Nissan Altima Oil and Filter Change (2013-2018) Step by Step
About this video
An ASE certified mechanic walks through a complete oil and filter change, from finding the drain plug and filter to refilling, checking for leaks, and resetting the oil change reminder. It takes about thirty minutes and saves you a shop visit every few months.
SAFETY FIRST
Hot oil burns. Let the engine cool enough to work safely, lift on the factory jack points, and support the car on jack stands or ramps, never on a jack alone. Chock the wheels, and recycle used oil and filters at a parts store or recycling center, never down a drain or on the ground.
WHAT WE COVER
Locating the oil drain plug and the oil filter and what you need to reach them
Removing any splash shield or undertray in the way
Draining the oil fully and why warm oil drains better than cold
Replacing the drain plug crush washer and why reusing it causes drips
Removing a stuck spin on filter and cleaning the filter mounting surface
Pre oiling the new filter gasket and how tight is tight enough, with no wrench on the final turn
Refilling with the correct oil type and amount, and double checking the level on the dipstick
Starting the engine, checking for leaks, and rechecking level after it settles
Resetting the oil change or maintenance reminder on the cluster
How often to change oil and why severe service intervals apply to most drivers
SYMPTOMS AND REMINDERS YOU MAY NOTICE
Oil change due or maintenance light on the instrument cluster
Oil that looks black, gritty, or smells burnt on the dipstick
Level below the low mark on the dipstick
Ticking or lifter noise at cold start from low or thin oil
Oil spots on the driveway, usually a loose filter or a bad drain plug washer
Oil pressure warning light, which means stop driving immediately
RELATED FAULT CODES
A routine oil change sets no codes, but low oil level or pressure can trigger P0520, P0521, and P0522 for oil pressure sensor and circuit faults, and on engines with variable valve timing, low or degraded oil commonly sets P0011, P0014, P0021, and P0024 timing over advanced or retarded codes along with a check engine light.
DOES THIS APPLY TO MY CAR
Recorded on a 2018 Nissan Altima, fifth generation L33, sold 2013-2018 in the US with the facelift covering 2016-2018. It applies to 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Altima models with the 2.5L QR25DE four cylinder and the 3.5L VQ35DE V6. Always confirm the oil grade and capacity for your specific engine before you refill. The QR25DE is also found in the Nissan Rogue, Sentra, X-Trail, and Frontier, and the VQ35DE is found in the Nissan Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, 350Z, and Infiniti G35, M35, and FX35, so the filter location and procedure will look very familiar on those vehicles. The Altima is sold as the Nissan Teana in other markets. The process itself applies to nearly any car or SUV from Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description are provided for educational purposes only. Vehicle repair carries risk of injury and property damage. You are responsible for your own safety and for any work performed on your vehicle.
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