Oil volume in the Nissan Murano Z51 variator: how much to pour and how not to make a mistake

CVT Nissan Murano Z51 (third generation, 2015–2026) is one of the most reliable in the line of the Japanese brand, but only with proper maintenance. The main question that worries owners: how much oil to put in CVT when replacing? An error here can result in overheating, jerking, or complete failure of the box. This article contains accurate data on volumes for partial and complete replacement, recommendations for choosing fluid and critical nuances that even official dealers are silent about.

The manufacturer states that the CVT JF017E (installed on Murano Z51 with motors VQ35DD 3.5 l and QR25DD 2.5 l) does not require an oil change at all - they say it is filled “for the entire service life”. However, operating experience in Russian conditions shows that ignoring maintenance leads to repairs already within 100–120 thousand km. We collected data from service manuals, reports from independent service stations and owner reviews to give a clear answer: how many liters of oil is needed for a variator Murano Z51 in 2026.

Official data: oil volume in the Nissan Murano Z51 variator

According to factory documentation Nissan, full volume of oil in the variator Murano Z51 amounts to 9.5–10.3 liters depending on modification. However this dry volume - that is, the amount of liquid required for a completely empty box. In practice, you never drain all the oil when changing, so it is important to distinguish between:

• 🔧 Partial replacement (drain through plug): 4.5–5.5 l
• 🔄 Complete replacement (hardware flushing): 10–12 l (including pumping the system)
• ⚠️ Topping up (for leaks or level checking): 0.5–1 l

Important: the volume depends on the year of manufacture and engine type. For example, for Murano Z51 2015–2018 with motor VQ35DD the total volume is closer to 10.3 liters, and for restyled models 2019–2026. - 9.8 l. This is due to modifications to the variator cooling system. Below is a table with exact data on modifications.

Modification	Year of manufacture	Engine	Oil volume, l	Replacement type
Murano Z51 (pre-restyle)	2015–2018	VQ35DD 3.5 l	10,3	Full
Murano Z51 (restyled)	2019–2026	VQ35DD 3.5 l	9,8	Full
Murano Z51 (for China)	2016–2023	QR25DD 2.5 l	9,5	Full
All modifications	2015–2026	—	4,5–5,5	Partial

⚠️ Attention: If you see online recommendations to fill in 8–9 liters for a complete replacement, this is a mistake. This volume is relevant for CVTs JF011E (installed on Nissan Qashqai or X-Trail), but not for Murano Z51. Insufficient oil level will lead to oil starvation and accelerated belt wear.

What kind of oil to fill in the Murano Z51 variator: original vs analogues

The manufacturer insists on using exclusively original liquid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). This oil was developed specifically for series variators JF017E and has unique additives that prevent belt slippage. However, there are high-quality analogues on the market that can be used without risk to the box.

• 💧 Original: Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (1 l ~ 1,200 ₽)
• 🔄 Analogues:
  • Idemitsu CVTF NS-3 (Japan, 1 l ~ 900 ₽)
  • Ravenol CVT NS-3 (Germany, 1 l ~ 850 ₽)
  • Mitsubishi DiaQueen CVTF-J4 (compatible, but not recommended for long-term use)
• ❌ Prohibited: Dexron III, ATF, universal CVT fluids without NS-3 certification

Mix oils from different manufacturers absolutely not possible - this will lead to foaming and loss of lubricating properties. If you do not know what liquid is in the box, you must complete replacement with washing. Also pay attention to the color of the oil: normally it should be transparent with a reddish tint. Darkening or a burning smell is a signal for urgent replacement.

Partial vs full replacement: what to choose for Murano Z51

The oil change option depends on the mileage, condition of the gearbox and budget. Let's look at the pros and cons of each approach:

Partial replacement (4.5–5.5 l)

Pros:

• ✅ Cheaper (less oil required)
• ✅ Faster (takes 1–1.5 hours)
• ✅ Less risk of errors (no need to disassemble the box)

Cons:

• ❌ Only ~50% of the oil is replaced (the remainder remains in the torque converter and channels)
• ❌ Does not remove wear products from the system
• ❌ It is recommended to repeat every 30–40 thousand km

Full replacement (10–12 l)

Pros:

• ✅ 95–100% oil change
• ✅ Flushing the system from metal shavings and deposits
• ✅ Recommended interval - 60–80 thousand km

Cons:

• ❌ More expensive (needs 2 cans of oil + labor)
• ❌ Requires special equipment (device for pumping)
• ❌ Risk of errors due to incorrect pumping (air may remain)

🔹 Expert recommendation: If mileage Murano Z51 exceeded 100 thousand km, and the oil in the variator has never been changed, start with partial replacement. A complete replacement at such a mileage can wash out deposits that clog the channels - this will lead to jamming of the solenoids. Repeat the partial replacement after 1–2 thousand km, then switch to a full one.

