Changing the oil in an automatic transmission <em>Nissan Note</em>: a complete guide with nuances

Automatic transmission Nissan Note (especially models with CVT Jatco JF015E or classic 4-speed automatic RE4F03B) requires regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs. Many owners mistakenly believe that automatic transmission oil is filled “for its entire service life” - this is a myth invented by marketers. In practice even synthetic gear oil loses its properties after 60–90 thousand km, and in the conditions of Russian roads and climate this period is reduced to 40–50 thousand km.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in automatic transmission Nissan Note (including models E11 And E12), recommendations for choosing consumables, an oil compatibility table and answers to frequently asked questions. We will also reveal critical errors that lead to breakage of the box after a “makeshift” replacement - for example, why you can’t fill oil through the dipstick or ignore flushing the pan.

What kind of oil to fill in automatic transmission Nissan Note?

The choice of oil depends on the type of gearbox you have. Note. The manufacturer recommends original liquids, but there are also high-quality analogues. Below is a compatibility table for different generations:

Automatic transmission model	Original oil	Analogues (approved)	Replacement volume, l
CVT JF015E (Note E12, 1.6 HR16DE)	Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3	Ravenol CVT NS-3, Idemitsu CVTF	7.2 (full), 4.5 (partial)
4-speed automatic RE4F03B (Note E11, 1.4/1.6)	Nissan Matic Fluid S	Mobil ATF 3309, Castrol Transmax Dex III	6.8 (full), 3.8 (partial)
CVT JF016E (Note E12, 1.2 DIG-S)	Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (until 2017)	Aisin CVT Fluid, Motul Multi CVT	7.0 (full), 4.3 (partial)

⚠️ Attention: For CVTs Nissan It is strictly forbidden to use universal ATF fluids (for example, Dexron III or Mercon V). They are not compatible with CVT belts and pulleys and cause slippage, overheating and irreversible wear and tear boxes. Also avoid oils labeled "Universal CVT" - they don't pass the tests Nissan for compatibility with NS-2/NS-3.

If you are not sure about the type of transmission, check it using the VIN code or find the nameplate on the automatic transmission itself (usually located on the top of the crankcase). For Note E12 with motor HR16DE 99% probability that it is a CVT JF015E - he needs exactly NS-3.

Change frequency: when to change the oil?

Official regulations Nissan for Russia it provides for changing the automatic transmission oil every 60,000 km or once every 4 years (whichever comes first). However, these figures are relevant for “ideal” operating conditions:

• 🌡️ Ambient temperature from –10°C to +30°C (without sudden changes).
• 🛣️ Smooth driving style without frequent acceleration/braking.
• 🚗 No towing trailers or overloading the vehicle.
• 💧 Regularly check the oil level (at least 1 time every 10,000 km).

In reality the majority Nissan Note are used in harsh conditions:

• 🥶 Winters with temperatures below –20°C (the oil thickens, the load on the pump increases).
• 🏙️ Driving in traffic jams (automatic transmission overheating due to lack of airflow).
• 🛣️ Bad roads (vibrations accelerate oil oxidation).
• 🔥 Frequent trips over short distances (the oil does not have time to warm up to operating temperature).

Under such conditions The replacement interval is reduced to 40–50 thousand km. If you ignore this recommendation, the consequences will be critical:

⚠️ Attention: In CVTs Nissan Note old oil leads to belt wear And scuffing on pulley cones. Symptoms: jerks during acceleration, “kicks” when switching, noise from the gearbox. In classic automatic machines (RE4F03B), worn oil causes clutch slippage And valve body contamination, which leads to kicks and delays when switching.

