Car ownership Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) requires close attention to the condition of the transmission, since the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is one of the most vulnerable and expensive components in the design. Many owners are faced with the question of exactly how much fluid is needed for the correct operation of the unit, and often make mistakes in calculations, guided by data from old manuals or advice on forums that do not take into account the specifics of this particular model.
Incorrect volume transmission fluid can lead to fatal consequences: from overheating and belt slippage to complete failure of the valve body and pump. Unlike classic automatic transmissions, CVTs Nissan Jatco They are extremely sensitive to the oil level, and a deviation of even 200-300 milliliters can disrupt the hydraulic pressure necessary to press the pulleys. Therefore, accurate knowledge of the amount of lubricant and the correct algorithm for checking the level are the key to the long life of your car.
In this article, we will analyze in detail how much fluid is poured during a complete and partial replacement, what nuances exist depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, and also consider the step-by-step maintenance process. We will also pay attention to choosing the right product, since the use of non-original analogues often causes expensive repairs.
Technical characteristics and oil volume in CVT Nissan Murano Z51
To begin with, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between two concepts: the total volume of the system and the volume of refills during replacement. In the technical data sheet Nissan Murano Z51 The total volume of transmission fluid is often indicated, which can reach 8.0–8.5 liters, but it is impossible to physically pour out such an amount during a standard maintenance procedure without removing the pan and dismantling the heat exchanger.
During a partial replacement, which is the most common type of service, only what is in the pan and crankcase is drained from the system. This is usually between 4.0 and 4.5 liters. This is due to the fact that a significant part of the fluid remains in the torque converter, cooling lines and control unit. If you simply drain the old oil and fill in new oil in this volume, you will get a mixture where the old liquid will make up 40-50% of the total amount.
A complete replacement requires a hardware method or multiple cyclic replacement (replacement method). In this case, it is necessary to purchase from 10 to 12 liters of the original liquid. This volume allows you to displace old oil from all hidden cavities of the system. It is important to understand that overfilling the variator with oil is just as dangerous as underfilling it, so the accuracy of measurements at each stage is critically important.
- ⚙️ Total system volume Nissan Murano Z51 is about 8.5 liters.
- 🛢️ Volume for partial replacement (draining from the pan) is 4.0–4.5 liters.
- 💧 The volume for a complete hardware replacement is 10–12 liters, including flushing.
⚠️ Attention: Never rely on “stock” when buying oil. If you are planning a complete replacement, buy 12 liters at once, since the remainder may be needed to correct the level after warming up and operating the variator under load.
Classification and selection of the correct transmission fluid
Gearboxes Jatco JF011E (RE0F10A series) installed on Murano Z51, require the use of a specific class fluid NS-2. This is not just a marketing name, but a strict specification that determines the viscosity, coefficient of friction and anti-foam properties of the oil. The use of fluids of other standards (for example, CVT Fluid NS-3 or ATF Dexron) is strictly prohibited.
NS-2 fluid was developed taking into account the operating characteristics of pulleys and metal belts in CVTs of this generation. It provides the necessary coefficient of friction for reliable adhesion of the cones, preventing slippage, and at the same time protects the components from corrosion and wear. Violation of this rule leads to accelerated wear of the belt drive and the appearance of vibrations.
Original oil from Nissan (code KE909-99931 or KE909-99932) is a quality standard, but there are also certified analogues from leading manufacturers (for example, Idemitsu, Eneos), which also meet the NS-2 specification. The main condition when choosing an analogue is the presence of a certificate of conformity specifically for Jatco CVTs of the JF011E series.
When purchasing, pay attention to the packaging: the original container has characteristic markings and protective elements. Counterfeits often have a lower viscosity, which leads to a rapid drop in system pressure and overheating. It is also worth considering that the color of the new liquid should be bright red or pink, and during use it will gradually darken, but should not become black or cloudy.
- 🔴 Standard: CVT Fluid NS-2 is the only valid specification for the Z51.
- 🏭 Manufacturer: Original Nissan or certified analogues (Idemitsu, Eneos).
- 🚫 Prohibition: It is strictly forbidden to use NS-3 fluids or regular ATF.
- Original Nissan NS-2
- Certified analogue (Idemitsu, Eneos)
- Cheap analogues
- Haven't changed it yet, filled from the factory
Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in the variator
Oil change procedure Nissan Murano Z51 does not require a specialized lift if you have access to a pit or overpass, but it requires care and accuracy. Start by warming up the engine and variator to operating temperature (about 50-60°C), since only in this mode can you accurately determine the fluid level. Cold oil has a different density, and checking the level will be incorrect.
The next step is to drain the waste fluid. Unscrew the drain plug on the transmission pan and allow the oil to drain completely. After this, you need to remove the pan to get to the filter and magnets. Inside the pan you will see two magnets covered with metal shavings - this is normal wear and tear, but if the shavings are large or aluminum dust is present, this is a warning sign.
Replace the fine filter (mesh filter) and pan gasket. The old filter becomes clogged with decay products and does not allow the required volume of oil to pass through, which leads to oil starvation. Install the new filter, clean the pan of old gasket residue and dirt, then secure it with the new gasket, tightening the bolts to the recommended torque.
Fill in new oil through the dipstick hole (or through the level sensor hole, depending on the version) using a funnel. Fill approximately 4 liters for a partial replacement. Start the engine, move the selector to position P, then engage all gears (R, N, D) in sequence, holding each gear for 5-7 seconds. This is necessary to fill the torque converter and lines.
