Nissan Frontier: Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities

• Basic information
• Fuel recommendation
• Engine oil and oil filter recommendations
• Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations

Basic information

The following specifications for the Nissan Frontier represent approximate service capacities.

Actual refill quantities may vary slightly depending on conditions and service procedures. When servicing your Nissan Frontier, always follow the detailed steps provided in the "Do-it-yourself" section to determine the exact and correct refill levels for optimal performance.

Fuel

For complete fuel requirements and recommendations for the Nissan Frontier, refer to the dedicated "Fuel recommendation" section.

• Capacity (approximate)
  • Metric Measure: 80 L
  • US Measure: 21-1/8 gal
  • Imperial Measure: 17-5/8 gal

Engine oil drain and refill

• For the Nissan Frontier, Genuine "NISSAN Motor Oil 0W-20 SP" (or an equivalent high-quality oil) is strongly recommended to ensure maximum engine protection and efficiency.
• If this oil is unavailable, a full synthetic 0W-20 SP GF-6A engine oil may be used as an alternative.

  Using oil that does not meet these specifications may negatively affect engine performance and durability, and such damage may not be covered under the Nissan Frontier New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

with oil filter change

• Capacity (approximate)
  • Metric Measure: 5 L
  • US Measure: 5-1/4 qt
  • Imperial Measure: 4-3/8 qt

without oil filter change

• Capacity (approximate)
  • Metric Measure: 4.7 L
  • US Measure: 5 qt
  • Imperial Measure: 4-1/8 qt

Engine coolant with reservoir

• Use pre-mixed Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or an equivalent coolant suitable for the Nissan Frontier.
• Capacity (approximate)
  • Metric Measure: 12 L
  • US Measure: 3-1/8 gal
  • Imperial Measure: 2-5/8 gal

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

• Use Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF or a fully compatible equivalent for your Nissan Frontier.
• To maintain proper transmission operation, Nissan Frontier vehicles should only use approved fluids. Mixing incompatible fluids can lead to transmission damage, which may not be covered under warranty.

Transfer case oil (AWD)

• Genuine NISSAN ATF D3M or an equivalent fluid is required for the Nissan Frontier transfer case.
• Using incorrect oil may result in reduced drivability, premature wear, or serious damage to drivetrain components. Such damage is not covered by warranty.
• Capacity (approximate)
  • Metric Measure: 1.5 L
  • US Measure: 1-5/8 qt
  • Imperial Measure: 1-3/8 qt

Front final drive oil

• Use Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or an equivalent conventional oil for the Nissan Frontier.
• Mixing non-approved fluids may damage the final drive system and reduce vehicle longevity.
• Capacity (approximate)
  • Metric Measure: 0.85 L
  • US Measure: 1-3/4 qt
  • Imperial Measure: 1-1/2 qt

Rear final drive oil

• Use Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super-CS GL-5 75W-90 or an equivalent for the Nissan Frontier rear differential.
• Incorrect fluid selection may result in premature wear or damage and is not covered by warranty.

  Always use high-quality, compatible lubricants to ensure smooth drivetrain operation in your Nissan Frontier.

• Capacity (approximate)
  • Metric Measure: 2.01 L
  • US Measure: 4-1/4 qt
  • Imperial Measure: 3-1/2 qt

Power steering fluid (PSF)

• Use Genuine NISSAN PSF-II or equivalent fluid designed for Nissan Frontier steering systems.
• Using incorrect fluid may result in improper steering performance or system damage.

Brake fluid

• Use Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3 specification fluid for safe braking performance in your Nissan Frontier.

*2: Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.

Multi-purpose grease

• NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base) is recommended for general lubrication tasks on the Nissan Frontier.

Air conditioning system refrigerant

• HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) refrigerant is required for the Nissan Frontier air conditioning system.

Air conditioning system oil

• Use Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type NDOIL12 (PAG) or an equivalent approved oil to maintain system efficiency and durability.

Windshield-washer fluid

• Use Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or an equivalent solution suitable for all-season use in the Nissan Frontier.
• Capacity (approximate)
  • Metric Measure: 4.3 L
  • US Measure: 1-1/4 gal
  • Imperial Measure: 1 gal

Fuel recommendation

Basic information

For optimal performance and efficiency of your Nissan Frontier, always use unleaded regular gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index), equivalent to a Research Octane Number (RON) of 91. Using the correct fuel type helps ensure smooth engine operation, improved fuel economy, and long-term durability of your Nissan Frontier engine.

