Nissan Pathfinder: Do-it-yourself - Engine oil

Checking engine oil level

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.

2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature.

3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.

4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.

Reinsert it all the way.

5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be between the H (High) and L (Low) marks B . This is the normal operating oil level range. If the oil level is below the L (Low) mark A , remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the opening. Do not fill oil level above H (High) mark C .

6. Recheck the oil level with the dipstick.

It is normal to add some oil between oil maintenance intervals or during the break-in period, depending on the severity of operating conditions.

CAUTION Oil level should be checked regularly.

Operating the engine with an insufficient amount of oil can damage the engine, and such damage is not covered by warranty.

Changing engine oil and oil filter

Basic Information

For additional information on engine oil and oil filter change, refer to the instructions outlined in this section.

Vehicle set-up

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.

2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.

3. Turn the engine off and wait for 15 minutes.

4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack stands.

• Place the safety jack stands under the vehicle jack-up points.
• A suitable adapter should be attached to the jack stand saddle.

CAUTION Make sure the correct lifting and support points are used to avoid vehicle damage.

1. Oil filler cap

2. Oil drain plug

3. Oil filter

4. Right engine protector

5. Front under cover

Right engine protector

Removal of engine protectors

1. Remove pins A and right engine protector.

Front under cover

2. Remove pins B and front under cover.

Engine oil and filter

1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug and oil filter.

2. Remove the oil filler cap.

3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench by turning it counterclockwise and completely drain the oil.

CAUTION Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil is hot.

WARNING

• Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
• Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.
• Keep used engine oil out of reach of children.

4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench by turning it counterclockwise.

Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.

5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.

CAUTION Be sure to remove any old gasket material remaining on the sealing surface of the engine. Failure to do so could lead to an oil leak and engine damage.

• The dipstick must be inserted in place to prevent oil spillage from the dipstick hole when filling the engine with oil.

6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.

7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten additionally more than 2/3 turn.

Oil filter tightening torque:

  11 to 15 ft-lb (15.0 to 21.0 N·m)

8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a wrench. Do not use excessive force.

Drain plug tightening torque:

  22 to 29 ft-lb (29.4 to 39.2 N·m)

9. Refill the engine with the recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install the oil filler cap securely.

For additional information about drain and refill capacity, see "Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities".

The drain and refill capacity depends on the oil temperature and drain time. Use these specifications for reference only.

Always use the dipstick to determine the proper amount of oil in the engine.

10. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.

Correct as required. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.

After the operation

1. Reinstall engine protectors in reverse order of removal.

2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.

3. Reset the oil control system (if so equipped) or the maintenance reminder.

• Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
• Check your local regulations.