Introduction: why the Nissan Murano automatic transmission filter requires attention
Automatic transmission Nissan Murano (models Z50, Z51, Z52) is a complex unit that is sensitive to the quality of the transmission fluid. The automatic transmission filter plays a key role here: it traps metal shavings, friction dust and wear products, preventing clogging of the solenoids and valve body. However, over time, the filter element loses its throughput, and contaminated oil accelerates the wear of the box.
Owners Murano We are often faced with the question: when to change the automatic transmission filter? The manufacturer recommends an interval 60–90 thousand km, but in practice the period depends on operating conditions. City traffic jams, towing a trailer or aggressive driving style reduce the filter life by 30–40%. In this article we will look at how to determine filter wear, which original and similar parts are suitable, and also give step-by-step replacement instructions with nuances for different generations Murano.
Signs of a clogged automatic transmission filter: when it’s time to act
The automatic transmission filter does not fail suddenly; its contamination appears gradually. If you ignore the first symptoms, the consequences will cost a box repair 150–300 thousand rubles. Pay attention to the following signals:
- 🔴 Jerks when shifting gears - especially noticeable when cold or during acceleration. This is a sign that a clogged filter is creating resistance to oil flow and the torque converter is not working properly.
- 🔴 Switching delays (more than 1–1.5 seconds) - the solenoids do not receive enough oil under pressure, since the filter does not allow the required volume of fluid to pass through.
- 🔴 Extraneous noise out of the box: a hum, grinding or rustling sound indicates metal shavings that the filter can no longer hold.
- 🔴 Black or brown oil with a burning smell - a critical sign. In this case, the filter is not only clogged, but has also become a source of contamination.
If you notice any of these symptoms, check the condition of the oil and filter. For Nissan Murano with boxes RE0F10A (Z50) and RE0F10D (Z51/Z52) a clogged filter often leads to errors P0730 (“Wrong gear ratio”) or P0740 (“Torque converter lock-up malfunction”).
⚠️ Attention: On Murano 2015+ with CVT JF017E The automatic transmission filter is integrated into the pan and cannot be replaced separately - complete disassembly of the box is required. Check your transmission type before purchasing parts!
- Every 40–50 thousand km
- Every 60–80 thousand km
- Only when problems arise
- Never changed
Selecting an automatic transmission filter for Nissan Murano: original vs analogues
Original automatic transmission filter for Murano supplied under article number 31726-31X01 (for boxes RE0F10A/RE0F10D) or 31726-1XF0A (for CVTs JF017E). The cost of the original is from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles, but there are worthy analogues on the market:
| Brand | Article | Box type | Price, rub. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JS Asakashi | JSATF001 | RE0F10A/D | 1 200–1 500 | Improved filter mesh, suitable for harsh conditions |
| Febi | 28316 | RE0F10A/D | 1 800–2 200 | Pan o-ring included |
| Mann | W 914/2 | JF017E (variator) | 2 000–2 500 | Long service life, recommended for towing |
| Sakura | CA-1802 | RE0F10A/D | 900–1 200 | Budget option, suitable for a quiet ride |
When choosing an analogue, pay attention to filter element material: cheap pressed paper filters last 2-3 times less than the original with a metallized mesh. Also check availability magnets in the tray - they catch metal shavings, prolonging the life of the box.
Before purchasing a filter, check it with the original photo - some analogues (for example, Sakura CA-1802) have a different O-ring diameter, which leads to oil leakage.
Step-by-step replacement of an automatic transmission filter on a Nissan Murano: instructions with photos
Replacing the automatic transmission filter with Murano requires removal of the box tray. To work you will need:
- 🔧 Set of heads and socket wrenches (10 mm, 14 mm).
- 🔧 Sealant Loctite 574 or equivalent (for a pallet).
- 🔧 New filter and pan sealing ring.
- 🔧 Transmission oil (6–8 liters for a complete change).
- 🔧 Funnel with a long spout and a container for draining oil.
Step by step process:
- Oil drain. Warm up the box (drive 10–15 km), then drain the oil through the plug in the pan. On Murano it is located at the rear, under the crankcase protection. Use the key on
14 mm. - Removing the pallet. Unscrew the 18 bolts securing the pallet (the key is on
10 mm). Be careful - ~0.5 liters of oil remains in the pan! Carefully remove the pan without damaging the seal. - Replacing the filter. The filter is secured with 3 bolts (key on
10 mm). Remove it and install a new one. On models Z51/Z52 Additionally, check the condition of the magnets in the tray - clean them of chips. - Pallet installation. Clean the surface of the box and pallet from old sealant, apply a new layer Loctite 574 and install the tray. Tighten the bolts crosswise firmly
10 Nm. - Refilling the oil. Fill in new oil through the dipstick (recommended: Nissan Matic S or Idemitsu ATF Type-J). Warm up the box, check the level at idle.
Oil level (should be between the HOT marks on the dipstick)
No leakage from under the pan
Smooth gear shifting (test all modes)
Kickdown operation (sharp acceleration)
-->
On Murano with variator JF017E the process is more complicated: it requires removing the hydraulic unit and replacing the filter assembly with the pan. For this work, we recommend that you contact the service - errors during assembly can lead to variator chain failure.
⚠️ Attention: After replacing the filter, avoid sudden acceleration and towing for the first 200–300 km. The new oil should be evenly distributed throughout the solenoids and clutches.
