🔧 Frontier - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

This repair replaces the used engine oil and oil filter on your Frontier. Fresh oil protects the V6 engine from wear, heat, and sludge buildup.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 45-75 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Engine oil can be hot. Let the engine cool until it is warm, not burning hot.
• ⚠️ Support your Frontier with jack stands if you lift it. Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and gloves. Used engine oil can irritate skin and eyes.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and skid plates. Wipe spills right away to prevent smoke and smell.
• ⚠️ Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center or parts store oil collection point.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this oil change.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench 65mm 14-flute
• Drain pan 8-quart minimum
• Funnel
• Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil 5W-30 synthetic or conventional - Qty: 5.4 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Engine oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Frontier on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🧱 Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Wheel chocks are blocks that stop the truck from rolling.
• 🌡️ Run the engine for 2-3 minutes if it is cold, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• ⏱️ Wait 5 minutes after shutting the engine off before removing the drain plug.
• 🛢️ Confirm the oil cap says 5W-30 and keep the new oil sealed until pouring.
• 🔧 If lifting is needed, raise the front of your Frontier with a floor jack and place it securely on jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open The Hood And Remove The Oil Fill Cap

• Use your hand to open the hood and secure it with the hood prop rod.
• Use your hand to remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the engine.
• Set the cap somewhere clean so dirt does not get into the engine.
• This helps oil drain faster.

Step 2: Position The Drain Pan

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Slide the drain pan 8-quart minimum under the engine oil pan.
• The oil pan is the metal pan at the lowest part of the engine.
• Place the pan slightly behind the drain plug because oil will shoot outward at first.

Step 3: Remove The Engine Oil Drain Plug

• Use a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug.
• Finish removing the plug by hand while pressing inward slightly, then pull it away quickly.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to a drip.
• Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug by hand.
• A crush washer is a soft sealing washer that should be replaced every oil change.

Step 4: Install The Drain Plug With New Washer

• Use shop towels to wipe the drain plug and oil pan sealing surface clean.
• Install the new engine oil drain plug crush washer onto the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs)
• Hand-start bolts before using tools.

Step 5: Remove The Old Oil Filter

• Move the drain pan 8-quart minimum under the oil filter area.
• Use an oil filter wrench 65mm 14-flute with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the oil filter.
• Turn the filter counterclockwise until loose, then remove it by hand.
• Keep the open end of the filter facing upward to reduce spills.
• Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the filter.
• The gasket is the black rubber sealing ring on the top of the oil filter.

Step 6: Prepare The New Oil Filter

• Dip a gloved finger into clean new oil and lightly coat the new oil filter gasket.
• Use your hand to fill the new oil filter partway with clean oil if its mounting angle allows it without spilling.
• Do not use the oil filter wrench 65mm 14-flute to tighten the new filter unless access is too tight for your hand.
• Oil on the gasket prevents sticking.

Step 7: Install The New Oil Filter

• Use your hand to thread the new oil filter onto the filter mount.
• Turn it clockwise until the gasket contacts the mounting surface.
• Then tighten it by hand an additional 2/3 turn.
• If using the oil filter wrench 65mm 14-flute, use very light pressure only.
• Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs) if using a torque wrench and compatible filter cup.

Step 8: Add New Engine Oil

• Place a funnel into the engine oil fill opening.
• Pour in about 5.0 quarts of engine oil 5W-30.
• Use shop towels to wipe any spills.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap by hand.

Step 9: Start The Engine And Check For Leaks

• Make sure the drain pan 8-quart minimum and tools are clear of moving parts.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Use a flashlight if available to inspect the drain plug and oil filter area for leaks.
• Shut the engine off immediately if oil drips or sprays.

Step 10: Check And Set The Final Oil Level

• Wait 5 minutes after shutting the engine off.
• Use your hand to pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with shop towels, reinstall it fully, then pull it out again.
• Add oil through the funnel in small amounts until the level reaches the full mark.
• Total refill is about 5.4 quarts with filter, but always finish by the dipstick reading.
• Reinstall the dipstick and oil fill cap by hand.

Step 11: Lower The Truck If Lifted

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift your Frontier slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum.
• Lower your Frontier slowly with the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum.
• Remove the wheel chocks after the truck is back on the ground.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Let the engine idle for another minute and confirm the oil pressure warning light turns off.
• ✅ Recheck the drain plug and oil filter for leaks after the short idle.
• ✅ Take a short drive, park on level ground, wait 5 minutes, and recheck the oil level with the dipstick.
• ✅ Reset the maintenance reminder if one is set: use the instrument cluster trip/maintenance buttons to navigate to maintenance settings and reset the oil interval.
• ✅ Write down the mileage and date of the oil change.
• ✅ Recycle the used oil and old filter properly.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$75 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$85 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.4-0.7 hours.

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