Nissan Note - a compact hatchback that has gained popularity due to its efficiency and reliability. But even the most unpretentious car requires timely maintenance, and an oil change plays a key role here. An error in choosing the volume or type of lubricant can lead to oil starvation, accelerated engine wear or even jamming at critical loads.
In this article we will look at exact oil volumes for all generations Nissan Note (including restylings), we will take into account the features of engines HR12DE, HR15DE, K12B and others, and also give practical recommendations on choosing viscosity and brand. We will pay special attention hidden nuances, about which even the official manuals are silent - for example, why in some cases it is necessary to fill in 100-200 ml more oil than indicated in the specification.
Generations of Nissan Note and their engines: a brief overview
During production (since 2004) Nissan Note replaced three generations, each of which had unique technical features. Let's consider them in the context of the oil system:
- 🔹 First generation (E11, 2004–2012): Basic naturally aspirated engines
HR15DE(1.5 l) andK12B(1.2 l). The peculiarity is a simple design, but sensitivity to oil quality due to the small crankcase volume. - 🔹 Second generation (E12, 2012–2020): Turbocharged versions have appeared (for example,
HR12DDRwith the system DIG-T), requiring synthetic oil with low ash content. The oil volume increased by 0.3–0.5 l due to the complication of the lubrication system. - 🔹 Third generation (K13, from 2020): Complete transition to Downsizing - motors
HR10DDR(1.0 l turbo) and hybrid versions. Here it is critical to observe replacement intervals (every 10–12 thousand km) due to high thermal loads.
Important: Nissan Note for the Japanese market (for example, models with the prefix Autech) may have different oil volumes due to modified pans. All data in the article is provided for European and Russian versions.
- HR12DE (1.2 l)
- HR15DE (1.5 l)
- HR10DDR (1.0 l turbo)
- Other (specify in comments)
Table of oil volumes by year and engine
Below are official data from service manuals Nissan, adjusted taking into account the experience of car owners and independent service stations. Pay attention to the "Notes" column - there are nuances that are often ignored.
| Generation | Years of manufacture | Engine | Oil volume (l) | With / without filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E11 (1st) | 2004–2008 | HR15DE |
3.8 | 4.1 / 3.7 | Automatic transmission requires oil NS-2 or NS-3 (separate replacement). |
| 2008–2012 | K12B |
3.2 | 3.4 / 3.0 | Sensitive to overfilling - more than 3.5 liters may cause foaming. | |
| E12 (2nd) | 2012–2016 | HR12DE |
4.1 | 4.3 / 3.9 | When replacing the filter Mann W712/94 add +100 ml. |
| 2016–2020 | HR12DDR (turbo) |
4.5 | 4.8 / 4.3 | Oil required Low SAPS (For example, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4600). | |
| 2017–2020 | HR15DE (restyling) |
4.2 | 4.5 / 4.0 | In versions with Start/Stop the volume increases by 0.2 l. | |
| K13 (3rd) | 2020–present | HR10DDR |
4.0 | 4.2 / 3.8 | Use only approved oil RN0720 or RN0710. |
⚠️ Attention: In engines with a turbine (HR12DDR,HR10DDR) It is strictly prohibited to use mineral or semi-synthetic oils. This leads to coking of the turbine and failure of the variable valve timing system (VVT).
How to fill oil correctly: step-by-step instructions
Oil change process Nissan Note has several critical points that are often missed. For example, incomplete drainage of old oil due to the design of the pan, it can leave up to 200–300 ml of waste, which reduces the life of new oil by 15–20%. Let's look at the process in detail:
- Warming up the engine: Start the car and let it idle for 3-5 minutes. This will reduce the viscosity of the oil and ensure complete drainage. Exception: if the oil is heavily contaminated (black, with metal shavings), heating is not necessary - this may clog the oil channels.
- Oil drain:
- 🔧 Unscrew the plug on the pallet (the key is on
14 mm). - 🕳️ Place a container with a volume of at least 5 liters - in turbocharged engines, oil flows out under pressure.
- ⏳Wait for complete drainage (at least 15 minutes). To speed things up, you can remove the oil filter.
- 🔧 Unscrew the plug on the pallet (the key is on
- Replacing the filter:
- 🔄 Use the original filter Nissan 15208-9M00A or analogues: Mann W712/94, Bosch 0 451 103 336.
