Automatic transmission oil for <em>Nissan Note</em>: how to select and replace without errors

Automatic transmission Nissan Note - a unit that requires special attention to the quality and condition of the transmission fluid. Wrong choice of oil or untimely replacement can lead to jerks when switching, overheating and even breakdown of the automatic transmission. In this article we will look at which oil is suitable for Nissan Note different generations, how often to change it, and what mistakes owners make during maintenance.

Feature Nissan Note — use of a variator Jatco JF015E (in models with automatic transmission) or classic torque converter box RE4F03B. Both require specific fluids: for a variator - NS-2 or NS-3, for automatic transmission - Matic S or Matic J. But even knowing this, many face problems: from counterfeits to incompatibility with analogues. Below is a detailed guide with nuances.

What kind of oil to fill in automatic transmission Nissan Note: original vs analogues

The official manufacturer recommends for Nissan Note (depending on the year of manufacture and type of box) the following fluids:

• 🔹 Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 — for CVTs up to 2010 (article KLE52-00004).
• 🔹 Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 — for CVTs after 2010 (article no. KLE53-00004).
• 🔹 Nissan Matic S - for classic automatic transmissions RE4F03B (article 999MP-MTS00P).
• 🔹 Nissan Matic J — for newer models with automatic transmission (article no. 999MP-MTJ00P).

The cost of original liquids is high (from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles per liter), so many are looking for analogues. However, not all substitutes are compatible. For example, Idemitsu CVT Fluid or Ravenol CVT Fluid often recommended for NS-2/NS-3, but their viscosity characteristics may differ. Important: for CVTs Nissan Note It is strictly forbidden to use fluids for steptronics (for example, Dexron VI) - this will lead to belt slippage and overheating.

Box type	Original oil	Acceptable analogues	Replacement volume
CVT JF015E (before 2010)	NS-2 (KLE52-00004)	Idemitsu CVT Type-J, Ravenol CVTF-J1	7.5–8.0 l (full replacement)
CVT JF015E (after 2010)	NS-3 (KLE53-00004)	Mitsubishi DiaQueen CVTF-J4, Aisin CVT Fluid	7.0–7.5 l
Automatic transmission RE4F03B	Matic S (999MP-MTS00P)	Toyota T-IV, Mobil ATF 3309	6.5–7.0 l

⚠️ Attention: If in your Nissan Note a variator is installed, never use oils marked ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - they are intended for torque converter automatic transmissions and will destroy the variator clutches. Also avoid generic fluids like Castrol Transmax - they do not meet the requirements Nissan by thermal stability.

When to change automatic transmission oil Nissan Note: signs and intervals

The manufacturer claims that the oil in the automatic transmission Nissan Note filled for the entire service life, but this is true only for ideal operating conditions. In reality, the liquid degrades after 60–80 thousand km, especially if:

• 🚗 The car is used in a city with frequent traffic jams.
• 🌡️ Ambient temperature regularly exceeds +30°C or falls below -20°C.
• 💨 Off-road driving or towing a trailer.
• 🔄 Frequent sharp starts and braking.

You can determine when it’s time to change the oil by the following symptoms:

• 🔴 Jerks or delays when changing gears (especially when cold).
• 🔴 Humming or vibration from the side of the box.
• 🔴 Darkening of the oil (a black or brown tint is visible on the dipstick).
• 🔴 Burning smell from transmission fluid.

Recommended replacement intervals:

• 🔹 Partial replacement (30–40% of volume): every 40–50 thousand km.
• 🔹 Complete replacement (hardware or manual): every 80–100 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: If in automatic transmission Nissan Note a metallic grinding sound appeared or the box went into emergency mode (Check AT on the dashboard), changing the oil will no longer help - diagnostics and repairs are required. In such cases, flushing the box can make the problem worse by washing away any remaining friction material.

Step-by-step instructions for changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Note

Changing the automatic transmission oil Nissan Note can be performed in two ways: partial (independently) or complete (using a machine at a service station). Consider a partial replacement that can be done in the garage.

Required tools and materials:

• 🔧 10 mm wrench (for drain plug).
• 🔧 24 mm key (for the filler neck on the variator).
• 🛢️ New oil (4-5 liters for partial replacement).
• 🧻 Rags, funnel, drainage container (minimum 5 l).
• 🔧 New sealing washer for the drain plug (11026-01M02).

Sequence of actions:

1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (5-10 minutes at idle speed).
2. Place the car on a flat surface (or a lift) and lock the handbrake.
3. Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped) and locate the drain plug on the automatic transmission pan.
4. Place the container and unscrew the cap with a 10 mm wrench. Let the oil drain (10–15 minutes).
5. Replace the sealing washer and tighten the plug with a torque of 30–40 Nm.
6. Fill in new oil through the dipstick (for automatic transmission) or the filler neck (for CVT).
7. Warm up the box by switching the selector to all positions with a delay of 5 seconds.
8. Check the level and top up if necessary.

