Changing the oil in an automatic transmission Nissan Note 1.6: instructions with photos and recommendations

Nissan Note with engine 1.6 l and automatic transmission - a popular choice among owners of compact hatchbacks. But many people forget that changing automatic transmission oil no less important than in the engine. Neglecting this procedure leads to jerks when switching, overheating and expensive repairs.

This article contains an analysis of all the nuances: from choosing the original oil Nissan Matic Fluid S to step-by-step instructions with photos. We will tell you how to check the oil level without a dipstick, when a partial replacement is needed, and when a complete one is needed, and why Universal ATF cannot be used in JF015E boxes. We will also look at typical mistakes that reduce the life of the automatic transmission by 30-40%.

What kind of oil to fill in automatic transmission Nissan Note 1.6

For automatic boxes Nissan Note with motor HR16DE (1.6 l) the manufacturer recommends exclusively original liquid Nissan Matic Fluid S (art. KE908-99932). This is not a marketing ploy - the composition was developed specifically for the boxes of the series JF015E, which are installed on Note since 2012.

Alternative options (eg Idemitsu ATF Type-J or Ravenol ATF J1 Fluid) can only be used as a last resort, but they do not guarantee the same protection for clutches and solenoids. Important: It is forbidden to mix different types of oils - this leads to foaming and loss of properties.

• 🔹 Original: Nissan Matic Fluid S (4 l art. KE908-99932, 1 l — KE908-99931)
• 🔹 Acceptable analogues: Idemitsu ATF Type-J, Ravenol ATF J1 Fluid, Mobil ATF 3309
• 🔹 Replacement volume: 7.5–8.5 l (full), 3.5–4 l (partial)
• 🔹 Color: red (new), dark brown (needs replacement)

⚠️ Attention: In boxes JF015E You cannot use oils marked Dexron III/VI or Mercon LV. They have a different viscosity and additives, which leads to clutch slipping after 20–30 thousand km.

When to change automatic transmission oil: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan for Note 1.6 provides Changing the automatic transmission oil every 60–90 thousand km (depending on operating conditions). However, in Russian realities this interval should be reduced to 40–50 thousand km due to:

• 🌡️ Frequent overheating (traffic jams, towing a trailer)
• 🛣️ Poor quality roads (impacts on the automatic transmission pan)
• ❄️ Extreme temperatures (from –30°C to +35°C)
• 🚗 Aggressive driving style (sharp starts, braking)

If you ignore the replacement, the first symptoms appear after 80–100 thousand km:

Sign	Reason	Consequences
Jerks when shifting 1st–2nd gears	Worn clutches, clogged filter	Slipping, loss of traction
Switching delays (1–3 seconds)	Low oil pressure due to pump wear	Overheating, failure of solenoids
Vibration at speeds of 60–80 km/h	Contaminated oil, damaged bearings	Destruction of the planetary mechanism
Noise or grinding noise when reversing	Insufficient differential lubrication	Automatic transmission jamming

Critical moment: If the oil turns black or smells like burning, the box is already wearing out. In this case, partial replacement will not help; a complete flushing and filter replacement is needed.

Preparing for replacement: tools and consumables

To change the automatic transmission oil yourself Nissan Note 1.6 you will need:

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

Automatic transmission filter (art. 31726-3MX0A) and pan gasket (31397-3MX0A)

10 mm wrench and 14 mm socket (for drain plug)

Funnel with extension (for pouring through dipstick)

Transparent hose Ø8 mm (for level control)

Drain container (minimum 5 l)

Carburetor cleaner (for flushing the pan)

Torque wrench (tightening torque 10–12 Nm)-->

If you plan complete replacement (using a device or displacement method), you will additionally need:

• 🔧 Special adapter for connecting to the automatic transmission cooling system
• 🔌 Pump or compressor for pumping oil
• 📊 Diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) to reset adaptations

Important: When purchasing oil, pay attention to the production date. Nissan Matic Fluid S has a shelf life of 3 years in unopened containers. After opening the canister, the liquid must be used within 6 months.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use sealant instead of pan gasket! Even the original gasket 31397-3MX0A requires careful installation - when tightening the bolts, it becomes deformed, and oil will begin to ooze after 1–2 thousand km.

Step-by-step instructions: partial oil change

A partial replacement is suitable if the oil is not very contaminated (mileage up to 60 thousand km since the last change). The procedure takes 1–1.5 hours and allows you to renew 40–50% of the liquid.

Step 1. Warm up the oil

Start the engine and let it run for 5-7 minutes. Then alternately switch the automatic transmission selector to all positions (P → R → N → D → L), holding each for 3–5 seconds. This will warm the oil to 50-60°C and stir up the sediment.

Step 2. Drain the old oil

1. Lift the car on a lift or drive it onto an overpass.
2. Unscrew the drain plug (14 mm wrench) and drain the oil into a container. Normally ~3.5 liters should flow out.
3. If the oil flows in a thin stream, the filter or oil channels are clogged.

Step 3. Replacing the filter and washing the pan

Remove the pan (10 bolts by 10 mm), remove the old filter and magnets. Wash the pan and magnets with carburetor cleaner. Install a new filter (31726-3MX0A) and gasket, then tighten the bolts crosswise to 10 Nm.

