Automatic transmission Nissan Almera Classic (body B10, 2006–2012) is a reliable unit, but only subject to timely maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that automatic transmission oil filled “for the entire service life”, but in practice its degradation begins after 60–80 thousand km. Ignoring replacement leads to jerks when switching, overheating and expensive repairs.
In this article - detailed instructions for changing automatic transmission oil Almera Classic with photos, video tips and compatibility tables. We will figure out what kind of oil to fill, what tools are needed, how to drain the old fluid and fill in new fluid without errors. We will also reveal key nuance: why a partial oil change in 2-3 approaches is more effective than a complete oil change for this model.
What kind of oil to fill in automatic transmission Nissan Almera Classic?
Automatic transmission Almera Classic (models with engines 1.5 And 1.6) is equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission type RE4F03B. The manufacturer recommends using only original liquid Nissan Matic Fluid D (article KE908-99931). However, there are also high-quality analogues:
- 🔹 Idemitsu ATF Type-J — complete analogue of the original, approved Nissan for automatic transmission RE4F.
- 🔹 Mobil ATF 3309 — universal liquid, suitable for partial replacement.
- 🔹 Castrol Transmax J — improved anti-friction properties, recommended for hot climates.
- 🔹 Ravenol ATF J1A1700 — premium option with increased resource.
Automatic transmission oil volume Almera Classic amounts to 7.2–7.5 liters for a complete replacement, but for a partial replacement (drain/fill) you will need 3.5–4 liters. Never mix different types of oils! For example, Matic Fluid D incompatible with Matic Fluid S - this will lead to foaming and loss of properties.
| Oil type | Article | Volume (l) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Matic Fluid D (original) | KE908-99931 |
1 / 4 / 20 | Best choice for complete replacement |
| Idemitsu ATF Type-J | 30400-00205 |
1 / 4 | 100% compatible with RE4F03B |
| Mobil ATF 3309 | 152620 |
1 / 4 | Suitable for partial replacement |
| Castrol Transmax J | 157ABF |
1 / 4 | Improved Thermal Stability |
⚠️ Attention: If metal particles are found in the oil or it has a burning smell, it is required complete replacement with flushing (using the displacement method at the service station). Partial replacement in this case will only temporarily delay the repair.
- Original Nissan Matic Fluid D
- Idemitsu ATF Type-J
- Mobil ATF 3309
- Castrol Transmax J
- Other
Tools and consumables for oil change
To change the automatic transmission oil yourself Almera Classic you will need:
- 🔧 10 mm wrench — to remove the crankcase protection (if equipped).
- 🔧 19 mm head - to unscrew the drain plug.
- 🔧 Funnel with extension - for filling oil through the dipstick.
- 🔧 Oil syringe (if filling through the differential hole).
- 🧴 Drain plug gasket (article
31397-31X01). - 🧴 Automatic transmission filter (article
31726-31X00) - with a complete replacement. - 🧴 Carburetor Cleaner - for washing the pan.
- 🧴 Lint-free rags and gloves.
Also prepare oil drain container (with a volume of at least 5 liters) and jack or trestle. If you plan to flush, you will additionally need compressor for purging the valve body.
Buy oil (4–5 liters)|Purchase a gasket and filter (if completely replaced)|Prepare tools (keys, funnel, container)|Put the car on a flat surface and warm up the automatic transmission|Provide access to the drain plug (remove the protection, if any)-->
⚠️ Attention: If this is your first time changing the oil after 100+ thousand km, be prepared for the fact that after replacement they may appear jerks when switching. This is normal - new fluid washes away deposits and the box needs 100–200 km for adaptation. If the jerks do not go away, you will need reset adaptations (done through a diagnostic scanner).
Step-by-step instructions: draining old oil
Before starting work warm up the automatic transmission to operating temperature (drive 5–10 km). This is necessary so that the oil becomes less viscous and drains as completely as possible.
- Place the car on an overpass or pit. Secure the wheels with chocks.
- Remove the crankcase protection (if it is) - unscrew the 4 bolts with a 10 mm wrench.
- Find the automatic transmission drain plug — it is located on the pallet of the box (see photo below).
- Place the container and unscrew the cap 19 mm head. Be careful - the oil will be hot!
- Wait until it drains completely (about 10–15 minutes). On average it flows 3–3.5 liters.
- Assess the condition of the oil:
- 🟢 Light red, transparent — the oil is in good condition.
- 🟡 Dark, with small particles - washing required.
- 🔴 Black, with a burning smell - the box is in critical condition.
If the oil is heavily contaminated, it is recommended repeat draining/filling 2-3 times at intervals of 500–1000 km. It's called partial replacement in several stages and allows you to update to 80–90% liquid without the risk of clogging the valve body with deposits.
What to do if the oil does not drain?
If the oil does not flow or drips very slowly, check:
1. Drain hole clogged - clean it with wire.
2. Pan misalignment - perhaps the plug is not unscrewed completely.
3. Thick oil — warm up the box longer (up to 70–80°C).
If the problem persists, contact a service station - the filter mesh may be clogged or the pan may be damaged.
Replacing the filter and washing the pan
Automatic transmission filter in Almera Classic located inside the pallet. Its replacement required during a complete oil change or if metal particles are found in the drained fluid.
