Automatic transmission Nissan Navara - a unit that requires special attention, especially when it comes to models D40 (2005–2014) and D23 (since 2014). Many owners mistakenly believe that automatic transmission oil is filled “for its entire service life,” but in practice its degradation begins after 60–80 thousand km. Ignoring replacement leads to jerks when switching, overheating and expensive repairs.

In this article we will analyze all the nuances of changing the automatic transmission oil Navara: from choosing transmission fluid to step-by-step instructions taking into account the features of the boxes RE5R05A (for D40) and JR710E (for D23). You will also learn how to check the oil level without a dipstick, what mistakes 90% of car owners make, and why a partial replacement is sometimes more harmful than a complete one.

When to change the oil in a Nissan Navara automatic transmission: official and real terms

Manufacturer in manuals for Navara D40 And D23 indicates that the automatic transmission oil does not require replacement (lifetime fill). However, this approach is only relevant for “ideal” operating conditions: moderate climate, smooth roads and gentle driving style. In reality:

  • 🔥 Hot climate (temperature above +30°C): oil oxidizes 2 times faster, losing its lubricating properties.
  • 🏔️ Off-road and towing: increased loads on the automatic transmission increase wear on the clutches, and abrasion products contaminate the fluid.
  • 🚗 Aggressive riding: frequent sharp acceleration and braking lead to overheating of the oil to 120–140°C (norm - up to 90°C).

Experienced craftsmen and owners Navara The following intervals are recommended:

Operating conditions Replacement interval (thousand km) Replacement type
City mode (quiet driving) 60–80 Partial
Mixed mode (city + highway) 50–60 Partial or complete
Extreme conditions (off-road, towing, heat) 30–40 Full with flushing
After buying a used car Immediately Complete + filter replacement

Critical moment: if the oil is in the automatic transmission Navara If it turns black or smells like burning, partial replacement will only worsen the problem - dirt from the pan will mix with the new fluid. In this case, a complete flushing of the system is required, removing the pan and replacing the filter.

⚠️ Attention: On Navara D23 with box JR710E (7-speed automatic) the manufacturer still indicates the replacement interval - every 90 thousand km, but only for countries with difficult operating conditions (for example, the Middle East). In Russia, this regulation is often ignored by dealers.

What kind of oil to fill in the Nissan Navara automatic transmission: original vs analogues

Oil selection is a critical step. For Navara D40 with box RE5R05A And D23 with JR710E officially recommended only Nissan Matic S (article KE908-99932). However, there are worthy analogues on the market that meet the specifications JWS 3309 or Dexron VI.

  • 💧 Original: Nissan Matic S - the best choice, but expensive (about 1,200 rubles/liter). Suitable for all models Navara.
  • 🔄 Analogues:
    • Mobil ATF 3309 — the best price/quality balance (800–900 rubles/liter).
    • Idemitsu ATF Type-J - popular in Japan, but difficult to find in Russia.
    • Ravenol ATF JWS 3309 - German quality, but rarely found in stores.
  • ❌ What not to pour: Oils with markings Dexron III or Mercon V - they are incompatible with clutches Navara and will lead to gear slippage.

Oil volume to change:

  • Navara D40 (RE5R05A): 9–10 liters for a complete replacement, 4–5 liters for a partial replacement.
  • Navara D23 (JR710E): 7–8 liters for a complete replacement, 3–4 liters for a partial replacement.
⚠️ Attention: On D23 with box JR710E It is strictly forbidden to mix Nissan Matic S with other oils - this will lead to foaming of the liquid and loss of pressure in the valve body.
📊 What oil do you use for the Navara automatic transmission?
  • Nissan Matic S (original)
  • Mobil ATF 3309
  • Idemitsu ATF Type-J
  • Other (write in comments)
  • I don’t know which one is filled

Tools and consumables: complete list for replacement

Before starting work, prepare everything you need. For Navara D40 And D23 the set of tools will differ - for example, on D23 there is no dipstick to check the oil level, and the pan is mounted on 12 bolts instead of 18 as on D40.

