Nissan Terrano 3 (internal designation R51) is one of the most popular crossovers on the Russian market, but its automatic transmission RE5R05A requires special attention. Many owners encounter automatic transmission problems due to untimely oil changes or the use of low-quality fluids. In this article we will look at how to properly maintain the box to avoid costly repairs.

The manufacturer claims that the oil in the automatic transmission Terrano 3 filled for the entire service life, but in practice this is not the case. Russian operating conditions (traffic jams, off-road conditions, sudden temperature changes) reduce the resource ATF fluids 2–3 times. According to experts, the first replacement should be carried out already at 60–80 thousand km, and with aggressive driving - even earlier.

We will tell you in detail about two replacement methods (partial and complete), select the optimal oil, show you what tools you will need, and warn about common mistakes that can lead to gearbox failure. At the end of the article there are answers to frequently asked questions and video instructions.

What kind of oil to fill in automatic transmission Nissan Terrano 3 (RE5R05A)

Box RE5R05A, installed on Terrano 3 with engines 2.0 (MR20DE) and 2.5 (QR25DE), extremely sensitive to oil quality. The manufacturer recommends the original liquid Nissan Matic Fluid S (art. KE908-99931), but there are also worthy analogues:

  • 🔹 Idemitsu ATF Type-M - a complete analogue of the original, often used in services.
  • 🔹 Mobil ATF 3309 - Suitable for harsh operating conditions.
  • 🔹 Ravenol ATF FZS — premium option with improved anti-friction properties.
  • 🔹 Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1200 — optimal for regions with frosts below -30°C.

Important: Do not mix different types of oils, even if they are specification compatible. For example, Dexron III not suitable for Terrano 3, despite common misconception. Also avoid generic fluids like ATF+4 or SP-III - they can cause slipping of the clutches.

Oil volume to change:

  • 🔧 Partial replacement (drain through the plug): 3.5–4 liters.
  • 🔧 Complete replacement (hardware or manual flushing): 8–9 liters.
📊 What oil do you use in the Terrano 3 automatic transmission?
  • Original Nissan Matic S
  • Idemitsu Type-M
  • Mobil ATF 3309
  • Other (I'll write in the comments)

When to change automatic transmission oil: signs and intervals

Official regulations Nissan does not provide for changing the oil in the automatic transmission, but this only applies to ideal operating conditions. In reality, signs of fluid wear appear after 50–60 thousand km:

  • ⚠️ Jerks when switching (especially when cold).
  • ⚠️ Reaction delays when pressing the gas pedal.
  • ⚠️ Extraneous sounds (hum, grinding) when the box is operating.
  • ⚠️ Dark oil color and a burning smell when checking with a dipstick.

Recommended replacement intervals:

Operating conditions Partial replacement Complete replacement
City (traffic jams, frequent stops) 50–60 thousand km 100–120 thousand km
Mixed cycle (city + highway) 70–80 thousand km 140–150 thousand km
Aggressive driving (towing, off-road) 40–50 thousand km 80–90 thousand km
Extreme cold (below -30°C) 60 thousand km 120 thousand km

If you buy Terrano 3 with mileage, The first oil change in the automatic transmission is mandatory, even if the previous owner claims that everything is in order. You can check the condition of the fluid using the dipstick (if there is one) or through the drain plug.

⚠️ Attention: If the oil in the automatic transmission is blackened and has metal shavings, a partial replacement will not help - a complete flush with a filter replacement is required. Otherwise, the risk of the box jamming increases by 70%.

Preparing for replacement: tools and consumables

To change the automatic transmission oil yourself Nissan Terrano 3 you will need:

  • 🔧 New oil (4–9 liters depending on method).
  • 🔧 Automatic transmission filter (art. 31726-31X01 for a complete replacement).
  • 🔧 Pan gasket (art. 31397-31X02).
  • 🔧 10 mm wrench to remove the pallet.
  • 🔧 8mm square wrench for the drain plug.
  • 🔧 Funnel with long hose (for filling through the dipstick).
  • 🔧 Processing container (minimum 5 liters).
  • 🔧 Rags and gloves.

If you are planning a complete replacement, you will additionally need:

  • 🔧 Washing apparatus (can be rented).
  • 🔧 New pan bolts (recommended to replace).
  • 🔧 Tray cleaning spray (For example, Liqui Moly Kuhler-Reiniger).

- Automatic transmission oil level (if there is a dipstick)

- Presence of leaks from under the pan or seals

- Condition of the automatic transmission cooling radiator

- The performance of the solenoids (are there any errors in the box) -->

If your Terrano 3 there is no dipstick for checking the oil (on some versions it is absent), the level will have to be controlled through inspection hole on a pallet. To do this you will need an inspection hole or a lift.

Partial oil change in automatic transmission: step-by-step instructions

This method is suitable for routine maintenance if the oil is not heavily contaminated. The procedure takes about 1.5–2 hours.

  1. Warm up the box. Drive 10–15 km or let the engine idle for 10 minutes. The oil should be warm (40–50°C).
  2. Place the machine on a pit or lift. Lock the handbrake and place chocks under the wheels.
  3. Drain the old oil.
    • Unscrew the drain plug with an 8 mm wrench.
    • Place the container - the oil will flow out under pressure.
    • Wait until the maximum amount has drained (about 3.5 liters).
  4. Rinse the tray.
    • Remove the pan (10 bolts).
    • Clean the magnets from any metal shavings.
    • Remove the old gasket and any remaining sealant.
  5. Fill with new oil.
    • Reinstall the pan with a new gasket.
    • Fill oil through the dipstick (or inspection hole) to the level HOT.
    • Use a funnel with a long hose.
  6. Check the level.
    • Start the engine, warm up the transmission.
    • Switch the selector through all modes (P-R-N-D) with a delay of 3 seconds.
    • Add oil to the mark HOT on the dipstick.

