Changing the oil in a Nissan Almera automatic transmission: when, how and what kind of oil to fill

Changing the oil in automatic transmission Nissan Almera - a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute, considering it complicated or unnecessary. However, ignoring this maintenance may result in hydraulic unit failure after 120-150 thousand km, especially if the car is operated in city mode with frequent traffic jams. In this article we will look at when a replacement is really required, which oil is suitable for different generations Almera (including N16, G15 And Tino), and how to carry out the procedure yourself without the risk of damaging the box.

The manufacturer often claims that automatic transmission oil is filled “for its entire service life,” but this is only true for ideal conditions—moderate climates, smooth roads, and a gentle driving style. In reality ATF fluid loses its properties after 60-80 thousand km, and in Russian conditions this period is reduced to 40-50 thousand km. Next, you will learn how to determine the degree of oil wear without diagnostics, what tools are needed for replacement, and why a partial replacement is sometimes more harmful than a complete one.

When to change the oil in a Nissan Almera automatic transmission: signs and regulations

Official regulations Nissan for models Almera N16 (2000-2006) and Almera Classic/G15 (2012-2018) provides for checking the oil condition every 30 thousand km, but replacement only under “extreme” conditions. In practice, this means that dealers rarely remind you of the need for the procedure. However, there are a number of symptoms indicating a critical fluid condition:

• 🔴 Jerks when shifting gears - especially noticeable when cold or during acceleration.
• 🔴 Automatic transmission response delays (1-2 seconds after pressing the gas).
• 🔴 Extraneous sounds: hum, grinding or rustling noise when the box is operating.
• 🔴 Burning smell from the oil - a sign of overheating and oxidation of additives.
• 🔴 Dark liquid color (should be reddish, not black or brown).

For Almera Tino (with CVT JF010E) and models with a classic “automatic” RE4F03A/RE4F04B mileage is considered critical 80-100 thousand km — after this, the risk of failure of clutches and solenoids increases 3 times. If the machine is used in a taxi or to tow a trailer, reduce the interval to 50 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: If metal particles (chips) are found in the oil, this is a signal of destruction of the bearings or gears. In this case, it is not an oil change that is required, but diagnostics of the box - further operation without repair will lead to jamming.

What kind of oil to fill in Nissan Almera automatic transmission: original vs analogues

Manufacturer recommends for all models Almera use with automatic transmission Nissan Matic Fluid D (art. KE908-99931) or Matic Fluid S (art. KE909-99932). However, these oils differ in composition and compatibility:

Model Almera	Automatic transmission type	Recommended oil	Replacement volume
Almera N16 (2000-2006)	RE4F03A	Nissan Matic D or Idemitsu ATF Type-J	7.5-8.5 l (full)
Almera Classic/G15 (2012-2018)	RE4F04B	Nissan Matic S or Ravenol ATF J1	6.8-7.2 l (full)
Almera Tino (1998-2006)	JF010E (variator)	Only Nissan NS-2/NS-3	7.0-7.5 l

Important: for CVTs Almera Tino use of oils other than NS-2/NS-3, leads to belt slippage and cones failure. Analogues like Mobil 3309 or Castrol Transmax CVT are allowed only as a last resort and require the replacement interval to be reduced to 30 thousand km.

For classic automatic transmissions (RE4F03A/RE4F04B) analogues are suitable:

• 🔹 Idemitsu ATF Type-J — the best choice in terms of price/quality ratio.
• 🔹 Ravenol ATF J1 - a German analogue with improved antioxidant properties.
• 🔹 Motul Multi ATF — universal oil, but requires washing when switching from the original.

⚠️ Attention: Mixing different types of oils (e.g. Matic D And Matic S) is strictly prohibited! This leads to foaming of the liquid and loss of pressure in the valve body.

Preparing for replacement: tools and consumables

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

New oil (8-9 liters for a complete change)

Automatic transmission filter (art. 31726-31X00 for RE4F04B)

Pan gasket (art. 31397-31X01)

TORX T30 star wrench (for drain plug)

Head for 10 mm and 14 mm

Funnel with extended spout

Drain container (minimum 5 l)

Carburetor cleaner or kerosene (for flushing the pan)

Torque wrench (optional, for tightening bolts)

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Pay special attention to the choice of filter. For boxes RE4F03A/RE4F04B original filters fit Nissan (art. 31726-31X00) or analogues from JS Asakashi (art. FT43004). For CVTs Almera Tino The filter is integrated into the valve body and is replaced only during major overhauls.

If you plan partial replacement (drain-fill), 4-5 liters of oil is enough. For complete replacement by pumping through a cooler will be required 12-15 liters (of which 8-9 liters will be used for replacement, the rest for washing).

What are the dangers of a partial oil change?

With a partial replacement, only 30-40% of the fluid is renewed, and the remainder is mixed with fresh oil. This temporarily improves the operation of the automatic transmission, but does not remove wear products (chips, carbon deposits), which continue to circulate through the system. As a result, after 10-15 thousand km the problems return, and the interval until the next replacement is reduced.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in a Nissan Almera automatic transmission

The replacement procedure is different for the partial and full methods. Let's consider both options.

Partial replacement (drain-fill)

1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60-70°C) so that the oil becomes less viscous.

2. Lift the car on a lift or drive it into a pit. Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped).

3. Unscrew the drain plug with a wrench TORX T30 and drain the oil into a container. B Almera G15 The plug is located to the right of the pan.

4. Remove the tray, clean it and the magnets from metal shavings. Replace the filter (in some models it is secured with 3 bolts).

