub.).
  • 💥 Seizure of cones — metal shavings get into the oil and accelerate the wear of all parts.
  • 💥 Valve unit failure - leads to loss of transmission control.
⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the dashboard comes on "Check CVT" or "Transmission Hot", stop the vehicle immediately and check the oil level. Further movement may lead to irreversible damage to the variator.

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

Changing the oil in the variator Murano Z52 includes two stages: draining the old fluid and filling in the new one. For a complete replacement you will need 10–12 liters oils (depending on method). Below are detailed instructions taking into account nuances that are often missed in service manuals.

Required tools and materials

  • 🔧 New oil NS-3 — 12 liters (for complete replacement).
  • 🔧 CVT filter Nissan 31726-31X0A (changes every 60,000 km).
  • 🔧 Pan gasket Nissan 31397-31X02.
  • 🔧 Key on 10 mm And 14 mm (for drain plug).
  • 🔧 Funnel with a thin spout and a hose for pouring.
  • 🔧 Container for draining waste (5–6 liters).

Replacement process

  1. Warm up the variator to operating temperature (drive 5–10 km). This will reduce the viscosity of the oil and allow the maximum volume to be drained.

  2. Raise the car on a lift or install it on an inspection hole. Turn off the engine.

  3. Drain the old oil:

    • Unscrew the drain plug (key on 14 mm).
    • Wait until the drain is complete (approx. 5–6 liters).
    • Remove the variator pan (unscrew 18 bolts key on 10 mm) and drain the remaining oil.

  4. Replace the filter:

    • Remove the old filter (located inside the pan).
    • Install a new filter Nissan 31726-31X0A and pan gasket.

  5. Fill with new oil:

    • Fill through the filler hole (under the hood, next to the battery) 4–5 liters new oil.
    • Start the engine and let it run 2–3 minutes at idle speed.
    • Switch the variator selector in all positions (P → R → N → D), lingering on each 5 seconds.
    • Check the oil level with a dipstick (should be between the marks "MIN" And "MAX" when the transmission is warm).
    • Add oil to normal level and repeat the procedure.

☑️ Checklist before changing the oil

Done: 0 / 5

For complete replacement (when old oil is replaced by new one) you will need to repeat the drain-fill procedure 2–3 times at intervals of 500 km. This will remove up to 90% waste liquid.

Errors when changing oil

  • ❌ Using a non-original filter - cheap analogues may not provide the necessary filtration, which leads to clogging of the valve body.
  • ❌ Underfilling or overfilling of oil - both lead to foaming of the liquid and loss of pressure in the system.
  • ❌ Replacement without warming up the variator - in this case it only merges 30–40% old oil.
  • ❌ Ignoring pan flushing — metal shavings accumulate at the bottom, which, if they get into the new oil, will accelerate wear.
💡

A complete oil change (using the displacement method) increases the life of the variator by 20–30%, but requires 30% more fluid and time. Optimal for mileage > 100,000 km.

Partial vs full replacement: what to choose?

Owners Murano Z52 often face a dilemma: what to do partial replacement (drain-fill 5–6 liters) or full (replacement of old oil with new). Let's look at the pros and cons of each method:

Criterion Partial replacement Complete replacement
Cost Low (6,000–8,000 rub.) High (RUB 12,000–15,000)
New oil volume 5–6 l 10–12 l
Efficiency Replaced 40–50% liquids Replaced 80–90% liquids
Lead time 1–1.5 hours 3–4 hours (with flushing)
Recommended mileage Before 100,000 km Above 100,000 km or when changing the oil type (from NS-2 to NS-3)

Partial replacement suitable for regular maintenance (every 30,000–40,000 km), but does not solve the problem of accumulated deposits. A complete replacement is necessary in the following cases:

  • 🔧 Vehicle mileage has exceeded 150,000 km.
  • 🔧 Oil hasn't changed anymore 80,000 km.
  • 🔧 Signs of variator wear (jerking, vibrations).
  • 🔧 Changing the oil type (for example, from NS-2 to NS-3).
What happens if you mix NS-2 and NS-3?

Mixing oils of different specifications (NS-2 and NS-3) does not lead to immediate failure of the variator, but reduces the fluid life by 30–40%. The additives in NS-3 are more aggressive and can destroy the structure of NS-2, which will impair lubrication properties. If you had to add oil of a different specification, it is recommended to perform a complete change as soon as possible.

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I use NS-2 oil instead of NS-3 in Murano Z52?

Technically yes, but not recommended. NS-2 has a smaller additive package and worse protection against wear under high loads. If your car is used in difficult conditions (city, off-road, towing), it is better to fill NS-3. An exception is if the variator already has a high mileage (> 200,000 km) and previously only NS-2 was used: in this case, a sudden change to NS-3 may cause the belt to slip due to a change in friction properties.

How much oil is poured into the Murano Z52 CVT during a complete change?

The total volume of oil in the variator JF011E — 9.5 liters. However, with a complete replacement using the displacement method, it will be necessary 10–12 liters, since some of the fluid remains in the torque converter and channels. During partial replacement, it is drained and refilled 5–6 liters.

How to check the oil level in the variator?

The check is performed on a warm transmission (oil temperature 60–70°C):

  1. Place the car on a level surface.
  2. Toggle the selector across all positions (P-R-N-D), lingering on each 3 seconds.
  3. Remove the dipstick (located next to the battery), wipe it and insert it back.
  4. Take out the dipstick and check the level: it should be between the marks "HOT".

If the level is lower "MIN" - add oil. If higher "MAX" — drain the excess through the drain plug.

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

The reasons may be as follows:

  • 🔹 Incorrect oil level (overfilling or underfilling).
  • 🔹 Using incompatible oil (eg Dexron instead of NS-3).
  • 🔹 Valve block clogged (if washing has not been carried out).
  • 🔹 Worn belt or cones (changing the oil could "wash out" the deposits that were masking the problem).

Solution: check the oil level and, if necessary, repeat the replacement and flushing. If jerking persists, diagnostics at a service station is required.

Is it necessary to flush the variator when changing the oil?

Flushing is required in the following cases:

  • 🔹 Mileage > 150,000 km.
  • 🔹 The oil has a dark color or a burning smell.
  • 🔹 When switching from NS-2 to NS-3.

For rinsing use special fluids for variators (For example, Liqui Moly CVT Spulung) or the method of multiple oil changes at intervals 500 km.