Automatic transmission Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2005–2012) - a reliable, but maintenance-demanding unit. Many owners mistakenly believe that the automatic transmission oil does not need to be changed until jerking or kicking occurs. In fact Changing the oil in the automatic transmission Pathfinder R51 should be carried out every 60–80 thousand km (or once every 4–5 years), even if the manufacturer claims “lifetime” filling. Neglecting this procedure leads to accelerated wear of the clutches, solenoids and valve body - the repair of which will cost many times more than a planned replacement.

In this article you will find step by step instructions for changing automatic transmission oil Pathfinder R51 (including models with motors VQ40DE, VQ25DE and diesel YD25DDTi), recommendations for choosing oil and filter, as well as list of tools and common mistakes to avoid. We will analyze both partial and complete replacement with flushing - so that you can choose the best option for your car.

What kind of oil to fill in the automatic transmission of Nissan Pathfinder R51

Oil selection is a critical step. In boxes RE5R05A (installed on Pathfinder R51) is used specialized ATF fluid, incompatible with universal analogues. Official Nissan requirements:

  • 🔹 Original oil: Nissan Matic S (article KE908-99932) is the optimal choice for partial replacement.
  • 🔹 Complete analogue: Idemitsu ATF Type-M or Ravenol ATF J1 — suitable for complete replacement with washing.
  • 🔹 For diesel versions: allowed Mobil ATF 3309, but only if the old oil is completely replaced.
  • 🔹 Prohibited: Dexron III/VI, Mercon V or "universal" ATF - they destroy clutches and lead to gear slipping.

Automatic transmission oil volume Pathfinder R51 depends on the type of replacement: Partial (drain through the plug) - required 4–4.5 liters. Full (with washing or replacing the filter) - up to 10–12 liters (due to residues in the torque converter and channels).

⚠️ Attention: If there are metal particles in the oil or it has a burning smell, complete replacement with flushing is required - partial will only aggravate the problem by diluting the dirt with fresh liquid.
Oil type Article Volume (l) Notes
Nissan Matic S KE908-99932 4 Original, ideal for partial replacement
Idemitsu ATF Type-M 30050055-006 4/20 The best analogue, suitable for complete replacement
Ravenol ATF J1 4014835734817 1/60 High temperature stability
Mobil ATF 3309 152697 1 Only for diesel versions!
📊 What oil do you use in the Pathfinder R51 automatic transmission?
  • Nissan Matic S
  • Idemitsu ATF Type-M
  • Ravenol ATF J1
  • Other (write in comments)

Tools and consumables for oil change

Before starting work, prepare everything you need. Change automatic transmission oil without special tools Pathfinder R51 impossible - especially for the drain plug with a magnet and the filter. Here's the full list:

  • 🔧 Keys and sockets: spanner 10 mm (for drain plug), head 24 mm with extension (for filler plug).
  • 🔧 Torque wrench - for tightening plugs with the correct torque (35–40 Nm).
  • 🔧 Funnel with extension - for filling oil through the dipstick (or a special adapter for the filler neck).
  • 🛠️ Consumables:
    • 🔹 Drain plug gasket (31397-31X01)
    • 🔹 Automatic transmission filter (31726-31X00 or 31726-31X01 for models after 2008)
    • 🔹 Filler plug O-ring (11026-01M02)
  • 🧹 Additionally: rags, drain container (minimum 5 l), carburetor cleaner (for flushing the pan), gloves.

If you plan complete replacement with flushing, you will additionally need: Automatic transmission washer (can be rented) or hoses for connecting to the cooling radiator (for manual washing).

💡

Before purchasing a filter, check its article number using the VIN code! On Pathfinder R51 after 2008, a filter with a different mount was installed (31726-31X01).

Step-by-step instructions: partial oil change

Partial replacement is suitable for preventive maintenance if the oil is not heavily contaminated and does not have a burning smell. The procedure takes about 1.5–2 hours and allows you to update 40–50% liquid in automatic transmission.

Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C)|Place the car on a level surface (or a lift)|Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped)|Prepare a container for draining the oil-->

Step 1: Drain the old oil

1. Stop the engine and right away (while the oil is hot) place a container under the drain plug.

2. Unscrew the plug with the key on 10 mm — the oil will begin to drain under pressure, so proceed carefully.

3. Wait until it drains completely (about 10–15 minutes). Pay attention to the color and smell of the oil:

Black with splashes → complete replacement required. Brown odorless burning → partial replacement is permissible.

Step 2: Replace the filter and clean the pan

1. Unscrew the bolts of the automatic transmission pan (wrench 10 mm) and carefully remove it - there may be some oil left inside.

2. Remove the old filter (it is secured with 3 bolts) and install a new one. Do not use kerosene based cleaners — they destroy gaskets!

3. Clean the tray and magnets from metal shavings. Heavy deposits indicate wear on the clutches.

Step 3: Add new oil

1. Install a new gasket on the drain plug and tighten it to a torque 35 Nm.

2. Add fresh oil through the filler hole (or dipstick) using a funnel. Volume: 4–4.5 liters.

3. Start the engine, warm up the automatic transmission and check the oil level on the dipstick (should be between HOT And COLD).

⚠️ Attention: After replacement, avoid sudden acceleration and towing for the first 50–100 km! The new oil should be evenly distributed throughout all channels of the automatic transmission.
💡

Partial oil change in automatic transmission Pathfinder R51 Renews only half of the liquid. For a complete update, you need to repeat the procedure 2-3 times with an interval of 500-1000 km.

Complete automatic transmission oil change: flushing method

A complete replacement is necessary if:

✅ The oil is black or has a burning smell.

✅ A lot of metal shavings were found in the pallet.

