Nissan Almera Classic with an automatic transmission is a reliable car, but even it requires regular transmission maintenance. Many owners ignore changing the automatic transmission oil, believing that it is filled “for its entire service life.” This is a dangerous misconception: over time, the fluid loses its properties, which leads to jerking, slipping and expensive repairs.
In this article you will find step by step instructions for changing automatic transmission oil Almera Classic (including models with motors 1.5 And 1.6), recommendations for choosing a liquid, as well as common mistakesthat should be avoided. We'll figure out how partial replacement (for prevention), and full (with system flushing).
When to change automatic transmission oil Nissan Almera Classic?
Official regulations Nissan for Almera Classic (in the back N16) provides for changing the automatic transmission oil every 60–90 thousand km or once every 4–5 years, whichever comes first. However, these terms are relevant for ideal operating conditions: moderate climate, absence of traffic jams and aggressive driving.
In Russian realities, it is better to reduce the interval to 40–50 thousand km, especially if:
- 🚗 You often drive in traffic jams or short distances (the oil does not have time to warm up).
- 🌡️ The car is operated at extreme temperatures (below -20°C or above +30°C).
- 🏔️ Regularly tow a trailer or transport heavy loads.
- 🔄 Signs of automatic transmission “fatigue” have appeared: jerks when switching, delays, extraneous noises.
⚠️ Attention: If the oil in the automatic transmission has never been changed (for example, the car has a mileage of 150+ thousand km), complete replacement can be harmful. In this case, it is recommended to make 2-3 partial replacements at intervals of 500-1000 km to avoid clogging of the solenoids with deposits.
You can check the condition of the oil using automatic transmission chips (if your model has it) or through the drain plug. Fresh liquid has reddish tint and transparent, but a dark brown color, a burnt smell or metal shavings are a signal for urgent replacement.
What kind of oil to fill in automatic transmission Nissan Almera Classic?
For automatic transmissions Almera Classic (types DP0 or DP2) Nissan recommends original liquid Matic Fluid D (article KE908-99931). This is a synthetic oil with high anti-friction properties, specially designed for automatic transmissions. Nissan/Renault.
Alternative options (specification compatible) JWS 3309):
- 🔹 Idemitsu ATF Type-J - a popular analogue among owners Almera.
- 🔹 Mobil ATF 3309 - a reliable choice for cold climates.
- 🔹 Eneos ATF Type-J - Japanese quality at an affordable price.
| Manufacturer | Oil name | Article | Replacement volume (l) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Matic Fluid D | KE908-99931 |
4–5 (partial) 8–10 (full) |
Original, optimal for warranty service |
| Idemitsu | ATF Type-J | 30050055-001 |
4–5 | The best analogue in terms of price/quality ratio |
| Mobil | ATF 3309 | 152620 |
4 | Works well at low temperatures |
| Eneos | ATF Type-J | ATF-J4 |
4 | Gentle impact on rubber seals |
Important: Never mix oils from different brands, even if they meet the JWS 3309 specification. This can cause the fluid to foam and cause solenoids to fail.
The amount of oil to change depends on the method:
- Partial replacement (drain through the plug): 3.5–4.5 l.
- Complete replacement (with washing or apparatus): 7–9 l.
- Original Nissan Matic Fluid D
- Idemitsu ATF Type-J
- Mobil ATF 3309
- Other (write in comments)
Tools and materials for changing automatic transmission oil
To change the automatic transmission oil yourself Nissan Almera Classic you will need:
New oil (4–10 l depending on the method)|New automatic transmission filter (part number 31397-31X01 or equivalent)|Pan gasket (31397-1X010)|10 mm wrench and 24 mm socket for drain plug|Funnel with long spout or hose|Drain container (minimum 5 l)|Lint-free rag|Torque wrench (optional, for tightening bolts)|Sump cleaner (e.g. LIQUI MOLY Kuhler-Reiniger)-->
If you plan complete replacement with flushing, you will additionally need:
- Oil change machine (can be rented at a car service station).
- 10–12 liters of oil (to completely displace the old fluid).
For models with DP0 And DP2 The automatic transmission pan is secured with 18 bolts. When removing, be careful - up to 0.5 liters of oil may remain in it. Also check the condition magnets at the bottom of the tray: they collect metal shavings and must be kept clean.
Before replacing, warm up the automatic transmission to operating temperature (60–70°C) by driving 10–15 km. Hot oil drains faster and carries away more deposits.
Step-by-step instructions: partial oil change in automatic transmission
Partial replacement suitable for prevention and is carried out without removing the pallet. It allows you to renew 40–50% of the oil in the system.
Step 1. Preparation
Drive the car to flat area or overpass. Secure the wheels with the handbrake and engage neutral gear (N). Lift the hood and find the automatic transmission dipstick (if equipped) - it is located closer to the rear of the engine, next to the selector cable.
Step 2. Drain the old oil
- Place a container under the drain plug (it is located on the automatic transmission pan).
- Unscrew the plug with a 24 mm wrench. Be careful - the oil may be hot!
- Wait until it drains completely (about 3.5–4 liters). If the oil is dark or has a burning smell, a complete change is recommended.
Step 3. Filling with new oil
Fill in new oil through the dipstick hole (or through the filler neck if there is no dipstick). Use a funnel with a long hose. Fill in exactly as much as you drained - usually 3.5–4 l.
