I'm about to start changing oil and filter myself on my '02. (Never done this before). I'm going to go with the Mobil 1 synthetic. My questions are:

1) 5w or 10w? I live in Kentucky (mild climate) What's the diference anyhow?

2) What filter and where to buy? (brand, model, etc..)

3) Any other tips for a noobie at changing the oil?

Thanks in advance.

 

This info is from another member, I just saved the writeup.

Very simple:

1) run car until op temp is reached
2) park and turn wheel all the way to the right
3) Have a pan to drain oil available and I belive a 17 or 15mm socket/wrench to undo the drain bolt
4) release drain bolt and retrieve the drain plug. Drain oil.
5) clean plug and replace copper washer.
6) when drain is complete replace drain plug. 25 ft/lbs.
7) move pan to right axel area.
8) reach under splash guard and turn filter counter clock wise.
8a) Alternate to 8: if you have easy underbody access (on a lift) then you can reach up and use a oil filter wrench to remove oil filter. If you have the car on jack stands, then it is easier to get access if you remove the wheel well guard. The guard is held on by two screw pops (a screw in a plastic clip that expands when the screw is inserted) and at least one bolt that can be removed from underneath. Removing the panel/guard you can see the filter very clearly and get easy access. Of course after replacing the filter you need to put the guard back.
9) allow filter area to drain. Partially remove the filter to give the oil in the filter a chance to come out and drip into the pan. This way when you remove the filter you won't get a rush of oil.
10) take new filter and fill 3/4 full with fresh oil. Otherwise spillage is to great.
11) put a film of NEW oil on the rubber gasket on teh new oil filter. Just take a finger dip into new oil and smear on gasket.
12) verfiy that old gasket came off with filter.
13) when filter area done draining, install new filter. Check secureness. 1/4 turn past hand tight is good enough.
14) fill up motor with fresh new oil. Remember that 3/4 oil minus spillage is already in filter so about 4.1 - 4.2 quarts to fill. Check often on level leaving time for the oil to reach the pan. Make sure to replace the filler cap.
15) Always check the fluid level. Also when starting the oil warning light on dash will stay on for a few seconds longer than usual but only a few. Obviously if it stays on for more than 10 seconds you should shut the car off and check all your steps
16) Once no leaks, drive around block and let car sit long time, I usually do over night.
17) check oil level, adjust as necessary and appreciate a job well done.

As far as filter, I believe Nissan's OEM is the best to get.

 

The old one got stuck once and it shot oil about 10' and covered my garage wall.


....... why? There is no need to let the car sit.

 

Kev, did you look at the date of this thread???

 

how'd it get to the first page?

I didn't dig it up, I just replied to it.

 

I PM'd unc sprint. Maybe spam that was cleaned up or a bug in the database. It's like this in every forum.

 

Yeah there's a whole bunch of old threads on here... looks like a spam thing judging by some of the poster names... plus their posts don't appear... it just shows last post by them but then nothing when ya actually go in to read it...