Changing the oil in a Nissan Sunny FB15 automatic transmission: a complete guide with nuances

Pay special attention oil filter. In automatic transmission Sunny FB15 two types of filters are used:

• 🔄 Metal mesh (article 31726-31X00) - reusable, just wash.
• 🧻 Paper cartridge (article 31726-31X01) - disposable, requires replacement.

To find out which filter is installed in your box, just remove the tray: if the filter is bolted on, it’s a metal version; if it’s simply inserted into the grooves, it’s paper. Don't skimp on the filter: a clogged element leads to oil starvation and accelerated wear of the clutches.

Step-by-step instructions: partial oil change in automatic transmission

Partial replacement is suitable for prevention or if the oil has not yet had time to degrade significantly. The procedure takes approximately 1.5–2 hours and does not require special equipment.

Step 1. Warm up the oil

Start the engine and let it run 10–15 minutesso that the oil in the automatic transmission warms up to 50–60°C. This is necessary for better drainage of waste. Toggle the selector across all positions (P → R → N → D → 2 → L), holding each for 3–5 seconds.

Step 2. Drain the old oil

1. Place the car on a pit or lift. Tighten the handbrake and place chocks under the wheels.
2. Unscrew the drain plug with a wrench 24 mm (it is located on the automatic transmission tray). Be careful - the oil will be hot!
3. Drain the liquid into the prepared container. Normally it should flow out 3–3.5 l. If it’s less, it means the oil hasn’t been changed for a long time and some of it remains in the torque converter.

Step 3: Replace the filter and gasket

After draining the oil, unscrew the automatic transmission pan (bolts around the perimeter, key on 10 mm). Carefully remove the tray - there may be up to 0.5 l oil. Clean the magnets from metal shavings (their presence is a reason to diagnose the box). Replace the filter and pan gasket, then reinstall everything by tightening the bolts criss-cross with the moment 8–10 Nm.

Step 4. Filling with new oil

New oil is poured through dipstick hole (located next to the motor, under the air duct). Use a funnel with a long hose. Fill in 3–3.5 l, then check the level:

1. Start the engine and warm up the transmission until 50°C (check with a scanner or thermometer).
2. Switch the selector through all modes as in step 1.
3. Measure the level with a dipstick - it should be between the marks HOT.

Complete automatic transmission oil change: hardware and manual methods

A complete replacement is required if:

• 🔴 The oil is black or has a burnt smell.
• 🔧 The box was undergoing repairs (replacement of solenoids, hydraulic unit).
• 🚗 The mileage since the last replacement exceeds 100 thousand km.

Method 1. Hardware replacement (at a service station)

A special stand is used, which under pressure replaces the old oil with new one. Pros:

• ✅ Replacement for 30–40 minutes.
• ✅ Displaced until 95% completion.
• ✅ There is no risk of overfilling or underfilling.

Cons:

• ❌ Cost 1.5–2 thousand rubles. (plus the price of oil).
• ❌ Risk of damage to the torque converter if connected incorrectly.

Method 2. Manual complete replacement (do it yourself)

A more labor-intensive but reliable method. You will need:

1. Drain the oil through the plug (as with a partial replacement).
2. Disconnect the automatic transmission radiator return hose (it goes from the gearbox to the radiator).
3. Place a transparent tube on the hose and lower it into the container.
4. Start the engine and old oil will begin to flow out. As soon as clear liquid comes out, turn off the engine.
5. Add new oil to the level HOT.

⚠️ Attention: When performing a manual complete replacement, monitor the color of the leaking oil. If after 1.5–2 l The new oil has not cleared up - there are serious deposits in the box, and it is impossible to do without flushing. In this case, it is better to contact a service station.

Resetting automatic transmission adaptations after changing the oil

After changing the oil necessarily you need to reset the automatic transmission adaptations (settings). Otherwise, the box will operate in “emergency” mode: jerks, shift delays, or even blocking in one gear are possible.

Method 1. Through a scanner (ELM327, Launch, Autel)

1. Connect the scanner to the diagnostic connector (located under the steering wheel).
2. Select block TCM (Transmission Control Module).
3. Find the function Reset Adaptations or Relearn.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions (usually depressing the brake pedal and moving the selector lever to D).

Method 2: Manual reset (without scanner)

If you do not have a scanner, perform the procedure manually:

1. Start the engine and warm up the transmission to operating temperature.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Switch the selector for all modes (P → R → N → D → 2 → L), lingering on each 5 seconds.
4. Repeat the cycle 3 times.
5. Turn off the ignition 10 minutes, then start the car and drive 5–10 km in a quiet mode.

After resetting the adaptations, the box may work a little “stiff” for the first time 50–100 km - that's normal. If the jerking does not disappear after 200 km, check the oil level or go for diagnostics.

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

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

• 🔧 Incorrect oil level:

  - Overflow leads to foaming and loss of pressure.

  - Underfilling causes oil starvation and wear of clutches.

  Solution: Check the level on a warm box (50–60°C) and strictly according to the probe.
• 🧴 Using incompatible oil:

  - Fill Dexron III or ATF+4 instead of Matic D leads to jamming of the solenoids.

  Solution: Only JWS 3309 or its analogues from the table above.
• 🔩 Loose drain plug or pan:

  - Will lead to oil leakage and gearbox failure.

  Solution: Tighten the plug to a torque 35–40 Nm, pallet - 8–10 Nm.
• 🚫 Ignoring metal shavings:

  - The presence of chips on the pan magnets is a sign of wear on the clutches or bearings.

  Solution: If there are a lot of chips, have the box diagnosed before changing the oil.

⚠️ Attention: If the light comes on after changing the oil Check Engine with an error P0730 (“Incorrect gear shift”), most likely the wrong type of ATF was used or the adaptations were not reset. Don't reset the error - go for diagnostics!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions