Changing the oil in automatic transmission (automatic transmission) Nissan Pathfinder - a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute. Meanwhile, ignoring the maintenance regulations leads to accelerated wear of clutches, solenoids and even breakdown of the torque converter. In this article we will look at How to change the oil in a Pathfinder automatic transmission yourself (models R51 And R52), without contacting the service, but with a guarantee of quality.

Feature Pathfinder - use of boxes RE5R05A (for gasoline engines) and JR507E (for diesel engines). These automatic transmissions are sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. The manufacturer recommends replacing the fluid every 60–90 thousand km, but in Russian conditions (traffic jams, low temperatures, off-road conditions) it is better to reduce this interval to 40–50 thousand km. We will tell you what oil to use, what tools you will need and how to avoid common mistakes during partial or complete replacement.

What kind of oil to fill in the automatic transmission of Nissan Pathfinder

Oil selection is a critical step. For Nissan Pathfinder with boxes RE5R05A And JR507E officially recommended liquid Nissan Matic S (article KLE52-00004). This is a synthetic oil with improved friction properties, designed specifically for automatic transmissions. Nissan And Infiniti.

Alternative options (if the original is not available):

  • 🔹 Idemitsu ATF Type S - complete analogue Matic S, often used in Japanese services.
  • 🔹 Ravenol ATF J1 Fluid - German oil, compatible with JR507E.
  • 🔹 Motul Multi ATF - universal, but requires more frequent replacement (every 40 thousand km).

⚠️ Attention: Never use oils labeled Dexron III/VI or Mercon - they are incompatible with clutches Pathfinder and will lead to gear slippage. Also avoid "generic" fluids without certification Nissan.

The oil volume depends on the type of replacement:

Replacement type Volume (l) Notes
Partial (drain through plug) 3.5–4.0 ~40% of fluid is replaced
Full (hardware) 8.0–9.5 System flushing required
Replacement with removal of the pallet 5.0–6.0 Includes filter replacement
📊 What oil do you use for the Pathfinder automatic transmission?
  • Nissan Matic S
  • Idemitsu ATF Type S
  • Ravenol ATF J1
  • Other original
  • Universal

Tools and materials for oil change

To replace it yourself you will need:

  • 🔧 10 mm wrench — to remove the pan (if you are planning a complete replacement).
  • 🔧 24 mm head - for the drain plug (on some models - a 5 mm hexagon).
  • 🔧 Funnel with extension - for filling oil through the dipstick.
  • 🔧 Torque wrench — so as not to overtighten the pan bolts (torque 8–10 Nm).
  • 🔧 New automatic transmission filter (article 31726-31X01 for RE5R05A).
  • 🔧 Pan gasket (article 31397-31X02) or sealant Loctite 574.
  • 🔧 Drain container (minimum 5 l).
  • 🔧 Lint-free rags - for cleaning the tray and magnets.

Additionally you may need:

  • 🔹 OBD-II scanner (For example, Launch CReader) - to reset automatic transmission adaptations after replacement.
  • 🔹 Oil syringe - if filling through the dipstick is difficult.
  • 🔹 Nitrile gloves — Automatic transmission oil is toxic if it comes into contact with skin.

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Before buying oil, check its authenticity: on the original canister Nissan Matic S there should be a hologram with a logo Nissan and serial number, which can be checked on the manufacturer’s website.

Step-by-step instructions: partial oil change

Partial replacement is suitable for preventative maintenance and requires minimal tools. The procedure takes ~1 hour.

Step 1. Warm up the oil

Start the engine and let it run for 5–7 minutes so that the oil in the automatic transmission warms up to 50–60°C. This will ensure better waste drainage. Switch the box selector through all modes (P → R → N → D → L), holding each for 3–5 seconds.

Step 2. Drain the old oil

Place the car on a pit or lift. Unscrew the drain plug (24 mm wrench) and drain the oil into a container. On Pathfinder R51 The plug is located on the automatic transmission pan on the left side (in the direction of travel). On R52 It may be necessary to remove the engine protection.

Turn off the engine and put the car on the handbrake|

Make sure the drain container is under the plug|

Wear gloves and goggles (oil may splatter)|

Wait 10–15 minutes for complete drainage -->

Step 3. Filling with new oil

Tighten the drain plug (tightening torque 35–40 Nm). Remove the automatic transmission dipstick (located to the right of the engine, next to the air duct) and insert a funnel. Fill in 3.5–4 liters of new oil, checking the level on the dipstick. The optimal level is between the marks HOT (if the oil is warmed up).

⚠️ Attention: Do not overfill the oil! An excessive level leads to foaming of the liquid and loss of pressure in the valve body. If you accidentally overfilled it, pump out the excess with a syringe through the dipstick.

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A partial replacement only renews 30–40% of the oil. To completely clean the system, 2–3 such procedures are required at intervals of 500–1000 km.

Complete oil change with removal of pan and filter

A complete replacement is recommended for mileage exceeding 100 thousand km or if the oil has a burning smell, dark color. The process is labor-intensive, but allows you to remove up to 90% completion.

Step 1. Removing the pallet

After draining the oil through the plug, unscrew all the pan bolts (10 mm wrench), starting from the corners. Carefully lower the pan - ~0.5 liters of oil will remain in it. Clean the tray and magnets from metal shavings (their presence indicates wear of the clutches).

