Manual transmission Nissan Note with engine 1.4 l (HR15DE) - an example of reliability, but only if properly maintained. One of the key points is the selection and timely replacement of transmission oil. Many owners mistakenly believe that manual transmission oil is filled “for the entire service life”, but the manufacturer Nissan recommends replacing it every 90–120 thousand km - especially in the conditions of Russian roads and climate.

In this article we will look at what oil is suitable for gearbox Nissan Note 1.4 (including original articles and analogues), what volume is required for a complete replacement, and how to avoid typical maintenance errors. You will also find step-by-step instructions for changing the oil yourself, taking into account the design nuances of this box. If you notice tight lever movement, extraneous noise or difficult gear shifting, the problem may lie precisely in the condition of the transmission fluid.

Original gearbox oil Nissan Note 1.4: Articles and specifications

Manufacturer recommends for manual transmission Nissan Note (models E11 And E12) gear oil with specification API GL-4 and viscosity 75W-80. Original liquid from Nissan supplied under article number:

  • 🔧 KE916-99931 - oil Nissan MT-XZ Fluid (1 l). Suitable for all manual transmissions Nissan with synchronizers made of non-ferrous metals.
  • 🔧 KE916-99932 - the same composition, but in a 4 liter canister (more profitable for a complete replacement).

Important: original oil Nissan MT-XZ not compatible with cheap mineral-based universal analogues - this can lead to accelerated wear of the synchronizers. If the original is not available, it is permissible to use analogues with the same specifications, but from trusted brands (more on this below).

Specification GL-4 critical for this box: oil GL-5 contain aggressive additives that destroy synchronizers made of copper and brass. Also avoid oils with a viscosity 80W-90 — they thicken at low temperatures, making it difficult to change gears in winter.

Analogues of the original oil: what can be filled instead Nissan MT-XZ

If the original oil is not on sale or its price seems too high, you can use high-quality analogues. The main thing is to comply viscosity 75W-80 And GL-4 specification. Among the tested options:

Brand Article Base type Notes
Mobil 153659 Semi-synthetics Mobilube 1 SHC - optimal price/quality balance
Castrol 154F19 Synthetics Syntrans Transaxle 75W-90 (GL-4/5) - suitable, but not ideal
Motul 105777 Synthetics Gear 300 75W-80 - premium option for harsh conditions
Liqui Moly 3941 Mineralka Getriebeoil 75W-80 - a budget option, but not for frosts below -25°C

Among the owners Nissan Note is especially popular Motul Gear 300 — it ensures smooth gear shifting even with a mileage of 150 thousand km. However, if the car is operated in a region with harsh winters (below -30°C), it is better to give preference to fully synthetic oils, for example Castrol Syntrans V FE 75W-80.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use oils labeled GL-5 or universal GL-4/5 — they contain sulfur-phosphorus additives that are aggressive to synchronizers Nissan. Exception - Castrol Syntrans Transaxle, which is certified for boxes with brass synchronizers.
📊 What oil do you use in the Nissan Note gearbox?
  • Original Nissan MT-XZ
  • Motul Gear 300
  • Castrol Syntrans
  • Mobilube 1 SHC
  • Other

Transmission oil volume Nissan Note 1.4: how much to fill?

Oil volume in manual transmission Nissan Note 1.4 depends on the type of replacement:

  • 🔄 Partial replacement (drain-fill): ~2.0–2.2 l. ~0.3–0.4 liters of old oil remains in the cavities and on the gears.
  • 🔄 Complete replacement (with flushing): ~2.5–2.7 l. Special equipment is required to displace old oil.

Optimal for most owners partial replacement — it is less labor-intensive and allows you to update ~80% of the oil. A complete replacement is advisable when:

  • 🔧 Buying a used car with an unknown service history.
  • 🔧 Heavy contamination of the oil (presence of metal shavings, burning smell).
  • 🔧 Switching from mineral oil to synthetic oil.

When buying oil, take 3 liters - this is enough for replacement with a reserve (for example, for topping up or flushing). If you plan to only top up, 1 liter is enough.

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Before changing the oil, warm up the box: drive 5–10 km or let the engine idle for 10–15 minutes. Warm oil drains faster and more completely.

Step-by-step instructions for changing gearbox oil Nissan Note 1.4

Changing the oil in manual transmission Nissan Note does not require special skills, but will require an inspection hole or a lift. Here is a step-by-step algorithm:

Warm up the box (oil temperature ~50–60°C)|Prepare tools: 24mm wrench, drain container, funnel|Buy oil (3 l) and a new drain plug gasket (article 11026-01M02)|Clean the space around the drain and filler holes-->

  1. Draining old oil:

    • Place the car on a level surface.
    • Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped).
    • Place a container under the drain hole and unscrew the plug with a key 24.
    • Wait until the oil is completely drained (10–15 minutes).
  2. Flushing (optional):

    If the oil is very dirty, refill 0.5 l fresh oil, tighten the plug and start the engine for 1–2 minutes (gearbox lever in neutral). Then drain the flushing oil.

