Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny B10 in some markets) is one of the most popular foreign cars on the Russian secondary market. Despite the simplicity of the design, its automatic transmission RE4F03A requires regular maintenance, especially if the car is operated in city traffic jams or at low temperatures. Many owners mistakenly believe that automatic transmission oil is filled “for its entire service life,” but in practice it complete replacement is required every 60–80 thousand km - otherwise the risk of breakdowns increases significantly.
In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for changing automatic transmission oil taking into account the specifics Almera Classic, including choosing the oil, the necessary tools, draining the old fluid and adding new one. We will also look at typical mistakes that beginners make and give recommendations for extending the service life of the box. If you have never done this kind of work, don’t worry: the process is simpler than it seems, but it requires attention to detail.
Why is it important to change the automatic transmission oil? Nissan Almera Classic?
Automatic transmission RE4F03A, installed on Almera Classic (2006–2012), refers to reliable, but not eternal units. Over time, the oil in it loses its properties:
- 🔥 Oxidation and loss of viscosity — when heated to 90–110°C, the oil decomposes, forming varnish deposits on solenoids and clutches.
- ⚙️ Friction disc wear — particles of metal and friction material clog the filter and valve body channels.
- 💧 Foaming — due to air ingress, bearing lubrication deteriorates and wear increases.
- 🚗 Slips and jerks - the first signs that the oil is no longer able to transmit torque.
Critical moment: if the oil is in the automatic transmission Almera Classic has not been changed for more than 100 thousand km, replacing it may temporarily impair the performance of the box due to washing away deposits. In such cases it is recommended double replacement with flushing or the use of special additives.
Symptoms indicating the need for replacement:
- 🔄 Slow response to gear shifting (especially from 1st to 2nd).
- 💥 Jerks or shocks when switching.
- 🌡️ Box overheating (oil temperature above 100°C).
- 🔊 Extraneous noises (hum, grinding) when moving.
⚠️ Attention: If the automatic transmission oil has black color or burning smell, this is a signal of critical wear of the clutches. In this case, changing the oil can only temporarily improve the situation - get ready to repair the gearbox.
What kind of oil to fill in automatic transmission Nissan Almera Classic?
The manufacturer recommends for RE4F03A original liquid Nissan Matic Fluid D (article KE908-99931). However, there are worthy analogues on the market that meet the specifications JWS 3309 or Dexron III:
| Manufacturer | Oil name | Article | Replacement volume, l | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Matic Fluid D | KE908-99931 |
4–4.5 | Original, best choice |
| Idemitsu | ATF Type-J | 30450-74905 |
4 | Complete analogue Matic D, popular in Japan |
| Mobil | ATF 3309 | 152620 |
4 | Compliant JWS 3309, suitable for partial replacement |
| ZIC | ATF SP-III | 162627 |
4 | Budget option, but inferior in stability |
For complete replacement will be required 7–8 liters oil (including flushing), for partial - 3–4 liters. Do not mix different types of oils - this can lead to foaming and loss of properties!
⚠️ Attention: Oils with markings Dexron VI or ATF+4 don't fit for Almera Classic! They have a different viscosity and can cause clutch slippage.
- Original Nissan Matic D
- Idemitsu ATF Type-J
- Mobil ATF 3309
- Other (I'll write in the comments)
Tools and materials for oil change
To work you will need:
- 🔧 Keys and sockets: spanner on
10 mm, head on24 mm(for drain plug), torque wrench (optional). - 🛢️ Capacities: basin or bucket with a volume of 5+ liters, funnel with a long hose (for filling through the dipstick).
- 🧰 Consumables: new oil (4–8 l), drain plug gasket (
31397-31X01), automatic transmission filter (31726-31X00), sealant (optional). - 🧹 Auxiliary: rags, gloves, carburetor cleaner (for flushing the pan), syringe for precise topping up.
If you plan complete replacement with flushing, you will additionally need:
- 🔄 Oil change machine (can be rented at a car service station).
- 💧 Flushing fluid (For example, Liqui Moly ATF Reiniger).
Warm up the box (drive 10–15 km)
Place the machine on a flat surface (pit/overpass)
Prepare tools and supplies
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (optional, for safety)
-->
Important: If you are changing the oil for the first time, take photographs of the location of all bolts and pipes before disassembling. This will help avoid assembly errors.
Step-by-step instructions: changing the automatic transmission oil
Oil change process Nissan Almera Classic can be divided into two options: partial (without removing the pan) and full (with removing the pan and replacing the filter). We will look at both methods.
Option 1: Partial replacement (without removing the pan)
This method is suitable for regular maintenance (every 30–40 thousand km). It allows you to update 30–40% of the oil.
Warm up the box: drive 10–15 km or let the engine idle for 5–10 minutes.
Place the machine on a pit or overpass. Turn off the engine.
Unscrew the drain plug (key on
24 mm) and drain the oil into a prepared container. Be careful - the oil is hot!Tighten the plug with a new gasket (tightening torque -
35–40 Nm).Measure the amount of drained oil and fill in the same amount of new oil through the dipstick (use a funnel).
Start the engine, alternately switch the automatic transmission selector to all positions (with a delay of 3–5 seconds). Check the oil level.
Option 2: Complete replacement (with removal of pan and filter)
This method allows you to replace up to 80–90% oil and is recommended for mileage over 80 thousand km or if there are signs of wear.
Drain the oil through the drain plug (as in option 1).