After replacing, drive 5–10 km and check the level again. If the oil is gone, add up to normal.

⚠️ Attention: With a partial replacement, only 40–50% of the oil is renewed. If the fluid is heavily contaminated, the procedure must be repeated after 500–1000 km.
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If after replacement there are jerks when switching, try resetting the automatic transmission adaptations: disconnect the battery terminal for 10 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).

Complete automatic transmission oil change: flushing method

A complete replacement is required if:

  • 🔴 The oil is black and smells like burning.
  • 🔴 There are delays or kicks when switching.
  • 🔴 The mileage since the last replacement exceeds 100 thousand km.

There are two options for this method:

  1. Hardware flushing (in the service). The oil is changed under pressure using special equipment. Cost: 3–5 thousand rubles.
  2. Manual flushing (on your own). Requires 3-4 drain/fill cycles.

Instructions for manual washing:

  1. Drain the oil through the plug (as with a partial replacement).
  2. Disconnect the automatic transmission cooling hose from the radiator.
  3. Place a transparent tube on the hose and lower it into the container.
  4. Start the engine. Old oil will come out of the hose - drain until clean liquid comes out.
  5. Stop the engine and add new oil to the level.
  6. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.

After a complete replacement, be sure to:

  • 🔧 Replace automatic transmission filter (even if it looks clean).
  • 🔧Rinse tray magnets from shavings.
  • 🔧 Check it out solenoids for errors (via diagnostics).
What happens if you don’t change the oil in the Terrano 3 automatic transmission?

If you ignore changing the oil in the automatic transmission Nissan Terrano 3 after 100–120 thousand km the following problems arise:

- Friction wear → slippage and loss of gears.

- Valve block jamming → the box goes into emergency mode.

- Oil overheating → destruction of seals and leaks.

- Bearing wear → hum and vibration at speed.

In 80% of cases, such malfunctions lead to overhaul of automatic transmission (cost from 80 thousand rubles).

Typical mistakes when changing automatic transmission oil

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that can damage the box. Here are the most common:

  • ❌ Using incompatible oil. For example, Dexron VI instead of Matic S leads to destruction of friction clutches.
  • ❌ Underfilling or overfilling of oil. A low level causes oil starvation, a high level causes foaming.
  • ❌ Ignoring filter replacement. The old filter becomes clogged and does not allow oil to reach the solenoids.
  • ❌ Washing the pan with gasoline or kerosene. These solvents destroy gaskets.
  • ❌ Change the oil to cold. The viscous liquid does not drain completely; the residues are mixed with the new one.

Another common mistake is incorrect running-in after replacement. The first 200–300 km should be driven in a gentle mode:

  • 🚗 Avoid sharp accelerations.
  • 🚗 Do not tow a trailer.
  • 🚗 Do not overload the car.
⚠️ Attention: If the light comes on after changing the oil automatic transmission check or errors appeared (for example, P0730), stop immediately and check the level. The oil may have escaped through a loose plug or a damaged radiator.

Cost of changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Terrano 3 in 2026

Prices vary by replacement method and region. Average prices:

Type of work On your own In service
Partial replacement (4 liters) 2 500–3 500 ₽ 3 000–5 000 ₽
Full replacement (8–9 liters) 6 000–8 000 ₽ 8 000–12 000 ₽
Replacing the filter + gasket 1 500–2 000 ₽ 2 500–3 500 ₽
Hardware flushing — 4 000–6 000 ₽

There is no need to save on oil - cheap analogues (for example, ATF from unknown brands) can lead to gearbox repair after 20–30 thousand km. The best option in terms of price/quality ratio - Idemitsu Type-M or Mobil ATF 3309.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service. Errors during replacement (for example, dirt getting into the valve body) are more expensive than the work of a specialist.

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Regular automatic transmission oil change Nissan Terrano 3 increases the resource of the box to 250–300 thousand km. Neglecting maintenance reduces this period by 2–3 times.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing automatic transmission oil Terrano 3

🔹 Is it possible to fill in Dexron III instead of Nissan Matic S?

No. Dexron III has a different viscosity and an additive package that is not compatible with clutches RE5R05A. The use of this oil leads to gear slippage and premature wear of the solenoids.

🔹 How much oil should I fill during a complete change?

For a complete replacement you will need 8–9 liters, since some of the oil remains in the torque converter and valve body channels. With hardware flushing, the consumption can reach 10–12 liters.

🔹 Do I need to change the filter during partial replacement?

When partially replacing the filter, it is not necessary to change it, but recommended, if the mileage after the last replacement exceeds 60 thousand km. Metal shavings accumulate in the filter, which can clog the solenoids.

🔹 How to check the oil level if there is no dipstick?

On Terrano 3 without a dipstick, the level is checked through inspection hole on a pallet:

  1. Warm up the box to 40–50°C.
  2. Unscrew the control plug (8 mm wrench).
  3. If oil drips, the level is normal. If not, add more.

🔹 What to do if jerks appear after replacement?

Possible reasons:

  • 🔧 Low oil level - top up.
  • 🔧 Poor quality oil - drain and replace.
  • 🔧 Dirty filter - replace.
  • 🔧 Reset adaptations (disconnect the battery for 10 minutes).

If jerking persists, contact a service center to diagnose the solenoids.