Nissan Note is a compact and economical hatchback that has gained popularity due to its reliability and ease of maintenance. However, even such an unpretentious car has components that require regular attention. One of them is gearbox, be it manual (manual transmission) or automatic (automatic transmission). Many owners Nissan Note With mileage, they are faced with the question: when and how to change the oil in the gearbox in order to avoid costly repairs?
In this article we will look at all the nuances of changing gearbox oil Nissan Note (including models with CVT CVT). You will learn what kind of oil to pour, what tools you will need, how to check the level and when is the best time to contact service. And also - Let's reveal the myth about "maintenance-free" boxes and explain why even official dealers sometimes keep silent about the need for replacement.
Why is it important to change the oil in a Nissan Note gearbox?
Transmission oil is more than just a lubricant. It performs several critical functions at once:
- 🔧 Lubrication of bearings and gears - reduces friction and wear of parts.
- 🔥 Heat dissipation - prevents overheating of the box, especially important for CVT and automatic transmission.
- 🧹 Removing wear debris — metal shavings and dirt settle in the oil and not on the working surfaces.
- 🔄 Torque transmission (in automatic transmissions and CVTs) - oil works like a hydraulic fluid.
Over time, the oil loses its properties: it oxidizes, becomes saturated with metal particles, and becomes less viscous. Consequences of neglecting replacement:
- ⚠️ Increased gear wear - leads to hum and vibration.
- ⚠️ Slips and jerks (in automatic transmission/CVT) - due to loss of frictional properties by the oil.
- ⚠️ Box overheating — risk of jamming, especially in traffic jams.
- ⚠️ Clogged solenoids - leads to errors and emergency mode.
⚠️ Attention! In CVTs Nissan Note (models with CVT) oil degrades faster than in a manual transmission. The manufacturer often states that the fluid is “filled for life,” but in practice it needs to be changed every 60–90 thousand km - otherwise the risk of major repairs of the box increases significantly.
What kind of oil to pour into a Nissan Note gearbox?
The choice of oil depends on the type of gearbox you have. Nissan Note. Below are recommendations for all options:
| Box type | Recommended oil | Replacement volume | Original article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual transmission (mechanics) | API GL-4, 75W-80 for example, Nissan KE908-99932 or Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 |
2.0–2.3 l | KE90899932 |
| Automatic transmission (automatic) | Dexron III or Nissan Matic S for example, Nissan 999MP-MTS00P or Idemitsu ATF Type-J |
6.0–7.5 l (partial/full) | 999MPMTS00P |
| CVT CVT (JF011E/JF015E) | Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 or NS-3 for example, Nissan KE909-99945 (NS-2) or Idemitsu CVTF |
7.0–8.5 l (full) | KE90999945 (NS-2) |
Important: for CVTs Nissan Note Universal ATF fluids cannot be used! Only specialized oils NS-2 or NS-3. Otherwise, the variator belt will begin to slip, and the box will quickly fail.
Where to buy oil? Optimal options:
- 🛒 Official dealers Nissan - guarantee of the original product, but the price is higher.
- 🛒 Verified online stores (For example, Exist.ru, Autodoc) - often cheaper, but there is a risk of running into a fake.
- 🛒 Large chain stores (Lenta Auto, ATF-Market) - you can check certificates.
⚠️ Attention! If you are buying oil for a variator Nissan Note not from an official dealer, be sure to check presence of a hologram on the canister and check the article number with the original one. Fake liquid NS-2/NS-3 can kill a box in 10–15 thousand km!
- Mechanical (manual transmission)
- Automatic (automatic transmission)
- CVT (CVT)
- I don't know
When to change the oil in a Nissan Note gearbox: regulations and signs of wear
Official regulations Nissan for Note varies depending on market and year of manufacture. For example:
- 📅 Manual transmission: oil change every 90–120 thousand km (or once every 5–7 years).
- 📅 Automatic transmission: partial replacement every 60 thousand km, full - 120 thousand km.
- 📅 CVT CVT: every 60 thousand km, regardless of operating conditions (in Russia and the CIS countries - every 40–50 thousand km due to difficult conditions).
However, these numbers are just a recommendation. In practice, the timing depends on:
- 🚗 Driving style — aggressive driving reduces the interval by 20–30%.
