Changing the oil in a Nissan Murano CVT: a complete guide with nuances

CVT Nissan Murano - one of the most reliable in the line of the Japanese manufacturer, but only subject to timely and correct maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that CVT oil there is no need to change, relying on the myth of a “maintenance-free” variator. In practice, ignoring the replacement leads to accelerated wear of belts, bearings and pumps due to overheating and loss of lubricating properties.

In this article we will look at when and how to change the oil in a variator Murano Z50/Z51 (2003–2026), which oil to choose, what tools you will need, and what mistakes are most often made when replacing them yourself. We will pay special attention to the nuances of partial and complete replacement, as well as symptoms indicating the need for urgent service.

Oil change intervals in the Nissan Murano CVT

Official regulations Nissan for models Murano with variator JF011E (until 2014) and JF016E (since 2015) provides for oil changes every 60,000 km or once every 4 years - whichever comes first. However, these figures are relevant for ideal operating conditions: moderate climate, smooth roads, no towing.

In the realities of Russian roads and climate, experts recommend reducing the interval to 40–50,000 km, and in difficult conditions (frequent traffic jams, off-road conditions, towing a trailer) - up to 30,000 km. Signs that it's time to change the oil already now:

• 🔴 Jerks or delays during acceleration (especially when “cold”)
• 🔴 Humming or whistling noise from under the hood when driving
• 🔴 Darkening of the oil on the dipstick (should be transparent with a reddish tint)
• 🔴 Deterioration of acceleration dynamics, “drawdown” of revolutions

⚠️ Attention: If metal shavings are visible on the variator dipstick or the oil smells like burning, this is a sign of critical wear. In this case, partial replacement is not enough: a complete flushing of the system is required, replacing filters and diagnosing the condition of the belt.

To accurately monitor oil condition, use diagnostic scanner (For example, Launch X431 or Autel), which reads data on the temperature of the variator and the number of errors associated with belt slipping or oil pressure.

What kind of oil to pour into the Nissan Murano variator

For CVTs Nissan Murano fits only original oil NS-2 (until 2014) or NS-3 (since 2015). Using universal ATF fluids or analogues from other brands is fraught with:

• 🚗 Rapid belt wear due to insufficient viscosity
• 🚗 Overheating of the variator (NS-3 has improved heat dissipation properties)
• 🚗 Loss of warranty (if the car is being serviced)

Original oils and their analogues:

Oil type	Article	Replacement volume	Notes
Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2	KLE52-00004	8–10 l (full replacement)	For models up to 2014
Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3	KLE53-00004	8–10 l (full replacement)	For models from 2015, improved formula
Idemitsu CVTF	30450-5ATF0	4 l (canister)	Analogous to NS-2, approved for use
Ravenol CVT Fluid J1J	4014835755517	4 l	Compatible with NS-3, high cleaning properties

The amount of oil to change depends on the method:

• 🔧 Partial replacement (drain through plug): 4–5 l
• 🔧 Complete replacement (with flushing): 8–10 l

⚠️ Attention: You cannot mix NS-2 and NS-3! If you do not know which oil was previously filled, a complete replacement with flushing is required. NS-3 has a different additive package and may react with NS-2 residues.

Tools and materials for oil change

To change the oil in the variator yourself Murano you will need:

10mm square wrench for drain plug|

Socket set and ratchet wrench|

New sealing washer for the drain plug (part no. 11026-01M02)|

Funnel with extension for filling oil|

Syringe for pumping oil out of a measuring cup|

New variator filter (article no. 31726-1XF0A for JF011E, 31726-3AX0A for JF016E)|

Bucket or basin for draining waste (volume of at least 10 l)|

Gloves and lint-free rags

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Additionally you may need:

• 🔧 Diagnostic scanner to reset the variator adaptations after an oil change
• 🔧 CVT flush kit (if a complete replacement is planned)
• 🔧 Torque wrench for tightening the drain plug with a torque of 35–40 Nm

For models with oil level monitoring system (For example, Murano Z52 2015+) will also be required special adapter for connecting to the diagnostic connector and resetting errors after replacement.

What happens if the sealing washer is not replaced?

Failure to replace the drain plug washer will result in oil leakage through the threads. Even a small leak (100–200 ml per month) can cause oil starvation of the variator, which will lead to belt slipping and overheating. The cost of the washer is about 50 rubles, and repairing the variator due to its absence will cost 50–100 thousand rubles.

Step-by-step instructions: partial oil change

Partial replacement is suitable for routine maintenance if the oil is not heavily contaminated and does not show signs of overheating. The procedure takes about 1–1.5 hours.

Step 1. Warm up the oil

Start the engine and let it run for 5–10 minutes so that the oil in the variator warms up to 40–50°C. This will ensure better waste drainage. Switch the variator selector in all positions (P → R → N → D) with a delay of 5 seconds.

Step 2. Drain the old oil

1. Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole.
2. Unscrew drain plug variator (located on the pallet) with a 10 mm wrench. Be careful - the oil will be hot!
3. Wait until it drains completely (about 4–5 liters). If the oil is dark with metal particles, a complete replacement is required.

Step 3. Replacing the filter and seals

In most cases, during a partial replacement, the variator filter is not changed (access to it requires removing the pan). However, if you notice chips in the oil, the filter be sure to replace:

1. Remove the variator pan by unscrewing the 18 bolts around the perimeter.
2. Replace coarse filter (mesh) and magnets at the bottom of the pallet.
3. Clean the pan of old sealant and apply new one (for example, Loctite 574).