  3. Filling with new oil:

    • Unscrew the filler plug (key on 24, located above the drain).
    • Use a funnel with a flexible hose to add oil.
    • Fill until oil begins to flow out of the filler hole.
    • Tighten the plug with a new gasket (tightening torque - 35–40 Nm).

After replacing, check the oil level: start the engine, warm up the box and make sure that oil leaks slightly from the filler hole when you unscrew the plug. If not, add more.

⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the drain and filler plugs! Excessive force (more than 40 Nm) can damage the threads in the aluminum gearbox housing. Use a torque wrench.

Typical mistakes when changing gearbox oil Nissan Note

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when servicing manual transmissions. Here are the most common:

  • 🚫 Using GL-5 oil — leads to corrosion of synchronizers and crunching when switching.
  • 🚫 Insufficient heating of the box before draining - up to 30% of deposits remain in cold oil.
  • 🚫 Saving on drain plug installation - An old gasket may leak oil.
  • 🚫 Overfilling or underfilling oil - both accelerate bearing wear.
  • 🚫 Ignoring metal shavings — if chips are visible in the drained oil, the box requires diagnostics.

Another common mistake is Changing the oil without checking the gearbox breather. A clogged breather (ventilation valve) leads to increased pressure in the box and squeezing out oil through the seals. Clean it with wire or compressed air before adding new oil.

What to do if the gears are difficult to engage after changing the oil?

If the gearshift lever has become tight, possible reasons:

1. **Poor quality or unsuitable oil** (for example, GL-5 or 80W-90) - requires repeated replacement.

2. **Air gets into the system** - bleed the clutch (press the pedal several times).

3. **Wear of synchronizers** - if the problem was there before the replacement, oil will not fix it, diagnostics is needed.

When to change gearbox oil Nissan Note 1.4: signs and intervals

Official regulations Nissan prescribes manual transmission oil changes every 90–120 thousand km, but in Russian realities this interval should be reduced to 60–80 thousand km. The need for replacement is indicated by:

  • 🔊 Increased noise boxes in neutral or while driving.
  • 🔧 Difficult gear shifting, especially when cold.
  • 💨 Burning smell from oil (indicates overheating).
  • 🔍 Dark oil color or the presence of metal shavings.

If the car is used in difficult conditions (frequent trips in traffic jams, towing a trailer, off-road driving), the replacement interval is reduced to 50 thousand km. It is also recommended to check the oil level every 20 thousand km - its leakage may indicate wear of the seals or gaskets.

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Even if the mileage is short, the oil in the gearbox ages over time. With rare use (less than 10 thousand km per year), replacement should be carried out every 3–4 years due to oxidation of additives.

Frequently asked questions about gearbox oil Nissan Note 1.4

Is it possible to mix different oils in a gearbox?

Mix oils not recommended, especially if they differ in base (mineral water + synthetics) or brand. In case of emergency, it is permissible to add oil of the same type and specification (for example, Nissan MT-XZ + Motul Gear 300), but perform a complete replacement as soon as possible.

What happens if you don’t change the oil in your manual transmission?

Over time, the oil loses its properties: additives are destroyed, viscosity changes, and metal shavings accumulate. This leads to:

  • Accelerated wear of bearings and gears.
  • Difficulty engaging gears (especially 1st and reverse).
  • Increased noise and vibrations.
  • In critical cases, the box jams.
How to check the oil level in the gearbox Nissan Note?

The level is checked through the filler hole:

  1. Place the car on a level surface.
  2. Unscrew the filler plug (24 wrench).
  3. The normal level is when the oil is at the edge of the hole.
  4. If the oil is not visible, add using a syringe or funnel.

Carry out the test on a warm box (after 10–15 km of travel).

Is gearbox oil suitable? Nissan Almera or Micra?

Yes, if we are talking about models with manual transmission and engine HR15DE (1.4–1.6 l). These cars use the same box RS5F31A or its modifications, so oils (for example, Nissan MT-XZ) are interchangeable. However, always check the specifications for your model!

Is it necessary to flush the gearbox when changing the oil?

Flushing is required only in three cases:

  • When switching from mineral oil to synthetic oil.
  • If there is a lot of metal shavings or sediment in the drained oil.
  • When purchasing a used car with unknown service history.

In other cases, a standard replacement is sufficient.