5. Install a new pan gasket and tighten the bolts crosswise to torque. 8-10 Nm.

6. Fill in new oil through the dipstick (or filler neck in Almera N16) to the level COLD.

7. Start the engine, alternately switch all automatic transmission modes (P-R-N-D) with a delay of 5 seconds. Check the level and top up if necessary.

Complete replacement using bleeding method

This method requires an assistant or special equipment (for example, a pressure oil changer). Algorithm:

1. Drain the oil through the plug, as in a partial change.

2. Disconnect the return hose from the automatic transmission cooling radiator (lower pipe).

3. Connect a transparent tube to the hose and lower it into the drain container.

4. Start the engine. When clean oil comes out of the tube (the color should match the new one), turn off the engine.

5. Fill in new oil in a volume equal to the drained amount (usually 8-9 l). Repeat the procedure 2-3 times for complete rinsing.

For Almera Tino with a variator the process is similar, but strict control of the oil temperature is required (no higher than 35°C when filling) and the use only NS-2/NS-3.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when changing automatic transmission oil. Here are the most critical ones:

• ❌ Overfilling or underfilling oil. The optimal level is between the marks HOT on the dipstick (with the box warmed up). Underfilling leads to oil starvation, overfilling leads to foaming and loss of pressure.
• ❌ Using the wrong oil. For example, fill Dexron III instead of Matic S causes corrosion of solenoids.
• ❌ Replacement without flushing the pan. Remaining chips and dirt get into the new oil, reducing its service life.
• ❌ Tightening the pan bolts without a torque wrench. Over-tightening leads to gasket deformation and leakage.

Another common mistake is ignoring automatic transmission adaptation after changing the oil. In modern boxes (eg. RE4F04B in Almera G15) the electronic control unit “gets used” to the worn-out fluid. After replacement, it may be necessary to reset adaptations via the diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Delphi DS150E).

⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil, the automatic transmission begins to “kick” or be delayed with shifts, this may be a sign of incorrect adaptation. In this case, the box needs to be trained (the “Quick Learn” procedure in service mode).

The cost of changing the oil in an automatic transmission Nissan Almera: prices 2026

The price of the procedure depends on the replacement method and region. Average prices:

Replacement type	Cost of work (₽)	Cost of oil (₽/4 l)	Total (₽)
Partial (drain-fill)	1 500–2 500	2 200–3 500 (Matic S)	4 000–6 000
Full (pumping)	3 000–4 500	6,000–9,000 (12 l)	9 000–13 500
Replacing + flushing the valve body	5 000–7 000	8 000–12 000	13 000–19 000

Saving on oil or filter is more expensive: for example, using a cheap analogue instead Nissan Matic S can lead to the replacement of solenoids (from 15,000 ₽) after 20 thousand km. Services often offer “universal” oils by type ATF Multi-Vehicle - their use in Almera undesirable due to differences in additive packages.

If you plan to carry out the replacement yourself, the total cost will be reduced to the price of oil and consumables (filter, gasket) - about 3 000–5 000 ₽.

What to do after replacement: running-in and control

First 200-300 km After changing the oil, you should adhere to a gentle regime:

• 🚗 Avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
• 🚗 Do not tow a trailer or another vehicle.
• 🚗 Try not to drive in traffic jams (overheating of the oil in the first days is critical).

After 1,000 km, check:

• 🔧 Oil level (must be between HOT on the dipstick).
• 🔧 Color and smell — if the oil has darkened or smells like burning, diagnostics is required.
• 🔧 No leaks from under the pan gasket or drain plug.

If you notice worsening dynamics or jerking, this may be due to:

• ⚠ Incorrect adaptation of the automatic transmission (reset via scanner required).
• ⚠ Filter clogged (if it has not been replaced).
• ⚠ Using low-quality oil (check the canister for authenticity).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in a Nissan Almera automatic transmission

Is it possible to fill in oil of a different brand if there is no original one?

Yes, but only analogues with approval JWS 3309 (for Matic S) or Type-J (for Matic D). For example, Idemitsu ATF Type-J or Ravenol ATF J1. The main thing is not to mix different types of oils.

How much oil is needed for a complete change in Almera G15?

For the box RE4F04B will be required 8-9 liters when completely replaced using the pumping method. For partial replacement, 4-5 liters are enough.

Is it necessary to flush the automatic transmission when changing the oil?

Flushing is required if:

• The oil is black or has a burning smell.
• A lot of metal shavings were found in the pan.
• The car was purchased second hand and the service history is unknown.

For washing, use special compounds (for example, Liqui Moly ATF Reiniger) or pumping method.

What happens if you don’t change the automatic transmission oil?

The consequences depend on the mileage:

• 80-100 thousand km: deterioration in smoothness of switching, increased fuel consumption.
• 120-150 thousand km: wear of friction clutches, slipping of gears, failure of solenoids.
• 180+ thousand km: destruction of bearings, jamming of the box.

In CVTs Almera Tino untimely oil changes lead to belt stretching and wear of the cones (repairs will cost 80,000–120,000 rubles).

Is it possible to change the oil in an automatic transmission without a pit?

Technically yes, but it is extremely inconvenient. Alternatives:

• Use jack with stops (be sure to secure the rear wheels!).
• Stop by overpass or curb (if clearance allows).
• Contact the service with a lift (cost of work - from 1,500 ₽).

Without a pit, it is difficult to control the oil drain and the condition of the pan, so the risk of errors increases.