Check the oil level (should be between "HOT" and "COLD" on the dipstick)

Buy oil with a reserve (minimum 6 liters for partial replacement)

Purchase a new drain plug gasket (part no. 31397-31X00)

Prepare a funnel with a narrow spout and a container for draining (at least 6 l)

Clean the area around the drain plug from dirt (so that debris does not get into the box) -->

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in a Murano Z51 variator

To work you will need: oil Nissan NS-3 (6 l for partial replacement), new filter (article 31726-31X00), drain plug gasket, 10 mm wrench and 19 mm socket. Important: replacement is carried out on a heated box (oil temperature should be 50–60°C).

Step 1: Drain the old oil

1. Place the car on a flat surface (use a lift or inspection pit).

2. Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped).

3. Place a container under the variator drain plug (it is located on the right in the direction of travel).

4. Unscrew the plug with a 19 mm wrench and drain the oil. Attention: the oil will be hot!

Step 2: Replace the filter

1. After draining the oil, unscrew the bolts of the variator pan (12 pieces, 10 mm wrench).

2. Remove the pan and remove the old filter (it is secured with 3 bolts).

3. Clean the pan of metal shavings and gasket residues. Use carbcleaner and a lint-free cloth.

4. Install a new filter and pan gasket (part number 31397-31X00).

Step 3: Add new oil

1. Screw in the drain plug with a new gasket.

2. Fill in fresh oil through the filler neck (it is located under the hood, next to the battery). Use a funnel.

3. For a partial replacement, 4.5–5 liters is enough. Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes.

4. Swipe variator adaptation procedure (see next section).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the oil on the dipstick quickly darkens (within 500 km), this is a sign of severe wear of the box. In this case it is required Solenoid and belt diagnostics — further operation without repair will lead to costly restoration.

How to adapt the variator after changing the oil?

1. Warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 5–10 km).

2. Stop on a level surface and move the selector to the P.

3. Turn off the ignition for 10 seconds, then start the engine.

4. Press the brake pedal and switch all modes one by one (P → R → N → D → L) with a delay of 3 seconds each.

5. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times. This will allow the box to “learn” the new properties of the oil.

Typical mistakes when changing oil and their consequences

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that reduce the life of the variator. Here are the most common:

• 🔴 Incorrect oil level:
  • Underfilling → oil starvation → wear of the belt and cones.
  • Overflow → foaming → loss of pressure → jerking when switching.
• 🔴 Using non-certified oil: Leads to belt slippage and overheating. For example, Dexron III has a different viscosity and is not compatible with NS-3.
• 🔴 Ignoring filter replacement: The old filter does not trap metal shavings, which circulate through the system and damage the solenoids.
• 🔴 Unheated box when replacing: Cold oil is not completely drained, and the new one is mixed with the remnants of the old one, shortening the replacement interval.

🔹 The most dangerous mistake — do not adapt the variator after replacement. Without this procedure, the box continues to operate in the “old” mode, which leads to increased loads on the belt. Symptoms: jerking during acceleration, delays when switching modes.

How to check the oil level in the Murano Z51 CVT

Checking the level is a critical procedure that must be carried out every 5 thousand km or before a long trip. Unlike automatic transmission, CVT JF017E very sensitive to oil level. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km).
2. Place the car on perfectly flat surface.
3. Stop the engine and wait 2-3 minutes (the oil should drain into the pan).
4. Remove the variator dipstick (it is located to the right of the engine, next to the battery).
5. Wipe the dipstick with a lint-free cloth, reinsert it, and remove it again.
6. The level should be between the marks HOT (hot) and COLD (cold).

⚠️ Attention: If the oil level on the dipstick is above the mark HOT, it is necessary to drain the excess through the drain plug. Overfilling is just as dangerous as underfilling! Also pay attention to the condition of the oil:

• 🟢 Norm: transparent, reddish in color, without a burning smell.
• 🟡 Requires replacement: dark, cloudy, with small particles.
• 🔴 Critical condition: black, with a burning smell, metal shavings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about oil in the Nissan Murano Z51 variator

Can NS-2 oil be used instead of NS-3?

No, absolutely not possible. NS-2 has a different additive package and is not compatible with CVTs JF017E. Using it will cause the belt to slip and overheat. NS-3 is the only valid specification for Murano Z51.

How often do you change the oil in the variator if you drive mostly around the city?

In city traffic jams and frequent acceleration and braking, the oil in the variator degrades faster. Recommended intervals:

• Partial replacement: every 30–35 thousand km.
• Full replacement: every 50–60 thousand km.

If you often get stuck in traffic jams, reduce the interval by 20%.

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

The consequences depend on the mileage:

• 80–100 thousand km: jerks during acceleration, switching delays.
• 120–150 thousand km: Belt slippage, overheating, error P17F0 (solenoid malfunction).
• 180+ thousand km: belt destruction, box jamming, repair from 200 thousand ₽.

In 80% of cases the variator Murano Z51 It dies precisely because of the old oil.

Is it possible to mix oils from different manufacturers if both are NS-3 certified?

Theoretically yes, but not recommended. Different manufacturers use different additives that may react. If you had to add another oil, do this as soon as possible. complete replacement.

Where is the CVT dipstick located on the Murano Z51?

The dipstick is located to the right of the engine (in the direction of travel), next to the battery. He has yellow pen with the inscription CVT. On some modifications (for example, for the US market), the dipstick may be missing - in this case the level is checked through service hole on a pallet.