Crossover owners Nissan Murano second generation, known in the Z51 body, are often faced with the issue of extending the transmission life. The Jatco JF011E variator installed on this car is a technologically advanced unit, but extremely sensitive to the quality of the working fluid. Ignoring maintenance instructions or using unsuitable fluids can lead to costly repairs.
The procedure for changing oil in a CVT requires not only accuracy, but also strict adherence to temperature conditions, as well as an understanding of the design of the pan and the cooling system. Many car owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply drain the old fluid through the plug, but this is only a partial measure that does not ensure proper cleanliness of the system.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of maintenance, from choosing the right fluid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 to monitoring the level and diagnosing the condition of the valve body. The correct approach to changing oil will significantly increase the life of the variator and maintain smooth gear shifting for many years.
Choosing the right CVT fluid
A key factor in the longevity of the CVT Nissan Murano Z51 is to use exclusively specialized transmission fluid. The manufacturer categorically does not recommend mixing different types of oils or using analogues, even if they are positioned as compatible.
The official liquid for this generation is Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2. This is a synthetic oil with a special additive package that ensures the necessary friction between the cones and the belt, as well as stable operation of the torque converter. Using older NS-1 or new NS-3 fluid in a Z51 CVT is not acceptable and may cause slippage.
When purchasing, pay attention to the packaging: the original canister has holographic stickers and clear markings. A counterfeit often has a blurry font and a different smell from the original. The amount of oil for a partial change is about 4 liters, for a full change - up to 9 liters, depending on the method.
- ✅ Use only original NS-2 to ensure the correct coefficient of friction
- ✅ Check the holograms on the canister when purchasing from a dealer or certified stores
- ❌ It is strictly forbidden to mix NS-2 with other types of CVT fluids
Preparing tools and work area
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a garage with a pit or a lift, since access to the gearbox housing from below is difficult. You will need a set of wrenches, in particular 10, 12, 14 and 17 mm, as well as a ratchet wrench with an extension. Pay special attention to the drain plug, which has a 14mm hex key.
Do not forget about the container for draining the used fluid - it must be at least 5 liters in volume, as a significant amount of oil will leak out. Also prepare a funnel with a flexible hose for convenient refilling of new fluid through the dipstick hole or inspection hole.
It is important to have a new pan or gasket on hand if you are planning a complete replacement with removal of the crankcase. You will also need rags, magnets (if they are not installed on the pan as standard) and carburetor cleaner for washing parts.
☑️ Oil change tools
Step-by-step oil change procedure
Start by warming up the engine and variator to operating temperature (approximately 60-80 degrees). This is necessary so that the oil becomes less viscous and leaves the system in maximum volume. Drive the car onto a lift or pit and make sure it is securely secured.
First, unscrew the filler plug on the variator housing to make sure it is not stuck. Then unscrew the drain plug in the oil pan. Be prepared for hot liquid to spurt out, so place the container in advance. After draining the main volume, remove the pan to clean it of metal shavings and dirt.
If you remove the pan, be sure to clean the magnets that collect metal shavings. Rinse the pan itself and the coarse filter (if it is removable). Install a new fine filter if your specific model year has one.
Reinstall the pan with a new gasket, tighten the bolts to the torque specified in the instructions (usually about 5-6 Nm). After this, fill in new fluid through the filler hole to the level corresponding to the mark on the dipstick with the engine running.
- 🔧 Be sure to warm up the transmission until 60-80°C before draining the oil
- 🔧 Use a torque wrench when tightening the pan bolts to avoid stripping the threads
- 🔧 Clean the magnets in the tray from metal shavings - this is an indicator of wear
⚠️ Attention: If, when removing the pallet, you find a large number of large metal fragments or pieces of friction linings, this is a sign of serious damage. In this case, a simple oil change will not solve the problem; a major overhaul is required.
- Partial replacement (drained and refilled)
- Complete replacement with flushing
- Contact your dealer
- Haven't changed it yet
Level control and leak testing
After filling the fluid, you need to check its level. Start the engine and move the CVT selector to all positions, holding each position for 3-5 seconds to fill the torque converter and oil passages. Return the selector to position P or N.
Make sure that the transmission oil temperature is in the range of 35-45 degrees for checking the “cold” level or 50-60 degrees for the “hot” level (depending on the methodology, but more often check when warming up). Unscrew the control plug: a thin stream of oil should flow from it. If there is no oil, add more.
