How to Change Your Nissan Murano's Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide

What You'll Need Before You Start

Changing your Murano's oil is a task you can do at home with the right tools and materials. Before you begin, gather everything you'll need so you don't have to stop midway through the process. Having everything ready makes the job go smoothly and helps you stay safe.

Here's a complete list of what to gather:

• New oil (check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount)
• New oil filter
• Oil filter wrench
• Socket wrench set
• Oil drain pan
• Jack and jack stands (if you need to raise the vehicle)
• Ramps (optional alternative to jack stands)
• Funnel
• Clean rags or paper towels
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves (optional but recommended)

Make sure your oil drain pan is large enough to hold all the old oil from your engine. The exact amount depends on your Murano's model year and engine size, but it's better to have a larger pan than to run out of space.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Start by warming up your engine for a few minutes. Warm oil flows more easily than cold oil, which makes draining faster and more complete. Then turn off the engine and let it cool for a couple of minutes—you want the oil warm but not hot enough to burn you. This balance is important for your safety and for doing the job right.

Park your Murano on a level, flat surface. If you need to raise the vehicle to reach the oil drain plug, use a jack to lift it and secure it with jack stands. Never rely on a jack alone—always use jack stands as backup. This is a critical safety step. If you have ramps, you can drive your vehicle up onto them instead of using a jack.

Put on your safety glasses before you get under the vehicle. If you have work gloves, put them on too. Old oil can be dirty and may irritate your skin. Make sure you have good lighting under your vehicle so you can see what you're doing.

Drain the Old Oil

Locate the oil drain plug underneath your engine. It's usually a bolt on the bottom of the oil pan. Place your oil drain pan directly under it to catch the draining oil. Use your socket wrench to loosen the plug by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose enough, carefully unscrew it by hand and let the old oil drain into the pan. Be careful—the oil may still be warm.

This step may take several minutes, depending on how much oil is in your engine. Let all the oil drain completely before you move forward. You'll know it's done when the dripping slows to just a few drops per minute. Patience here means a cleaner job and less mess.

Once the oil has stopped dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag. Check the rubber washer on the plug—if it looks worn, cracked, or damaged, replace it with a new one. A worn washer can cause leaks. Screw the drain plug back in by hand first to avoid cross-threading it, then tighten it with your socket wrench. Don't over-tighten it, as this can damage the plug or the pan.

Replace the Oil Filter

Find the oil filter on your engine. It's usually a cylindrical canister located on the side of the engine. Position your drain pan underneath it to catch any remaining oil that will spill when you remove it. Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand and let it drain into the pan. Some oil will come out, so expect a small mess.

Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a rag. Make sure no old rubber gasket material is stuck to the surface. Take your new oil filter and apply a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on top of it. This helps create a good seal. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. This is the right amount of tightness—not too loose, not too tight.

Add New Oil

Place your funnel in the oil fill opening on top of your engine. This opening usually has a cap labeled "Oil" or with an oil can symbol. Slowly pour in the new oil. Your owner's manual tells you how much oil your Murano needs—this amount varies depending on your model year and engine size. Read your manual carefully to get the right amount.

Pour in most of the oil, then wait a minute for it to drain down to the pan. Check your oil level using the dipstick. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully into the tube, then pull it out again to read the level. Add more oil if needed until it reaches the full mark. Don't overfill your engine—too much oil can cause problems.

Check Your Work

Replace the oil fill cap and close the hood. Start your engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. This circulates the new oil through your engine. Check underneath your vehicle for any leaks around the drain plug and filter. If you see leaks, turn off the engine immediately and tighten these connections a bit more.

Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan. Check the oil level one more time with the dipstick to make sure it's at the correct level. The level may have dropped slightly as the new oil filled all the passages in your engine, and that's normal.

Dispose of Old Oil Properly

Never pour old oil down the drain or into the ground. Used oil is harmful to the environment and can contaminate water supplies. Take your drain pan of used oil to a local recycling center, auto parts store, or service station. Many of these places will take used oil for free, and some may even take your old oil filter too.

Lower your vehicle if you raised it, and you're finished with the oil change. Keep track of when you changed your oil so you know when the next change is due. Most Muranos need an oil change every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the year and your driving habits. Check your owner's manual for the recommended interval.

Key Takeaways

Changing your Murano's oil is a manageable task that saves you money and gives you control over your vehicle's maintenance. Remember to warm up the engine before draining, use jack stands if you raise the vehicle, let the oil drain completely, and check your work before and after running the engine. Always use the correct oil type and amount for your specific Murano model. Dispose of old oil responsibly at a recycling center or auto parts store. Keep records of your oil changes so you stay on top of your maintenance schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Murano's oil?

The recommended oil change interval depends on your Murano's model year and engine type. Most newer Muranos can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes, while some older models may need changes every 3,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the exact recommendation for your vehicle. You can also look at the oil change sticker on your windshield from your last service to see what interval was recommended.

What type of oil does my Murano need?

The correct oil type for your Murano varies by model year and engine. Your owner's manual will specify whether you need 0W-20, 5W-30, or another grade. Using the wrong oil can affect your engine's performance and fuel economy. If you're not sure, call a Nissan dealer or check your manual before buying oil.

Can I reuse the oil drain pan for other tasks?

It's best to keep your oil drain pan separate and only use it for oil changes. Old oil can stain and leave residue that's hard to clean. Designate one pan specifically for this task so you don't accidentally contaminate other materials or tools. Label it clearly so household members know what it's for.

What should I do if I see a leak after changing the oil?

If you notice oil leaking after you've finished, turn off the engine right away. Check that the drain plug is tight and that the oil filter is screwed on firmly. These are the most common sources of leaks. Tighten them a bit more if needed. If the leak continues, you may need to replace the rubber washer on the drain plug or get help from a mechanic.