2026 Nissan Frontier Engine Oil and Fluids User Guide
This guide contains in-depth information about the 2026 Nissan Frontier engine oil and fluids, which can help you maintain top performance. Understand the appropriate oil types, fluid volumes, and replacement periods.
ENGINE OIL
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature.
- Turn off the engine. Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
- Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
- 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 the recommended oil through the opening. Do not overfill C.
- 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 levels 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
For additional information on engine oil and oil filter change, refer to the instructions outlined in this section.
Vehicle set-up
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
- Turn the engine off and wait for 15 minutes.
- 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.
- Oil filler cap
- Oil drain plug
- Oil filter
- Oil filter access cover (Type A) (if so equipped)
- Oil filter access cover (Type B) (if so equipped)
- Skid plate (if so equipped)
Removal of under-engine protectors
- Remove bolts A and skid plate
- Remove bolts B and the oil filter access cover.
Engine oil and filter
- Place a large drain pan under the drain plug and oil filter.
- Remove the oil filler cap.
- 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.
- Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
- 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.
Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
It is recommended that you use a Genuine NISSAN oil filter or equivalent, visit your NISSAN dealer parts department for proper parts. - 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 to 21 N·m) - 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) - Refill the engine with the recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install the oil filler cap securely.
CAUTION
Do not spill fluids on the engine cover. This could damage the engine cover. If flu-ids are spilled, immediately clean the face with a neutral detergent. Do not use an organic solvent such as brake cleaner. 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. - 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
- Reinstall engine protectors in reverse order of removal.
- Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
- Reset the oil and oil filter maintenance reminder.
- Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
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Check your local regulations.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF)
When checking or replacement is required, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CAUTION
- NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF. Do not mix with other fluids.
- Do not use CVT fluid or manual transmission fluid in this transmission. Damage caused by the use of fluids other than as recommended is not covered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
- Using fluids that are not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF may also damage the transmission. Damage caused by the use of fluids other than as recommended is not covered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
POWER STEERING FLUID (PSF)
Check the power steering fluid level when the engine is stopped.
The fluid level should be between the COLD MAX line and the COLD MIN line on the power steering fluid reservoir at cold fluid temperatures of 32° – 86°F (0° – 30°C) or at the HOT MAX line on the power steering fluid reservoir at hot fluid temperatures of 122° – 176°F (50° – 80°C).
If the fluid is cold and is at or below the COLD MIN line, add Genuine NISSAN PSF-II or equivalent to the COLD MAX line. If the fluid is hot and below the HOT MAX line, add Genuine NISSAN PSF-II or equivalent to the HOT MAX line. Remove the cap and fill through the opening.
CAUTION
- DO NOT OVERFILL.
- Do not reuse power steering fluid.
- Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN PSF-II or equivalent
BRAKE FLUID
For additional brake fluid specification information, see “Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities”.
WARNING
- Use only new fluid from a sealed container. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid may damage the brake system. The use of improper fluids can damage the brake system and affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
- Clean the filler cap before removing it.
- Brake fluid is poisonous and should be stored carefully in marked containers out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted surfaces. This will damage the paint. If the fluid is spilled, immediately wash the surface with water.
BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level is below the MIN line B or the brake warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3 fluid up to the MAX line A. If fluid must be added fre-quently, the system should be checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR
CAUTION
- Do not substitute engine antifreeze coolant for windshield-washer solution. This may result in damage to the paint.
- Do not fill the windshield washer reservoir with washer fluid concentrates at full strength. Some methyl alcohol-based washer fluid concentrates may permanently stain the grille if spilled while filling the windshield washer reservoir.
- Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with water to the manufacturer’s recommended levels before pouring the fluid into the windshield washer reservoir. Do not use the windshield washer reservoir to mix the washer fluid concentrate and water.
Useful Links:
2023 – 2024 Nissan Frontier Review, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)