Step 4. Filling with new oil

Fill the oil through the dipstick hole (if any) or the inspection plug. Use a funnel with an extension. After filling 3.5 l, check the level:

1. Warm up the automatic transmission to 60–70°C (check Nissan Consult or scanner).
2. With the engine running, shift the selector lever to position P.
3. The level should be between the marks HOT on the dipstick. If there is no dipstick, oil should drip a little from the inspection hole.

What to do if you overfilled the oil?

If the level is above the mark HOT 5 mm or more, drain the excess through the control plug. Overfilling causes the oil to foam, which causes friction clutches to slip and overheat. In critical cases (for example, if 200-300 ml is overfilled), the solenoids may need to be replaced.

Complete oil change: displacement method

A complete replacement is required if:

• 🔴 The oil is black or smells like burning
• 🔄 The mileage since the last replacement exceeds 80 thousand km
• ⚙️ There were jerks or delays when switching

This method requires an assistant or a special stand. Principle: New oil displaces old oil through the automatic transmission cooling system.

Step 1. Connect to the cooling system

Disconnect the hose leading from the radiator to the automatic transmission (usually the lower one). Place a transparent hose on it and lower it into a drainage container. Connect a pump with new fluid to the upper hose.

Step 2. Oil pumping

1. Start the engine and turn on the mode D.
2. Start supplying new oil with a pump (1–1.5 l/min).
3. Monitor the color of the liquid in the drain hose - when it turns red, the process is complete.

Step 3. Level control and adaptation

After replacement, check the level (as in a partial replacement) and reset the automatic transmission adaptations using the diagnostic scanner. This is necessary, since the box “gets used” to the old oil and may not work correctly for the first 100–200 km.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced technicians make mistakes when changing automatic transmission oil. Nissan Note. Here are the most common:

• 🛑 Using non-original oil. For example, Dexron VI instead of Matic Fluid S leads to the destruction of friction discs within 10–15 thousand km.
• 🛑 Failure to comply with temperature conditions. If you pour oil into a cold box, the level will be too high, and when warmed up, it will be exceeded by 100–150 ml.
• 🛑 Ignoring filter replacement. An old filter becomes clogged with wear products and reduces oil pressure by 20–30%.
• 🛑 Re-tightening the pallet bolts. This deforms the gasket and causes leakage. The tightening torque is strictly 10 Nm.
• 🛑 Lack of adaptation after replacement. Without resetting errors through the scanner, the box may jerk for the first 500 km.

The most dangerous mistake — incomplete oil change in case of severe contamination. If 30–40% of the old liquid with metal shavings remains in the box, it acts as an abrasive and accelerates wear by 2–3 times.

⚠️ Attention: After changing the oil, avoid sudden starts and towing for the first 100–200 km. The new oil should be evenly distributed throughout all channels and solenoids. It is also not recommended to use the modes Sport or Manual during this period.

Replacement cost: dealer vs independent service

Prices for changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Note 1.6 vary depending on method and region:

Service	Cost (RUB)	Time (hours)	Benefits
Partial replacement (on your own)	2 500–3 500	1–1.5	Savings, process control
Partial replacement (service)	4 000–6 000	1	Warranty, diagnostics
Complete replacement (hardware)	8 000–12 000	2–3	Maximum cleaning, filter replacement
Full replacement (dealer)	15 000–20 000	3–4	Original consumables, reset adaptations

Replacing it yourself is beneficial if you have the tools and experience. However, for a complete replacement using the displacement method, it is better to contact a service center - without special equipment, the risk of error is high.

Saving tip: Buy oil and filter from trusted online stores (for example, Exist.ru or Autodoc). It is often cheaper there than at the dealer, but watch out for originality - fakes Nissan Matic Fluid S occur in 20% of cases.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in an automatic transmission Nissan Note 1.6

Is it possible not to change the oil if the gearbox is working normally?

No. Even if there are no jerks or delays, the oil loses its properties after 50–60 thousand km. It accumulates friction wear products and metal shavings, which act as an abrasive. With a mileage of 100+ thousand km without replacement, the risk of automatic transmission overhaul increases by 70%.

Which is better: partial or complete replacement?

Depends on the condition of the oil:

• 🔹 Partial - if the oil is light brown and the mileage is up to 60 thousand km.
• 🔹 Full — if the oil is dark/black, there are jerks or the mileage is 80+ thousand km.

A complete replacement is more expensive (12–14 liters of oil are needed), but it removes deposits more effectively.

How to check the oil level without a dipstick?

B Nissan Note with automatic transmission JF015E the dipstick is missing. The level is checked through the control plug:

1. Warm up the box to 60–70°C (drive 10–15 km).
2. Raise the car on the lift (it must be level!).
3. Unscrew the control plug (14 mm wrench) - if the oil drips in a thin stream, the level is normal.

If the oil does not flow, add 100–200 ml and repeat the check.

What happens if you mix different oils?

Mixing Nissan Matic Fluid S with other ATFs (for example, Dexron III) leads to:

• 🔴 Oil foaming and pressure drop
• 🔴 Rapid wear of friction clutches (slippage, jerking)
• 🔴 Contamination of solenoids and valve body

If you accidentally mix oils, immediately perform a complete replacement with flushing.

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

Flushing is only necessary in two cases:

1. If the oil is black or smells like burning.
2. If there are a lot of metal shavings in the pan.

For flushing, use original oil (not special flushing fluids!). Fill it in, let the box run for 5–10 minutes in the D, then drain and replace the filter.