CVT gearboxes Nissan require a special approach to maintenance, and transmission fluid plays a key role here. Kicks Multi ATF is a specialized oil developed by engineers Nissan specifically for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) with chain drive. Its unique composition ensures optimal adhesion of the belt to the cones, prevents slipping and increases the service life of the box by 30-40% compared to universal ATF.

However, when purchasing, owners often encounter confusion in product numbers, counterfeits, and compatibility issues. In this article we will look at original Kicks Multi ATF articles for different generations of Jatco CVTs (JF011E/JF016E/JF017E), compare with popular analogues and explain why saving on oil can result in a major overhaul of the CVT after 80-100 thousand km. You will also find step-by-step instructions for checking the authenticity of the liquid and a compatibility table with models Nissan, Renault And Mitsubishi.

What is Kicks Multi ATF and why it cannot be replaced with universal oils

Kicks Multi ATF is semi-synthetic transmission fluid with a package of additives specially designed for CVTs Nissan with chain drive. Unlike traditional ATFs (eg. Dexron III or Mercon V), it has:

  • 🔹 Increased thermal stability — withstands heating up to 150°C without loss of properties (universal ATF has a threshold of 120-130°C).
  • 🔹 Modified friction properties — the friction coefficient is optimized for the metal variator belt, and not for the planetary gears of the automatic transmission.
  • 🔹 Improved anti-foam protection — prevents the formation of air-oil emulsion under high loads.
  • 🔹 Special detergent additives — dissolve wear products of the chain and cones without clogging the filter.

Laboratory tests show that replacing Kicks Multi ATF with a multi-grade oil (e.g. Toyota ATF WS or ZF Lifeguard 6) leads to:

  • ⚠️ Increased wear on the variator chain by 25-30% already after 20 thousand km.
  • ⚠️ Loss of smooth shifting due to unstable friction coefficient.
  • ⚠️ Overheating of the box when towing or driving uphill (risk of activation of emergency mode).
⚠️ Attention: In CVTs Nissan Kicks (models from 2016) oil is used NS-3 (article KLE52-00004), but for earlier versions (for example, Juke or Note with JF011E) required NS-2 (KLE52-00002). Mixing these fluids leads to irreversible damage to the friction surfaces!

Original Kicks Multi ATF articles: how not to make a mistake when buying

Official supplier of oils for Nissan - company Idemitsu, but the liquid is also bottled under the brand Nissan in original packaging. Below is a table of current articles indicating volumes and compatibility:

Article Volume Liquid type Compatible CVTs Applicability
KLE52-00004 4 l NS-3 JF017E, JF018E Kicks (2016+), Qashqai J11, X-Trail T32, Rogue
KLE52-00002 4 l NS-2 JF011E, JF016E Juke F15, Note E12, Micra K13, Tiida C13
KLE52-00001 1 l NS-2 JF011E For topping up old-style CVTs
999MP-NS300P 20 l (barrel) NS-3 JF017E For service stations and dealer centers

Important: article number KLE52-00004 often counterfeited. The original canister has:

  • 🔍 Holographic sticker at the neck with a logo Nissan.
  • 🔍 Production date, embossed on the bottom (format YYMMDD).
  • 🔍 Seal with a unique code under the cover (can be checked on the website Nissan).
📊 What oil do you use in the variator?
  • Original Kicks Multi ATF
  • Analogue (Idemitsu, Ravenol)
  • Universal ATF (Dexron, Mercon)
  • I don't know what's in there

How much oil is required for a complete change in the variator

The volume of oil in the variator depends on the model and type of replacement:

  • 🔧 Partial replacement (draining and filling without flushing): 4-4.5 l (for Kicks And Qashqai with JF017E).
  • 🔧 Complete replacement (hardware flushing): 8-9 l (2 canisters of 4 l each are required).
  • 🔧 Replacement with removal of the pallet: 5-6 l (including filter washing).

