Owning a crossover Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) requires special attention to the transmission, since it is the continuously variable variator that is its “heart” and the most vulnerable unit. Many owners mistakenly believe that the fluid in the variator is filled “forever”, but this is a myth that can lead to expensive repairs or complete replacement of the unit.
Timely replacement of transmission fluid allows you to maintain normal hydrodynamic pressure, prevents overheating and extends the service life of the belt drive. If you notice jerks when switching, an extraneous hum, or simply reached the required mileage, you must immediately begin servicing CVT gearboxes
Maintenance schedule and signs of fluid wear
Manufacturer Nissan states that the oil in the variator does not require replacement during the entire service life of the car, but this is only true for ideal operating conditions: smooth roads, no traffic jams and a moderate climate. In the reality of Russian roads, with their traffic jams and temperature changes, the replacement interval should be reduced by two to three times from the declared mileage.
Experienced technicians recommend performing a complete or partial oil change every 60,000 kilometers or every 4 years, whichever comes first. Ignoring this rule leads to loss of fluid properties, oxidation and the appearance of metal shavings, which clog the valve body and cooling radiator.
Carefully monitor the behavior of the car, as the variator often gives signals long before a critical breakdown. The main signs of the need for an oil change include:
- 🚗 The appearance of vibration or jerking during acceleration and coasting
- 🚗 Change the color of the liquid from transparent red to dark brown or black
- 🚗 The appearance of a metallic noise or hum that changes depending on the speed
- 🚗 The Check Engine light or transmission fault indicator comes on
If you notice at least one of these symptoms, you cannot put off visiting a service center or changing the oil yourself. Ignoring signs of oil wear in the Murano Z51 variator can lead to jamming of the bearings and rupture of the belt drive after 5-10 thousand kilometers.
Choosing the right fluid and the necessary tools
The key to a successful repair is to use only certified transmission fluid. For Nissan Murano Z51 Only original liquid is suitable Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2. The use of analogues or fluids for other types of variators (for example, NS-3, intended for newer models) is strictly prohibited, since they have a different viscosity and additive package.
It is important to consider that the volume of the system with a partial replacement is about 4-5 liters, and with a full flushing procedure it may require up to 8-9 liters. Before purchasing, make sure that the packaging is original, as there are many fakes on the market that can destroy the rubber seals and seals inside the unit.
To carry out the work you will need a standard set of tools, as well as some specific devices. List of required items:
- 🔧 Set of sockets and ratchets (including 14 and 10 socket for drain plug)
- 🔧 Funnel with a long flexible hose for pouring oil through the dipstick
- 🔧 Drain container with a volume of at least 6 liters
- 🔧 New pan gasket (recommended to be changed at every oil change)
- 🔧 Torque wrench for tightening the pan bolts with a force of 4-5 Nm
Do not forget to prepare rags and gloves, since working with transmission fluid requires cleanliness and accuracy. Any foreign particles that get inside the variator can cause the valve body solenoids to jam.
- Partial replacement (drained and refilled)
- Complete replacement with a device
- Complete replacement using the gravity method
- Haven't thought about it yet
Step-by-step instructions for a partial oil change
The replacement procedure begins with preparing the car. You need to install Nissan Murano on a level surface or a lift, apply the handbrake and warm up the engine to operating temperature. Warming up is necessary so that the oil becomes less viscous and flows out of the pan better, taking wear products with it.
Open the hood and find the dipstick for checking the oil level in the variator. It has a yellow or orange tip and is located deep in the engine compartment next to the engine. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean rag and insert it back all the way to assess the current level and color of the old fluid before starting work.
Next, you need to provide access to the bottom of the car. If you are working in a pit or overpass, remove the crankcase protection. Place a container under the variator pan and carefully unscrew the drain plug. Be prepared for hot oil to pour out quickly, so keep the container as close to the opening as possible.
☑️ Preparing for an oil change
After completely draining the old oil (this will take about 10-15 minutes), you can begin dismantling the pan. Unscrew the mounting bolts around the perimeter and carefully remove the pan, being careful not to damage the gasket or magnets inside. Inside the tray you will see magnets that collect metal shavings - they must be thoroughly washed in gasoline or solvent and dried.
Clean the interior of the pan of old sealant and sediment using a soft rag. Never use wire brushes or abrasives that may scratch the surface. Install the clean magnets in place, tighten the pan bolts with a new gasket, observing the tightening torque.
After assembling the pan, fill in new oil through the dipstick hole. Use a clean funnel and pour the liquid slowly to avoid any air pockets. Fill in approximately 4 liters of new fluid NS-2 and tighten the dipstick.
Before adding oil, make sure that the drain plug is screwed on tightly and is not leaking. It is recommended to drive 500 meters and check the plug for leaks before the final level check.
Procedure for checking and leveling the oil level
Oil level in the variator Nissan Murano checked with the engine running and a certain fluid temperature. This is a critical step, as an incorrect level can lead to oil foaming or oil starvation of the pump.
Start the engine and let it idle. Move the gear selector to position P, then go through all gears (D, R, D), holding each gear for 5 seconds so that the oil is distributed through the valve body channels. Return the selector to position P.
