Changing the oil in the Nissan Murano Z52 CVT: a complete guide from A to Z

CVT Nissan Murano Z52 (2015–2021) is one of the most reliable in the line of the Japanese brand, but only subject to timely maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that There is no need to change the CVT oil, since the manufacturer claims “lifetime” filling. However, in practice, ignoring the replacement leads to premature wear of the belt, bearings and pumps already by 100–120 thousand km. This article will help you figure out how to carry out the procedure yourself or monitor the operation of the service, avoiding common mistakes.

We will analyze in detail: what oils and filters suitable for Murano Z52 with variator JF017E, how often to change the fluid depending on operating conditions, and why partial replacement is a half-measure. You will also find step-by-step instructions with photos, an oil compatibility table and answers to frequently asked questions. If you've never worked with CVTs, don't worry: the process is simpler than it seems, but it does require attention to detail.

Why does the oil in the Murano Z52 variator need to be changed, despite its “non-replaceable” status

Manufacturer Nissan in the manual for Murano Z52 indicates that there is oil in the variator JF017E designed for the entire service life of the vehicle. However, this statement is only true for “ideal” conditions: moderate climate, smooth roads and gentle driving style. In reality:

• 🔥 Overheating - the main cause of oil degradation. When towing, driving in traffic jams or off-roading, the temperature in the CVT exceeds 100°C, which accelerates the oxidation of additives.
• 🛑 Metal shavings accumulates in the oil due to bearing and belt wear. The variator filter does not retain particles smaller than 20 microns that circulate through the system.
• ⚡ Loss of properties: after 60–80 thousand km, the oil loses up to 30% of its viscosity, which leads to belt slipping and jerking during acceleration.

Independent tests show that after 100 thousand km the oil in the variator Murano Z52 contains up to 0.8% metal particles (at a norm of 0.1–0.2%). This is the equivalent of driving with abrasive paste in a box. Consequences of ignoring replacement:

• 🚗 Jerks when switching “virtual” gears.
• 🔧 Accelerated wear of cones and belt (replacement will cost 150-200 thousand rubles).
• 💥 Complete failure of the variator due to a jammed bearing (repair - 250+ thousand rubles).

What kind of oil to fill in the Murano Z52 variator: original vs analogues

For CVT JF017E in Murano Z52 Only one oil is officially recommended - Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). This is a synthetic fluid with a unique additive package designed specifically for CVTs. Nissan/Renault. However, there are worthy analogues on the market that have passed compatibility tests:

Manufacturer	Oil name	Article	NS-3 compatible	Price for 4 l, rub.
Nissan	CVT Fluid NS-3	KLE52-00004	100%	4 200–4 800
Idemitsu	CVTF NS-3	300500135	98%	3 500–4 000
Ravenol	CVT Fluid NS-3/J1	4014835735507	95%	3 800–4 300
Mobil	CVT Fluid NS	152646	90%	3 200–3 700

⚠️ Attention: Oils with markings NS-2 or Dexron VI absolutely not suitable! They have a different viscosity and additive composition, which leads to:

• 🔄 Belt slippage under load.
• 🔥 Overheating of the variator due to insufficient thermal conductivity.
• 🛑 Clogging of solenoids with wear products.

If you choose an analogue, be sure to check for a certificate of conformity JASO-1A or Nissan Matic S on the packaging. Also pay attention to the color of the oil: original NS-3 has a greenish tint rather than red or yellow.

Replacement frequency: when and why you shouldn’t wait 100 thousand km

Official regulations Nissan for Murano Z52 does not provide for changing the oil in the variator, but the experience of owners and independent services shows otherwise. Optimal intervals depend on operating conditions:

Operating conditions	Recommended interval	Signs that replacement is needed
Gentle mode (road, moderate climate)	80–100 thousand km	No jerking, but the oil has darkened
City (traffic jams, frequent acceleration)	60–70 thousand km	Jerking at start, delays in switching
Extreme conditions (towing, off-road, heat/cold)	40–50 thousand km	Overheating of the variator, noise during operation
After buying a used car	Immediately	Service history unknown

How can you determine when it’s time to change the oil, even if the mileage has not reached critical?

