Automatic transmission oil for Nissan Almera Classic: how to select and replace without errors

Nissan Almera Classic (known in some countries as Samsung SM3 or Renault Scala) is one of the most popular sedans in the budget segment, but its automatic transmission RE4F03B requires special attention. Unlike mechanics, where the oil is changed every 100 thousand km, Automatic transmission fluid degrades faster, and its replacement is a critical procedure for the longevity of the transmission.

Owners Almera Classic Often faced with a dilemma: what kind of oil to fill, when to change (every 60 or 90 thousand km?), and is it possible to get by with a partial replacement? In this article - analysis of original oils from Nissan, acceptable analogues, step-by-step replacement instructions And unique nuances that are not taken into account even in official manuals. For example, why after changing the oil in an automatic transmission, vibration may appear when it is cold and how to avoid this.

What kind of oil is poured into the Almera Classic automatic transmission from the factory?

From factory to automatic transmission Nissan Almera Classic (models 2006–2018) filled with liquid Nissan Matic Fluid D (article KE908-99931). This synthetic oil with a unique additive package, developed specifically for series boxes RE4F (including RE4F03B, which is installed on Almera Classic).

Important: Matic Fluid D not compatible with more modern fluids such as Matic Fluid S or CVT Fluid NS-3. The latter are intended for CVTs and new generation gearboxes (for example, Nissan X-Trail T32). Replacement Matic D for analogues without approval JWS 3309 leads to clutch slippage and accelerated wear of the valve body.

• 🔧 Original oil: Nissan Matic Fluid D (KE908-99931 or 999MP-MTD00P in new packaging).
• 🛢️ Volume for complete replacement: 7.5–8 liters (including flushing the torque converter).
• ⚠️ Invalid analogues: Toyota T-IV, Honda DW-1, Mercedes 236.14 — incompatible in viscosity and additives.

Why can't Matic D be mixed with other oils?

When mixing fluids with different additive packages (for example, Matic D and Matic S), a chemical reaction occurs, leading to the formation of deposits on the valve body solenoids. This manifests itself as jerking when changing gears at speeds of 40–60 km/h. In severe cases, automatic transmission repair with replacement of the valve plate is required.

Acceptable analogues of Nissan Matic Fluid D: what can be filled?

Original oil Nissan Matic D is expensive (from 1200 rubles/liter), so many owners are looking for analogues. Main rule: the liquid must be approved JWS 3309 or Nissan Matic D on the packaging. Below are proven options:

Brand	Liquid name	Article	Price (liter), rub.	Notes
Idemitsu	ATF Type-J	30450-54055	800–950	Complete analogue Matic D, used on the Nissan assembly line.
Ravenol	ATF JWS 3309	4014835735707	750–850	German brand, meets all standards Nissan.
Aisin	ATF AFW+	08886-81015	900–1000	Designed for boxes Aisin Warner (incl. RE4F03B).
ZIC	ATF Multi-Vehicle	162627	500–600	Budget option, but not recommended for a complete replacement.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap analogues (for example, Lukoil ATF or Rosneft Kinetic) do not have permission JWS 3309 and may cause solenoids jamming at low temperatures. If you live in a region with temperatures below -25°C, use only the original or Idemitsu Type-J.

When to change the oil in an Almera Classic automatic transmission: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan for Almera Classic prescribes first automatic transmission oil change at 90 thousand km, and subsequent ones - every 60 thousand km. However, this interval is only relevant for ideal operating conditions:

• 🌡️ Ambient temperature is not higher than +35°C and not lower than –20°C.
• 🛣️ Smooth driving style without sudden acceleration.
• 🚗 No towing trailers or overloading the vehicle.

In reality Automatic transmission oil degrades faster. Signs that it's time to change the fluid:

• 🔄 Jerks when switching (especially from 1st to 2nd gear).
• 🔥 Burning smell from oil (checked with a dipstick).
• 🟢 Dark liquid color (should be reddish like in the photo below).
• ❄️ Slow automatic transmission response to cold (delay of 1–2 seconds when starting off).

⚠️ Attention: If you ignore oil changes, automatic transmission accumulates metal shavings and friction dustwhich clog the filter and solenoids. This leads to emergency mode of the box ("check AT" lights up on the dashboard). In 80% of cases, such repairs cost 50–80 thousand rubles.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in an Almera Classic automatic transmission

Changing the automatic transmission oil Nissan Almera Classic can be done in two ways:

1. Partial replacement (3–4 liters) - only the liquid from the pan is drained.
2. Complete replacement (7–8 liters) - with flushing the torque converter and replacing the filter.

We recommend complete replacement, since partial leaves up to 40% of old oil in the system. To work you will need:

• 🔧 10 mm wrench (for drain plug).
• 🔧 14 mm wrench (for pallet bolts).
• 🛠️ New automatic transmission filter (31726-31X01 or 31726-31X02).
• 🧤 Gloves and drainage container (minimum 5 liters).

Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C)|Place the machine on a flat surface (pit or lift)|Unscrew the drain plug and drain the old oil|Remove the pan and replace the filter|Wash the pan from metal shavings-->

Step 1: Drain the old oil

1. Start the engine and warm up the automatic transmission (drive 5–10 km or let it idle for 10 minutes).

2. Place a container under the drain plug (it is located on the automatic transmission pan).

3. Unscrew the plug with a 10 mm wrench and wait until the oil drains out (about 3–3.5 liters).

Step 2: Replace the filter and clean the pan

1. Remove the pan by unscrewing the 18 bolts with a 14 mm wrench.

2. Carefully remove the old filter (it is secured with 3 bolts).

3. Clean the tray from chips and dirt (use carbcleaner or gasoline).

4. Install a new filter and pan gasket (part number 31397-31X00).

Step 3: Add new oil

1. Fill in new oil (about 4 liters) through the filler hole (next to the dipstick).

2. Start the engine and alternately switch the automatic transmission selector to all positions (P-R-N-D), holding each position for 5 seconds.

3. Check the oil level with a dipstick (should be between the marks HOT).

Common mistakes when changing automatic transmission oil

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes that lead to automatic transmission breakdown. Here are the most critical ones:

• 🚫 Overfilling or underfilling oil. When overfilled, the liquid foams, which leads to loss of pressure and slipping of clutches. If it is underfilled, the pump takes in air and the box overheats.
• 🚫 Using a non-original pan gasket. Cheap gaskets made of pressed cardboard become tanned and leak oil after only 10 thousand km.
• 🚫 Failure to comply with temperature conditions. If you pour oil into a cold automatic transmission, its level will be incorrect (it will expand when heated).
• 🚫 Ignoring torque converter flushing. Up to 2 liters of old oil remain in it, which mixes with the new one and worsens its properties.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil there are vibrations when cold, this may mean that there is old oil with metal shavings left in the torque converter. The solution is to repeat the replacement with a complete flushing of the system.

What should you do if, after changing the oil, the automatic transmission begins to twitch?

1. Check the oil level (possibly underfilling or overfilling).

2. Make sure the correct fluid is used (tolerance JWS 3309).

3. Reset the automatic transmission adaptations (disconnect the battery for 10 minutes).

4. If the problem remains, diagnostics of the valve body solenoids is required.

The cost of changing the oil in an Almera Classic automatic transmission in 2026

The cost of replacement depends on the method (partial or complete) and the materials used. Below are the average prices for Moscow and the regions:

Service/Material	Price, rub.	Notes
Partial oil change (3–4 liters)	2500–3500	No filter replacement.
Complete oil change (7–8 liters)	5000–7000	With filter replacement and washing.
Original oil Nissan Matic D (1 liter)	1200–1400	Price at official dealers.
Automatic transmission filter (31726-31X01)	800–1200	Original or JS Asakashi.
Pan gasket (31397-31X00)	300–500	Original is recommended.

You can save money by purchasing the oil and filter yourself (for example, Idemitsu Type-J 20–30% cheaper than the original). However don't buy liquid at the shops - there is a high risk of running into a fake. Check the packaging for the presence of a hologram and production date.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about oil in Almera Classic automatic transmission

Is it possible to fill the Almera Classic automatic transmission with CVT oil (for example, NS-3)?

No! Fluids for CVTs (CVT Fluid NS-3) have a different additive composition and viscosity. Their use in RE4F03B will lead to belt slippage (in CVTs) or clutch jamming (in a classic automatic transmission).

How to check the oil level in an Almera Classic automatic transmission?

1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C).

2. Place the machine on a level surface.

3. With the engine running, switch the selector to all positions (P-R-N-D) and return to P.

4. Take out the dipstick, wipe it, insert it back and take it out again.

5. The level should be between the marks HOT.

What happens if you don’t change the automatic transmission oil?

Over time, the oil loses its lubricating properties, and wear products (metal shavings, friction dust) clog the filter and solenoids. This leads to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the box (risk jamming).
• 🔄 Jerks and delays when switching.
• 🚨 Emergency mode ("check AT" lights up on the instrument panel).

On average automatic transmission overhaul costs 50–80 thousand rubles, while an oil change costs 5–7 thousand rubles.

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

You can only mix liquids with same tolerance (For example, Nissan Matic D And Idemitsu Type-J). If you mix oil with different additives (for example, Matic D And Matic S), this will lead to:

• 🧪 Precipitation that clogs the solenoids.
• 🔥 Deterioration of heat dissipation and overheating of the box.

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

When complete replacement Flushing is mandatory, since old oil remains in the torque converter and valve body. For washing use:

• 🔄 Hardware flushing (in the service).
• 🛢️ Displacement method: pour in new oil, circulate it through the system, drain and repeat 2-3 times.

When partial replacement washing is not required, but the effect will be minimal.