Preparing for replacement: tools and consumables

To change the automatic transmission oil yourself Nissan Note you will need:

Fresh oil (see table above for volume)|New automatic transmission oil filter (for example, Nissan 31726-1XF0A for variator)|O-ring of the pan (Nissan 31397-1XF0A)|8 mm square wrench for the drain plug|10 mm socket for the pan bolts|Funnel with an extended spout (for filling through the dipstick)|Container for draining waste (minimum 8 l)|Lint-free rags|Torque wrench (for tightening the pan bolts)|Carburetor cleaner or kerosene (for flushing) tray and magnets)-->

⚠️ Attention: Do not use sealant instead of the pan sealing ring! In CVTs Nissan The sealant can get into the oil and clog the valve body channels. Also avoid metal brushes to clean the pan - they leave particles that then circulate in the oil.

If you are planning complete replacement (with removing the pan and replacing the filter), additionally prepare:

• 🔧 New filter (for variator JF015E — Nissan 31726-1XF0A, for RE4F03B - Nissan 31728-31X01).
• 🧲 Set of magnets (there are 3 of them in the variator tray - check their condition!).
• 🧴 Flushing fluid (For example, Liqui Moly ATF Reiniger), if the oil is heavily contaminated.

For a partial replacement (without removing the pan), a drain plug and new oil are enough. However, this method changes only 40–50% of the fluid — the remainder of the old oil is mixed with the new one, which reduces the effectiveness of the procedure.

How to check the oil level in a Nissan Note automatic transmission?

1. Warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km).

2. Place the car on a flat surface with the engine running at idle.

3. Remove the automatic transmission dipstick (on the CVT it is yellow, on the automatic it is red), wipe it with a rag.

4. Insert the dipstick back for 5 seconds, then remove and check the level: it should be between the “HOT” marks.

5. If the level is lower, add oil through the funnel, but do not exceed the “MAX” mark (overfilling is just as harmful as underfilling!).

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

Let's consider complete oil change with washing the pan and replacing the filter (recommended method). For a partial replacement, skip the steps involved in removing the pan.

Step 1: Drain the old oil

1. Start the engine and warm up the gearbox to operating temperature (about 60–70°C). Warm oil drains faster and more completely.

2. Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole. Make sure the machine is level.

3. Place a container under the drain plug (it is located on the automatic transmission pan). Unscrew the plug with an 8 mm square wrench. Be careful - the oil will be hot!

4. Wait until the oil has completely drained (about 10–15 minutes). In the variator Nissan Note Approximately 4.5–5 liters are drained, in a classic automatic machine – 3.5–4 liters.

Step 2: Removing the pan and replacing the filter

1. Unscrew all the pan bolts (there are about 20 of them) with a 10 mm socket. Start with the corners, then loosen the rest in a crisscross pattern to avoid warping.

2. Carefully remove the pan - about 0.5–1 liter of oil will remain in it. Clean the tray and magnets of metal shavings and deposits. If the magnets are very worn (lost strength), replace them.

3. Remove the old filter (it is secured with 3 bolts). Install the new filter, first lubricating its O-ring with fresh oil.

Step 3: Flush the System (Optional)

If the oil was very dirty (black, with a burning smell), flushing is recommended:

1. Fill 1–2 liters flushing fluid (For example, Liqui Moly ATF Reiniger) through the filler neck.

2. Start the engine and let the gearbox run for 5–10 minutes, alternately switching the selector to all positions (P-R-N-D) with a delay of 3–5 seconds.

3. Drain the flush and start filling in new oil.

Step 4: Add new oil

1. Install a new pan seal and tighten the bolts with a torque wrench. 8–10 Nm. Don't overtighten!

2. Fill in new oil through the dipstick (use a funnel). For a partial replacement, 4–4.5 liters are enough; for a complete replacement, see the table above.

3. Start the engine and warm up the transmission. Check the oil level and add if necessary.

⚠️ Attention: In CVTs Nissan Note You can't fill oil through the breather (as they do on some automatic transmissions of other brands). This will cause air to enter the system and foaming, which will cause the box to malfunction. Filling only through the dipstick!