Manufacturer recommends complete replacement every 60 thousand km (or once every 4 years), but under difficult operating conditions (towing, off-road, taxi), the interval is reduced to 40 thousand km. Partial replacement can be carried out every 30 thousand km as a preventive measure.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing hardware at a service station without specialized equipment for CVTs (for example, Launch CReader) the risk of oil overflow is 20-30%. Excessive volume leads to foaming and loss of pressure in the valve body!

Check the oil level on a heated box (temperature 50-60°C)|Buy an original filter (article no. 31726-1XF0A for JF017E)|Prepare a new pan gasket (31397-1XF0A)|Have a torque wrench on hand (tightening torque of the pan bolts is 10 Nm)|Warm up the box before draining (drive 10-15 km)-->

The best analogues of Kicks Multi ATF: what to fill if you don’t have the original

If the original oil is not available, certified analogues with approval can be used Nissan NS-2/NS-3. The best options based on test results ADAC (2023):

Brand Article Type Compatibility Notes
Idemitsu 30050045-004 NS-3 JF017E/JF018E 100% identical to the original, supplier for Nissan
Ravenol 4014835735716 CVT NS-2/NS-3 All CVTs Nissan The best choice in terms of price/quality ratio
Motul 105777 Multi CVT NS-2 Suitable for older CVTs (before 2016)
Liqui Moly 20144 CVT NS-3 JF017E High thermal stability, but more expensive than the original

⚠️ Critical: Analogs based PAO synthetics (For example, Castrol Transmax CVT) are incompatible with CVTs Nissan! They contain additives that are aggressive to Jatco chain friction materials.

What happens if you mix NS-2 and NS-3?

Mixing these liquids causes the additives to react chemically, resulting in:

1. A gel-like sediment forms, clogging the filter and valve body solenoids.

2. The coefficient of friction is reduced by 15-20%, which causes the belt to slip.

3. The load on the variator pump increases, which leads to its premature wear.

If an error occurs, you must complete flushing of the system with filter and oil changes (minimum 2 cycles).

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in the variator Nissan Kicks

To replace you will need:

  • 🛠️ Oil canister KLE52-00004 (4 l for partial replacement).
  • 🛠️ Variator filter (31726-1XF0A).
  • 🛠️ Pan gasket (31397-1XF0A).
  • 🛠️ 10 mm wrench and 24 mm socket (for drain plug).
  • 🛠️ Funnel with extension and container for working out (minimum 5 l).

Procedure:

  1. Warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 10-15 km).
  2. Place the car on a lift or pit. Important: the surface must be flat!
  3. Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped) and clean the variator pan from dirt.
  4. Place the container and unscrew the drain plug (24 mm wrench). Wait until the oil is completely drained (10-15 minutes).
  5. Unscrew the pan bolts (10 mm) and carefully remove it. Be careful - ~0.5 liters of oil remains in the pan!
  6. Replace the filter and clean any metal shavings from the tray magnets.
  7. Install a new gasket and assemble the pan (bolt tightening torque: 10 Nm).
  8. Fill in new oil through the filler hole (in the engine compartment, next to the battery). Use a funnel with an extension.
  9. Warm up the box (start the engine, switch all CVT modes with a delay of 5 seconds).
  10. Check the oil level on a warm box (should be between the marks HOT MIN And HOT MAX on the dipstick).
💡

If after replacement there is noise or vibration during acceleration, check the oil level again - most likely, it was underfilled by 100-200 ml. Add only through the filler hole in small portions (50 ml each) with constant monitoring using the dipstick.

Signs of oil wear in the variator: when replacement is urgently needed

The critical condition of the oil is manifested by the following symptoms:

  • ⚠️ Jerks during acceleration (especially at speeds of 40-60 km/h) - indicates a loss of friction properties.
  • ⚠️ Burning smell oil on the dipstick is a sign of overheating and oxidation of additives.
  • ⚠️ Dark oil color (black or brown) - indicates a high content of wear products.
  • ⚠️ Hum or whistle when moving, the shaft bearings may wear out due to insufficient lubrication.
  • ⚠️ Emergency mode of the box (lights up Check AT) - often caused by a clogged filter or solenoids.