CAUTION

• Only Nissan Frontier vehicles specifically labeled with an E-85 fuel filler door are designed to operate on E-85 fuel. Using E-85 in vehicles not designed for it can result in serious fuel system damage.
• Using fuel that does not meet the specified requirements may negatively impact the emission control system and could affect warranty coverage for your Nissan Frontier.
• Never use leaded gasoline under any circumstances, as it will permanently damage the catalytic converter.
• Do not use fuel containing more than 15% ethanol. The Nissan Frontier is not engineered to operate with high ethanol blends.

  Using fuel with excessive ethanol content may lead to reduced performance, increased emissions, and damage to fuel system components.

  Such damage is not covered under the Nissan Frontier New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Avoid fuels containing the octane enhancer methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).

  Fuels with MMT may reduce engine performance and negatively affect emission systems. Since not all fuel pumps clearly indicate MMT content, consult your fuel provider if unsure.

• Government regulations require ethanol-blended fuel pumps to display orange and black labeling indicating ethanol percentage. Always verify before fueling your Nissan Frontier.

Gasoline specifications

NISSAN recommends selecting gasoline that meets World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) standards whenever available. These specifications were developed to enhance emission control, fuel quality, and engine performance. Using high-quality fuel in your Nissan Frontier contributes to cleaner combustion and longer engine life.

Reformulated gasoline

Reformulated gasoline is designed to reduce harmful emissions and improve environmental performance. Nissan Frontier vehicles are fully compatible with such fuels, and their use is encouraged where available.

Gasoline containing oxygenates

Some gasoline blends include oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE (Methyl Tert-butyl Ether), or methanol. These additives are intended to improve combustion efficiency but may not always be clearly labeled.

If you are unsure about the composition of the fuel, consult your service station before refueling your Nissan Frontier.

If oxygenated fuel is used, follow these guidelines to protect your Nissan Frontier fuel system and maintain proper operation:

• The gasoline must remain unleaded and meet the recommended octane rating.
• Oxygenate content (excluding methanol blends) should not exceed 15%.
• If methanol is present, it must not exceed 5% and must include proper corrosion inhibitors and cosolvents.

  Improper methanol blends may cause fuel system corrosion, reduced performance, or starting issues.

If you experience engine hesitation, stalling, or difficulty starting after using oxygenated fuel, switch immediately to a non-oxygenated or lower-blend fuel suitable for your Nissan Frontier.

Always refuel carefully to avoid spilling gasoline.

Spilled fuel can damage painted surfaces and degrade exterior finishes on your Nissan Frontier.

E-15 fuel

E-15 fuel contains approximately 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. It should only be used in vehicles specifically designed for E-15 operation.

Standard Nissan Frontier models are not designed for E-15 unless explicitly stated. Always verify compatibility before use.

E-85 fuel

E-85 fuel contains approximately 85% ethanol and is intended exclusively for Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV).

The Nissan Frontier is not designed to operate on E-85 fuel. Using E-85 may result in severe engine and fuel system damage.

Fuel containing MMT

MMT (methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl) is an octane-enhancing additive that is not recommended for Nissan Frontier vehicles.

Fuel containing MMT can negatively affect engine performance, emission control systems, and long-term reliability.

Aftermarket fuel additives

NISSAN strongly discourages the use of aftermarket fuel additives such as injector cleaners, octane boosters, or intake cleaners in the Nissan Frontier.

These products may contain aggressive solvents that can damage internal engine components and fuel system parts.

Octane rating tips

Using gasoline with a lower octane rating than recommended may cause persistent engine knocking ("spark knock"). This knocking sound indicates improper combustion and can lead to severe engine damage if ignored. If knocking persists in your Nissan Frontier, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician or a NISSAN dealer.

Improper ignition timing can also result in knocking, overheating, or excessive fuel consumption. If any of these issues occur, immediate inspection is recommended to prevent further damage to your Nissan Frontier.

Occasional light knocking during acceleration or uphill driving is normal and not harmful.

This indicates that the engine is operating efficiently under load and extracting maximum fuel energy in your Nissan Frontier.