• 🔍 Color and smell: fresh oil NS-3 transparent with a green tint. If it turns brown or smells like burning, replace it immediately.
• 📉 CVT behavior: jerks during acceleration, delays when switching up/down, vibrations at idle.
• 🌡️ Temperature: if the variator heats up above 90°C (checked via OBD-II scanner), the oil has lost thermal conductivity.

⚠️ Attention: If you bought Murano Z52 with mileage and do not know whether the oil in the variator has been changed, do double replacement with washing. The first portion of oil will wash away the main deposits, the second will fill in clean liquid. The interval between replacements is 500–1000 km.

Preparing for replacement: tools, consumables and safety precautions

To change the oil in the variator yourself Murano Z52 you will need:

Pit/overpass or lift (height at least 50 cm)

Set of sockets and keys (10 mm, 14 mm, 17 mm, 24 mm)

Torque wrench (plug tightening torque: 35 Nm)

Circlip Pliers

Funnel with extended spout (diameter 8–10 mm)

Oil drain container (volume no less than 8 l)

New oil NS-3 (9–10 l for a complete replacement)

Variator filter (article no. 31726-3XF0A)

Pan gasket (item no. 31397-3XF0A or equivalent Fel-Pro)

Carburetor cleaner or kerosene for flushing the pan

Lint-free rags and gloves

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⚠️ Attention: Do not use under any circumstances automatic transmission flushing fluids! They are aggressive to the rubber seals of the variator and can cause leaks. To clean the pan and magnets, kerosene or a special cleaner for variators (for example, Liqui Moly CVT Reiniger).

Before starting work:

1. Warm up the car to operating temperature (60–70°C on the dashboard). This will reduce the viscosity of the oil and allow the maximum volume to be drained.
2. Install Murano on a flat surface and secure with the hand brake. The variator must be in position P.
3. Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped) - it interferes with access to the sump.

What happens if you don’t warm up the oil before draining?

Cold oil is viscous and drains only 60–70%. Up to 3-4 liters of old fluid will remain in the variator, which will mix with the new one and shorten the interval until the next replacement. There is also a high risk of not noticing metal shavings on the tray magnets, since they will be covered with a thick layer of oil.

Step-by-step instructions: complete oil change in the Murano Z52 variator

The process of changing the oil in the variator Murano Z52 consists of 5 stages. We recommend complete replacement (and not partial), since it allows you to renew up to 90–95% of the liquid. This will require 9–10 liters of oil (the variator contains ~7.8 liters, but some remains in the torque converter and channels).

Step 1: Drain the old oil

1. Place a container under the drain plug (it is located on the rear of the variator tray).

2. Unscrew the plug with the key on 24 mm and let the oil drain (about 5-6 l). Be careful - the liquid will be hot!

3. After draining, inspect the magnet on the plug: if a lot of metal shavings have accumulated on it (more than 1-2 mm in a layer), this is a sign of wear on the bearings or belt.

Stage 2: Removing the pan and replacing the filter

1. Unscrew the 18 bolts of the pallet crosswise (the tightening torque for reassembly is 10 Nm).

2. Carefully remove the pan - ~1 liter of oil will remain in it. Clean it and the magnets from deposits with kerosene.

3. Replace the variator filter (part no. 31726-3XF0A). To do this:

• 🔧 Remove the old filter by pulling it down.
• 🔄 Install the new filter until it clicks (check that the O-ring is in place).

Stage 3: Flushing the variator (optional)

If the oil was very dirty or you bought a used car, flush:

1. Fill in 4 liters of new oil through the filler hole (next to the battery).
2. Start the engine and let it run for 3–5 minutes, switching the variator selector through all positions (P→R→N→D).
3. Drain the flushing oil and repeat the procedure again.

Step 4: Filling with new oil

1. Install a new pan gasket (part no. 31397-3XF0A) and secure it with bolts.

2. Fill in 7.5 liters of new oil through the filler hole (near the battery). NS-3.

3. Start the engine and warm up the variator to 50–60°C. Check the oil level on the dipstick (the norm is between the marks HOT). Top up if necessary.

Step 5: Reset CVT adaptations

After changing the oil, the variator Murano Z52 may work unstably for the first 50–100 km. This is due to the fact that the transmission ECU is “accustomed” to worn-out fluid. To speed up adaptation:

1. Reset errors via OBD-II scanner (if any).
2. Drive 10–15 km in a gentle mode, avoiding sudden acceleration.
3. Perform the CVT learning procedure (if you have access to diagnostic equipment).