To quickly check the oil condition:

  1. Remove the variator dipstick (on Kicks it is yellow, located to the right of the engine).
  2. Drop the oil onto a white paper napkin.
  3. Rate the color and consistency:
    • 🟢 Light red/pink — oil is normal.
    • 🟡 Brown with cloudy sediment — replacement is required within 1-2 thousand km.
    • 🔴 Black with metallic particles — urgent replacement + box diagnostics.
💡

If the oil in the variator has the smell of gasoline, this indicates that fuel has penetrated through faulty piston rings or the cylinder head gasket. In this case, comprehensive diagnostics of the engine and gearbox is required!

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes that reduce the life of the variator. Here are the most common:

  • 🚫 Use of flushing fluids - they destroy the friction surfaces of the chain. Only original oil is allowed for cleaning.
  • 🚫 Oil overflow - leads to foaming and loss of pressure. The level must be strictly between HOT MIN And HOT MAX.
  • 🚫 Saving on filter - non-original filters (for example, JS Asakashi) often have poor throughput.
  • 🚫 Replacement without warming up the box — cold oil is not completely drained, leaving up to 1.5 liters of waste oil.
  • 🚫 Ignoring CVT adaptation — after changing the oil, the wear counter must be reset via Consult III+ or Launch X431.

To avoid problems:

  1. Always use torque wrench when tightening the pan bolts (torque 10 Nm).
  2. Check the oil level only on a warm box (temperature 50-60°C).
  3. For a partial replacement, repeat the procedure after 500-1000 km to displace the old fluid.
  4. Do not use additives for variators — they upset the balance of the original additives Kicks Multi ATF.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Kicks Multi ATF

Is it possible to use Kicks Multi ATF in an automatic transmission instead of regular ATF?

No! Kicks Multi ATF has a friction coefficient optimized for the metal variator belt. In classic automatic transmissions (with planetary gears and clutches), this oil will cause clutch slippage and accelerated wear. For automatic transmission Nissan (For example, RE5R05A) must be used Matic S or Matic J.

How often should you change the oil in the variator? Nissan Kicks 2020?

For Kicks with variator JF017E (1.6 HR16DE) official interval - 60 thousand km or 4 years. However, when operating in the urban cycle (frequent traffic jams) or in hot climates, the interval is reduced to 40 thousand km. If the car is used as a taxi, replacement is required every 30 thousand km.

What is the difference between NS-2 and NS-3?

NS-2 (article KLE52-00002) - fluid for first generation CVTs (JF011E, JF016E). NS-3 (KLE52-00004) - improved formula for modern boxes (JF017E/JF018E) with improved heat resistance and protection against chain wear. They cannot be mixed - this will lead to the formation of gel-like deposits and failure of the solenoids..

Is it possible to add another brand of oil if the level is not enough?

Topping up is only allowed original oil of the same type (NS-2 or NS-3). If the original is not available, use a certified analogue (for example, Idemitsu 30050045-004 for NS-3). Adding universal ATF or oil of a different specification will lead to irreversible damage to the friction surfaces.

How to check the authenticity of Kicks Multi ATF when purchasing?

The original canister has:

  1. Holographic neck sticker with logo Nissan (when the viewing angle changes, the message appears GENUINE).
  2. Production date on the bottom in the format YYMMDD (For example, 230515 - May 15, 2023).
  3. A seal under the lid with a unique code (can be checked on the website Nissan Genuine Parts).
  4. A barcode that must match the data on the manufacturer’s website.

⚠️ Attention: Counterfeits are often sold in cans without a date on the bottom or with a blurry hologram. The price of the original is from 4500 rubles. for 4 liters (for 2026).