Tighten the control plug and wipe the pan dry. Start the car and let it idle. Carefully inspect the installation site of the pan and the drain plug for leaks. Even the slightest drop of oil on the pan indicates a leak.
Before the final check of the oil level, warm it up to 50-60 degrees, since it is at this temperature that the level in the CVT system is calibrated.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid type | Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 | Strictly original |
| Volume for partial replacement | 4.0 - 4.5 liters | Depends on flushing |
| Level check temperature | 50 - 60°C | Operating temperature |
| Plug tightening torque | 12 - 15 Nm | Drain/Control |
| Replacement interval | 60,000 km | Recommended by factory |
Features and nuances of servicing Z51
CVT on Nissan Murano Z51 has a complex cooling system, including a heat exchanger built into the radiator. When changing the oil, it is important to make sure that there are no leaks in the cooling system, since antifreeze getting into the oil will instantly damage the box.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the pressure sensors. If jerking or kicking occurs after changing the oil, the variator may need to be adapted through a diagnostic scanner. The adaptation reset procedure allows the control unit to relearn the characteristics of the new fluid.
Many owners are faced with the fact that the drain plug has a copper washer that must be replaced at every oil change. Reusing an old washer often causes leaks. Also check the condition of the filler plug O-ring.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a hum or howl from the transmission while driving, do not delay your visit to the service center. In Z51 CVTs, this often indicates wear on the pulley bearings, which cannot be corrected by changing the oil.
Regularly changing NS-2 oil every 60,000 km is the most effective way to avoid costly repairs to the valve body and variator cones on the Nissan Murano Z51.
Common mistakes when replacing yourself
One of the most common mistakes is overfilling the oil. Excess fluid causes the rotating elements of the box to foam the oil, which causes a drop in pressure and overheating. Foam does not have lubricating properties and can lead to destruction of clutches.
Another mistake is not warming up enough before checking the level. Oil has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, and a cold test will show a low level, which will lead to overfilling. Always refer to the oil temperature indicated in the manual.
Sometimes car owners forget about cleaning the magnets in the tray. The accumulated chips circulate in the system and act as an abrasive, accelerating wear on the valve body. Neglecting this step negates all the benefits of fresh liquid.
Why can't I use flushing fluids?
Flushing fluids can dissolve deposits, which, in turn, clog the thin channels of the valve body. For Jatco CVTs, this is often fatal, as it leads to loss of pressure and gear shift failure.
Results of quality service
A correctly performed oil change will return the variator to its original characteristics: smooth shifting, absence of jerking and noise. The car will become more responsive to pressing the gas pedal, and the operation of the torque converter will become more efficient.
Timely maintenance also prevents system pressure related errors from appearing on the dashboard. This saves money on diagnostics and reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns along the way.
Remember that the variator Nissan Murano Z51 loves stability and cleanliness. Using the original NS-2 fluid and maintaining an interval of 60,000 km guarantees a transmission resource of up to 250,000 km or more with proper operation. Do not skimp on the quality of materials, because repairing a variator costs several times more than a scheduled oil change.
⚠️ Attention: After changing the oil, avoid sudden acceleration and towing a trailer for the first 500 km so that the new fluid is distributed throughout the system and forms a protective film on the parts.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often do you need to change the oil in the Nissan Murano Z51 CVT?
Official regulations recommend replacement every 60,000 km. However, when operating in difficult conditions (city traffic jams, towing, hot climates), it is better to reduce the interval to 45,000 - 50,000 km.
Is it possible to do a complete oil change using the displacement method?
Complete replacement using the displacement method on old CVTs with high mileage (more than 150,000 km) is not recommended without prior consultation with a specialist. This can lead to dissolved dirt clogging the valve body channels, since the old fluid has already worked as a cleaner.
What to do if jerking occurs after changing the oil?
The variator may need adaptation. Try driving 10-15 km in a quiet mode. If the jerking does not disappear, you need to check the oil level and carry out diagnostics with a scanner to reset errors and adapt.
Do I need to change the filter during a partial oil change?
For partial replacement, it is not necessary to change the filter, but it is highly recommended. The fine filter is located inside the box and is changed only when the pan is removed. If you remove the drain pan, it is better to immediately install a new filter.
What is the optimal oil temperature to check the level?
Optimal temperature for checking the oil level in the variator Nissan Murano Z51 is 50-60 degrees Celsius. It is at this temperature that the liquid occupies the calculated volume in the system.