Changing the gearbox oil Nissan Navara (known in Russia as Nissan NP300 or D22/D40) is a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute. But in vain: not only the comfort of gear shifting, but also the life of the box itself depends on the condition of the transmission fluid. In this article we will analyze all aspects of replacement — from choosing oil to step-by-step instructions taking into account the characteristics of mechanical (FS5R30A, FS6R31A) and automatic (RE4R03A, RL4R01A) boxes.

Why is the topic relevant? The fact is that official dealers often declare that automatic transmissions are “maintenance-free”, and in manuals for manual transmissions they indicate a replacement interval of 100–120 thousand km - but only for “ideal” operating conditions. The reality is this: when driving off-road, towing trailers or frequent traffic jams, the oil loses its properties already 60–80 thousand km. We collected data from service centers, owner reviews and technical documentation to provide clear recommendations.

1. When to change the oil in a Nissan Navara gearbox: signs and intervals

Manufacturer Nissan in the technical documentation for Navara D22/D40 indicates the following intervals:

  • 🔧 Manual transmission (manual transmission): replacement every 90–120 thousand km or once every 4–5 years (whichever comes first).
  • 🔄 Automatic transmission (automatic transmission): officially - “the oil is filled for the entire service life”, but in practice it requires replacement every 60–80 thousand km.
  • ⚠️ Difficult conditions: When driving off-road, towing or operating in hot climates, the interval is reduced to 40–50 thousand km.

However, focusing only on mileage is dangerous. Please note oil wear symptoms:

  • 🔊 Crunching or grinding noise when changing gears (especially when cold).
  • 🛑 Slow response Automatic transmission shifting (jerking, slipping).
  • 💨 Burnt smell from under the hood (a sign of oil overheating).
  • 🔴 Dark oil color on the dipstick (should be reddish/amber, not black).
⚠️ Attention: If in manual transmission Nissan Navara D40 with box FS6R31A a crunching sound appeared when engaging 1st or 2nd gear, this may indicate not only aging of the oil, but also wear of synchronizers. In this case, changing the oil will only temporarily delay the repair.

For an accurate diagnosis, you can use an express oil test. Just drop a few drops from the dipstick onto a white paper napkin:

  • ✅ Norm: uniform drop, light or slightly dark color.
  • ❌ Critical wear: The drop blurs with dark particles or metal dust.
📊 How often do you change the oil in your Nissan?
  • According to regulations (90+ thousand km)
  • More often than the regulations (60-80 thousand km)
  • Only when problems arise
  • Never changed

2. What kind of oil to pour into the Nissan Navara box: original vs analogues

Oil selection is a critical step. For Nissan Navara The manufacturer recommends the following specifications:

Box type Original oil Analogues (tested) Viscosity Volume, l
Manual transmission (FS5R30A, FS6R31A) Nissan MT-XZ Gear Oil (KE916-99932) Mobilube SHC 75W-90, Castrol Syntrans Transaxle 75W-90 75W-90 2.8–3.2
Automatic transmission (RE4R03A, RL4R01A) Nissan Matic S ATF (KE908-99931) Idemitsu ATF Type-S, Ravenol ATF JWS 3309 — 8.5–10.5

Important: for automatic transmission It is strictly forbidden to use universal oils such as Dexron III or Mercon V. Boxes Nissan require approved fluid JWS 3309 (for Matic S) or JWS 3314 (for Matic J). Ignoring this rule leads to clutch slippage and premature wear of the valve body.

For manual transmissions, it is allowed to use oils of the class GL-4 or GL-5, but with reservations:

  • 🔹 GL-4 suitable for synchronizer boxes made of non-ferrous metals (e.g. FS5R30A).
  • 🔹 GL-5 contains aggressive additives that can damage synchronizers in the long term.
⚠️ Attention: In boxes Nissan Navara D40 with the system 4WD (all-wheel drive) oil in transfer case (transfer case) changes separately! It is used for Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 (volume - 1.2 l).

If you choose an analogue, pay attention to:

  • 📌 Specification (must match the original).
  • 📌 Temperature range (optimal for Russia 75W-90 or 80W-90).
  • 📌 Availability of certificates (for example, approval Nissan or JASO).
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Before purchasing oil, check its authenticity using the QR code on the packaging. Counterfeit transmission fluids are a common cause of automatic transmission breakdowns in Nissan Navara after replacement.