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that reduce the life of the variator. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Underfilling or overfilling of oil. A deficiency leads to oil starvation, an excess leads to foaming and loss of pressure. Always check the level using the dipstick on a warm variator!
• 🔧 Using sealant instead of pan gasket. The sealant can clog the valve body channels. Use only the original gasket or a high-quality analogue (Fel-Pro, Elring).
• 🔄 Changing only part of the oil. With a partial replacement, up to 40% of the old fluid remains in the variator, which negates the effect of the procedure.
• 🛑 Ignoring filter replacement. An old filter does not retain small particles that circulate through the system and accelerate wear.

⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil, the variator begins to jerk or makes noise, stop immediately and check:

• Oil level (possibly underfilled or leaking).
• Filter quality (defective filters may fall apart).
• Tightening the pan bolts (under-tightened bolts lead to air leaks).

If the problem persists, contact the service for diagnostics. It is possible that the solenoids or sensors were damaged when changing the oil.

Replacement cost: service vs independent work

CVT oil change price Murano Z52 depends on the execution method and region. Let's look at the main options:

Type of work	Cost (RUB)	Pros	Cons
Partial change (3–4 liters of oil)	3 000–5 000	Cheaper, faster (30–40 min)	Up to 40% of old oil remains
Complete change (9–10 liters of oil)	8 000–12 000	90–95% of fluid is renewed	More expensive, takes 1.5–2 hours
Self-replacement	5,000–7,000 (consumables)	Savings, quality control	Need tools and skills

Average cost of consumables for self-replacement:

• 🛢️ Oil Nissan NS-3 (10 l) - 4,500–5,000 rub.
• 🔧 Variator filter — 1,200–1,500 rub.
• 📦 Pallet gasket — 800–1,000 rub.
• 🧴 Cleaner - 300–500 rub.

If you decide to contact the service, choose specialized CVT service centers. Ordinary tire shops often skimp on oil or do not follow technology. Before your visit, please check:

• 🔍 What kind of oil will be poured (require NS-3 in original packaging).
• 🔧 Will the filter and gasket be changed (they often “forget” to include them in the price list).
• 📋 Do they provide a guarantee for the work (good services provide 10-20 thousand km).

Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in the Murano Z52 CVT

Is it possible to mix old and new oil in a variator?

No, this is strictly prohibited. Different batches of oil NS-3 may have slight differences in the additive package. Mixing leads to sedimentation and loss of liquid properties. If you add oil, use only the same brand and batch that was added previously.

What happens if you don’t add oil? NS-3, and NS-2 or Dexron VI?

Oils NS-2 And Dexron VI have a different viscosity and additive composition. Consequences:

• 🔥 Overheating of the variator due to insufficient thermal conductivity.
• 🔄 Belt slipping under load (for example, when overtaking).
• 🛑 Clogging of solenoids and valve body with wear products.

If such oil has already been filled, it must be drained as soon as possible and the variator washed.

How to check the oil level in the Murano Z52 CVT?

The check is performed on a warmed-up variator (oil temperature 50–60°C):

1. Place the car on a level surface.
2. Start the engine and let it run for 2-3 minutes.
3. Toggle the selector across all positions (P→R→N→D) with a delay of 5 seconds.
4. Return to position P and check the level on the dipstick. Normal - between marks HOT.

⚠️ Do not check the level on a cold variator - the readings will be incorrect!

Do I need to reset the oil aging counter after changing it?

B Murano Z52 There is no separate oil aging counter in the variator, but the box ECU adapts to fluid wear. After replacement it is recommended:

• Reset errors via OBD-II (if any).
• Perform the CVT learning procedure (diagnostic equipment required).
• For the first 500 km, drive in a gentle mode.

Is it possible to drive with slightly darkened oil if there is no jerking?

Darkening of the oil is the first sign of its degradation. Even if the variator operates smoothly, worn fluid:

• 🔥 It removes heat worse, which leads to overheating.
• 🛑 Does not provide sufficient lubrication of bearings.
• 🔄 Contains abrasive particles that accelerate belt wear.

If the oil has darkened, it is better to replace it in the next 1–2 thousand km.