What happens if you don’t replace the automatic transmission filter on time?
Ignoring filter replacement leads to:
1. Valve block clogged — oil does not flow to the clutches, the box goes into emergency mode.
2. Worn solenoids — dirt particles scratch the plungers, which causes kicks when switching.
3. Oil overheating — a clogged filter increases the load on the pump, and the oil degrades faster.
4. Breakdown of the planetary gear - metal shavings act as an abrasive, erasing the gears.
Repairs in such cases cost 100–250 thousand rubles (replacement of valve body + clutches).
Common mistakes when replacing an automatic transmission filter and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce the life of the box. Here are the most common:
- 🚫 Using the wrong oil. For Murano with
RE0F10A/Dsuitable only Nissan Matic S or Idemitsu Type-J. Oil type Dexron III or ATF+4 lead to clutch slippage. - 🚫 Insufficient cleaning of the tray. If you do not remove the chips from the magnets, they will fall back into the box and accelerate wear.
- 🚫 Re-tightening the pallet bolts. This deforms the seal and leads to leakage. Tightening torque - strictly
10 Nm. - 🚫 Unchecked oil level. Underfilling or overfilling 200–300 ml causes foaming and loss of pressure.
Another common mistake is Changing the filter only without oil. Remains in box 40% old fluid, which mixes with the new one and reduces its properties. For a complete replacement, use the method "flushing": drain and refill oil 2–3 times at intervals of 100–200 km.
Use only original sealant for the pallet - cheap analogues (for example, ABRO) do not withstand temperature loads and begin to leak after 5–10 thousand km.
Cost of replacing an automatic transmission filter at a service center vs doing it yourself
Price for replacing an automatic transmission filter Nissan Murano in services in Moscow and regions varies:
| Type of work | Cost, rub. | Opening hours | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter replacement + oil (partial) | 4 000–6 000 | 1.5–2 hours | Drain oil, replace filter, top up |
| Complete oil change + filter | 8 000–12 000 | 3–4 hours | Wash the box, replace the filter, fully refill |
Replacing the filter on the variator JF017E |
15 000–20 000 | 5–6 hours | Disassembling the box, replacing the filter and oil |
Replacing it yourself will cost less:
- 💰 Filter: 1,000–3,000 rub.
- 💰 Oil (6 l): 3,000–5,000 rub.
- 💰 Sealant: 300–500 rub.
- 💰 Total: 4,300–8,500 rub. (savings up to 50%).
However, consider the risks: if this is your first time changing the automatic transmission filter, there is a high chance of an error (for example, damage to the pan seal). For Murano With a variator, independent replacement is not recommended - it requires special equipment to adjust the chain.
Owner reviews: real experience of replacing an automatic transmission filter
On the forums Nissan Murano Club And Drive2 owners share their experience of replacing the filter. Here are typical reviews:
- ✅ “After replacing the filter and oil at 80 thousand km, the jerking when switching from 1st to 2nd gear disappeared. I used the filter JS Asakashi and butter Idemitsu Type-J." — Murano Z51, 2012
- ✅ “I changed the filter myself at 60 thousand km - nothing difficult if there is a hole. The main thing is not to overtighten the pan bolts." — Murano Z50, 2010
- ❌ "I saved on oil - filled Dexron III. After 5 thousand km kicks appeared. I had to wash the box." — Murano Z52, 2016
- ❌ “I didn’t clean the magnets in the pan - after 20 thousand km the filter became clogged again.” — Murano Z51, 2013
From the reviews it is clear that quality of oil and filter critical. Owners also advise resetting the box adaptations after replacement (if there are errors P0730–P0740) using a scanner Launch X431 or similar.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano automatic transmission filter
Is it possible to wash the automatic transmission filter instead of replacing it?
No. The automatic transmission filter has a paper or mesh element, which becomes clogged with microparticles over time. Washing (even with ultrasound) does not restore its throughput. Moreover, when flushing, the sealing ring can be damaged, which will lead to oil leakage.
How much oil is needed to change the filter?
For partial replacement (draining from the pan) you will need 4–5 liters. For a complete replacement (with flushing) - 8–10 liters, since the oil remains in the torque converter and radiator. On a variator JF017E oil volume - 7.8 l.
How to check the oil level after replacing the filter?
On Murano with automatic transmission RE0F10A/D:
- Warm up the box until 60–70°C (drive 10–15 km).
- Place the car on a flat surface, move the selector to position
P. - With the engine running, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it.
- Pull the dipstick out again - the level should be between the marks
HOT.
On the variator, the check is carried out through inspection plug (oil should drip when the box is warmed up).
What is the difference between filters for Murano Z50 and Z51?
Filters for Z50 (2003–2007) and Z51 (2008–2014) with box RE0F10A/D interchangeable (article 31726-31X01). However, on Z52 (2015+) with CVT JF017E different filter - 31726-1XF0A, and it is not compatible with previous generations.
Is it possible to drive with a clogged filter if there is no money to replace it?
Short-term (1-2 thousand km) - yes, but with reservations:
- Avoid sudden acceleration and towing.
- Monitor the oil level (add if necessary).
- Don't exceed the speed limit 100 km/h — this increases the load on the automatic transmission pump.
Driving for a long time with a clogged filter will lead to failure of solenoids or oil overheating, which will result in expensive repairs.