Step 4. Filling with new oil

Fill oil through measuring cup (located next to the battery) using a funnel. The volume is equal to the drained volume (usually 4–4.5 l). After filling:

1. Start the engine and let it run for 2-3 minutes.
2. Switch the variator selector through all positions, holding each position for 5 seconds.
3. Check the oil level with a dipstick - it should be between the marks MIN And MAX when the variator is warm.

Complete oil change in the variator: when is it needed and how to do it

A complete oil change is required in the following cases:

• 🔧 The oil is black or has a burning smell
• 🔧 Metal shavings are visible in the oil
• 🔧 The variator “kicks” or slips
• 🔧 The car was bought secondhand and the service history is unknown

For a complete replacement you will need special equipment (for example, a washing plant CVT Flush Machine), but you can do without it using the method multiple replacement:

Method 1: Flushing with a machine

This method is used in services. The unit is connected to the radiator pipes of the variator and pumps fresh oil, displacing the old one. Benefits:

• ✅ Complete oil renewal (90–95%)
• ✅ Simultaneous flushing of the valve body and solenoids

The disadvantage is the high cost (from 3,000 rubles only for work).

Method 2: Multiple partial replacements

Budget option for doing it yourself:

1. Perform partial replacement (as described above).
2. Drive 500–1000 km.
3. Repeat the partial replacement 2 more times at the same interval.

After the third change, the oil will be updated by 80–85%. This method is less effective than flushing at the installation, but is accessible to everyone.

⚠️ Attention: When completely changing the oil in the variator Nissan Murano Be sure to reset the adaptations using a diagnostic scanner! Without this, the variator may not work correctly for the first 100–200 km (jerks, delays in switching).

Common mistakes when changing oil in a variator

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that can lead to CVT breakdown. Here are the most common of them:

• 🚫 Overfilling or underfilling oil. Excess oil leads to foaming and loss of pressure, and too little leads to oil starvation. Check the level only on a warm variator (oil temperature 50–60°C).
• 🚫 Using non-original oil. Even if the canister says “compatible with NS-2/NS-3”, this does not guarantee full compatibility. Example: oil Mobil CVT often causes belt slippage in CVTs Nissan.
• 🚫 Ignoring filter replacement. The coarse filter becomes clogged with chips and stops passing oil, which leads to increased wear on the pumps.
• 🚫 Incorrect tightening torque. The drain plug should be tightened with a torque of 35–40 Nm. Over-tightening leads to thread failure, under-tightening leads to leakage.

Another critical error - incorrect reset of adaptations after changing the oil. CVT Nissan Murano “learns” the owner’s driving style, and after changing the oil these settings need to be reset. Without a reset the following are possible:

• Jerks when switching from D on R
• Acceleration delays
• Increased engine speed at idle

To reset adaptations, connect the scanner (for example, Launch CReader) and select the function "CVT Learning Reset".

The cost of changing the oil in a Nissan Murano CVT

The price of an oil change depends on the method and region. Average prices in Russia (for 2026):

Replacement type	Cost of work (₽)	Cost of oil (₽)	Total (₽)
Partial replacement (on your own)	0	3,000–4,000 (4 L NS-3)	3 000–4 000
Partial replacement (service)	1 500–2 500	3 000–4 000	4 500–6 500
Complete replacement (flushing at the installation)	3 000–5 000	6,000–8,000 (8 L NS-3)	9 000–13 000
Complete replacement + filter replacement	4 000–6 000	7 000–9 000	11 000–15 000

Save on changing the oil in the variator Murano not worth it. For example, a complete flush with filter replacement will cost 12–15 thousand rubles, and CVT repair after oil starvation - 80-150 thousand rubles.

If you decide to make the replacement yourself, please note: hidden costs:

• 💰 Purchase of tools (keys, funnel, syringe) - ~2,000 ₽
• 💰 Recycling of used oil - 200–500 ₽
• 💰 Diagnostic scanner for resetting adaptations - from 5,000 ₽ (or 500 ₽ for a one-time service in the service)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to fill the Murano CVT with NS-3 oil instead of NS-2?

No, if your car was manufactured before 2014. Nissan NS-3 has a different additive package and can cause belt slipping in older CVTs JF011E. For Murano Z51 (2015+) NS-3 - standard oil.

How to check the oil level in a Murano CVT?

The level is checked on a warm variator (oil temperature 50–60°C):

1. Place the car on a level surface.
2. Start the engine and move the selector through all positions.
3. Take out the variator dipstick (yellow ring), wipe it and insert it back.
4. Pull the dipstick out again - the level should be between MIN And MAX.

If the oil is higher MAX — drain the excess through the drain plug.

What happens if you don’t change the oil in the variator?

The consequences depend on the mileage:

• 100,000 km: increased belt wear, jerking during acceleration.
• 150,000 km: Belt slippage, overheating, errors P17F0 (oil pressure).
• 200,000+ km: destruction of bearings, jamming of the variator.

On average, CVT Murano without changing the oil, it “lives” up to 180–200 thousand km, after which it requires major repairs.

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

Flushing is required if:

• The oil is black or has a burning smell.
• Metal shavings are visible in the oil.
• The car was purchased second hand and the service history is unknown.

To rinse, use either special installation, or the multiple replacement method (3–4 partial replacements at intervals of 500 km).

Is it possible to drive with oil leaks from the variator?

Absolutely not. Even a small leak (100 ml per month) leads to:

• Oil starvation and belt wear.
• Overheating of the variator (oil cools the parts).
• Bearing jamming.

If you notice any leaks, immediately eliminate the cause (usually a worn pan gasket or drain plug).