Engine oil and oil filter recommendations

Selecting the correct oil

Choosing the proper engine oil for your Nissan Frontier is critical to achieving long engine life, smooth operation, and optimal performance under all driving conditions. The correct oil grade, quality, and viscosity directly affect engine protection, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability.

For complete specifications, refer to the "Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities" section. Nissan Frontier engines are designed to perform best with energy-conserving oils, which help reduce internal friction and improve fuel economy.

Always select engine oils that meet the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute (API) certification or the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), along with the proper SAE viscosity rating.

These approved oils feature the API certification mark clearly displayed on the container. Using oil without this certification may result in increased engine wear or serious damage in your Nissan Frontier.

Oil additives

NISSAN does not recommend the use of aftermarket oil additives for the Nissan Frontier. When the correct engine oil is used and maintenance intervals are properly followed, additional additives are unnecessary and may even be harmful.

Engine oil that is contaminated, degraded, or previously used must never be reused, as it may contain harmful particles that can damage engine components.

Oil viscosity

Engine oil viscosity changes depending on temperature. Therefore, selecting the correct viscosity for your Nissan Frontier should be based on the expected operating climate before the next oil change interval.

Using oil with incorrect viscosity may lead to insufficient lubrication, increased engine wear, or overheating, potentially causing severe engine damage.

Selecting the correct oil filter

Your Nissan Frontier is equipped with a high-quality Genuine NISSAN oil filter specifically designed to maintain proper oil flow and filtration efficiency.

When replacing the oil filter, always use a Genuine NISSAN oil filter or an equivalent that meets OEM specifications. This ensures that contaminants are effectively removed and that the engine remains properly protected.

Change intervals

The oil and oil filter replacement intervals for your Nissan Frontier are determined based on the use of specified oil types and filters. Using substandard oil or filters, or extending service intervals beyond recommendations, can significantly reduce engine life and may lead to serious mechanical damage.

Any damage caused by improper maintenance practices, incorrect oil viscosity, or the use of non-approved filters is not covered under the Nissan Frontier New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Your Nissan Frontier engine is factory-filled with high-quality engine oil. It is not necessary to change the oil before the first scheduled maintenance interval unless operating conditions demand it.

NISSAN strongly recommends using Genuine NISSAN parts or equivalent components that meet or exceed original specifications. Using inferior parts may negatively impact performance and warranty coverage.

For best results, consult a NISSAN dealer when selecting oil, filters, or other service components for your Nissan Frontier.

Driving conditions play a significant role in determining oil service intervals. Under certain conditions, more frequent oil and filter changes may be required to maintain peak Nissan Frontier performance:

• Frequent short-distance driving, especially in cold weather
• Operation in dusty or sandy environments
• Extended engine idling periods
• Towing trailers or carrying heavy loads
• Stop-and-go city driving or heavy traffic conditions

For detailed maintenance intervals and schedules, refer to the "Maintenance and schedules" section of this manual to ensure your Nissan Frontier remains in optimal working condition.

Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations

The air conditioning system in your Nissan Frontier is specifically engineered to operate with the refrigerant HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) and Genuine NISSAN A/C system oil Type ND-OIL12 (PAG), or fully compatible equivalents that meet the same strict specifications.

CAUTION

Using any refrigerant or oil other than those specified for the Nissan Frontier can lead to severe and irreversible damage to the air conditioning system. In such cases, complete replacement of system components may be required.

The refrigerant HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) used in your Nissan Frontier is environmentally friendly and does not deplete the ozone layer. However, due to regulatory requirements, this refrigerant must be properly recovered and recycled during servicing.

Servicing of the Nissan Frontier air conditioning system must only be performed by trained and certified technicians in accordance with SAE J2845 standards to ensure safety and system integrity.

Authorized NISSAN dealers have the proper equipment and expertise to recover, recycle, and recharge the refrigerant safely. Only new evaporators certified to SAE J2842 standards should be installed when replacement is necessary.

Never attempt to repair or reuse a leaking or damaged evaporator from another vehicle. For the Nissan Frontier, only new, certified components should be installed to guarantee performance, safety, and long-term reliability.

For any air conditioning system maintenance or repair, it is strongly recommended to visit an authorized NISSAN dealer to ensure correct procedures are followed.