Nissan Note: engine oil volume by generation (2004–2023)

Nissan Note - a compact hatchback that has gained popularity due to its efficiency, reliability and ease of maintenance. However, even such an unpretentious car has nuances that should be taken into account when changing the oil. An error in choosing the volume or type of lubricant can lead to oil starvation, accelerated engine wear or even rotation of the liners — problems faced by owners who ignore the manufacturer’s recommendations.

In this article you will find exact data on oil volume for all generations Nissan Note (E11, E12), including engines HR15DE, HR16DE And K4M. We will look at how to properly check the level, which oils are suitable for different operating conditions, and why Changing the oil and flushing the system can harm the engine if the technology is not followed.. You will also learn what mistakes owners most often make when replacing them themselves and how to avoid them.

Nissan Note engine oil volume by model and year

The amount of oil required for changing depends on engine type, car generation and even whether you change the oil filter. Below is a table with official data from Nissan, relevant for the markets of Europe, Russia and Japan. Please note: the values are given including filter replacement (if the filter does not change, subtract 0.2–0.3 l).

Model and generation	Engine	Years of manufacture	Oil volume, l	Recommended viscosity
Nissan Note E11 (1st generation)	HR15DE (1.5 l, 109 hp)	2004–2012	3.8	5W-30, 5W-40
Nissan Note E11 (restyling)	HR16DE (1.6 l, 114–117 hp)	2009–2013	4.1	5W-30, 0W-30
Nissan Note E12 (2nd generation)	HR16DE (1.6 l, 117 hp)	2013–2020	4.3	0W-20, 5W-30
Nissan Note E12 (for Japan)	HR12DE (1.2 l, 98 hp)	2013–2023	3.4	0W-20
Nissan Note (Russia, with K4M)	K4M (1.6 l, 114 hp, Renault)	2014–2020	4.8	5W-40, 5W-30

⚠️ Attention: For engines HR16DE in Nissan Note E12 (2013–2020) the official manual indicates a volume of 4.3 l, but in practice many owners fill in 4.0–4.1 l due to residual oil in the system. Exceeding the level above the mark MAX on the dipstick can lead to foaming and increased crankcase pressure.

If your car is equipped automatic transmission (variator CVT), remember that it requires a separate oil change (volume ~7.5 l), and mixing transmission fluid with engine oil is strictly prohibited.

How to check the oil level in a Nissan Note: step-by-step instructions

Checking the oil level is a procedure that many owners do incorrectly. Errors lead to false readings: for example, if you check the level at hot engine, the oil may seem lower than real, and if the car is parked on a slope, the results will be distorted. Follow these instructions to get accurate data:

1. Turn off the engine and wait 10–15 minutes. The oil should drain into the pan, but the engine should not be cold (optimal temperature is 30–40°C).
2. Open the hood and find oil dipstick (yellow or orange pen with oil can symbol).
3. Take out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth and push it back in until it stops.
4. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level: it should be between the marks MIN And MAX.

⚠️ Attention: If the oil level on the dipstick is higher MAX more than 5 mm, this may indicate problems with the crankcase ventilation system or that fuel/coolant gets into the oil. In this case, diagnostics is required.

Also note oil color and consistency:

• 🟢 Light brown — the oil is in good condition (if the mileage after replacement is less than 5 thousand km).
• 🟠 Dark brown - requires replacement in the near future.
• ⚫ Black with metallic particles - critical condition, urgent replacement and check of the engine is necessary.
• ⚪ Milky shade - a sign of water or antifreeze ingress (damage to the cylinder head gasket is possible).

What oil to fill in Nissan Note: manufacturer's recommendations

Choosing oil for Nissan Note depends on climatic conditions, driving style And car mileage. The manufacturer recommends using oils that meet the following standards:

• API: SN, SP (for gasoline engines).
• ILSAC: GF-5, GF-6.
• ACEA: A1/B1, A5/B5.

For most regions of Russia, oils with the following viscosity are considered optimal:

• 🌡️ 5W-30 — a universal choice for temperate climates (from –30°C to +35°C).
• ❄️ 0W-20 - for cold regions (Siberia, Far East) or new engines with low mileage.
• ☀️ 5W-40 — for hot climates or cars with mileage >150 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: Oils with viscosity 0W-20 or 5W-20 not suitable for engines K4M (Renault) in Nissan Note for the Russian market. Using oil that is too thin can cause oil starvation at high loads.

Among the trusted brands are the owners Nissan Note most often chosen:

• 🏆 Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30 (original oil, article number KE900-90132).
• 💎 Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 (suitable for engines with particulate filters).
• 🔧 Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30 (a good choice for urban use).
• 🚗 Castrol Magnatec 5W-30 A5 (popular among owners HR16DE).

Common mistakes when changing oil in a Nissan Note

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that reduce engine life. Here are the most common mistakes and their consequences:

1. Underfilling or overfilling of oil:
   • 🔴 Underfilling (level below MIN) leads to oil starvation and wear turbines (if there is one) camshafts And piston rings.
   • 🔴 Overflow (above MAX) increases the load on the seals and can cause leaks.
2. Using the wrong oil:
   • 🛢️ Oils with viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-40 not suitable for HR16DE - they are too thick for modern engines with narrow oil channels.
3. Ignoring oil filter replacement:
   • 🧻 The old filter may become clogged and open bypass valve, due to which unclean oil will go into the engine.
4. Flushing the engine without the need:
   • 🚿 Aggressive washing liquids can destroy oil film on the cylinder walls, especially in engines with mileage >100 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil the oil pressure light comes on (oil pressure) and does not go out within 5-10 seconds after starting, turn off the engine immediately! This may indicate oil pump malfunction or oil filter clogged.

