1998 NISSAN ALTIMA oil change

CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches operating temperature, then turn
it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not overtighten.
7. Refill the engine with a recommended oil
through the oil filler opening, then install
the oil filler cap securely.
See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for refill capacity.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug. Correct as re-
quired.9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
DI1302
8-8Do-it-yourself
ZX

Abbreviations: I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary.
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles x 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km x 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesIIII
Brake pads, rotors, drums & liningsIIIIIIII
Manual transaxle gear oil & automatic transaxle fluid See NOTE (2)IIII
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension partsIIIIIIII
Exhaust systemIIIIIIII
Drive shaft bootsIIIIIIII
Air bag system See NOTE (1)
NOTE: (1) Inspect the supplemental air bag system 10 years after the date of manufacture noted on the FMVSS certification label.
(2) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect)
oil at every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Maintenance
9-7
ZX

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose engine oil with the
correct quality and viscosity oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance.
NISSAN recommends the use of a low
friction oil (energy conserving oil) in order to
improve fuel economy and conserve en-
ergy. Oils which do not have the specified
quality label should not be used as they
could cause engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CERTI-
FICATION MARK, an API SG or SH an
Energy Conserving II oil with the API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination with
other categories (for example, SG/CC or
SG/CD) may also be used if one with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be found.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils
must however, meet the API quality and
SAE viscosity ratings specified for your ve-
hicle. Do not mix mineral based and syn-
thetic type oils in the engine.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of this,
it is important that the engine oil viscosity be
selected based on the temperatures at
which the vehicle will be operated before
the next oil change. The chart ``Recom-
mended SAE viscosity number'' shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the ex-
pected ambient temperatures. Choosing an
oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
ATI0507
Technical and consumer information10-5
ZX

Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with
a high- quality genuine NISSAN oil filter.
When replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil
filter or its equivalent for the reason de-
scribed in ``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other
than the specified quality, or oil and filter
change intervals longer than recommended
could reduce engine life. Damage to the
engine caused by improper maintenance or
use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or
viscosity is not covered by the new NISSAN
vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you use
your vehicle. Operation under the following
conditions may require more frequent oil
and filter changes:
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE
VISCOSITY NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred
for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 vis-
cosity oil may be used if the ambient
temperature is above 0ÉF (-18ÉC).
ATI0509
10-6Technical and consumer information
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