Owning a crossover Nissan Murano the second generation (Z50 body) requires special attention to the transmission, since it is the continuously variable transmission that is its heart and most vulnerable unit. Many car owners mistakenly believe that the fluid in the variator is filled for its entire service life, but the real life CVT directly depends on the regularity of its replacement. Ignoring this rule leads to overheating, wear of the cones and expensive repairs.
Oil change procedure Nissan Murano Z50 has its own nuances that differ from servicing classic automatic transmissions. The wrong type of fluid or a violation of level control technology can lead to fatal consequences for the transmission. In this article we will analyze all aspects of maintenance, from the choice of consumables to the intricacies of checking the level, so that you can preserve the life of your car.
Why regular replacement is critical for the Murano Z50
CVTs Nissan series JF011E (RE0F10A), installed on the Z50 model, are highly sensitive to the condition of the working fluid. Over time, the oil loses its frictional properties and ability to remove heat from cones and bearings. If you operate your vehicle in heavy traffic or frequently travel off-road, the replacement interval must be reduced.
Old fluid turns into an abrasive paste that clogs the solenoids and radiator. This causes a pressure drop in the valve body, which leads to slipping of the belt drive. Oil change — this is not just scheduled maintenance, it is insurance against premature failure of the entire transmission.
Please note that even with minor wear of parts, fresh oil can temporarily improve the performance of the box, but if mechanical damage has already occurred, replacement will not completely solve the problem. However, timely prevention allows you to run up to 300 thousand kilometers without major repairs.
⚠️ Attention: Using an uncertified fluid or mixing different types of oils can lead to instant destruction of the friction linings and jamming of the variator.
Choosing the right fluid and the necessary tools
For Nissan Murano Z50 the manufacturer strictly regulated the type of liquid used. It is strictly forbidden to use universal gear oils. The only correct choice is the specification NS-2 or NS-3 depending on the year of manufacture and engine modification, although for the Z50 it is most often relevant NS-2. An error in choosing the type of fluid can lead to a change in the friction coefficient and belt slippage.
The volume of oil in the system with a partial replacement is about 3-4 liters, but with a complete replacement (including the radiator and torque converter) up to 7-8 liters may be required. It is recommended to purchase original liquid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2, since analogues often cannot withstand operating temperatures typical of powerful V6 engines.
- 🔧 Original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (original number KLE5200004)
- 🔧 Variator pan gasket (if it is not included in the filter kit)
- 🔧 Coarse and fine filter (it is advisable to change it at every oil change)
- 🔧 Rags and container for draining waste fluid
To carry out the work, you will also need a set of wrenches, a funnel with a long hose for filling and a diagnostic scanner capable of reading the temperature of the transmission fluid. Without temperature control, it is impossible to set the oil level correctly.
- Up to 100,000 km
- 100,000 - 200,000 km
- More than 200,000 km
- I don't know for sure
Preparatory stage and diagnostics before replacement
Before starting work, it is necessary to warm up the transmission to operating temperature so that the oil becomes less viscous and flows out completely. Start the engine and let it run in Drive and Reverse for a few seconds, switching the selector. This will ensure fluid circulation throughout the system and warm up the torque converter.
It is important to make sure that the oil level does not exceed critical values, which may indicate antifreeze entering the box through the heat exchanger. If you see an emulsion (milky) on the dipstick or drain hole, changing the oil will not help - you will need to repair the heat exchanger and flush the system.
Inspect the variator pan for metal shavings. The presence of fine “dust” is normal, but large particles or chips indicate active wear on the internal components. In this case, before filling in new oil, it is necessary to dismantle the pan and thoroughly clean the magnets and filter mesh.
Before draining the old oil, be sure to mark the level on the dipstick (if there is one) or remember the volume of leaked liquid in order to roughly understand how much new oil needs to be added to start.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in the variator
The replacement procedure begins with removing the engine protection if it interferes with access to the transmission pan. Unscrew the drain plug, placing the container under the stream. Allow the oil to drain until the flow stops completely. This may take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how thick the liquid is.
Next you need to remove the variator pan. Be careful: about 1-1.5 liters of oil will remain inside the pan. Unscrew the fastening bolts around the perimeter, slightly prying the pan with a screwdriver to break the sealant. Remove the coarse filter (mesh) and the fine filter (if it is removable).
Clean the tray with a wire brush and degrease its surface. Wipe the magnets located inside the tray to remove any metal chips. Install the new filters, making sure the rubber seals are tight. Apply new sealant to the pan and install it in place, tightening the bolts to the torque specified in the service book.