Now you need to bring the oil temperature in the variator to the range of 35-45°C. This can be done by driving for 5-10 minutes in quiet mode or leaving the car warmed up. If you have a diagnostic scanner, connect it and monitor the parameter ATF Temp. If there is no scanner, focus on the engine temperature arrow - it should be in the middle of the scale.
Unscrew the oil level control plug (it is located next to the dipstick or under the pan, depending on the modification). The oil should begin to flow out in a thin stream. If the oil does not flow, you need to add more. If it flows heavily, let the excess drain off.
The level is considered correct when the oil drips from the inspection hole and does not flow in a stream. After leveling the level, tighten the control plug and dipstick.
The correct oil level is checked only when the engine is running and the fluid temperature is 35-45°C. Too high or low a level can cause the variator to overheat.
Complete oil change using displacement method
A partial replacement allows you to renew about 40-50% of the fluid volume, since a significant part of the oil remains in the torque converter and channels. For those who want to maximize the life of the CVT, a complete replacement procedure is recommended, which requires more time and tools.
The essence of the method is that old oil is replaced by new oil through the circulation system. For this purpose, a special device is often used, which is connected to the variator cooling radiator. However, there is also a low-cost method of “gravitational displacement” that you can do yourself.
With an independent complete replacement, the process looks like this: drain the old oil, change the filter and gasket, and fill in new oil to the normal level. Then the car is rolled for several kilometers, the oil is drained again (already mixed with the remnants of the old one), and the cycle repeats.
It usually takes 3-4 drain-fill cycles to completely renew all the fluid in the system. This is a labor-intensive process, but it allows you to restore the properties of the transmission even on cars with high mileage, where the old oil is heavily contaminated.
What to do if there is no device for a complete replacement?
If you do not have access to the device for a complete replacement, you can use the multiple partial replacement method. Drain 4 liters, fill in 4 liters of new ones, drive 50 km, repeat the procedure. In 3-4 cycles you will replace more than 90% of all fluid in the system.
Typical mistakes and problem prevention
One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong type of oil. Some owners try to save money by filling in cheap analogues or automatic transmission fluids (ATF), which leads to rapid wear of the clutches and belt drive.
The problem of improperly tightening the pallet bolts is also a common problem. If you tighten the bolts too much, you can strip the threads in the aluminum pan, causing a leak. If you tighten it too loosely, the pan may come off while moving. Use a torque wrench and the tightening torque specified in the manual (usually 4-5 Nm).
Do not forget to check the condition of the variator cooling radiator. If it's clogged with dirt or lint, the oil will overheat, even if you recently changed it. Regular cleaning of the radiator is the key to a long life of the variator.
- ❌ Using NS-3 oil instead of NS-2
- ❌ Skip filter change when changing oil
- ❌ Ignoring cleaning the magnets in the tray
- ❌ Checking the oil level when the engine is cold
Specifics of operation of Nissan Murano Z51
CVT on Nissan Murano Z51 has its own design features that should be taken into account during maintenance. In particular, this unit is sensitive to the quality of assembly of the valve body and the condition of the solenoids. If the oil is heavily contaminated, the solenoids may begin to jam, causing jerking and kicking.
If you often drive your car in start-stop mode in city traffic jams, the oil change interval should be reduced to 40,000 km. Under such conditions, the temperature of the oil in the variator can reach critical values, accelerating the process of fluid degradation.
For owners with high mileage (more than 150,000 km), it is recommended to diagnose the condition of the oil before changing it. If the oil has a burning smell or contains a lot of metal shavings, a simple replacement may not help and the valve body will need to be repaired or the variator replaced.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Oil type | Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 | Original specification |
| Volume for partial replacement | 4.5 - 5.0 l | Depends on the degree of drainage |
| Volume for complete replacement | 8.0 - 9.0 l | Including torque converter |
| Plug tightening torque | 25 - 30 Nm | For drain plug |
| Pan tightening torque | 4 - 5 Nm | For pallet mounting bolts |
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to mix NS-2 oil with analogues of other brands?
It is strictly not recommended to mix original oil Nissan NS-2 with analogues, even if they are declared compatible. Differences in the additive package can lead to a chemical reaction, sediment formation and valve body failure. Always use original fluid only.
How often should I change the CVT filter on a Murano Z51?
It is recommended to change the variator filter (mesh and coarse cleaning) at every oil change. When changing the oil completely, it is also advisable to remove the valve body and replace the fine filter mesh, if it is provided for by the design of your car.
What to do if jerking occurs after changing the oil?
Jerking after an oil change may indicate that the old contaminated oil has been washed away and is now circulating in the valve body, clogging the solenoids. It is also possible that the oil level was set incorrectly. Check the level and temperature, and also try driving 100-200 km. If the problem persists, the valve body will need to be diagnosed.
Is an adapter needed to check the oil level?
To accurately check the oil level by temperature (via a scanner), you need an OBDII adapter and a program for reading data. However, you can check the level “by eye” using the control hole at a temperature of 35-45°C, which is an acceptable method for self-replacement.
Is it possible to do a complete oil change on a CVT with a mileage of more than 150,000 km?
On cars with a mileage of more than 150,000 km, if the oil has never been changed, a complete replacement with a device can be risky, since detached particles of the clutches can clog the thin channels of the valve body. In such cases, it is safer to do several partial replacements at intervals of 1000 km.