Nissan Xterra Oil Change (2005 – 2015)
Perform your own Nissan Xterra oil change to save money and you can be sure it was done right. This guide goes over the oil change for the common VQ40DE engine. Using a conventional oil filter and basic components, the oil change can be done with ordinary hand tools and supplies that could probably be found in any garage. To find other Nissan oil change guides, visit this page.
Tools and supplies Needed:
- 14mm wrench or socket and ratchet
- 10mm socket and ratchet if equipped with skid plate
- Oil filter wrench
- Oil drain pan with at least 6 qt capacity
- Funnel
- Clean rag
Parts Needed:
- 6 quarts 5W30 engine oil (5.3qt capacity)
- Oil filter – Fram PH6607 or equivalent
Nissan Xterra (2005 – 2015) VQ40DE Oil Change Procedure:
- Park vehicle on a level surface
- Warm engine to operating temp
- Check engine oil level on dipstick to verify no issues
- Remove skid plate oil filter access panel with 10mm socket and ratchet if equipped
- Loosen engine oil drain plug and let oil drain into the drain pan using the 14mm wrench (or socket and ratchet)
- Remove oil filter using the oil filter wrench if needed
- Clean oil filter and drain plug mounting surfaces
- Lubricate oil filter o ring
- Install new engine oil filter to block
- Reinstall and tighten oil drain plug
- Fill with 5 quarts of fresh engine oil with oil fill funnel and reinstall oil fill cap
- Start engine to let oil circulate and build oil pressure (Check for any leaks or abnormalities while running) and shut engine back down
- Check engine oil level & top off if necessary
- Reinstall skid plate access panel if equipped
This article is specific to the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, model year Nissan Xterra equipped with the 4.0L engine.