Step 4. Check the level
Start the engine and warm up the automatic transmission (switch the selector through all modes with a delay of 2-3 seconds). Check the oil level with a dipstick - it should be between the marks MIN And MAX in the zone HOT.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacement there are jerks when switchingThe oil level may be too high or low. This may also indicate that the filter is clogged; in this case, a complete replacement with cleaning of the pan will be required.
Complete automatic transmission oil change: displacement method
A complete replacement is required if:
- The oil has not been changed for more than 100 thousand km.
- The liquid has a burnt odor or is dark in color.
- Appeared switching delays or tremors.
For this method you will need oil change machine (For example, Launch C310 or similar). Operating principle: old oil is replaced by new oil under pressure through hoses connected to the automatic transmission radiator.
Algorithm of actions:
- Connect the device to the automatic transmission cooling radiator pipes (usually they are located near the main radiator).
- Fill the device with 8–10 liters of new oil.
- Start the engine and begin the replacement process. The device will fill in new oil while pumping out the old one.
- Monitor the color of the liquid at the outlet - the process is complete when it becomes light.
- Turn off the device, add oil to the level and check the operation of the automatic transmission.
Advantage of the method: 90–95% oil change in the system. Disadvantage: Requires special equipment and skills.
What to do if, after a complete replacement, the automatic transmission works worse?
If jerking or slipping occurs after a complete replacement, this may be due to:
1. **Incorrect oil level** (check with a dipstick on a warm automatic transmission).
2. **Clogged solenoids** (deposits from old oil got into the valve body).
3. **Poor quality oil** (possibly counterfeit or not meeting specifications).
In such cases it is recommended:
- Check the level again and add/drain excess.
- Carry out automatic transmission adaptation (reset errors via diagnostic scanner).
- If the problem persists, contact a service center to flush the valve body.
Common mistakes when changing automatic transmission oil
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that can lead to automatic transmission breakdown. Here are the most common of them:
- 🔧 Overfilling or underfilling oil - both options are dangerous. Underfilling leads to oil starvation, overfilling leads to foaming and loss of liquid properties.
- 🛢️ Using the wrong oil - for example,
Dexron IIIinstead ofJWS 3309. This causes accelerated wear of the clutches. - 🔩 Loose drain plug or pan - leads to oil leakage and air entering the system.
- 🧹 Ignoring cleaning the tray and magnets — old chips will fall back into the automatic transmission.
- ⚡ Changing the oil on a cold automatic transmission - in this case, only part of the sediment is drained.
Another common mistake is washing automatic transmission with solvents (for example, kerosene or diesel fuel). This can destroy seals and rubber seals. For cleaning use only special flushing fluids (For example, LIQUI MOLY ATF-Flush).
⚠️ Attention: If the light comes on after changing the oil check engine or an error code appeared P0730 (automatic transmission malfunction), stop immediately and check the oil level. The filter may be leaking or clogged.
Cost of changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Almera Classic in service
Prices for changing automatic transmission oil vary depending on the region and method:
| Type of work | Cost (RUB) | Lead time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial replacement (without removing the pan) | 1 500–2 500 | 30–40 min | Includes oil drain/fill and level check |
| Complete replacement (hardware) | 3 000–5 000 | 1–1.5 hours | Requires 8–10 liters of oil |
| Replacement with cleaning of pan and filter | 4 000–6 000 | 1.5–2 hours | Recommended for mileage of 100+ thousand km |
| Automatic transmission diagnostics after replacement | 1 000–1 500 | 20–30 min | Includes error reading and adaptation |
You can save money by purchasing oil and consumables yourself. For example, the original filter 31397-31X01 costs about 1,200 rubles, and an analogue from JS Asakashi — 600–800 rub. The main thing is not to run into a fake: check the packaging for holograms and buy from authorized dealers.
Changing the automatic transmission oil yourself costs 2–3 times less than a service, but requires care. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to entrust the work to professionals - mistakes during replacement can result in automatic transmission repairs costing 30-50 thousand rubles.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Almera Classic
Can I use oil of a different specification, such as Dexron VI?
No. Automatic transmission Nissan Almera Classic requires oil strictly according to specification JWS 3309 (or Matic Fluid D). Dexron VI has a different additive package and can cause slippage of clutches or clogging of solenoids.
How often do you need to change the automatic transmission filter?
It is recommended to change the filter every 60–80 thousand km or every second oil change. If you do complete replacement With washing, the filter must be changed.
What should you do if, after changing the oil, the automatic transmission starts to jerk?
Most likely, the problem is one of three:
1. Incorrect oil level (check with a warm automatic transmission).
2. Valve block clogged (deposits from old oil got into the solenoids).
3. Poor quality oil (possibly fake).
Try draining and refilling the oil. If it doesn't help, diagnostics is required.
Can oils from different manufacturers be mixed if they comply with JWS 3309?
Mixing is not recommended, even if the specifications are the same. Different manufacturers use unique additive packages that may react. In emergency cases, mixing is allowed Nissan Matic Fluid D with Idemitsu ATF Type-J, but the oil needs to be completely changed as soon as possible.
Is it necessary to adapt the automatic transmission after changing the oil?
Yes, especially if the replacement was complete or was accompanied by removal of the pan. Adaptation (training) of the automatic transmission resets accumulated errors and adjusts the solenoids for the new oil. This can be done through a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) or by manual reset (disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes).