Oil NS-2 is an original transmission fluid developed by the company Nissan especially for continuously variable transmissions CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Its unique composition ensures smooth operation of the gearbox, protection against wear and overheating, and also extends the service life of the variator. However, there are many myths surrounding this oil: from statements about its “eternity” to disputes about compatibility with analogues.

In this article we will look at technical characteristics of NS-2, compare it with other oils in the series NS (For example, NS-1 And NS-3), we’ll tell you how to choose the right analogue, and give step-by-step instructions for replacement. We will pay special attention to models Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail, Juke And Murano, where CVTs are most common. You will also find out what errors when changing the oil can lead to breakdown of the variator after 20–30 thousand km.

What is NS-2 oil and for which variators is it intended?

Oil NS-2 (article KLE52-00004) is the second generation of transmission fluid for CVTs Nissan, which replaced NS-1. It was developed for gearboxes Jatco (series JF011E/JF016E), which were installed on most crossovers and sedans of the brand from 2006 to 2013. The main difference from its predecessor is improved anti-friction properties and increased thermal stability.

Main models Nissanfor which it is recommended NS-2:

  • 🚗 Qashqai (J10, 2007–2013, engines MR20DE, M9R)
  • 🚙 X-Trail (T31, 2007–2013, CVT JF011E)
  • 🚘 Juke (F15, 2010–2014, engine HR15DE)
  • 🚛 Murano (Z51, 2008–2014, CVT JF016E)
  • 🚖 Teana (J32, 2008–2013, engines VQ25DE, VQ35DE)

Important: NS-2 not compatible with CVTs of new generations (for example, JF017E in Qashqai J11 after 2014) which require oil NS-3. Using the wrong fluid will result in belt slipping, jerking and accelerated wear on the cones.

⚠️ Attention: If in your Nissan a variator with markings is installed TR-6900 or TR-7200 (for example, in Pathfinder R52), then NS-2 is strictly prohibited — special oil is used for these boxes Matic-S.

Technical characteristics and differences from NS-1 and NS-3

Oil NS-2 belongs to the class CVT Fluid and has the following key parameters:

Parameter NS-2 NS-1 NS-3
Viscosity at 40°C, mm²/s 28–35 25–32 30–37
Viscosity at 100°C, mm²/s 6.5–7.5 6.0–7.0 7.0–8.0
Viscosity index 180–200 160–180 200–220
Pour point, °C -45 -40 -50
Service life (according to regulations) 60–90 thousand km 40–60 thousand km up to 100 thousand km

Main advantages NS-2 before NS-1:

  • 🔥 Increased thermal-oxidative stability (withstands heating up to 120°C without loss of properties).
  • ⚙️ Improved protection of metal surfaces from wear thanks to modified additives.
  • 🛡️ Reduced foam formation, which is critical for CVTs with high loads.

Compared to NS-3which replaced NS-2 after 2013, the second generation of liquid has disadvantages:

  • ❄️ Higher pour point (-45°C against -50°C at NS-3).
  • 🕒 Less resource (recommended replacement every 60 thousand km vs 90–100 thousand km for NS-3).
  • 🔧 Less efficient work with modern CVTs with increased torque.
📊 What oil do you use in your Nissan CVT?
  • Original NS-2
  • Analogue (Idemitsu, Ravenol, etc.)
  • NS-3 (despite recommendations)
  • I don't know what's in there

Original vs analogues: which is better to fill

Original oil NS-2 (article KLE52-00004) costs from 1,200 to 1,800 rub. per liter, which makes its replacement quite expensive (a complete replacement requires 8–12 l). However, there are high-quality analogues on the market that can be used without risk to the variator.

The best analogues NS-2 with confirmed compatibility:

  • 🇯🇵 Idemitsu CVTF NS-2 (article 30050013-77158) - a complete analogue of the original, produced at the same plant.
  • 🇩🇪 Ravenol CVT NS-2 (article 4014835735217) - German oil with improved anti-friction properties.
  • 🇺🇸 Valvoline CVT NS-2 (article VV985) is a popular choice for Qashqai And X-Trail.
  • 🇰🇷 ZIC CVTF NS-2 (article 162627) - Korean budget option (from 800 rub./l).

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

  1. Certification - it must be indicated on the canister Approved by Nissan or Meets NS-2 Specifications.
  2. Viscosity characteristics - they must match the original (see table above).
  3. Owner reviews - for example, for Juke with variator JF015E often recommended Idemitsu, and for Murano — Ravenol.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix under any circumstances NS-2 with other types of oils (for example, Dexron III or ATF). This will lead to a chemical reaction, sediment formation and blocking of the variator solenoids. If you don't know what's in the box, flush the system before replacement.

Check Nissan Certification on Canister|

Compare viscosity indicators with the original|

Make sure the oil is suitable for your CVT model (JF011E/JF016E)|

Study reviews on forums (for example, on Nissan Club Russia)|-->

Replacement frequency: when and why you need to change the oil

Official regulations Nissan for oil NS-2 provides for replacement every 60 thousand km or once every 4 years (whichever comes first). However, this interval is relevant only for “ideal” operating conditions:

  • 🌡️ Ambient temperature from -20°C to +30°C.
  • 🛣️ Smooth driving style without sudden acceleration.
  • 🚗 No trailer towing or overloading.

In reality, the oil degrades faster. Signs that It's time to change NS-2:

  • 🔄 Jerks or delays when switching “gears” (especially when cold).
  • 🔊 Extraneous noise (hum, grinding) from the variator.
  • 📉 Deterioration in acceleration dynamics (the car is “stupid”).
  • 💧 Darkening of the oil (when checking with a dipstick).

For Russian conditions, experts recommend shortening the replacement interval:

  • 🏙️ Urban cycle (frequent traffic jams) - 40–50 thousand km.
  • ❄️ Extreme frosts (below -30°C) — 35–45 thousand km.
  • 🏔️ Mountainous terrain or off-road - 30–40 thousand km.
What happens to NS-2 oil when it overheats?

If the operating temperature is exceeded (100–120°C) the oil begins to oxidize, loses viscosity and forms varnish deposits on the variator cones. This causes the belt to slip, increasing the load on the pump and ultimately causing box breakage. It is especially dangerous to tow a trailer or drive at high speeds in the heat - in such cases the oil temperature can reach 140–150°C.

Step-by-step instructions for changing NS-2 oil

Changing the oil in the variator Nissan with NS-2 consists of two stages: partial (40–50% liquid renewal) and full (90–100% replacement). For a complete replacement, special equipment will be required (for example, a Wynn's Transerve), but you can do part of it yourself.

Tools and materials:

  • 🔧 Key on 10 mm (for drain plug).
  • 🛢️ Oil NS-2 or its analogue (4–5 l for partial replacement).
  • 🔨 New variator filter (article no. 31726-1XF0A for JF011E).
  • 🧰 Funnel and hose for filling.
  • 🧹 Rags and container for draining (5 l).

Step by step process (partial replacement):

  1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–80°C) - this will reduce the viscosity of the oil.
  2. Raise the car on a lift or pit. Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped).
  3. Unscrew the drain plug (it is located on the variator pan) and drain the oil into a container.
  4. Replace the variator filter (in some models, for example Qashqai J10, the pan must be removed).
  5. Reinstall the plug with a new gasket (tightening torque - 35 Nm).
  6. Fill in new oil through the dipstick hole (volume equal to the drained amount).
  7. Warm up the box (drive 5–10 km) and check the oil level on the dipstick.

For complete replacement you will need to repeat the procedure 2–3 times at intervals 500–1000 km or use a flushing unit. In services, this service costs from 3,000 to 6,000 rub. (excluding oil).

💡

If after changing the oil the variator begins to “kick”, check the fluid level - its excess is just as harmful as its deficiency. The optimal level on the dipstick is between the marks HOT MIN And HOT MAX when the box is warm.

Common replacement mistakes and their consequences

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that can damage the CVT. Here are the most dangerous of them:

  1. Using non-original gaskets pan or drain plug. Cheap analogues made from unsuitable materials become tanned in the cold or swell from oil, which leads to leaks. The original gaskets have the following article numbers:
    • 31397-1XF0A - for pallet JF011E.
    • 11026-01M02 - for the drain plug.
  • Incorrect oil level. Both a lack and an excess of fluid disrupt the operation of the pump and valve body. For example, when the oil is overfilled, it foams, which leads to pressure loss and belt slippage.
  • Ignoring filter replacement. The variator filter becomes clogged with wear products (metal shavings, friction dust) and stops passing oil. This leads to oil starvation and accelerated wear of the cones.
  • Mixing different types of oils. For example, topping up NS-3 in NS-2 causes a chemical reaction that produces flakes that clog the solenoids.

    • Consequences of errors:

    Error Symptoms Repair cost
    Incorrect oil level Jerks, vibrations, error P17F0 (low pressure) from 15,000 rub. (pump replacement)
    Using a non-original gasket Oil leak, level drop from 5,000 rub. (replace gasket + oil)
    Mixing NS-2 and NS-3 Belt slippage error P1778 from 50,000 rub. (variator repair)
    ⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil, metal particles appear on the dipstick or the oil turns black through 1,000 km, this is a sign critical wear of the variator. In this case, diagnostics at a service station with disassembly of the box is required.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about NS-2 oil

    Is it possible to fill NS-3 instead of NS-2?

    No, if your variator is designed for NS-2 (For example, JF011E in Qashqai J10). NS-3 has a different additive package and viscosity, which can cause belt slippage and accelerated wear of the cones. The exception is models after 2013 (for example, X-Trail T32), where NS-3 indicated in the manual.

    How much oil is needed for a complete change?

    The total volume of oil in the variator JF011E/JF016E — 7.8–8.5 l. However, with a complete replacement with flushing, it takes up to 12 l (since some of the fluid remains in the torque converter and channels). Sufficient for partial replacement 4–5 l.

    How to check the oil level in the variator?

    The test is performed on a heated box (60–80°C):

    1. Place the car on a level surface.
    2. Switch the selector through all positions (P-R-N-D) with a delay 5 sec. in each.
    3. Return to position P and remove the dipstick.
    4. The level should be between HOT MIN And HOT MAX.
    Important: There should be no metal shavings or a burnt smell on the dipstick - these are signs of a malfunction.

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

    The reasons may be as follows:

    • Incorrect oil level (check dipstick).
    • Using low-quality or incompatible oil.
    • Filter or solenoids clogged (needs cleaning).
    • Adaptation of the variator (sometimes resetting errors through Consult-III).

    If the problem persists, contact the service for diagnostics.

    Is it possible to flush the variator when changing the oil?

    Flushing is recommended only in the following cases:

    • The oil change is performed for the first time after 100+ thousand km.
    • The oil is heavily contaminated (black color, burning smell).
    • The variator worked with overheating or low-quality oil.

    Use original oil for flushing NS-2 or special formulations (for example, Wynn's CVT Cleaner). Do not use universal automatic transmission washes!