New oil (9–10 liters for D40, 7–8 for D23)

Automatic transmission filter (article for D40: 31397-31X01, for D23: 31726-31X00)

Pan gasket (or sealant Loctite 574)

10 mm wrench (for pallet bolts)

24 mm socket (for drain plug)

Funnel with extension (for filling oil through dipstick)

Oil syringe (if there is no dipstick, like on D23)

Carburetor cleaner (for flushing the pan)

Lint-free rags

Container for draining waste (minimum 5 liters) -->

Pay special attention to the filter. On Navara D40 it is metal and can be cleaned, but D23 - paper, disposable. An attempt to wash the paper filter will lead to its destruction and the entry of fibers into the hydraulic unit.

If you are planning a complete replacement with flushing, you will additionally need:

  • 🔧 Adapter for automatic transmission flushing (For example, Liqui Moly ATF-Spülgerät).
  • 💨 Compressor for purging the automatic transmission cooling radiator.
  • 🔍 Endoscope (optional) - to inspect the condition of the clutches through the filler hole.
💡

Before purchasing oil, check its authenticity! Fake Nissan Matic S often sold in plastic canisters instead of metal ones. The original has a holographic sticker and the bottling date on the bottom.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in a Navara automatic transmission

The replacement process is different for D40 And D23, but the general scheme is the same. Let's consider both options.

1. Partial replacement (for D40 and D23)

This method is suitable for routine maintenance. It allows you to update 40–50% oilwithout removing the tray.

  1. Warm up the automatic transmission. Drive 10–15 km or let the engine idle for 10 minutes, switching the selector through all modes (P → R → N → D → L).
  2. Drain the old oil.
    • For D40: Unscrew the drain plug with a wrench 24 mm (located on the pallet).
    • For D23: there is no plug - you will have to remove the pan completely.
  3. Fill with new oil.
    • On D40 - through the dipstick (use a funnel).
    • On D23 — through the filler hole on the pan (you will need a syringe).

    Volume for partial replacement: 4–5 liters for D40, 3–4 liters for D23.

  4. Check the level.
    • On D40: warm up the automatic transmission until 60–70°C, check the level on the dipstick (should be between HOT MIN And HOT MAX).
    • On D23: The level is checked through the inspection hole (oil should drip at a temperature 35–45°C).

2. Complete replacement with flushing (recommended for D23)

This method is more complicated, but allows you to update 90–95% oil. An assistant or a lift will be required.

  1. Remove the pan. On D23 it is secured with 12 bolts, D40 - at 18. Be careful: there is up to 0.5 liters butter!
  2. Replace the filter. On D40 you can wash the metal filter on D23 - replacement only.
  3. Flush the system. Connect the adapter to the automatic transmission radiator pipes and bleed 10–12 liters fresh oil (for D40) or 8–10 liters (for D23).
  4. Install a new filter and gasket. Use sealant Loctite 574, if the gasket is not original.
  5. Add oil. On D23 this is done through the control hole until it starts to drip.
What to do if after replacing the automatic transmission jerks?

If jerking occurs after changing the oil, most likely the reason is one of three:

1. Incorrect oil level - overfilling or underfilling by 200-300 ml already causes failures.

2. Poor quality oil - counterfeit or non-specification JWS 3309.

3. Dirty radiator — if flushing was not carried out, old deposits could clog the channels.

Solution: repeat the replacement with a complete flush or go for diagnostics (you may need to adapt the automatic transmission through Consult III).

⚠️ Attention: On Navara D23 after a complete oil change the error message may come on P17F0 (solenoid malfunction). This is normal - the error will clear after 2-3 automatic transmission warm-up cycles. If the error remains, the adaptations must be reset via diagnostic equipment.

How to check the oil level in a Navara automatic transmission without a dipstick (for D23)

On Navara D23 with box JR710E There is no dipstick, and the oil level is checked through the inspection hole. This process requires precision:

  1. Warm up the automatic transmission. The oil temperature should be 35–45°C (use diagnostic scanner or infrared thermometer).
  2. Place the car on a level surface. even a slight slope will distort the readings.
  3. Unscrew the control plug. It is located on the side of the pallet (the key is on 10 mm).
  4. Rate the level:
    • If oil dripping - the level is normal.
    • If doesn't drip — add 100–200 ml and repeat the check.
    • If flows like a stream - overflow, you need to drain off the excess.

Critical error: checking the level when cold will lead to underfilling by 0.5–1 liter, since the oil expands when heated. This will cause oil starvation and accelerated wear of the pumps.