3. Tools and preparation: what you will need for replacement

To change the oil in the box yourself Nissan Navara Prepare the following set of tools:

10 mm and 24 mm socket wrench (for drain plug)

10 mm hexagon (for manual transmission filler plug)

Funnel with flexible hose (for automatic transmission)

Torque wrench (tightening torque 35–40 Nm)

Drain container (minimum 5 l for manual transmission, 10 l for automatic transmission)

New plug gaskets (copper or aluminum)

Gloves and rags

Scanner for resetting adaptations (for automatic transmission after replacement) -->

Additionally you may need:

  • 🔧 Lift or inspection hole (without them it is almost impossible to drain the oil).
  • 🔧 Automatic transmission oil filter puller (if you plan to change it).
  • 🔧 New automatic transmission filter (article for RE4R03A: 31726-31X00 or 31726-31X01).

Before starting work, complete the following steps:

  1. Warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km). Warm oil drains faster and more completely.
  2. Place the car on a level surface and secure it with the handbrake.
  3. For automatic transmission: move the selector to position P and remove the dipstick (if equipped).
⚠️ Attention: In boxes Nissan Navara D22 with manual transmission FS5R30A The filler plug is often located above the oil level. This means that without a special funnel with a flexible hose, pouring new oil will be extremely difficult.
How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission without a dipstick?

In some modifications Nissan Navara D40 (eg with box RL4R01A) the dipstick is missing. The level is checked through the control hole on the pallet, but this requires:

1. Raise the car on a lift.

2. Unscrew the control plug (10 mm hexagon).

3. Oil should start dripping at operating temperature (60-70°C). If not, add through the filler hole.

4. Step-by-step instructions: changing the oil in a Nissan Navara manual transmission

Procedure for manual transmission (FS5R30A or FS6R31A) is relatively simple, but requires care. Follow the algorithm:

  1. Draining old oil:
    • Place a container under the drain plug (it is located on the back of the box housing).
    • Unscrew the plug with the key to 24 mm (tightening torque for reinstallation - 35 Nm).
    • Wait until it drains completely (about 10–15 minutes).
  2. Flushing (optional):
    • If the oil is very dirty, you can add 0.5 liters of new oil, tighten the plug, start the engine for 2-3 minutes (in neutral!), then drain.
    • Repeat until the drained liquid is clear.
  3. Filling with new oil:
    • Unscrew the filler plug (hexagon on 10 mm, located on the side of the box).
    • Using a funnel with a flexible hose, add oil until it begins to flow out of the drain hole.
    • Tighten the plug with torque 25–30 Nm.

Oil volume for manual transmission:

  • 🔹 FS5R30A (5-speed): 2.8 l.
  • 🔹 FS6R31A (6-speed): 3.2 l.

After replacement:

  • 🔧 Take it for a test drive: change gears on the go, checking for smooth operation.
  • 🔧 After 500 km, check the oil level and add if necessary.
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In manual transmission Nissan Navara There is no oil filter, so flushing the box when changing the oil is the only way to remove metal shavings and deposits.

5. Oil change in Nissan Navara automatic transmission: partial vs complete

For automatic transmission (RE4R03A or RL4R01A) there are two methods for changing the oil:

5.1 Partial replacement (update)

Suitable for prevention or for low mileage (up to 100 thousand km). Algorithm:

  1. Drain the oil through the plug on the pan (drain volume - ~3.5–4 l).
  2. Unscrew the tray, clean it and the magnets from metal shavings.
  3. Replace the automatic transmission filter (required!).
  4. Install a new pan gasket (part number: 31397-31X00).
  5. Fill in new oil in a volume equal to the drained amount + 0.5 l.

5.2 Complete replacement (hardware)

Recommended for mileage over 100 thousand km or for serious problems (jerking, slipping). Requires special equipment for washing:

  • 🔧 Oil is replaced under pressure through the automatic transmission cooling radiator.
  • 🔧 Necessary 10–12 l new fluid (to completely displace the old one).
  • 🔧 After replacing, be sure to reset the box adaptations using a scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Delphi).

Important nuances for automatic transmission:

  • 🔴 Do not use flushing additives - they can damage the clutches.
  • 🔴 Do not mix oils of different brands, even if they have the same specification.
  • 🔴 After replacement, avoid sudden acceleration and towing for the first 500 km.
Replacement method Pros Cons Cost (on your own)
Partial Cheaper, simpler, less risk Only 30–40% of oil is changed 3 000–5 000 ₽
Full 100% oil change, system cleaning More expensive, requires equipment 8 000–12 000 ₽
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If after changing the oil in the automatic transmission there are jerks when switching, this may be due to incorrect reset of adaptations. Try disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes or contact a service center for diagnostics.