✅ The box began to “kick” or delay shifting.

The process is more complicated than partial replacement, but allows you to update 90–95% oil.

Method 1: Hardware flush

Special equipment is required (can be found at a service station or rented). Principle:

1. Connect the hoses of the device to the automatic transmission cooling radiator pipes.

2. Start the engine - the device will pump in fresh oil while draining the old one.

3. Rinse until the drained liquid becomes light-colored (usually 10–12 liters of oil are used).

Method 2: Manual washing (without machine)

1. Drain the oil through the plug (as with a partial replacement).

2. Disconnect the return hose from the automatic transmission cooling radiator and direct it into a container.

3. Start the engine - the old oil will begin to flow out. As soon as clear fluid comes out, turn off the engine.

4. Fill in new oil through the filler neck (8-10 liters will be required).

After complete replacement be sure to reset the automatic transmission adaptations! To do this:

  1. Disconnect the battery terminal for 10 minutes.
  2. Start the engine and let it idle for 5 minutes.
  3. Drive 10–15 km in a gentle mode, avoiding kickdowns.
What happens if you don’t reset the adaptations after changing the oil?

After changing the oil, the automatic transmission may be unstable (jerky, delayed shifts), since the electronic control unit (ECU) retains the old fluid wear parameters. Resetting adaptations allows the box to “learn” again for new oil.

Typical mistakes when changing the oil in a Pathfinder R51 automatic transmission

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that can lead to automatic transmission breakdown. Here are the most common:

  • 🚫 Overfilling or underfilling oil:
    • 🔹 Overflow → foam in oil, loss of pressure, slippage of clutches.
    • 🔹 Underfilling → oil starvation, accelerated wear of bearings.
    Solution: always check the level using the dipstick on a warm box!
  • 🚫 Using the wrong oil:

    Dexron or Mercon are not compatible with Matic S! This leads to destruction of rubber seals and clogging of solenoids.

  • 🚫 Late filter replacement:

    An old filter does not retain wear products, and they circulate throughout the system, accelerating wear.

  • 🚫 Ignoring magnets in the tray:

    If you do not clean the magnets from chips, they will fall back into the oil and damage the valve body.

Another critical error - oil change without flushing in case of heavy contamination. If large metal particles are found in the pan or the oil has a burning smell, partial replacement will only worsen the situation, diluting the dirt with fresh liquid. In such cases it is required full flush or even automatic transmission diagnostics.

How often to change the oil in a Pathfinder R51 automatic transmission

Official Nissan Regulations for Pathfinder R51 does not provide for changing the oil in the automatic transmission, but this marketing ploy. In practice, the intervals depend on the operating conditions:

Operating conditions Replacement interval Replacement type
Gentle mode (city, highway) 60–80 thousand km Partial
Aggressive driving (towing, off-road) 40–50 thousand km Full
Extreme conditions (heat, cold, dust) 30–40 thousand km Full with flushing
After buying a used car Immediately! Full + diagnostics

Signs that the oil needs to be changed urgently:

✅ Jerks when changing gears.

✅ Delayed reaction to gas.

✅ Extraneous noises (hum, grinding) when the automatic transmission is operating.

✅ The oil on the dipstick is dark or has a burning smell.

⚠️ Attention: If the automatic transmission begins to “kick” or skip gears, an oil change may be already useless — diagnostics of solenoids and valve body is required. In such cases, first check the box for errors (for example, code P0730 indicates a transmission malfunction).

Video instructions and additional materials

For clarity, we recommend watching the video on changing the oil in an automatic transmission Nissan Pathfinder R51:

Video 1: Partial oil change (with demonstration of draining and cleaning the pan) - link.
Video 2: Complete replacement with washing by machine - link.

It is also useful to study:

✅ Automatic transmission repair manual RE5R05A (in English, but with illustrations).

✅ Oil compatibility table for Nissan.

💡

If this is your first time changing the oil in an automatic transmission, take a photograph of the location of all bolts and pipes before starting work. This will help avoid assembly errors.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in the Pathfinder R51 automatic transmission

Is it possible to mix different oils in an automatic transmission?

No! B Pathfinder R51 only allowed Nissan Matic S or its full analogues (Idemitsu Type-M, Ravenol J1). Mixing with Dexron or Mercon will result in destruction of clutches and clogging of solenoids. If you need to add oil, use only the same brand that has already been added.

How much oil should I fill during a complete change?

For a complete replacement with flushing, you will need 10–12 liters oils This is due to the fact that up to 4-5 liters of old fluid remain in the torque converter and channels, which is replaced by new fluid. If you use a hardware flush, monitor the color of the drained oil - the procedure ends when it becomes light.

Do I need to change the filter every oil change?

Yes, automatic transmission filter be sure to change with every complete oil change! It becomes clogged with wear products and loses throughput, which leads to oil starvation. An exception is a partial replacement (if the filter was changed less than 30 thousand km ago). Article number of the original filter: 31726-31X00 (before 2008) or 31726-31X01 (after 2008).

What should you do if, after changing the oil, the automatic transmission begins to twitch?

This is a typical situation if the ECU adaptation is not reset. Follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the battery for 10-15 minutes.

2. Start the engine and let it idle for 5 minutes.

3. Drive 10–15 km to gentle mode (no sudden acceleration).

If the jerking persists, check the oil level and inspect it for foam (a sign of overfilling).

Is it possible to change the automatic transmission oil yourself or is it better to go to a service station?

Even a beginner can perform a partial oil change if he has the tools. Complete replacement with flushing It is recommended to do it at a service station, since special equipment (washing apparatus) and experience are required. Errors during a complete replacement (for example, air locks) can damage the automatic transmission.