💡

On Navara D23 The inspection hole for checking the oil level is often confused with the drain plug. They are located side by side, but the drain plug has a magnet to collect metal shavings.

Top 5 mistakes when changing the oil in a Navara automatic transmission

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce the life of the automatic transmission. Here are the most common:

  1. Using universal oil.

    Oil type Dexron VI or ATF+4 not suitable for Navara - they have a different viscosity and additive package. Consequences: slipping of clutches and jamming of solenoids.

  2. Failure to comply with temperature conditions.

    Checking the level for a cold or overheated automatic transmission gives an error of up to 0.5 liters. Optimal temperature for D40 — 60–70°C, for D23 — 35–45°C.

  3. Saving on filter.

    On D23 The paper filter cannot be washed - its pores become clogged with wear products. The cost of an original filter (~1,500 rubles) is negligible compared to repairing an automatic transmission (~150,000 rubles).

  4. Incomplete radiator flushing.

    If you do not flush the automatic transmission cooling radiator, the old oil will mix with the new one, reducing its service life by 30–40%. For rinsing use Liqui Moly ATF-Spülung.

  5. Ignoring automatic transmission adaptation.

    After a complete oil change to D23 adaptations need to be reset via Consult III or Launch X431. Without this, the box will be “stupid” when switching for 1–2 weeks.

💡

If, after changing the oil, the automatic transmission begins to “kick” when switching from 1st to 2nd gear, try resetting the adaptations manually: 1) Warm up the box to 70°C. 2) Stop the engine. 3) Turn on the ignition, press the brake pedal and hold the selector in the position D 10 seconds. 4) Repeat for modes R And N.

The cost of changing the oil in a Navara automatic transmission: prices 2026

Replacement price depends on type of work, region and model Navara. Below is the average bill for Moscow and the regions:

Replacement type Nissan Navara D40 Nissan Navara D23
Partial replacement (oil + work) 4,000–6,000 rub. RUB 3,500–5,000
Complete replacement (oil + filter + work) 12,000–18,000 rub. 10,000–15,000 rub.
Complete replacement with radiator flush 18,000–25,000 rub. 15,000–20,000 rub.
Automatic transmission diagnostics after replacement 1,500–3,000 rub. 1,500–3,000 rub.

You can save money by purchasing consumables yourself:

  • 🛢️ Nissan Matic S (4 liters) - ~4,800 rub.
  • 🔧 Filter for D40 — ~1,200 rub., for D23 — ~1,500 rub.
  • 🧲 Pallet gasket - ~500 rub. (or sealant Loctite 574 for ~300 rub.).

Replacing it yourself will cost 2–3 times cheaper, but requires time and accuracy. If you have never worked with an automatic transmission, it is better to trust the professionals - mistakes when changing the oil often lead to overhaul of the box.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in Navara automatic transmission

Is it possible to fill in oil of a different brand if there is no original one? Nissan Matic S?

Yes, but only if it meets specification JWS 3309 (For example, Mobil ATF 3309 or Idemitsu ATF Type-J). It is not recommended to mix different brands - this can cause foaming and loss of properties.

How often should I change the oil if I only drive on the highway?

When driving quietly on the highway without loads, the interval can be increased to 80–100 thousand km, but no more. However, it is recommended to check the condition of the oil (color, smell) every 30 thousand km.

What happens if you pour oil into an automatic transmission? Navara D23?

Overflow on 200–300 ml will lead to foaming of the oil, which will cause:

  • Pressure drop in the valve body.
  • Jerks when changing gears.
  • Accelerated wear of oil seals (due to increased pressure).

If overfilled, drain the excess through the inspection hole.

Is it necessary to flush the automatic transmission when changing the oil?

Flushing is required if:

  • The oil is black or has a burning smell.
  • There are a lot of metal shavings in the pan.
  • The car was purchased used and the oil change history is unknown.

To flush, use special equipment or the “draining” method (fill in new oil, start the engine for 5 minutes, drain and repeat 2-3 times).

Is it possible to drive with dirty automatic transmission oil if there is no money to replace it?

Short-term (1-2 thousand km) - yes, but the risks are high:

  • The wear of friction clutches and bearings increases.
  • The likelihood of solenoids jamming increases.
  • The torque converter may fail (repair ~50,000 rubles).

If your budget is limited, make at least a partial replacement - this will temporarily improve the situation.