Common mistakes when changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Note

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

• 🔧 Using a non-original filter. Cheap analogues (for example, from NoName-brands) have poor throughput, which leads to oil starvation boxes.
• 🧴 Mixing different types of oils. For example, NS-2 And NS-3 incompatible! This causes a chemical reaction that causes the oil to lose its lubricating properties.
• 🔩 Re-tightening of pallet bolts. This deforms the seal and leads to leakage. Optimal tightening torque - 8–10 Nm.
• 🚗 Changing the oil with a cold box. In this case, only 60–70% of the waste is drained, and the remainder is mixed with new oil, shortening its service life.
• 🧲 Ignoring magnets in the tray. If they are not cleaned or replaced, metal shavings will continue to circulate in the oil, accelerating gearbox wear.

One more critical error — using a vacuum pump to pump oil through the dipstick. This method leaves up to 50% of the old oil in the box and can also damage the level sensor. In CVTs Nissan This method of replacement is strictly prohibited!

Cost of oil change at service vs. on your own

Prices for changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Note vary depending on region and type of service:

Replacement type	Service cost, ₽	Cost yourself, ₽	Notes
Partial replacement (without removing the pan)	3 000 – 5 000	1 500 – 2 500	Change 40–50% of the oil. Suitable for prevention.
Complete replacement (with removal of pan and filter)	6 000 – 10 000	3 000 – 4 500	Recommended for mileage over 100,000 km or when changing oil after 80+ thousand km.
Automatic transmission flushing + oil change	8 000 – 12 000	4 000 – 6 000	Includes flushing fluid and double oil change (to displace old oil).

Replacing it yourself is cheaper, but requires time and care. If you have never worked with an automatic transmission, it is better to contact the service - errors when changing the oil in the variator Nissan can result in repairs costing 100+ thousand rubles.

⚠️ Attention: Some services offer an “express oil change” using a machine that replaces old oil with new oil under pressure. For Nissan Note with a variator this method not recommended - it does not clean the pan and filter, and can also damage the valve body solenoids.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing automatic transmission oil Nissan Note

Is it possible to fill in oil of a different viscosity if the original one is not available?

No. For CVTs Nissan Note only allowed NS-2 or NS-3 (depending on the box model). Oils with different viscosities (e.g. Dexron VI) are not compatible with clutches and CVT belt. In a classic slot machine (RE4F03B) can be used Matic Fluid S or its analogues (Mobil ATF 3309), but different types cannot be mixed.

How often should you check the oil level in an automatic transmission?

Check the level every 10,000 km or before long trips. For CVT Nissan Note it is critical to maintain the level within the “HOT” marks on the dipstick - how underfilling, so overflow lead to breakdowns. Carry out the check on a warm box (after 10–15 km of driving) with the engine running.

What to do if after changing the oil the box starts to twitch?

This is a symptom of one of the errors:

1. Flooded wrong oil (For example, Dexron instead of NS-3).
2. Insufficient or excessive oil level.
3. Got into the system air (for example, when filling through a breather).
4. Didn't reset box adaptation (you need to reset errors via Nissan Consult or adapter ELM327).

If jerking appears immediately after replacement, do not operate the car — contact the service for diagnostics.

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

Flushing is required if:

• The oil is heavily contaminated (black, with a burning smell).
• The mileage since the last replacement exceeded 80,000 km.
• The box worked with overheating (for example, towing a trailer).

For flushing, use specialized fluids (for example, Liqui Moly ATF Reiniger) or method double replacement: drain the old oil, fill in new oil, drive 500 km, then repeat the procedure.

Is it possible to drive with an automatic transmission oil leak?

Absolutely not. Even a small leak (100–200 ml per month) leads to:

• Overheating of the box (oil cools and lubricates parts).
• Accelerated wear of clutches and belt (in a variator).
• Clogging of the hydraulic unit (due to metal shavings).

If a leak is detected (oil stains under the car, a drop in the level on the dipstick), urgently eliminate the cause - usually this is a worn pan o-ring or a crack in the pan itself.