Posted: Jan 11 2013 at 9:17am | IP Logged

I loved my 2012 Nissan Frontier until... going to change the oil for the first time and dealing with that oil filter location.

The truck is a technical marvel and is a great value too, but whoever designed the location of that oil filter forget about it!

Not only is is hard to get at, but they put a little "drip tray" under the filter because they know you can't get it out cleanly so it's designed so that the oil will generally go down the metal tray and out the opening into your collection pan.

But really, for a truck that has so many good things, whoever designed the oil filter location must have been an after-thought.

The location and shape of the oil pan itself is sort of interesting too, I haven't seen many pans that are more vertical than horizontal like this one.

The oil dip stick location is also a bit wonky, it's really deep in there.

Anyways, I did manage to get the filter off but missed half of the football game that was on last Sunday. (yes I'm an amateur not a pro mechanic anyways)

I would love to see if there are any tips or advice about how to get that off cleanly and faster next time. If you have any tips for next time that would be cool, or if you have an opinion.

Maybe I'll search for some videos.

Posted: Jan 12 2013 at 8:49am | IP Logged

Take off the litttle door beneath the filter that is held on with two bolts.  Stuff a rag under that little drip tray.  Reach in from the opening where you took off the little door usinga 12 poin oil filter wrench on a ratchet handle.  Loosen the filter and remove the wrench.  Reach in FROM THE SIDE and remove the filter by hand.  Put the new filter on by reaching in from the side and get it started nicely on the threads.  Finish tightening through the little door with the 12 point and tatchet.  Remove rag and wipe up as required.

I can do a filter change in under 10 minutes if I drive the truck up onto some 2X8's to give me some room.

Posted: Jan 12 2013 at 10:20am | IP Logged

Thanks. I think that will be helpful the next time!