Changing the oil in the Nissan Murano Z52 CVT: Complete instructions and nuances

Car Nissan Murano The third generation (Z52 body) is equipped with a reliable but maintenance-intensive JATCO CVT8 variator. Many owners mistakenly believe that the transmission in their car is “maintenance free,” which is a fatal mistake that leads to costly repairs.

Timely replacement of the working fluid is the key to a long life of the belt mechanism and valve body. Process on Z52 has its own characteristics that differ from previous generations, especially in terms of oil level control.

An incorrectly carried out procedure can lead to the variator operating with overloads or, conversely, slipping. In this article we will analyze in detail how to correctly perform oil change, what tools are needed and how to avoid common maintenance mistakes.

Fluid selection and service intervals

The main question that the owner has before starting work is what kind of liquid to fill. For Nissan Murano Z52 CVTs, the manufacturer strictly regulates the use of original transmission fluid CVT Fluid NS-3. The use of analogues or fluids of previous standards (NS-2) is strictly prohibited, since they have a different viscosity and do not provide the necessary friction between the cones and the belt.

The original lubricant has special additives that prevent the belt from slipping along the pulleys. If you pour out the wrong liquid, variator wear will speed up significantly. Some owners try to save money by buying cheap analogues, but saving on the transmission always comes back in the form of repairs.

The replacement interval depends on operating conditions. Under ideal conditions, city driving is not considered ideal. For our climate and driving style, it is recommended to partial replacement every 40-50 thousand kilometers. It is better to do a complete replacement every 60-80 thousand, but do not wait for critical wear.

• 🛢️ Original fluid: Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (synthetic base)
• ⚙️ Alternatives: Only certified analogues with NS-3 approval (check packaging)
• 🚫 Prohibited: NS-2, Dexron or ATF fluids for classic automatic machines

Necessary tools and vehicle preparation

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need. Working under a vehicle requires safety, so Nissan Murano must stand on a flat surface. You will need a lift or pit since draining and checking the level occurs from below.

To carry out the procedure, you will need a set of wrenches, including a 10 and 14 socket head, as well as a container for draining the waste fluid. Be sure to have a new pan or gasket ready if you plan to remove the CVT housing to clean the magnets and replace the filter.

Don't forget about the funnel and hose to fill in the new fluid. The filler neck is located in the engine compartment, but getting to the bottom of the pan without special extensions is not always convenient. You will also need a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, since the level depends on it.

• 🔧 Keys: 10, 14 socket, extensions and wrench
• 🛢️ Drain container: minimum 10 liters
• 🌡️ Thermometer: contact or non-contact (to check the temperature of the tray)

⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, warm up the engine and variator to operating temperature (about 80-90°C), since it is at this temperature that the level is checked. Cold oil will not give correct readings.

📊 How do you maintain the variator?

• I replace it myself
• I trust the dealer
• I replace it in the service
• I don't change at all

Step-by-step procedure for draining and replacing

The first step is to provide access to the drain hole. It is located on the side of the variator tray. Unscrew the drain plug carefully, as the remaining hot liquid may leak out under pressure. Be careful not to get burned.

After draining the main volume, it is recommended to remove the pan. This will allow you to access the coarse filter and magnets. Magnets collect metal shavings that inevitably form during operation CVT boxes. Clean magnets are a sign of transmission health.

If the filter is metal (mesh), it can be washed in gasoline and blown with compressed air. However, on Murano Z52 There is often a mesh filter that cannot be restored if it is heavily contaminated. In this case, it must be replaced with a new one. After cleaning the pan and replacing the filter, put everything back together using a new gasket.

• 🧹 Cleaning: Carefully remove metal shavings from the tray magnets
• 🔍 Inspection: Check the condition of the drain plug O-ring
• 🆕 Replacement: Install a new filter if the mesh is clogged or damaged

☑️ Preparation for replacement

Warm up the engine to 80°CClear the tray of chipsReplace the coarse filterInstall a new pan gasket

Done: 0 / 4

Checking the level and fineness of adjustment

This is the most critical stage of the work. Unlike old automatic transmissions, the CVT Nissan Murano Z52 There is no dipstick to check the level. The level is controlled through the overflow hole in the pan. The verification algorithm is strictly tied to the temperature of the working fluid.

Start the engine and let it idle. Turn the gear selector to all positions (P, R, N, D), holding each position for 3-5 seconds. This is necessary to fill the torque converter and valve body channels. Then return the selector to position P.

When the oil temperature is between 35°C and 45°C, the level should be at the lower edge of the overflow hole. If liquid flows out in a trickle, the level is too high. If it flows out in drops or does not flow out at all, you need to top it up. The ideal moment is when the liquid stops flowing and only begins to drip when the desired temperature is reached.

⚠️ Attention: If the oil level is below normal, the variator will begin to capture air, which will lead to cavitation and instant failure of the pump. Overfilling is also dangerous: foamed oil does not create the required pressure.

💡

Use a long hose with a funnel to add oil through the filler neck in the engine compartment without removing the air filter, if possible.

Typical mistakes and their consequences

A common mistake newbies make is ignoring the temperature when checking the level. Many people try to add oil when the engine is cold, which leads to critical overflow after warming up. Excessive pressure in the system can squeeze out the seals and disrupt the operation of the torque converter.

Another problem is using the wrong pan gaskets. Cheap rubber bands may not withstand the thermal expansion of the metal and leak after a couple of thousand kilometers. Always use original gaskets or high-quality replacements with high quality seals.

Ignoring the condition of magnets also leads to trouble. If you leave a lot of chips on the magnets, they will get into the valve body, clog the solenoids and disrupt the operation of the valves. Repairing the valve body is expensive, so cleaning the magnets is a mandatory step.

• ❌ Overfilling: Leads to oil foaming and overheating
• ❌ Underfilling: Causes oil starvation and belt spinning
• ❌ Dirty magnets: Chips clog the valve body channels

Below is a table with approximate oil volumes for different replacement procedures.

Adaptation registration and final tests

After changing the oil, some owners notice that gear shifting has become harsher or jerking has appeared. This is normal, since the transmission adaptation computer has “remembered” the properties of the old oil. For correct operation it is necessary to reset the adaptation.

This is done using diagnostic equipment (for example, Consult III or analogues). The procedure is to reset the adaptation values ​​of the torque converter and solenoids. Without this, the computer will continue to adjust the pressure to the old viscosity, which can cause jerking.

After resetting the adaptation, take it for a test drive. Drive smoothly, let the variator warm up to operating temperature and check if the jerking disappears. If the problem persists, a more in-depth diagnosis of the solenoids or valve body may be required.

Changing the oil is a preventative measure that significantly extends the life of the transmission. Do not skimp on the quality of the fluid and the time spent checking the level.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)