Changing the oil in an automatic transmission Nissan Murano Z51: a detailed guide with photos and videos

Changing the oil in automatic transmission Nissan Murano Z51 - a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute. But in vain! The life of the automatic transmission, the smoothness of shifts and even fuel consumption directly depend on the condition of the transmission fluid. If you notice jerks when switching, delays or extraneous noises, these are the first signs that it’s time to do maintenance.

In this article we will look at all the nuances of changing the oil in the Murano Z51 automatic transmission: from the choice of original oil Nissan Matic S to step-by-step instructions with photos and videos. You will find out what is different partial replacement from fullwhat tools you will need, and how to avoid mistakes that shorten the life of the box. And if you’ve never done anything like this, don’t worry: our guide is designed even for beginners.

Why is it important to change the oil in the Murano Z51 automatic transmission on time?

Many people believe that Automatic transmission JF011E, installed on Murano Z51, “indestructible” and does not require maintenance. This is a dangerous misconception! The manufacturer actually states that the oil is filled “for the entire service life,” but it implies ideal operating conditions: smooth roads, a moderate climate and a gentle driving style. In reality:

• 🔥 Oil overheating — when towing, driving in traffic jams or off-road, the temperature in the automatic transmission rises to 120–140°C, which destroys additives and accelerates oxidation.
• ⚙️ Metal shavings — over time, wear products from friction clutches and bearings accumulate in the oil, which act as an abrasive.
• 💧 Loss of properties — old oil loses viscosity, dissipates heat worse and does not provide the required pressure in the valve body.

Critical fact: in 80% of cases of Murano Z51 automatic transmission breakdowns after 150 thousand km, it is untimely maintenance that is to blame, and not design defects. At the same time, changing the oil costs 5–10 thousand rubles., and box repair - in 80–150 thousand rubles. and above.

⚠️ Attention! If a burning smell appears in the automatic transmission oil or it turns dark brown, this is a sign of critical wear of the clutches. In this case, a simple oil change is not enough: diagnostics and, possibly, repairs will be required.

What kind of oil to fill in the automatic transmission of Nissan Murano Z51

For Automatic transmission JF011E (which is installed on Murano Z51 with engines VQ35DE And VQ25DE) only one oil is officially recommended - Nissan Matic S (KE908-99931). This is a synthetic fluid with a unique additive package designed specifically for boxes. Jatco. Alternatives?

Theoretically, you can use analogues from Idemitsu, Ravenol or Motul, but there are pitfalls here:

Oil brand	Article	Compatibility	Notes
Nissan Matic S	KE908-99931 (1 l) KE908-99932 (4 l)	100%	Original, best choice
Idemitsu ATF Type-J	30400-01303	95%	Popular analogue, but can cause hard shifts
Ravenol JF011E	4014835735106	90%	Good option, but more expensive than the original
Motul Multi ATF	105777	80%	Universal, not recommended for complete replacement

If you decide to save money and fill in an analogue, necessarily check it for compatibility with JF011E through the manufacturer's official catalogs. The fact is that even small differences in viscosity or additive composition can lead to:

• 🔄 Delays when changing gears (especially from 1st to 2nd).
• 💥 Jerking during a cold start.
• 🛑 Premature wear of valve body solenoids.

Tools and materials for oil change

Before you start replacing, prepare everything you need. For partial replacement (drain-fill) you will need a minimum of tools, and for full (with flushing) - a complete arsenal. Here's the checklist:

Fresh Nissan Matic S oil (8–12 liters for a complete change)

New automatic transmission oil filter (article 31726-31X00 or 31726-31X01)

Pan sealing ring (part number 31397-31X00)

10 mm wrench and 24 mm socket for drain plug

Socket wrench or ratchet handle

Flat head screwdriver for removing pan

Funnel with long spout (or hose Ø8 mm)

Container for draining waste (at least 5 liters)

Lint-free rags and gloves

Diagnostic scanner (optional, for resetting adaptations) -->

If you plan complete replacement with flushing, you will additionally need:

• 🔧 Compressor or pump for pumping oil through the cooling radiator.
• 🔄 Transparent hoses (inner diameter 8–10 mm) for connection to the cooling system.
• 📊 Scales or measuring cup to control the volume of oil filled.

⚠️ Attention! Do not use metal brushes or hard brushes to clean the automatic transmission pan. Metal shavings remaining after such cleaning can get into the hydraulic unit and damage it. The best option is a plastic scraper and a special cleaner (for example, Liqui Moly ATF-Reiniger).

Step-by-step instructions: partial oil change

A partial replacement is suitable if the oil in the automatic transmission has not yet had time to degrade significantly (the color is light brown, there is no burnt smell). The procedure takes 1–1.5 hours and allows you to update 30–40% oils Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Preparing and draining old oil

1. Drive the car onto a pit or lift. Make sure it is level (no slope).
2. Remove the engine protection (if equipped). The automatic transmission pan is located on the right in the direction of travel.
3. Place a container under the drain plug (it has a hexagon on 24 mm).
4. Unscrew the plug and wait until the oil drains (approx. 3.5–4 liters).

Step 2: Replacing the filter and cleaning the pan

• 🔧 Unscrew the pallet bolts (their 18 pieces, key on 10 mm). Be careful - there is oil left in the pan!
• 🧹 Carefully remove the pan and clean it of old sealant. Use a plastic scraper.
• 🔄 Replace the automatic transmission filter (it is attached to 3 bolts). The old filter cannot be washed - only for replacement!
• 🛠️ Install a new o-ring on the pan and apply a thin layer of sealant (for example, Loctite 574).

