CVT Nissan Murano Z51 (body Z51, 2015–2022) - one of the most reliable in the line Jatco, but only subject to timely maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that continuously variable transmission does not require oil changes, however, this is a myth: the fluid in a variator degrades faster than in a classic “automatic”. Neglect of the regulations leads to belt slippage, overheating and expensive repairs.

In this article - step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in the variator Murano Z51 taking into account the specifics of the model, including the choice of fluid, tools and typical errors. We will look at why partial replacement is not always effective, how to check the oil level without a dipstick, and what to do if the variator is already “kicking.” The information is relevant for gasoline versions with engines VQ35DD (3.5 l) and QR25DER (2.5 l).

When to change the oil in the variator Murano Z51: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan for Murano Z51 provides first oil change in the variator at 90,000 km, and subsequent ones - every 60,000 km. However, these figures apply to “ideal” conditions: moderate climate, smooth roads and no towing. In reality, the interval should be shortened:

  • 🌡️ Hot climate or city traffic jams — replacement every 40–50 thousand km. Overheating accelerates oil oxidation.
  • 🚗 Aggressive driving or towing — interval 35–45 thousand km. CVT Jatco JF017E in Murano Z51 sensitive to loads.
  • ⚠️ Signs of oil wear: jerking during acceleration, delayed response to the gas pedal, hum or vibration.

Critical moment - oil darkening to black or metal shavings appearing on the pan magnets. This is a signal about the destruction of the bearings or cones of the variator. In this case, partial replacement will not help - a complete flushing of the system and replacement of filters will be required.

⚠️ Attention: If the variator Murano Z51 started to “kick” at speeds of 40–60 km/h, this is often due to belt wear or insufficient oil pressure. Replacing the fluid may temporarily solve the problem, but if the symptoms recur, a diagnosis of the solenoids or valve body will be required.
📊 How often do you change the oil in your variator?
  • I follow the regulations (60–90 thousand km)
  • I change more often (40–50 thousand km)
  • Only when problems arise
  • Never changed

What kind of oil to pour into the variator Nissan Murano Z51: original vs analogues

CVT Jatco JF017E in Murano Z51 requires specialized liquid NS-3. Original oil from Nissan has an article number KE909-99932 (1 l) or KE909-99931 (4 l). Alternatives:

Manufacturer Article Volume Notes
Idemitsu CVTF NS-3 1 l / 4 l Complete analogue of the original, often cheaper
Ravenol CVTF NS-3 1 l / 5 l High cleaning properties, suitable for rinsing
Mobil CVTF NS 1 l Versatile, but less stable when overheated
Motul Multi CVTF 1 l Not recommended for complete replacement, only topping up

Important: oils NS-2 or Dexron VI incompatible with variator Murano Z51! Their use leads to belt slippage and cones failure. Also avoid generic "CVT" oils without certification NS-3.

Oil volume to change:

  • 🔧 Partial replacement (drain through the plug): 4–4.5 l.
  • 🔄 Complete replacement (with flushing): 8–9 l (replacement device required).
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Before buying oil, check its authenticity: on the original canister Nissan There should be a holographic sticker with a serial number, which can be checked on the manufacturer’s website.

Tools and consumables for changing the oil in the variator

To change the oil in the variator yourself Murano Z51 you will need:

Canister of oil NS-3 (minimum 5 l for partial replacement)

New variator filter (article no. 31726-31X00 or 31726-31X01)

Pan gasket (31397-31X02) or sealant Loctite 5980>

10 mm wrench and 14 mm socket for drain plug

Container for used oil (minimum 5 l)

Funnel with a long hose (for filling through the dipstick)

Torque wrench (plug tightening torque: 35 Nm)

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Additionally you may need:

  • 🧲 Magnets for collecting metal shavings (if the tray is very dirty).
  • 🧴 Carburetor Cleaner for washing the tray and magnets.
  • 🔍 Endoscope (optional) - to inspect the condition of the cones without disassembling the variator.

If you plan complete oil change (recommended for mileage over 120 thousand km), you will need:

  • 🔄 Replacement device (for example, Launch CReader or similar).
  • 🔧 New external filter (article 31728-31X00), if it is in your modification.
⚠️ Attention: When changing the oil in the variator Murano Z51 Do not use the compressor to blow through the filter or channels! Chips can get into the hydraulic unit and damage it. Wash parts only with liquid NS-3 or cleaner.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in a variator Murano Z51

The oil change process consists of three stages: draining the waste, replacing the filter and filling in new oil. Work is carried out on hot variator (after a trip of 10–15 km) so that the oil becomes less viscous.

Step 1: Drain the old oil

  1. Drive the car onto a pit or lift. Make sure it is level (no more than 2° slope).
  2. Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped). B Murano Z51 It is secured with 4 10mm wrench bolts.
  3. Place a container under the variator drain plug (it is located on the right when looking in the direction of travel).
  4. Unscrew the plug with a 14 mm wrench. Be careful - the oil will be hot!
  5. Wait until it drains completely (about 10–15 minutes). Normally, 4–4.5 liters should come out.

