Changing the oil in a Nissan Terrano engine: a complete guide with nuances for different years of manufacture

Changing the engine oil Nissan Terrano - a procedure that many owners prefer to perform on their own. And for good reason: with the right approach, this allows you to save up to 3,000–5,000 rubles on service costs, and also be confident in the quality of the materials used. However, mistakes here are fraught with serious consequences: from increased engine wear to turbine breakdown (if your modification has one).

In this article we will analyze all the stages of changing the oil - from choosing the appropriate viscosity to draining the waste and filling in a new composition. We will place special emphasis on differences between petrol and diesel versions Terrano (including rare modifications with a motor K9K), as well as on typical problemsproblems that owners encounter when servicing themselves. If you've never changed your oil yourself, don't worry: our guide is designed for beginners, but also contains expert nuances for experienced car enthusiasts.

What oil to fill in Nissan Terrano: official recommendations and alternatives

Choosing oil for Nissan Terrano depends on three key factors: engine type (gasoline/diesel), year of manufacture car and climatic conditions operation. The manufacturer indicates the following standards in the manual:

• 🔹 Gasoline engines (HR16DE, MR20DE): grade oil API SN or ILSAC GF-5, viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40 (for regions with frosts below -30°C allowed 0W-30).
• 🔹 Diesel engines (K9K, R9M): class API CJ-4 or ACEA C3, viscosity 5W-30 (required with permission Renault-Nissan RN0720!).
• 🔹 For turbocharged versions (For example, Terrano II with motor MR20DDT): synthetic 5W-40 with permission API SN PLUS.

Among the trusted brands are the owners Terrano most often chosen:

• 🏆 Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 — optimal for diesel engines with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
• 🏆 Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 - a universal option for gasoline engines.
• 🏆 Motul Specific DEXOS2 5W-30 - Suitable for turbocharged versions.

⚠️ Attention: If your Terrano 2014–2016 with diesel K9K, never use oils with a viscosity 10W-40 or higher - this will lead to jamming of hydraulic compensators during a cold start!

For clarity, we provide a table of oil compatibility with the most common engines Nissan Terrano:

Engine model	Fuel type	Recommended viscosity	Approvals/standards	Oil volume (with filter)
HR16DE	Gasoline	5W-30, 5W-40	API SN, ILSAC GF-5	4.3 l
MR20DE	Gasoline	5W-30, 5W-40	API SN, RN0700	4.8 l
K9K (dCi 110)	Diesel	5W-30	API CJ-4, RN0720	5.4 l
R9M (dCi 130)	Diesel	5W-30	ACEA C3, RN0720	5.5 l

If you live in a region with extreme temperature changes (such as Siberia or the Far East), look for oils with improved low-temperature properties, such as Castrol Edge Titanium 0W-30 or Total Quartz INEO ECS 5W-30. They provide easy start at -35°C and protection against wear during frequent cold starts.

Oil change intervals: when to change and why you shouldn’t delay

Official regulations Nissan for Terrano provides for oil changes every 15,000 km or 1 time per year (whichever comes first). However, this interval is only relevant for ideal operating conditions: smooth roads, moderate climate, high-quality fuel. In reality, most owners should focus on the following terms:

• 🚗 City mode (constant traffic jams, short trips): every 10,000–12,000 km.
• 🏔️ Extreme conditions (frequent off-road travel, towing a trailer): every 8,000–10,000 km.
• ❄️ Frost below -25°C or heat above +35°C: reduce the interval by 20–30%.

Why is it so important not to exceed these deadlines? The fact is that over time the oil loses its properties:

• 🔥 Oxidation - leads to the formation of sludge and clogging of oil channels.
• 💨 Evaporation of light fractions — increases viscosity, worsens pumpability during cold starts.
• 🧲 Accumulation of metal shavings — accelerates wear of crankshaft bearings and camshafts.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using biofuel (for example, diesel with the addition of biocomponents), oil in Terrano needs to be changed 30% more often due to increased soot formation!

How to understand when it's time to change the oil ahead of schedule? Look out for the following signs:

• 🔍 The oil on the dipstick has become dark brown or black (even if the mileage is small).
• 🔊 The engine is running louder than usual when cold (knocking of hydraulic compensators).
• 🌡️ Motor temperature often rises above normal (check the sensor).
• 💨 It comes from the exhaust pipe blue smoke (a sign of oil getting into the combustion chamber).

Preparing for an oil change: tools and consumables

To change the oil in Nissan Terrano yourself, you will need the following set of tools and materials:

New oil (volume + 0.5 liters for topping up)|Original oil filter (part number depends on the engine)|Drain plug wrench (usually 14 or 17)|Oil filter puller (cup or chain)|Working container (minimum 6 liters)|Funnel and gloves|Flushing oil (optional, if heavily soiled)|New sealing washer for drain plug (copper or aluminum) -->

Now let's look at the choice oil filter. For Terrano The following original and similar options are suitable:

Engine model	Original article	Analogs (brand + article)	Notes
HR16DE, MR20DE	15208-9M60A	Mann W712/92, Framm PH7317, Bosch 0 451 103 336	Filter with check valve
K9K (dCi)	15208-9M60B	Mann W712/94, Mahle OC506	Increased filter element area

Please note drain plug sealing washer. B Nissan Terrano it could be:

• 🔧 Copper (article 11026-01M02) - for motors HR16DE And MR20DE.
• 🔧 Aluminum (article 11026-JD00A) - for diesel engines K9K.