☑️ Preparing to change the oil in the variator
⚠️ Attention: When draining the oil from the pan, be careful with the electrical connectors of the sensors located on the transmission housing. If oil gets into the contacts, it can cause errors in the operation of the transmission ECU.
Checking and correct transmission fluid level
The most important stage is checking the level. On Nissan Murano Z51 a level control system is used through a drain hole with a plug. After you have filled the initial portion of oil and moved the selector through all gears, turn off the engine and wait a few minutes. Then, with the engine running (this is critically important!), unscrew the control plug.
If the oil starts to flow in a trickle, it means the level has been exceeded. If only a couple of drops drip or nothing flows, you need to add liquid. The ideal level is when the oil flows out in a thin stream, which stops when the level drops to the edge of the hole. This state is called "operating level".
If the temperature is lower, the liquid will not leak out even at normal levels, and you can overfill the box. If the temperature is higher, too much oil will leak out and you will underfill. Use a diagnostic scan tool to monitor the temperature if heating is difficult to visually determine.
After completing the check and adding oil, be sure to install a new sealing washer on the control plug and tighten it with a force of 4.9 Nm. An under-tightened plug can lead to loss of oil, and a over-tightened one can lead to the threads on the crankcase breaking, which will require expensive repairs.
- 🌡️ Check temperature: strictly 50–60°C (control via scanner).
- ⚙️ Engine: the level is checked when running engine.
- 🔧 Stopper: use a new washer, tightening torque 4.9 Nm.
What to do if the oil leaks out too quickly?
If, when you unscrew the plug, oil bursts out under pressure, this may indicate overheating or excess pressure in the system caused by a clogged variator cooling radiator or faulty valves. In this case, it is necessary to check the cooling system and the condition of the radiator, and not just add oil.
Signs of incorrect levels and consequences of errors
If the oil level in the variator Nissan Murano Z51 deviates from the norm, symptoms appear fairly quickly. At low level (underfilling) the pump begins to capture air, which leads to the formation of air pockets. This causes a drop in pressure, belt slipping, jerking when changing gears and overheating of the transmission.
If the level is excessive (overflow) the rotating parts of the box begin to whip the oil, saturating it with air. Foamy fluid cannot provide the required hydraulic pressure, which also leads to slippage. In addition, excess pressure can squeeze out the seals, causing leaks, and damage the level sensors or valve body.
Common signs of oil problems include an illuminated Check Engine light with error codes related to CVT pressure or slippage, as well as a characteristic hum or whistle when driving. Ignoring these signals may result in the variator going into emergency mode, limiting the speed, or completely failing.
| Parameter | Low level | Normal level | High level |
|---|---|---|---|
| System pressure | Falling, unstable | Stable, normal | Excessive, foamy |
| Symptoms | Jerking, overheating, noise | Smooth operation | Slippage, leakage |
| Risk for the box | Worn belt, pump | Missing | Valve block, seals |
If you doubt the correct level, it is better to underfill 100-200 ml rather than overfill. Unfilled oil can be easily added, but to remove excess oil, you will have to warm up the box again and drain it, which creates unnecessary risks of system contamination.
Maintenance intervals and expert advice
Recommended oil change interval for variator Nissan Murano Z51 According to the manufacturer's regulations, it is 60,000 km. However, given the harsh Russian operating conditions (traffic jams, low temperatures, aggressive driving style), experts recommend reducing this interval to 40,000 - 50,000 km.
Frequent oil changes help keep the valve body clean, extend the life of the solenoids and prevent the accumulation of metal particles. Regular filter replacement is also an essential part of this process. Do not try to extend the fluid life to 100,000 km - this is a direct path to major repairs or replacement of the unit.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the variator cooling radiator. If it is clogged with dirt or lint, the oil will overheat even with a fresh change. Regularly wash radiators (engine and variator) at each maintenance to ensure effective cooling of the working fluid.
Remember that the CVT is not a “maintenance-free” box, as some dealers often claim. This is a complex hydromechanical unit that requires regular attention and quality maintenance. Neglecting this rule may cost you significant financial costs in the future.
Regular oil and filter changes every 40-50 thousand kilometers are the most effective insurance against expensive repairs of the Nissan Murano Z51 CVT.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How much oil does a Nissan Murano Z51 need for a complete change?
For a complete replacement using the substitution method, you will need to purchase 10–12 liters of NS-2 fluid. With a partial replacement, 4–4.5 liters are enough, but the composition of the liquid in the box will only be partially updated.
Can NS-3 oil be used instead of NS-2?
No, using NS-3 oil in the Nissan Murano Z51 CVT is strictly prohibited. This will lead to a change in the friction coefficient, belt slipping and rapid failure of the transmission.
How to check the oil level without a scanner?
Without a scanner, it is impossible to accurately determine the oil temperature, which makes checking the level inaccurate. However, you can use the cooling fan as a guide: when it turns on a second time, the temperature is usually close to 50-60°C, but this is only an approximate method.
Does oil volume vary depending on the year of the Z51?
The total volume of the system and the amount of oil during replacement practically do not change for all Nissan Murano Z51 models (2009–2014), since a single Jatco JF011E variator design is used.
What happens if you forget the pan gasket?
The absence of a gasket will lead to loss of tightness, oil leakage and, as a result, to oil starvation of the variator. This can cause the pump to seize and destroy the transmission in a short time.