- 🔧 Use only sealant recommended by the manufacturer (usually
ThreeBond 1215or equivalent) - 🔧 Tighten the pan bolts crosswise to avoid distortion and leakage
- 🔧 Do not overtighten the drain plug so as not to break the threads in the crankcase
☑️ Preparing for an oil change
Затяжка болтов поддона: 4.5 - 5.5 Нм
Затяжка сливной пробки: 18 - 22 Нм
After installing the pan, fill in new oil through the dipstick hole (or through the technological hole if there is no dipstick, which is typical for some modifications). Fill in approximately 3-4 liters. This is an initial charge before the final level check.
What to do if there is no dipstick on the variator?
Some modifications of the Nissan Murano Z50 do not have a dipstick. In this case, the level is checked through the inspection hole on the side of the pan. Oil should start dripping from this hole when the engine is warm and within a certain temperature range (usually 35-45°C).
Subtleties of level control and final settings
The most important step is checking the oil level. Level in the variator Nissan Murano Z50 depends on the temperature of the liquid. For an accurate check, you need to connect a diagnostic scanner and monitor the transmission temperature parameter. The engine should be running at idle speed and the gear selector should be in the P or N.
As the oil warms up, its volume increases. When the temperature reaches the range 35-45°C, open the inspection hole. If oil drips, the level is normal. If it doesn’t drip, you need to top it up. If it flows out in a stream, the level has been exceeded and the excess must be drained.
Then heat the oil to temperature 45-55°C and check the level again through the inspection hole. If the oil drips, the level is perfect. At temperatures above 55°C The oil should not drip, but only flow down the walls. It is critical to maintain the temperature range, otherwise you will either over-oil, causing it to foam, or under-oil, causing oil starvation.
| Oil temperature (°C) | State of leakage through inspection hole | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 20 - 35 | Oil does not leak | Add oil |
| 35 - 45 | Oil dripping | Level OK (initial check) |
| 45 - 55 | Oil drips or flows in a thin stream | Level is normal (final check) |
| More than 55 | Oil does not leak | Level is normal (with hot engine) |
Once the correct level is reached, tighten the level plug with a new O-ring. Make sure it is tightened to the correct torque. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then check for leaks around the pan and drain plug.
The correct oil level in the variator depends on the temperature of the fluid, so checking without a diagnostic scanner is impossible and can lead to errors.
Typical maintenance errors and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is trying to “wash” the variator with aggressive chemicals. This can destroy rubber seals and seals, causing pressure loss and transmission failure. Flushing should be carried out only with mild agents or by repeatedly changing the oil using the displacement method.
Another mistake is ignoring filter replacement. Even the freshest oil will not be able to work effectively if the filter element is clogged with wear products. The coarse filter traps large particles, and the fine filter removes fine suspended matter. Their replacement is mandatory at every oil change.
- ❌ Using oil with the wrong viscosity (for example, ATF instead of CVT)
- ❌ Forgetfulness to replace the drain plug O-ring
- ❌ Incomplete heating of the oil before checking the level
- ❌ Ignoring the presence of metal shavings on magnets
If you notice that after changing the oil there are jerks or kicks when switching, this may be a consequence of the adaptation of the variator. In some cases, it is necessary to reset the adaptive values through the diagnostic scanner or drive several kilometers in a gentle mode so that the transmission “adjusts” to the new oil.
If large iron filings (more than 1-2 mm in size) are found on the magnets, it is strongly recommended to contact specialists to diagnose the condition of the internal components of the variator, as this is a sign of active destruction.
Frequently asked questions from Nissan Murano Z50 owners
How often do you need to change the oil in the Nissan Murano Z50 CVT?
Official regulations may indicate a “lifetime” replacement, but real practice shows the need for replacement every 60,000 km. When operating in difficult conditions (city traffic, traffic jams), it is better to reduce the interval to 40,000 km.
Is it possible to change the oil using the displacement method (apparatus)?
The displacement method is effective for a complete replacement, but has the risk of washing wear products into the valve body if the variator is heavily worn. For old cars with mileage of more than 150,000 km, it is better to use the partial replacement method with dismantling the pan.
What happens if you pour oil into the variator?
Excess oil causes the rotating parts to foam. The foam is not dense enough to create pressure, which causes a drop in system pressure, belt slipping and overheating of the transmission. This can lead to rapid failure of the variator.
Do I need to change the filter during a partial oil change?
With a partial replacement (without removing the pan), the filter cannot be changed. However, if you remove the oil drain pan, the coarse filter must be replaced or thoroughly washed. The fine filter must also be replaced during each full service procedure.
Which oil is better: original or analogue?
For CVTs Nissan It is strictly recommended to use only original oil NS-2 or NS-3. Analogs often have different friction characteristics, which can lead to belt slippage and wear on the cones. Saving on oil can result in replacing the entire gearbox.