- Unscrew the pan bolts (10 mm wrench) and carefully remove it. Be prepared for more to come 0.5–1 liter of oil.
- Clean the tray from old sealant and deposits. Use carburetor cleaner and rags.
- Remove the old filter - it is secured with 2-3 bolts. Install a new one (part number
31726-31X00). - Wash the magnets at the bottom of the pallet - they collect metal shavings.
- Replace the tray, after applying a thin layer of sealant (for example, Loctite 574). Tighten the bolts criss-crossto avoid skew.
⚠️ Attention: If a large amount is found at the bottom of the pallet metal shavings or plastic particles, this is a sign wear of clutches or bearings. In this case, changing the oil will only temporarily delay the repair; diagnostics at a service station are recommended.
To avoid leakage after installing the pan, use new gasket (article 31397-31X01) instead of sealant. It provides a more reliable seal and is easier to install.
Filling with new oil: nuances and mistakes
Fill the automatic transmission with oil Almera Classic can be done in two ways:
- Through the dipstick - the simplest method. You will need a funnel with an extension.
- Through the differential hole - more difficult, but suitable if the dipstick is missing or damaged.
Step-by-step instructions for filling through the dipstick:
- Insert a funnel into the dipstick hole.
- Fill with oil slowly, in portions of 0.5 liters to avoid the formation of air pockets.
- After pouring 3.5 liters check the level:
- 🔹 Start the engine and warm up the box (switch the selector through all modes).
- 🔹 The level on the dipstick should be between the marks «HOT».
- 🔹 If there is not enough oil, add more 100–200 ml.
Critical error: overfilling the automatic transmission with oil Almera Classic leads to foaming and loss of pressure, which causes jerking and accelerated wear of the clutches. If the level is above the mark «HOT», drain the excess through the drain plug.
After changing the oil, be sure to automatic transmission adaptation: Drive 10–15 km with smooth acceleration and braking. This will help the box “get used” to the new fluid and avoid jerking.
Partial vs. complete replacement: which is best for Almera Classic?
There are two methods for changing automatic transmission oil:
- 🔄 Partial replacement — drain/fill 30–40% of the volume. Suitable for regular maintenance.
- 🔄 Complete replacement — replacing old oil with new oil using a machine (done at a service station).
For Nissan Almera Classic optimal solution is partial replacement in 2–3 stages at intervals of 500–1000 km. Why?
- ✅ Less risk - suddenly changing all the oil can wash out deposits and clog the valve body.
- ✅ Cheaper - no special equipment required.
- ✅ Gentle mode for the old box.
A complete replacement is justified only in the following cases:
- 🔴 Severe oil contamination (black color, burning smell).
- 🔴 Buying a used car with an unknown service history.
- 🔴 Preparation for sale (to show a “clean” box).
Common problems after an oil change and their solutions
Even with proper automatic transmission oil changes Almera Classic problems may occur. Let's look at typical situations and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Jerks when switching | Adaptation of the box to the new oil | Drive 100–200 km in gentle mode |
| Leaking from under the pan | Incorrect gasket installation | Tighten bolts or replace gasket |
| Noise in the box | Insufficient oil level | Check the level and top up if necessary |
| Check Engine light came on | Faulty solenoids or sensors | Diagnostics with a scanner (codes P0730, P0740) |
⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil the box starts skid or gears won't turn on, stop immediately! This could be a sign valve body clogged sediments. Further driving will worsen the damage.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to fill it into an automatic transmission? Almera Classic oil Nissan Matic Fluid S instead of Matic Fluid D?
No! These liquids have different compositions and viscosities. Matic Fluid S designed for CVTs Nissan (For example, Juke or Qashqai), and Matic Fluid D - for classic automatic transmissions RE4F03B. Mixing will lead to foaming and loss of properties.
How much oil is needed for a complete change in an automatic transmission? Almera Classic?
For a complete replacement using the displacement method, you will need 10–12 liters oil (since the liquid circulates through the system and is replaced gradually). However, in garage conditions this method is not feasible - usually they are limited partial replacement (3.5–4 l) in 2–3 approaches.
How often to change automatic transmission oil Almera Classic?
Official regulations Nissan — every 60 thousand km or once every 4 years. However, under difficult operating conditions (city traffic jams, heat, towing), the interval is reduced to 40–50 thousand km. If the oil has not been changed in more than 100 thousand km, preliminary diagnostics of the box is required.
What happens if you don’t change the automatic transmission oil?
Over time, the oil loses its lubricating properties, accumulates wear products and oxidizes. This leads to:
- 🔹 Jerks and pushes when switching.
- 🔹 Overheating of the box (especially in traffic jams).
- 🔹 Wear of clutches and solenoids.
- 🔹 Valve block clogged and automatic transmission failure.
In critical cases it is required major renovation (from 50 thousand rubles).
Is it possible to wash the automatic transmission? Almera Classic flushing fluid?
No! Flushing fluids (e.g. Liqui Moly ATF Reiniger) can damage clutches and seals. For cleaning use only original oil in 2–3 stages: drain/fill with an interval of 500–1000 km. If deep cleaning is required, contact a service center for hardware flushing.