Unscrew all pan bolts (key on
10 mm) and carefully remove it. ~0.5 liters of oil remains in the pan - be prepared!Clean the pan and magnets from metal shavings (use carburetor cleaner).
Replace the automatic transmission filter (part number
31726-31X00). The old filter cannot be washed - only replaced!Reinstall the pan with a new gasket (use sealant if necessary Loctite 574).
Fill in new oil through the dipstick (volume - see table below).
Warm up the box and check the oil level with the engine running (selector lever in position
P).
| Action | Oil volume, l | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Draining through the plug | 2.5–3 | Depends on oil temperature |
| Removing the pallet | 0.5–1 | Residue in pan and filter |
| Flushing (optional) | 3–4 | A special liquid is used |
| Final fill volume | 4–4.5 | Check the level with the dipstick! |
If after changing the oil the box begins to “kick”, the wrong type of oil may have been filled in or the level may have been exceeded. In this case, drain the excess through the control plug (located next to the drain).
Typical mistakes when changing automatic transmission oil
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that can lead to box failure. Here are the most common:
- 🔧 Pulling the drain plug — leads to thread failure or deformation of the pallet. Use a torque wrench!
- 💧 Underfilling or overfilling of oil - both are dangerous. Overflow causes foaming underfilling - oil starvation.
- 🧴 Using the wrong oil - for example, Dexron VI instead of Matic D. This is guaranteed to lead to slipping of the clutches.
- 🔄 Ignoring filter replacement — the old filter becomes clogged with particles and does not allow oil to pass through, which accelerates the wear of the box.
- 🚗 Unheated box before replacement — the cold oil is not completely drained, and the new one is mixed with the remnants of the old one.
⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil there are jerking when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, this may indicate clogged valve body. In this case, it requires washing or replacing the solenoids.
What should you do if, after changing the oil, the automatic transmission begins to work worse?
If the box starts to “kick” or lag with shifts, possible reasons:
1. Incorrect oil level — check using the dipstick on a heated box.
2. Poor quality oil - merge and upload the original Nissan Matic D.
3. Clogged filter — if the filter was not changed, its particles could get into the valve body.
4. Box adaptation — sometimes it is necessary to reset adaptive settings (done through a diagnostic scanner).
How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission Nissan Almera Classic?
Checking the level is a critical step that many people do incorrectly. Here algorithm for RE4F03A:
Warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km).
Place the machine on flat surface and start the engine.
Switch the selector to all positions (
P → R → N → D → 2 → L), holding each for 3–5 seconds.Return the selector to position
Pand check the level on the dipstick. It should be between the marksHOT.If the level is lower, add oil through the dipstick. If it is higher, drain the excess through the control plug.
Important: On the dipstick Almera Classic There are two marking zones - COLD (cold box) and HOT (warmed up to 70–80°C). Focus only on HOT! Testing for cold will give an incorrect result.
If the oil level in the automatic transmission Almera Classic fell below the minimum mark, operate the machine prohibited - this will lead to oil starvation and failure of the planetary gear.
How much does it cost to change automatic transmission oil? Nissan Almera Classic?
The cost of replacement depends on the method and materials used:
| Service/Material | Price, ₽ (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partial replacement (on your own) | 1 500–2 500 | Oil only + plug gasket |
| Complete replacement (do it yourself) | 3 000–5 000 | Oil (8 l) + filter + pan gasket |
| Partial replacement (in service) | 2 500–4 000 | Includes labor + oil |
| Complete replacement (in service) | 5 000–8 000 | With washing and filter replacement |
| Hardware replacement (full) | 6 000–10 000 | Special equipment is used |
It’s not worth saving on oil - cheap analogues can lead to jamming of solenoids or friction wear. If the budget is limited, it is better to do partial replacement with original oilthan a complete one with a cheap analogue.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to fill it into an automatic transmission? Almera Classic oil Dexron III instead of Matic D?
Dexron III has similar characteristics to Matic D, but is not a complete analogue. In emergency situations, it can be used to partial topping up, but for a complete replacement it is better to take the original or Idemitsu ATF Type-J. Long term use Dexron III may lead to accelerated wear of the clutches.
How often do you need to change the oil in an automatic transmission if the car drives little (5-10 thousand km per year)?
Even with low mileage, the oil in an automatic transmission ages due to oxidation and condensation. It is recommended to change it once every 2–3 years, regardless of mileage. If the car is stored in a garage with temperature changes, it is better to reduce the interval to 2 years.
What happens if you don’t change the automatic transmission oil? Almera Classic?
The consequences depend on the mileage:
- 80–100 thousand km: deterioration in smoothness of switching, increased wear of friction clutches.
- 120–150 thousand km: slipping, jerking, overheating of the box.
- 150+ thousand km: failure of solenoids, wear of the planetary gear, major renovation (from 30,000 ₽).
Is it necessary to flush the automatic transmission when changing the oil?
Flushing is recommended if:
- The oil is black or has a burning smell.
- There are a lot of metal shavings in the pan.
- The box was previously serviced irregularly.
For rinsing use special liquid (For example, Liqui Moly ATF Reiniger) or method double replacement (drain and fill at intervals of 500 km).
Is it possible to change the oil in an automatic transmission? Almera Classic without a hole?
Technically possible, but extremely inconvenient. Alternatives:
- Use jack (raise the front of the machine and place supports).
- Stop by overpass or curb (if clearance allows).
- Contact service - many service stations charge a minimum replacement fee if you bring your own consumables.