- 🌡️ Climate — frequent temperature changes accelerate oil oxidation.
- 🏙️ Operating conditions — city traffic jams and towing a trailer increase the load on the box.
Signs that it's time to change the oil:
- 🔊 Extraneous noise (hum, grinding) when driving in neutral.
- ⚡ Jerks or delays when changing gears (automatic transmission/CVT).
- 🌡️ Box overheating - the oil darkens and smells like burning.
- 🛑 Difficulty shifting gears (manual transmission) or “kicks” (automatic transmission).
If you bought Nissan Note with mileage and don’t know when the last time you changed the oil in the box, do it immediately - even if outwardly everything works fine. Old oil can “kill” a gearbox over several thousand kilometers.
Preparing for an oil change: tools and materials
To change the oil in the box yourself Nissan Note, you will need:
Lift or inspection hole (you can use a jack with stops)
Set of sockets and keys (10 mm, 14 mm, 17 mm, 24 mm)
Container for draining waste (at least 8 liters for a variator)
New oil (see table above for volume)
New oil filter (for automatic transmission/CVT)
New drain plug gasket (copper ring)
Funnel with long hose (for filling)
Rags and gloves
Torque wrench (optional for proper tightening)
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Additional materials for different types of boxes:
- 🔧 Manual transmission: All you need is new oil and a drain plug gasket.
- 🔧 automatic transmission/CVT: need a new one filter box (article for variator -
31726-JF00A) and pan o-ring.
Where to buy spare parts? Optimal options:
- 🛒 Original parts — from an official dealer or in trusted stores (Exist.ru, Nissan-Parts.ru).
- 🛒 Analogues - filters Mann, Mahle, gaskets Elring or Victor Reinz.
⚠️ Attention! When changing the oil in the variator Nissan Note you can't wash the box special compounds! This can damage the clutches and belt. Only use the method partial replacement (3–4 times at 500 km intervals) or complete replacement with hardware pumping in the service.
Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in a Nissan Note gearbox
The replacement process differs for different types of boxes. Below are universal instructions taking into account the nuances.
1. Changing the oil in a Nissan Note manual transmission
The easiest option is to drain/fill.
- Warm up the box (drive 10–15 km).
- Raise the car on a lift or pit.
- Unscrew drain plug (24 mm wrench) and drain the oil.
- Tighten the plug with a new gasket (tightening torque - 35–40 Nm).
- Unscrew filler plug (10 mm wrench) and fill in new oil using a funnel.
- Check the level - oil should start flowing out of the filler hole.
2. Partial oil change in automatic transmission/CVT Nissan Note
Suitable for regular maintenance.
- Warm up the box to operating temperature (60–70°C).
- Drain the oil through drain plug (about 3-4 liters out of 7-8 liters of total volume).
- Replace filter box (in the variator it is located under the pan).
- Install a new pan gasket and fill with fresh oil through dipstick chip.
- Repeat the procedure after 500 km for better oil renewal.
3. Complete oil change in the CVT variator
Requires special equipment (pumping apparatus).
- Connect the device to the pipes box cooling radiator.
- Start the engine and bleed the system, replacing old oil with new oil.
- Drain the remaining oil through the plug and replace the filter.
- Add oil to the level and check the operation of the box.
Video instructions for changing the oil in the variator Nissan Note:
(Your link to YouTube with a detailed analysis could be here.)
What to do if after changing the oil the gearbox starts to work worse?
If after changing the oil in the automatic transmission or variator there are jerks, vibrations or errors, possible reasons:
1. **Incorrect oil level** - overfilling or underfilling. Check with a dipstick.
2. **Poor quality oil** - especially important for CVTs. Use only original NS-2/NS-3.
3. **Dirty filter** - if it is not changed, old particles could get into the new fluid.
4. **Reset adaptations** - after changing the oil in the automatic transmission/CVT Sometimes you need to reset errors through a diagnostic scanner (Consult III or Launch X431).
If the problem persists, contact the service to check the pressure in the box.
Common mistakes when changing oil
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that can lead to box failure. Here are the most common:
- ❌ Using the wrong oil - for example, Dexron VI instead of NS-2 in the variator. This is guaranteed to kill the box.
