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2018 Nissan TITAN
2017 - 2023 Nissan TITAN
V8 5.6L

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  • Nissan TITAN
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  • How to Change Engine Oil and Filter on a 2017-2023 Nissan TITAN 5.6L V8 (Engine: V8 5.6L)
How to change the engine oil and filter in a Nissan Titan Pro4X 5.6L VK56

How to change the engine oil and filter in a Nissan Titan Pro4X 5.6L VK56

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14mm
14mm
Socket
or (17/32")
3/8
3/8
Ratchet
3/8
3/8
Torque Wrench
Oil Filter
Oil Filter
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Drain
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How to Change Engine Oil and Filter on a 2017-2023 Nissan TITAN 5.6L V8 (Engine: V8 5.6L)

Step-by-step DIY guide with oil capacity, tools, parts, torque specs, and reset tips for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

How to Change Engine Oil and Filter on a 2017-2023 Nissan TITAN 5.6L V8 (Engine: V8 5.6L)

Step-by-step DIY guide with oil capacity, tools, parts, torque specs, and reset tips for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Orion
Orion

🔧 TITAN - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

This job replaces the old engine oil and oil filter in your TITAN so the 5.6L V8 stays properly lubricated and protected. You’ll drain the oil from the oil pan, replace the filter, install a new drain plug washer, refill with fresh oil, then check the level.

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


⚠️ Safety & Precautions

  • ⚠️ Work on level ground so the oil drains correctly and the truck is stable.
  • ⚠️ Hot oil can burn skin. Let the engine cool until it is warm, not hot.
  • ⚠️ Never work under your TITAN supported only by a jack. Use jack stands rated for the truck.
  • ⚠️ Wear gloves and safety glasses. Used engine oil is messy and can irritate skin.
  • ⚠️ 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.

🔧 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 10-quart minimum
  • Funnel
  • Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
  • Jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
  • Wheel chocks
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Shop towels

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

  • Engine oil 0W-20 full synthetic - Qty: 6.9 quarts
  • Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
  • Engine oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

📋 Before You Begin

  • 🅿️ Park your TITAN 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 cold, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
  • ⬆️ If you need more room, lift the front with a floor jack and support it with jack stands under the frame.
  • 🧰 Keep towels nearby. The oil filter can drip when removed.

🔨 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 locate the engine oil fill cap on top of the engine.
  • Use your hand to loosen and remove the oil fill cap.
  • This helps oil drain more smoothly from the bottom of the engine.
  • Set the cap where you can see it.

Step 2: Position the Drain Pan

  • Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
  • Use the drain pan 10-quart minimum and place it under the engine oil drain plug.
  • The drain plug is on the bottom of the oil pan. The oil pan is the metal reservoir at the bottom of the engine.

Step 3: Remove the Oil Drain Plug

  • Use a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
  • Finish removing the plug by hand while keeping pressure inward, then pull it away quickly.
  • Let the oil drain into the pan until it slows to a drip.
  • Keep your hand out of the oil stream.

Step 4: Replace the Drain Plug Washer

  • Use your hand to remove the old crush washer from the drain plug.
  • A crush washer is a soft sealing washer that compresses to prevent leaks.
  • Install the new engine oil drain plug crush washer onto the drain plug by hand.
  • Wipe the drain plug clean with shop towels.

Step 5: Reinstall the Oil Drain Plug

  • Use your hand to thread the drain plug into the oil pan first. This helps 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).
  • Wipe the area clean with shop towels so leaks are easier to spot later.

Step 6: Move the Drain Pan Under the Oil Filter

  • Use the drain pan 10-quart minimum and slide it under the oil filter area.
  • The oil filter is the round metal canister mounted near the lower side of the engine.
  • Expect some oil to spill when the filter loosens.

Step 7: Remove the Old Oil Filter

  • Use the oil filter wrench 65mm 14-flute with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the oil filter counterclockwise.
  • Once loose, use your hand to spin the filter off carefully.
  • Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the filter. The gasket is the rubber sealing ring on the filter.
  • If the old gasket sticks to the engine, use your fingers or a shop towel to remove it.
  • Two gaskets will cause a major leak.

Step 8: Prepare the New Oil Filter

  • Use your gloved finger to apply a thin coat of fresh 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil to the new filter’s rubber gasket.
  • This helps the gasket seal and makes the filter easier to remove next time.
  • Do not fill the filter with oil before installing it. Install it clean and upright as designed for this engine layout.

Step 9: Install the New Oil Filter

  • Use your hand to thread the new engine oil filter onto the filter mount.
  • Turn it clockwise until the gasket touches the mounting surface.
  • Use your hand to tighten it an additional 2/3 to 3/4 turn.
  • If using a torque wrench and filter cup, use the oil filter wrench 65mm 14-flute and 3/8-inch drive torque wrench.
  • Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).
  • Do not overtighten the oil filter.

Step 10: Add Fresh Engine Oil

  • Use a funnel in the oil fill opening on top of the engine.
  • Pour in about 6.5 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil first.
  • Reinstall the oil fill cap by hand.
  • Leave the remaining oil for final level adjustment.

Step 11: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

  • Use your hand to confirm the oil fill cap is installed.
  • Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
  • Use a flashlight if available and look under the engine at the drain plug and oil filter.
  • If you see dripping, shut the engine off immediately and recheck the drain plug and filter.

Step 12: Check and Set the Oil Level

  • Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes so oil can drain back into the oil pan.
  • Use your hand to pull the dipstick out, wipe it with a shop towel, reinstall it fully, then pull it again.
  • Add oil through the funnel in small amounts until the dipstick reads near the full mark.
  • Total refill capacity with filter is approximately 6.9 quarts.
  • Reinstall the dipstick and oil fill cap by hand.

Step 13: Reset the Maintenance Reminder

  • Use the steering wheel buttons to turn the ignition ON without starting the engine.
  • Use the vehicle information display controls to go to Settings > Maintenance > Oil and Filter.
  • Select Reset, then confirm the reset.
  • If your display shows a separate oil filter reminder, reset it in the same Maintenance menu.

✅ After Repair

  • ✅ Let the engine idle again for 1 minute and confirm the oil pressure warning light turns off.
  • ✅ Check under your TITAN for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
  • ✅ After a short drive, park on level ground and recheck the oil level after 5 minutes.
  • ✅ Recheck the drain plug and filter area the next day for any signs of seepage.
  • ♻️ Pour used oil into a sealed container and recycle it with the old oil filter.

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $110-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$95 (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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