⚠️ Attention: With a partial replacement, only 30–40% of the oil is renewed. For a complete replacement, you will need to repeat the procedure 2-3 times with an interval of 500-1000 km or use a washing machine at a service station. Also don't forget about replacement automatic transmission filter (article 31726-1X000) - its resource coincides with the oil resource.

What happens if you pour oil into an automatic transmission?

Excessive oil level leads to foaming of the liquid, which disrupts the operation of the valve body and solenoids. Symptoms: kicks when switching, overheating of the box, leaks through the breather.

Top 5 mistakes when changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Note

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce the life of the box. Here are the most common:

1. Using the wrong oil. For example, fill Dexron III instead of NS-3 into the variator. Consequences: belt slipping, overheating, failure of cones.
2. Incomplete drainage of old oil. With a partial replacement, up to 30% of the waste with wear products remains in the pan. Solution: repeat replacement after 1,000 km.
3. Ignoring filter replacement. A clogged filter leads to oil starvation and accelerated wear of the clutches.
4. Overheating of the box during replacement. If you drain the oil when it is hot, you can get burned or deform the pan. Optimal temperature: 50–60°C.
5. Incorrectly tightened plugs. Too weak and it will leak, too strong and the thread will break. Tightening torque: 30–40 Nm.

⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil, jerking occurs or the transmission becomes “dull,” it is possible that low-quality oil was poured in or the adaptation procedure was violated. In this case, repeated replacement with flushing is required.

How to check the oil level in an automatic transmission Nissan Note

Checking the level is a mandatory procedure before and after replacement. B Nissan Note with automatic transmission and CVT the process is different.

For classic automatic transmission RE4F03B:

1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (the coolant temperature arrow should be in the middle).
2. Place the car on a level surface.
3. With the engine running, shift the selector lever to all positions (P-R-N-D) with a delay of 3 seconds.
4. Return the selector to position P and check the level on the dipstick. He must be between HOT MIN And HOT MAX.

For CVT JF015E:

1. Warm up the box to 50–60°C (can be checked using a diagnostic scanner or by time - 10 minutes of driving).
2. Place the car on a level surface.
3. Stop the engine and wait until the oil drains into the pan (5–10 minutes).
4. Check the level through the filler neck (it is also the control hole). The oil should be level with the bottom edge of the neck.

⚠️ Attention: In CVTs Nissan Note You cannot check the level with the engine running. - this will lead to inaccurate readings and the risk of overflow. Also, never add oil by eye - too much is just as harmful as too little.

Cost of changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Note: prices 2026

The price of an oil change depends on the type of gearbox, region and replacement method. Below is the approximate price:

Type of work	Cost (RUB)	Notes
Partial replacement (on your own)	2 500–4 000	The price is only for oil (4–5 l) and filter.
Partial replacement (SRT)	4 000–6 000	Includes labor and oil.
Complete replacement (hardware)	8 000–12 000	Requires 10–12 liters of oil and flushing.
Replacing the automatic transmission filter	1 500–2 500	Filter cost + labor.

Save on automatic transmission oil changes Nissan Note not worth it. Cheap analogues or untimely maintenance lead to box repairs, which cost 50,000–150,000 rubles. For example, replacing a variator belt with cones costs about 80,000 rubles, and repairing an automatic transmission valve body costs from 30,000 rubles.

Frequently asked questions about automatic transmission oil Nissan Note

Is it possible to mix NS-2 and NS-3 in a CVT?

No, these liquids cannot be mixed. NS-3 has improved anti-friction additives and a different viscosity. When mixing, sediment may form and the lubricating properties may deteriorate. If you don't know what's flooded, perform a full replacement.

Which is better: original oil or an analogue?

The original oil is guaranteed to meet the requirements Nissan, but high-quality analogues (for example, Idemitsu CVT Fluid or Ravenol CVTF-J1) may not be worse. The main thing is having permission Nissan CVT Fluid Approval on the packaging.

How often should you change the oil if you don't drive much?

Even with low mileage (up to 10,000 km per year), the oil ages due to oxidation and condensation. It is recommended to change it every 2-3 years, regardless of mileage.

Is it possible to drive with darkened oil?

Darkening of the oil indicates its degradation and the presence of wear products. Driving for a long time on such oil leads to clogging of the filter and oil pump, which can lead to emergency operation of the box. Change the oil as soon as possible.

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

Flushing is recommended only if it is heavily soiled (for example, if the oil is black and smells like burning) or when switching from one type of fluid to another. In other cases, 2–3 partial replacements at intervals of 1,000 km are sufficient.