DIY: Infiniti QX4 & Nissan Pathfinder Oil Change

How to change engine oil and filter on the Infiniti QX4 and Nissan Pathfinder R50

• Loosen oil filler cap in engine bay.
• Remove plastic splash guard underneath the front of the QX4. The splash guard is held by eight 10mm bolts. There may be more than eight as they tend to fall out over time.

• Locate oil filter. View picture below for reference. 

• Place a drain pan underneath the oil filter. I recommend Lisle 17942 Black Pan - 4.5 Gallon Capacity for its large capacity and spout.

• Loosen the oil filter by turning it counter-clockwise with TEKTON 5866 12-Inch Oil Filter Pliers or Lisle 53500 Satndard Swivel Grip Oil Filter Wrench. Remove oil filter and drain oil into pan.

• Install new oil filter with a new washer/gasket. I recommend Mobil 1 M1-108 Extended Performance Oil Filter or K&N PS-1008 Pro Series Oil Filter. Take the time to clean the surface where the oil filter mates with the engine so there is a good seal. 

• Move oil drain pan underneath engine oil pan. Loosen and remove oil drain plug and let the oil drain. Be careful to not damage the pan when loosening drain plug and the oil may be very hot if the car has not cooled down. The drain plug is highlighted in orange.

• Install drain plug and washer around plug. I changed my drain plug because it has never been changed in over 100,000 miles. I bought Dorman 65263 AutoGrade Oil Drain Plug and  Dorman 097-134 Copper Oil Drain Plug Gasket - Fits M12, Pack of 10. I wouldn't use the plastic gasket that comes with the Dorman drain plug, buy a copper crush washer instead. 

• Pop open the hood and remove the oil fill cap.

• Add 5.25 quarts of engine oil. 
• The owner's manual says to fill with conventional motor oil. I use Castrol 03096 GTX 5W-30 Conventional Motor Oil - 5 Quart for every change. Check the oil dipstick to see if the amount of oil is within limits.

• Replace the engine oil cap when done.

• Drive the car around and check for oil leaks around the filter or drain plug. Reinstall the splash shield when done.  

• Check dipstick to see oil is within limits.

Notes:

Changing the engine oil and filter is very easy. You can save money by changing the oil yourself and make sure everything is done properly. You never know if the quick lube places are doing things correctly.

Dispose old oil at parts store or local landfill.

The owner's manual says to fill with conventional motor oil only, synthetic motor oil may cause leaks. I filled the QX4 with conventional oil and have had zero issues over the many years and miles. I certainly have not babied or kept the Q as a garage queen, just kept up with regular maintenance and oil changes and nothing engine or mechanical has needed fixing. Do not put non recommended synthetic oil into your QX4 or Pathfinder, you will be throwing money away and potentially cause damage.