Step 3. Filling with new oil

Oil must be filled through filler neck, which is located under the hood (next to the battery). Use a funnel with a long spout:

1. Fill in 3.5 liters new oil Nissan Matic S.
2. Start the engine and let it run 2–3 minutes at idle.
3. Alternately switch the automatic transmission selector to all positions (P → R → N → D → L), lingering in each 5 seconds.
4. Check the oil level on the dipstick (it should be between the marks HOT). Top up if necessary.

How to check the oil level without a dipstick?

Some versions of the Murano Z51 do not have a dipstick. In this case, the level is checked through the control hole on the pallet. When the engine is running, oil should drip slightly from the hole. If it doesn’t drip, add more, if it flows in a stream, drain off the excess.

Complete automatic transmission oil change: bleeding method

A complete replacement is required if:

• 🔄 The oil hasn’t changed anymore 80–100 thousand km.
• 💥 Metal shavings are visible in the oil or it is black.
• 🚗 The box works with jerks or “kicks”.

This method will require an assistant and additional equipment. The point is to replace old oil with new one through the automatic transmission cooling system. Here's how it's done:

Step 1. Connect to the cooling system

1. Locate the hoses going from the automatic transmission to the radiator (they are located to the right of the engine).
2. Loosen the clamps and remove return hose (the one that goes from the radiator to the box).
3. Connect a transparent hose to it and lower the other end into a drainage container.

Step 2. Oil pumping

1. Start the engine. Old oil will begin to flow out of the hose.
2. As soon as the oil color becomes light (like new), turn off the engine.
3. Pour in the same amount of oil through the neck as was drained (usually 8–10 liters).
4. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times until the oil is completely clean.

Step 3. Completion and adaptation

After replacement:

• 🔧 Tighten all connections and check for leaks.
• 📊 Reset automatic transmission adaptations using a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or ELM327 with the program Nissan DataScan).
• 🚗 Drive 20–30 km and recheck the oil level.

⚠️ Attention! With a complete oil change it's impossible use the “flushing” method with special liquids (for example, Wynns Transmission Flush). Aggressive additives in such flushes can damage automatic transmission clutches and oil seals JF011E.

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes, which later become costly. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Re-tightening of pallet bolts - leads to deformation and leakage. Tightening torque: 8–10 Nm.
• 💧 Underfilling or overfilling of oil — both of these lead to incorrect operation of the automatic transmission. The optimal level is between HOT on the dipstick.
• 🔄 Using a non-original filter — cheap analogues may not hold pressure, which leads to oil starvation.
• 🛠️ Forget to reset adaptations — after changing the automatic transmission oil, you need to “teach” new parameters, otherwise there will be jerks.

Another critical error - ignoring the condition of the oil after draining. If metal shavings are visible in the waste or it smells like burning, a simple replacement is not enough. In such cases it is required:

1. Automatic transmission diagnostics on a stand.
2. Checking the pressure in the valve body.
3. Perhaps replacing clutches or solenoids.

When to change the oil in the Murano Z51 automatic transmission: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan says that the oil is in the automatic transmission Murano Z51 does not require replacement. But this is only true for “ideal” conditions, which simply do not exist in Russia. Actual timing depends on driving style and climate:

Operating conditions	Recommended replacement interval	Notes
Gentle mode (city, highway)	60–80 thousand km	Partial replacement
Aggressive driving (jerks, off-road)	40–50 thousand km	Complete replacement
Extreme conditions (heat, frost, towing)	30–40 thousand km	Complete replacement + diagnostics

How to understand when it's time to change the oil right now? Pay attention to these symptoms:

• 🔄 Switching delays (especially from 1st to 2nd or from 3rd to 4th).
• 💥 Jerks or kicks during acceleration.
• 🛑 Vibration at idle (can be felt through the selector lever).
• 💨 Extraneous noise (hum, grinding) when the automatic transmission is running.

If you notice at least one of these signs, do not delay replacement! The longer you drive on old fluid, the higher the risk. irreversible damage clutches and valve body.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in the Murano Z51 automatic transmission

Is it possible to mix Nissan Matic S with analogues?

No, you can't mix! Even if analogues are approved JF011E, their additives may react with the original oil, resulting in sediment formation or loss of properties. If you need to add oil on the road, use only Nissan Matic S.

How much oil is needed for a complete change?

For a complete replacement using the bleeding method, you will need 10–12 liters oils The system includes about 8.5 liters, but some remains in the channels and radiator, so you have to pump it with a reserve.

Do I need to change the filter every oil change?

Yes, the automatic transmission filter is a consumable, and it necessarily change at every oil change. The old filter becomes clogged with wear products and stops passing oil in the required volume, which leads to oil starvation.

What happens if you pour oil into an automatic transmission?

Overfilling oil is just as dangerous as underfilling. Excessive pressure can lead to:

• 💥 Damage to oil seals and seals.
• 🔥 Oil foaming (due to whipping with an oil pump), which worsens lubrication.
• 🚗 Incorrect operation of the hydraulic unit and solenoids.

If you overfilled, drain the excess through the control hole.

Is it possible to drive with dirty oil if you don’t have the money to replace it?

If the oil has simply darkened, but does not have a burnt smell and does not contain shavings, you can stretch 5–10 thousand km, but no more! Driving on heavily degraded oil leads to:

• 🔄 Wear of friction clutches and steel discs.
• 💥 Clogging of solenoids and hydraulic unit channels.
• 🛑 Oil pump breakdown.

In the long term, the “savings” will result in a major overhaul of the automatic transmission.