What happens if you mix oils from different brands?

If the oils are of the same viscosity and standard (for example, both 5W-30 API SN), brief mixing will not cause harm. However, long-term operation with a “cocktail” of different oils can lead to sedimentation and clogging of the oil channels.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in a Nissan Note

Changing the oil in Nissan Note - a procedure that can be performed independently if you follow the technology. You will need:

• 🔧 14 mm wrench (for drain plug).
• 🛢️ New oil (see the table above for volume).
• 🧻 Oil filter (original article number for HR16DE — 15208-9M50A).
• 🔩 Remover for the filter (if the filter is “stuck”).
• 📦 Funnel and container for used oil (minimum 5 l).

Sequence of actions:

1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C) so that the oil becomes less viscous.
2. Raise the car on a lift or use a jack (put chocks under the rear wheels!).
3. Drain the old oil:
   • Unscrew the drain plug (it is located at the bottom of the pan).
   • Let the oil drain completely (10–15 minutes).
   • Wipe the plug and install a new sealing washer (part no. 11026-01M02).
4. Replace the oil filter:
   • Unscrew the old filter (a puller may be required).
   • Lubricate the rubber ring of the new filter with fresh oil.
   • Screw the filter in by hand until it stops, then tighten it 3/4 of a turn.

Fill with new oil through the neck on the valve cover. Start with 3.5–4.0 liters, then add to the desired level.

Check the level dipstick and add if necessary.

Start the engine for 1-2 minutes, then turn off and check the level again (it may drop due to the filter being full).

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil quickly turns black (within 500–1000 km), this may indicate:

• 🔥 Remains of old oil in the engine (insufficient drainage).
• 🚗 Clogged oil filter (if a cheap non-original filter was used).
• 💨 Problems with the crankcase ventilation system (more often found on engines with mileage >200 thousand km).

Features of changing the oil in a Nissan Note with a K4M engine (Renault)

Engine K4M, installed on Nissan Note for the Russian market (since 2014), has several key differences from Japanese engines HR series:

• 🔧 Larger oil volume — 4.8 l (versus 4.1–4.3 l for HR16DE).
• 🛢️ Other viscosity recommendations — 5W-40 preferable 5W-30 due to the design features.
• 🔩 Different location of the drain plug — it is located closer to the front bumper.
• 🧲 Magnet on drain plug — it must be cleaned of metal shavings every time it is replaced.

⚠️ Attention: In the engine K4M a common problem with oil leak through the valve cover. If you notice oil stains on the cylinder block, replace the valve cover gasket (part number 8200641648) and check the condition of the breather.

Also to the owners Nissan Note with K4M It is worth paying attention to:

• 🔊 Knock of hydraulic compensators during a cold start - may indicate contamination of oil channels or using low-quality oil.
• 🌡️ Increased oil consumption (more than 500 ml per 10 thousand km) is the norm for engines with mileage >150 thousand km, but requires monitoring.

When to change the oil in a Nissan Note: intervals and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan requires oil changes every 15 thousand km or once a year (whichever comes first). However, these recommendations are intended to ideal operating conditions:

• 🌿 Clean air (without dust and sand).
• 🛣️ Smooth roads (no traffic jams or frequent stops).
• 🌡️ Moderate climate (no extreme temperatures).

In reality, most cars are operated in "difficult" conditions, and the replacement interval should be shortened:

Operating conditions	Recommended replacement interval
City cycle (traffic jams, short trips)	8–10 thousand km
Aggressive driving (high revs, sporty style)	7–9 thousand km
Extreme temperatures (hot climates or frosts below -30°C)	8–10 thousand km
Dusty roads or off-road conditions	6–8 thousand km

Signs that it's time to change the oil:

• 🔊 Increased engine noise (knock of hydraulic compensators, “rustling” of the timing chain).
• 🌡️ Increased engine temperature (the oil has lost its thermal conductivity properties).
• 🚗 Deterioration in dynamics (contaminated oil increases friction).
• 💨 Burning smell from under the hood (the oil began to decompose).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about oil in Nissan Note

Can I use 5W-40 oil instead of 5W-30 in HR16DE?

Yes, but only if the engine has a mileage of more than 150 thousand km or is operated in a hot climate. For new engines 5W-40 too thick and may cause oil starvation at cold start.

How much oil should I fill if I don't change the filter?

Subtract 0.2–0.3 liters from the recommended volume. For example, for HR16DE instead of 4.3 l, fill in 4.0–4.1 l. However, we do not recommend leaving the old filter - this may lead to clogging of oil channels.

What kind of oil should I fill in a Nissan Note with LPG?

For engines running on gas, we recommend oil with higher cleaning properties and stable viscosity, for example:

• Liqui Moly Gas 5W-40 (article 7664).
• Mobil Super 3000 X1 5W-40.
• Castrol Magnatec Gas 5W-40.

The replacement interval for LPG is every 10 thousand km.

What to do if you overfill the engine with oil?

If the level is higher MAX on the dipstick, you must:

1. Pump out the excess through the oil neck (use a dropper tube and a syringe).
2. If oil gets into the ventilation system (white smoke from the exhaust), flushing is required.

⚠️ Do not ignore overflow - this can lead to damage to seals And foaming oils

How often should you check the oil level in your Nissan Note?

Minimum once a month or before long trips. For engines with mileage >100 thousand km, check the level every week — they can “eat up” the oil.