Step 2: Replace the filter and clean the pan

  1. Unscrew the 18 bolts of the variator pan (10 mm wrench). Remove the pan by carefully prying it off with a screwdriver.
  2. Remove the old gasket and clean the surface of the pan and the variator housing from any remaining sealant.
  3. Remove the coarse filter (held on by 3 bolts). Replace it with a new one.
  4. Wash the tray and magnets with cleaner. Pay attention to the recesses where chips accumulate.
  5. Install a new gasket or apply sealant Loctite 5980 thin layer.

Step 3: Filling with new oil

  1. Place the pan in place and tighten the bolts crosswise (tightening torque: 10 Nm).
  2. Screw in the drain plug with a new sealing washer (torque - 35 Nm).
  3. Fill in new oil through the dipstick (use a funnel with a long hose). Volume - 4–4.5 l.
  4. Start the engine and warm up the variator to operating temperature (60–70°C).
  5. Check the oil level on the dipstick (should be between the marks HOT). Top up if necessary.

If the oil after draining was very dark or contained a lot of chips, it is recommended to repeat the procedure after 500–1000 km (the so-called “double replacement”).

What to do if there is no dipstick?

In some modifications Murano Z51 (for example, for the US market) there is no dipstick. In this case, the oil level is checked through the control hole on the pan:

1. Warm up the variator to 60–70°C.

2. Unscrew the control plug (located next to the drain).

3. The oil should drip in a thin stream. If it does not flow, add it through the filler neck (it is closed with a plastic cap on top of the variator).

Typical mistakes when changing oil in a variator Murano Z51

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

  • 🔧 Using non-original oil (For example, NS-2 or Dexron). This leads to belt slippage and overheating.
  • 🧴 Overfilling or underfilling oil. Excess liquid causes foaming; too little causes oil starvation.
  • 🔄 Changing the oil without flushing the pan. The remaining chips will get into the new oil and accelerate wear.
  • 🛠️ Tightening the pan bolts without a torque wrench. Over-tightening deforms the gasket; under-tightening leads to leakage.
  • 🌡️ Replacement on a cold variator. The viscous oil is not completely drained; the residues are mixed with the new liquid.

Critical error: ignoring the replacement of the coarse filter. Many people limit themselves to draining the oil, but the filter becomes clogged with chips and stops letting liquid through. This leads to a drop in pressure and belt wear.

Another problem - incorrect level check. B Murano Z51 the probe has two zones: COLD (cold level) and HOT (hot). You only need to check the oil when the variator is warm! In this case, the engine should be running and the selector should be in position P.

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If, after changing the oil, the variator begins to “kick” or a hum appears, most likely the wrong oil was filled in or the filter was not replaced. In this case, it is necessary to repeat the procedure with a complete flushing of the system.

What to do if the variator Murano Z51 is it already kicking?

If changing the oil does not solve the problem of jerking or delays when switching, the reasons may be more serious:

  • 🔧 CVT belt wear (requires replacement, cost - from 50,000 rubles).
  • 🛢️ Valve block contamination (flushing or replacing solenoids).
  • 🌡️ Oil temperature sensor malfunction (error code P17F0).
  • ⚙️ Cone wear (variator repair or replacement with a contract one).

For diagnostics, connect a scanner (for example, Launch X431) and check:

  • Transmission error codes (especially P0776, P0841, P17F0).
  • Oil pressure in the variator (should be 4-6 bar at idle speed).
  • Condition of the belt (through an endoscope or after disassembling the variator).

If the variator “goes into emergency mode” (lights up Check Engine and the transmission locks in 3rd gear), stop immediately! Further driving will worsen the damage.

⚠️ Attention: B Murano Z51 with a mileage of over 150 thousand km, changing the oil in the variator can temporarily worsen its performance. This is due to the fact that the old oil no longer performs its functions, and the new one washes away deposits, clogging the filters. In such cases it is recommended washing the variator on the stand with a complete fluid change.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in the variator Murano Z51

Is it possible to use oil NS-2 instead of NS-3?

No! NS-2 has a different viscosity and is not compatible with the CVT Jatco JF017E in Murano Z51. Its use leads to belt slippage and overheating. If not found NS-3, it is better to wait for delivery than to take risks.

How much does it cost to change the oil in a variator? Murano Z51 in the service?

The cost depends on the type of replacement:

  • Partial replacement (drain-fill): RUB 3,000–5,000. (excluding oil).
  • Complete replacement (hardware): 6,000–10,000 rubles.
  • Replacement with washing of the pan and filter: RUB 8,000–12,000.

Oil NS-3 will cost 3,500–5,000 rubles. for 4 l (original).

How often do you need to change the filter in the variator?

The coarse filter (in the pan) is changed every oil change. Fine filter (external, if equipped) - every 120 thousand km. Ignoring filter replacement leads to clogging of the valve body and jerking when switching.

What happens if you don’t change the oil in the variator?

The consequences depend on the mileage:

  • 80–100 thousand km: deterioration in smooth shifting, increased belt wear.
  • 120–150 thousand km: belt slipping, jerking, overheating.
  • 180+ thousand km: destruction of cones, jamming of the variator, major repairs (from RUB 150,000).

In critical cases, the variator can “go into emergency mode” and the car will lose speed.

Is it possible to change the oil in the variator? Murano Z51 yourself?

Yes, if you have a pit/lift and a minimum set of tools. However for complete replacement (with flushing) it is better to contact the service - you will need special equipment. Also be careful with the tightening torque of the pallet bolts: overtightening will lead to deformation, and undertightening will lead to leakage.