Tools Needed:
14mm ratchet wrench/combination wrench/socket and ratchet
- I use a ratcheting wrench personally, I find it easier to use
Oil filter pliers/oil filter wrench/strap wrench
- I use a pair of slip joint oil filter pliers since I used to need many different sizes
Hydraulic jack
- This needs to be the appropriate weight rating for your vehicle or it won't work
Funnel
- I don't care how "good" you think you are at pouring liquid out of a container, you WILL spill some
Oil catch pan
- I use one that you don't have to dump into a separate container
Wheel chocks
- I made some out of two equal lengths of 2x4 I had in the garage, cheap and effective
Nitrile or latex gloves
- I use nitrile because they're more resistant to chemicals than latex and last longer
Shop rags
- I use the blue disposable shop towels that come on a roll like a paper towel
Now let's get started!
Here we have your standard 6th gen Maxima engine bay:
You will need these items or at least the correct ones for your vehicle:
Start by placing the chocks behind the rear wheels and don't forget to set the handbrake:
Get at least the right front wheel off the ground so you can slide the oil drain pan under the car and you have room to work. Slide under the car and locate the oil drain pan and the drain plug:
Make sure that the oil drain pan is big enough to catch all the oil that will splash on the subframe:
Next, use the 14mm (or appropriately sized wrench) to loosen the drain plug. Be very careful if you've driven the car within the previous few hours, the oil WILL be hot.
Once you have drained the oil out, wait until there isn't a steady flow and tighten the drain plug back up. Make sure that you wipe down the subframe from all the oil that splashed on it.
Next, we'll move on to the oil filter which is behind the right front wheel and behind this cover:
Use the oil filer pliers to remove the oil filter and use a shop rag to clean the seat to make sure you get a good seal on the new filter:
Once you've cleaned the seat, open up a bottle of your new oil and use that to prime the seal on the new filter:
Now, don't over tighten the oil filter or it will be a giant PITA to remove it on the next oil change. Tighten it until snug and then a 1/4 turn more.
The next step is to double check the drain plug and the filter to make sure they're tight. Don't forget to check the subframe for any more oil and don't forget the A/C line that runs across the top. If everything is tight, we'll lower the car off the jack and head back up top.
Remove the oil cap and place the funnel so you don't make a mess:
Check your owners manual for the proper amount of motor oil and viscosity or you can ask one of the staff here to check the FSM we have on file. The 6th gen Maxima takes 4.25qts with filter change according to the FSM.
After you fill the crankcase with new oil, start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds and then turn it off. Remove the oil dipstick and wipe it off and place it back into the guide tube. The first reading will never be accurate. There will be hash marks with an "L" and "H" on the end of the dipstick. This indicates the oil level. The amount of oil between the "L" and "H" marks is one quart.
After you've cleaned it, you're ready to take your reading. Pull the dipstick again and turn it over to check the level. It should read between the "L" and "H" marks but NEVER above or below as that can harm your engine.
After you've filled the crankcase with the proper amount of oil, replace the oil cap and you're done!
Congratulations! You've successfully changed your own oil! Don't forget to reset your maintenance reminder for the appropriate mileage for the oil you're using. I use Mobil 1 5w-30 full synthetic so I set mine for 6,000 miles.