What to do if there are a lot of chips on the magnets?

If the chips are more than 1–2 mm thick, this is a sign of critical wear of the automatic transmission. In this case, diagnostics of the solenoids and valve body is required. Changing the oil may temporarily improve the situation, but the gearbox is already in need of repair.

Step 2: Replace the filter

Automatic transmission filter Pathfinder located inside the box. Unscrew the 3 mounting bolts (10 mm wrench) and remove the filter. Install a new one, after lubricating the O-ring with oil. Don't use the old filter — it becomes clogged with wear products and reduces oil pressure.

Step 3. Installing the pan and filling the oil

Install a new pan gasket (or apply sealant Loctite 574 thin layer). Tighten the bolts crosswise, avoiding distortions. Fill in 5–6 liters of oil, then check the level using the dipstick. After replacement, you need to reset the automatic transmission adaptations through the scanner (for example, with the command AT Initialization in Launch X431).

Typical mistakes when changing oil in a Pathfinder automatic transmission

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

  • 🚫 Using the wrong oil - for example, Dexron VI instead of Matic S. This leads to clutch slipping and jerking when switching.
  • 🚫 Failure to maintain oil level - both underfilling and overfilling are equally harmful. A low level leads to oil starvation, a high level leads to foaming.
  • 🚫 Ignoring filter replacement — the old filter becomes clogged and reduces the pressure in the system, which accelerates the wear of the solenoids.
  • 🚫 Tightening pan bolts without a torque wrench — over-tightening deforms the pallet, under-tightening leads to leaks.
  • 🚫 Lack of automatic transmission adaptation after replacement — without resetting the settings, the box may not work correctly for the first 100–200 km.

Critical error: washing the automatic transmission with solvents (for example, diesel fuel) instead of specialized fluids. This destroys oil seals and seals, leading to leaks.

How often to change the oil in a Pathfinder automatic transmission: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan for Pathfinder (models R51/R52):

  • 📅 60 thousand km — partial replacement (for moderate operating conditions).
  • 📅 90 thousand km — complete replacement with filter.

However, in Russian realities these intervals should be shortened:

  • 🔥 City mode (traffic jams) - every 40 thousand km.
  • ❄️ Operation at −20°C and below - every 35 thousand km.
  • 🏔️ Off-road or trailer towing - every 30 thousand km.

Signs that it's time to change the oil:

  • 🔴 Jerks or delays when changing gears.
  • 🔴 Extraneous noises (hum, grinding) when the automatic transmission is operating.
  • 🔴 The oil on the dipstick is dark, with a burning smell or metal particles.
  • 🔴 Oil leaks from under the pan or oil seals.

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If you bought Pathfinder with mileage and don’t know when the automatic transmission oil was last changed, do a complete change with flushing. Even if the previous owner claimed that “everything is fine.”

Video instructions and additional resources

For clarity, we recommend watching a video with a step-by-step oil change on Nissan Pathfinder R51:

Video 1: Partial automatic transmission oil change Pathfinder (Nissan Service channel).

Video 2: Complete replacement with filter for R52 (channel "Do it yourself auto repair").

Also useful materials:

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil the automatic transmission continues to operate incorrectly (jerking, error P0730), do not try to “get used to” the problem. This could be a sign of worn solenoids or torque converter. Call for diagnostics.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in a Nissan Pathfinder automatic transmission

Is it possible to mix different oils in a Pathfinder automatic transmission?

No, mix Nissan Matic S with other oils (for example, Dexron or Mercon) is strictly prohibited. This will lead to a chemical reaction, loss of liquid properties and breakage of the box. If you need to add oil, use only the original or a certified equivalent (for example, Idemitsu ATF Type S).

How much does it cost to change the oil in a Pathfinder automatic transmission?

The cost depends on the type of replacement:

  • Partial replacement: 2,500–4,000 rub. (work + oil).
  • Full replacement with filter: 6,000–10,000 rub.
  • Hardware replacement (on the stand): 8,000–12,000 rub.

Do-it-yourself replacement costs 3,000–5,000 rub. (oil + filter + gasket).

What happens if you don’t change the oil in the Pathfinder automatic transmission?

The consequences depend on the mileage:

  • 80–100 thousand km: deterioration in smoothness of switching, increased fuel consumption.
  • 120–150 thousand km: friction wear, jerking, errors P0730–P0740.
  • 180+ thousand km: breakdown of the torque converter or valve body, major repairs (~50,000–80,000 rubles).

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

Flushing is required only in two cases:

  1. If the oil has not been changed in more than 100 thousand km and has a burning smell.
  2. If a large amount of metal shavings is found in the pan.

For rinsing use special liquids (For example, Liqui Moly ATF Reiniger), but not solvents! Washing procedure:

  1. Drain the old oil.
  2. Fill in flushing fluid.
  3. Start the engine, turn on all automatic transmission modes one by one (30 seconds each).
  4. Drain the flush and add new oil.

Is it possible to drive with a slightly lower automatic transmission oil level?

Short-term (1-2 days) - yes, but no more 0.5 l from norm. Long-term driving at low levels leads to:

  • Oil starvation of pumps and solenoids.
  • Accelerated wear of friction clutches.
  • Overheating of the box (risk of jamming).

If the level has dropped due to a leak, correct the cause (for example, replace the pan gasket or shaft seal) before topping up.