- ❌ Incomplete replacement in the variator — if you do not update the oil 3-4 times, the old fluid will remain in the valve body and radiator.
- ❌ Re-tightening the drain plug - can lead to thread failure in the aluminum pan.
- ❌ Ignore filter — in automatic transmission/CVT the filter becomes clogged with metal shavings and stops passing oil.
- ❌ Replacement without warming up the box — cold oil is not completely drained, up to 30% of the waste remains.
How to avoid mistakes?
- ✅ Always check oil article by VIN-car number.
- ✅ Use torque wrench for tightening plugs.
- ✅ After replacement check the oil level on a heated box.
- ✅ If you are not sure, contact specialized service (not in the "garage"!).
The most dangerous mistake is saving on oil for the variator Nissan Note. Fake or non-original liquid NS-2/NS-3 leads to belt slippage and destruction of cones. CVT repair will cost 150–250 thousand rubles!
Cost of changing the oil in a Nissan Note gearbox
The price depends on the type of box and replacement method:
| Box type | Oil cost (original) | Filter cost | Cost of work (service) | Total (independent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual transmission | 1,500–2,500 RUR (2 l) | — | 800–1 500 ₽ | 2 300–4 000 ₽ |
| Automatic transmission (partial) | 3,000–5,000 RUR (4 l) | 1 000–1 500 ₽ | 1 500–2 500 ₽ | 5 500–9 000 ₽ |
| CVT CVT (full) | 6,000–9,000 RUR (8 l) | 1 500–2 000 ₽ | 3 000–5 000 ₽ | 10 500–16 000 ₽ |
You can save by purchasing oil analogues (For example, Idemitsu or Ravenol instead of the original) or by doing the work yourself. However, for the variator CVT It is not recommended to skimp on oil - cheap analogues often do not meet the requirements Nissan.
Where is it cheaper to change the oil?
- 🔧 Official dealer - expensive (from RUB 5,000 per job), but quality is guaranteed.
- 🔧 Specialized service for boxes — the best option (price is 20–30% lower than the dealer).
- 🔧 Garage craftsmen — cheaper, but there is a high risk of “jambs” (for example, not adding enough oil).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible not to change the oil in the Nissan Note gearbox if the manufacturer says that it is “for the entire service life”?
No, you can't. The manufacturer calculates the “service life” of the box based on ideal operating conditions (Europe, moderate climate, quiet driving). In the realities of Russia, the oil in the box (especially in the variator) degrades 2–3 times faster. If you do not change the oil, by 150–200 thousand km the gearbox will require major repairs.
What happens if you pour oil into a Nissan Note gearbox?
Overfilling oil is dangerous for all types of boxes:
- B Manual transmission - Excessive pressure can squeeze out the seals.
- B automatic transmission/CVT — the oil foams, which leads to loss of pressure and slippage. In a variator this is fraught belt destruction.
To avoid overfilling, check the level on the dipstick (automatic transmission/CVT) or through the control hole (manual transmission).
How to check the oil level in a Nissan Note CVT?
Checking the level in the variator Nissan Note differs from automatic transmission:
- Warm up the box until 60–70°C (drive 10–15 km).
- Place the car on a level surface.
- Move the selector to position
Pand let the engine run for 1-2 minutes. - Remove the dipstick, wipe it, then reinsert and remove.
- The level should be between the marks HOT (not COLD!).
If the oil is dark or smells like burning, change it immediately!
Do I need to flush the transmission when changing the oil?
Depends on the type of box:
- 🔧 Manual transmission — no flushing is required, just drain the old oil and fill in new oil.
- 🔧 Automatic transmission - can be washed only if the oil is heavily contaminated (use special flushing fluid).
- 🔧 CVT CVT — washing is prohibited! Aggressive compounds will damage the clutches. It is better to make 2-3 partial replacements at intervals of 500 km.
Which oil is better for the Nissan Note CVT: NS-2 or NS-3?
Nissan recommends NS-3 for boxes after 2012, but in practice:
- 🔹 NS-2 - more viscous, better suited for hot climates and difficult conditions.
- 🔹 NS-3 - less viscous, optimized for cold starts, but can degrade faster under high loads.
If your Nissan Note used in Russia, many experts advise NS-2 - it is more reliable for our roads.