- 🛢️ Before installation, pour 100–150 ml of new oil into the filter and lubricate the rubber seal.
- Filling oil:
- 📏 Fill 80% of the required volume (for example, 3.2 l for
HR12DE). - 🔍 Wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain into the crankcase, then add to the mark
MAXon the dipstick. - 🔄 Start the engine for 1-2 minutes, turn off and check the level again (the oil will go into the filter and channels).
- 📏 Fill 80% of the required volume (for example, 3.2 l for
Check the oil level on a cold engine (in the morning)|Buy oil with a reserve of +0.5 liters for topping up|Prepare a new sealing washer for the drain plug (part number 11026-01M02)|Clean the area around the filter from dirt (use carburetor cleaner)-->
⚠️ Attention: In models with Start/Stop After changing the oil, you need to reset the maintenance counter through the on-board computer menu: Settings → Maintenance → Reset. Otherwise, the system will remind you to replace it prematurely.
Oil selection: viscosity, brands and tolerances
Manufacturer Nissan recommends using approved oils RN0700 (for gasoline engines) or RN0710 (for turbocharged ones). However, in practice, the choice depends on climatic conditions and driving style. Let's consider the best options:
Viscosity (SAE)
- 🌡️ 5W-30: Universal choice for most regions of Russia. Suitable for
HR12DEAndHR15DEat temperatures from -30°C to +35°C. - 🌡️ 0W-20: Recommended for new engines (K13) and cold regions (for example, Siberia). Reduces fuel consumption by 1–2%, but requires more frequent replacement (every 8–10 thousand km).
- 🌡️ 5W-40: Optimal for turbocharged engines (
HR12DDR) and aggressive driving style. Resistant to high temperatures, but may make cold starting difficult at -25°C or below.
By brands and series
Based on tests from independent laboratories (including Oil-Club) and owner reviews Nissan Note, the best options:
- 🏆 Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30: Ideal price/quality balance. Suitable for all generations except turbo.
- 🏆 Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30: Low ash oil for turbocharged engines. Reduces the formation of carbon deposits on valves.
- 🏆 Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30: Original oil for the Japanese market. It has stable viscosity at high loads.
- 💰 Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30: Budget option from the manufacturer. Suitable for quiet driving, but requires replacement every 8 thousand km.
If you often drive in traffic jams or short distances (less than 10 km), reduce the oil change interval by 30%. Under such conditions, the oil oxidizes faster due to incomplete warming up of the engine.
What not to fill
Some oils may irreversibly damage engine Nissan Note:
- ❌ Oils with viscosity 10W-40 and higher: Increases the load on the oil pump, especially in cold weather.
- ❌ Semi-synthetics in turbocharged engines: Leads to coking of the turbine and VVT.
- ❌ Oils without approval
API SNorILSAC GF-5: Does not provide sufficient wear protection.
Common mistakes when changing oil and their consequences
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce engine life. Here are the most common ones:
- Oil overflow:
Excess oil (more than
MAXon the dipstick) leads to foaming and loss of lubricating properties. In engines Nissan Note with VVT this may cause knocking of hydraulic compensators and unstable valve operation.How to fix: Pump out the excess with a syringe through the dipstick hole or drain plug.
- Using a poor quality filter:
Cheap filters (eg Framm or SCT) often have poor-quality valves, which leads to oil starvation during a cold start. In engines
HR12DDRthis may cause detonation. - Failure to comply with replacement intervals:
Under Russian conditions (bad fuel, dusty roads), the oil loses its properties after 7–8 thousand km, even if the manufacturer indicates 15 thousand km. Consequences: increased fuel consumption, wear of the turbine (if any), stuck rings.
- Ignoring flushing:
When switching from one type of oil to another (for example, from semi-synthetic to synthetic), the engine must be flushed. Without it, old oil residues can form slag deposits in the channels.
How to properly flush the engine?
1. Drain the old oil.
2. Fill in flushing oil (e.g. Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung).
3. Start the engine for 10–15 minutes (do not give high speeds!).
4. Drain the flush and replace the oil filter.
5. Fill with new oil.
If after changing the oil the oil pressure indicator comes on (red oil can), turn off the engine immediately! This may indicate a faulty oil pump or a clogged filter.