6. Typical mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that can lead to box failure. Here are the most common:

  • ❌ Overfilling or underfilling oil:
    • In manual transmissions, excess oil leads to foaming and leaks through the breather.
    • In automatic transmissions, underfilling causes oil starvation and overheating.
    Solution: strictly monitor the level using the dipstick or control hole.
  • ❌ Using the wrong oil:
    • For example, fill Dexron VI instead of Nissan Matic S in automatic transmission.
    Solution: Always check the manual or compatibility table.
  • ❌ Ignoring automatic transmission filter replacement:
    • The old filter becomes clogged with wear products, which leads to a drop in oil pressure.
    Solution: change the filter at every oil change (see article number above).
  • ❌ Failure to comply with the tightening torque of the plugs:
    • Weak tightening leads to leaks, excessive tightening leads to thread breakage.
    Solution: Use a torque wrench (the torque is indicated in the instructions).

Pay special attention to the following points:

  • 🔧 After changing the automatic transmission oil be sure to reset the oil aging counter (if there is such a function in the on-board computer).
  • 🔧 In manual transmission Nissan Navara D40 with the system 4WD check the oil level in the transfer case - it also needs to be changed every 60 thousand km.
⚠️ Attention: If noise or vibration appears in the automatic transmission after changing the oil, stop immediately and check the level. Air may have entered the system (for example, due to a leaky hose connection during a hardware replacement).

7. How much does it cost to change the oil in a Nissan Navara transmission at a service center?

The cost of changing the oil in a box Nissan Navara varies by region and box type. Here are the average prices in Russia (for 2026):

Box type Partial replacement Complete replacement Oil cost (original)
Manual transmission 1 500–2 500 ₽ — 3,000–4,500 ₽ (3 l)
Automatic transmission (partial) 3 000–5 000 ₽ — 5,000–7,000 RUR (4 l)
Automatic transmission (full) — 6 000–10 000 ₽ 10,000–14,000 RUR (10 l)

You can save money by purchasing oil yourself (for example, from trusted online stores) and bringing it to the service center. Some service stations offer a discount if the client provides consumables.

When choosing a service, pay attention to:

  • 🔧 Availability specialized equipment for automatic transmissions (for example, a device for changing oil under pressure).
  • 🔧 Experience with Nissan Navara (ask how many of these cars they have serviced in the last month).
  • 🔧 Work warranty (minimum 6 months).

If you decide to change the oil yourself, please note that automatic transmission may require box adaptation after replacement. Without this, jerks may occur when switching. In Moscow and St. Petersburg there are services that provide equipment for self-replacement (for example, boxes with lifts and tools).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in a Nissan Navara box

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

No, mix oils of different brands or specifications in automatic transmissions Nissan Navara absolutely not recommended. This can lead to a chemical reaction of the additives, foaming of the oil and failure of the valve body. If you don’t know what oil was filled previously, it is better to perform a complete replacement.

❓ How often do you need to change the oil in the distributor?

In the transfer case Nissan Navara 4WD oil changes every 60 thousand km or once every 3 years. Volume - 1.2 l, specification - Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90. Ignoring replacement leads to wear of the transfer case chains and bearings.

❓ What happens if you don’t change the oil in the manual transmission?

During long-term operation without changing the oil in the manual transmission Nissan Navara the following processes occur:

  • 🔹 The wear of synchronizers increases (a crunch appears when switching).
  • 🔹 Metal shavings clog the channels, impairing bearing lubrication.
  • 🔹 The risk of shaft jamming at low temperatures increases.

In critical cases, a major overhaul of the box is required (cost - from 50 thousand rubles).

❓ Do I need to rinse the box when changing the oil?

For manual transmissions, flushing is not necessary, but is recommended if the oil is heavily contaminated. For automatic transmissions, flushing is performed only when complete replacement oils (hardware method). Use of flushing fluids in automatic transmissions Nissan unacceptable - they can damage the clutches.

❓ What kind of oil should I put in a Nissan Navara gearbox for winter use?

For cold climates (below –20°C) in manual transmissions, an oil with a viscosity of 75W-90, and in automatic transmission - original Nissan Matic S, since it remains fluid down to –35°C. Analogs (for example, Idemitsu ATF Type-S) are also suitable for winter use.