Features of changing oil in automatic transmission and variator
B Nissan Note two types of automatic transmissions are used: classic torque converter (4-speed) and variator (models from 2012). Changing the oil in them has critical differences:
Automatic transmission (RE4F03B)
- 🔧 Oil volume: 7.5 l (full replacement), 3.5 l (partial).
- 🛢️ Oil type: Nissan Matic Fluid D or Idemitsu Type M.
- ⚠️ Features: During a partial change, the oil is mixed with the old one, so the procedure must be repeated every 30 thousand km.
CVT (JF015E / JF016E)
- 🔧 Oil volume: 8.0 l (full replacement with flushing), 4.5 l (partial).
- 🛢️ Oil type: Only Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 or NS-3. Using other oils will cause the belt to slip and overheat.
- ⚠️ Features:
CVT Nissan Note extremely sensitive to overheating. If the oil turns black or has a burning smell, you should complete replacement with flushing and diagnostics of the cooling radiator.
Important: In CVTs Nissan It is strictly forbidden to use additives or flushes that are not intended for CVT. This may cause irreversible damage chains and cones.
How to check the oil level correctly
It would seem, what could be simpler? But in Nissan Note There are nuances that affect the accuracy of measurements:
- Check conditions:
- 🅿️ The car must be parked flat surface (a slope of more than 2° distorts the readings).
- ⏱️ The engine must be turned off for at least 5 minutes (so that the oil flows into the crankcase).
- 🌡️ The optimal oil temperature is 20–30°C (at higher temperatures it expands).
- Measurement process:
- 🧹 Take out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth (lint-free!).
- 📏 Insert the probe all the way and take it out again.
- 🔍 The level must be between the marks
MINAndMAX. Optimally - 2/3 ofMIN.
- What to do if the level is unstable:
If after topping up the oil “goes away” within a week, check:
- 🔍 For leaks (seals, pan, filter).
- 💨 PCV valve status (a stuck valve increases oil consumption).
- 🔥 Exhaust color (blue smoke indicates worn rings or valve stem seals).
If the oil level drops but there are no leaks, add fume eliminator (For example, Liqui Moly Oil-Verschleiss-Schutz). This is a temporary measure until a major overhaul.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about oil in Nissan Note
Is it possible to mix oils from different brands?
Yes, but only if they have same viscosity and tolerances. For example, Liqui Moly 5W-30 And Mobil 5W-30 with permission RN0700 can be mixed in emergency cases. However, it is not recommended to drive this mixture for more than 1000 km - perform a complete replacement as soon as possible.
What oil to fill in Nissan Note 1.2 (HR12DE) for taxi?
For commercial use (taxi, car sharing), use oil with a viscosity 5W-40 and admission API SN/ILSAC GF-5. Optimal options:
- Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 (increased resource up to 15 thousand km).
- Total Quartz 9000 5W-40 (good oxidation resistance).
Replacement interval - every 8–10 thousand km regardless of mileage.
Why did the engine become louder after changing the oil?
This can be caused by several reasons:
- 🔊 Insufficient oil level (check with a dipstick).
- 🔊 Incorrect viscosity (for example, 10W-40 is filled instead of 5W-30).
- 🔊 Oil filter defect (check to see if it is swollen).
- 🔊 Engine coking (if the oil has not been changed for a long time, new additives can “wash away” the deposits, which will temporarily increase the noise).
If the noise does not disappear after 500 km, contact diagnostics - it may be worn out hydraulic compensators or timing chain.
Is it necessary to flush the engine when switching from semi-synthetic to synthetic?
Yes, necessarily. Semi-synthetics leave deposits on the engine walls that can react with synthetic oil additives. For rinsing use:
- Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motorspulung (for heavy dirt).
- Wynn's Oil System Cleaner (soft rinsing).
After washing, replace the oil filter and fill in new oil.
What kind of oil should I fill in a Nissan Note with LPG?
When using gas equipment, the oil must have:
- 🔥 Increased thermal-oxidative stability (For example, Motul Specific Dexos2 5W-30).
- 🔥 Low ash content (tolerance
Low SAPS). - 🔥 Extended replacement interval — every 7–8 thousand km (gas burns cleaner than gasoline, but oil loses its alkaline number faster).
Avoid oils with a high calcium content (ash content above 0.8%) - this leads to the formation of carbon deposits on the valves.