If you are planning flush the engine Before changing the oil, use special compounds, for example:

• 🧼 Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung - to remove sludge.
• 🧼 Wynns Engine Flush - universal flushing.

⚠️ Attention: Never use for rinsing kerosene or diesel fuel - this destroys the seals and gaskets in Terrano!

What happens if you don't change the sealing washer?

When the drain plug washer is reused, it becomes deformed, causing oil leaks. In the worst case, the traffic jam can unscrew on the go, which will lead to oil starvation and engine seizure.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in a Nissan Terrano

Now let's move on to the process itself. Changing the oil in Nissan Terrano takes about 1–1.5 hours if you have all the tools. Follow the instructions strictly step by step:

Step 1: Warm up the engine

Start the car and let the engine run 3–5 minutes at idle speed. This is necessary in order to:

• 🔥 The oil has become less viscous and blended better.
• 🧲 Suspended particles (chips, soot) got agitated and left along with the detention.

❗ Do not warm up the engine to operating temperature (90°C) - 40–50°C is enough, otherwise you risk getting burned when draining.

Step 2: Drain the old oil

1. Stop the engine and wait 5–10 minutesso that the oil drains into the pan.

2. Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole. An alternative is a jack with stops (but this is less safe).

3. Place a waste container under the drain plug (it is located in back of the pallet).

4. With a key for 14 or 17 (depending on the model) carefully unscrew the plug, but not completely! Wait until the oil starts to drip, then remove the plug completely.

⚠️ Attention: On diesel Terrano with motor K9K the drain plug may be magnetic — don’t lose it when cleaning!

Step 3: Replace the Oil Filter

Filter in Nissan Terrano located front of the engine,近く with a generator. To remove it:

1. Loosen the filter with a puller (if it is too tight).
2. Turn the filter counterclockwise and remove it. Be prepared - it will pour out 100–200 ml oil!
3. Wipe the filter seat with a clean rag.
4. Apply a thin layer of new oil to rubber o-ring new filter.
5. Install the filter and tighten it by hand (do not use a tightening puller!).

Step 4: Add new oil

1. Install a new sealing washer on the drain plug and tighten it torque 30–40 Nm (do not overtighten!).

2. Through the filler neck (it is located on valve cover) start filling in new oil. Use a funnel to avoid spills.

3. Fill 0.5 l lessthan indicated in the manual (for example, for HR16DE — 3.8 l instead of 4.3 l).

4. Close the lid, start the engine and let it run 1–2 minutes at idle.

5. Stop the engine, check the oil level with a dipstick and add to the mark "MAX".

⚠️ Critical: After changing the oil in Terrano For the first 500 km, avoid high speeds (above 3000 rpm) — this time is needed to distribute the oil evenly throughout all engine components.

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced car enthusiasts sometimes make mistakes that can lead to serious consequences. Here are the most common ones when servicing Nissan Terrano:

• 🛢️ Underfilling or overfilling of oil:
  • ❌ Underfilling leads to oil starvation and bearing wear.
  • ❌ Overflow (more than 0.5 l above "MAX") increases the pressure in the system and can squeeze out the seals.
• 🔧 Using the wrong filter:
  • For example, installing a filter from Renault Duster (article 8200768913) instead of the original 15208-9M60A will lead to oil pressure problems.
• 🧲 Ignoring the magnetic plug:
  • On diesel Terrano the plug collects metal shavings. If it is not cleaned, particles will end up in the new oil.
• 🔥 Changing the oil on a cold engine:
  • There is up to 500 ml old oil, which will mix with the new one and worsen its properties.

How to avoid these mistakes?

• 📋 Always follow exact oil volumes from the table above.
• 🔍 Check the article numbers of filters and washers twice before purchasing.
• 🧲 Clean the magnetic plug every replacement (use kerosene and a brush).
• 🌡️ Warm up the engine before draining, but not to operating temperature.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil on the dashboard Terrano caught fire oil canna icon, turn off the engine immediately! This could mean:

• 🔴 Insufficient oil level (check the dipstick).
• 🔴 Malfunction of the oil pressure sensor (a common problem on engines K9K).
• 🔴 Oil filter clogged (if a non-original one was used).

Features of oil change in diesel Nissan Terrano (K9K, R9M)

Diesel versions Nissan Terrano (especially with a motor K9K) have several important nuances that must be taken into account when changing the oil:

• 🛢️ Larger oil volume: if gasoline versions require 4.3–4.8 liters, then diesel versions require 5.4–5.5 l.
• 🔧 Additional oil cooler: on some modifications it requires separate washing.
• 🧲 Cast iron cylinder block: More susceptible to corrosion when using poor quality oil.
• 🔥 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): If it is clogged, the oil will oxidize faster.

For diesel Terrano it is critical to use approved oil RN0720. Why?

• 🔬 It contains special additives that prevent soot formation.
• 🛡️ Protects turbine from wear (in diesel engines it operates at higher temperatures).
• 🧪 Compatible with Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.

If you notice that the oil in your diesel Terrano quickly turns black (after 2000–3000 km), this may indicate:

• 🔍 Clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) - requires cleaning or replacement.
• 🔍 Faulty injectors - fuel gets into the oil.
• 🔍 Problems with the turbine (oil from the turbine enters the intercooler).

In such cases, a regular oil change is not enough - you will need diagnostics.

💡

If you are using a diesel Terrano in the city, add to the oil additive for cleaning particulate filters (For example, Liqui Moly Diesel Partikelfilter Schutz). This will extend the life of the DPF by 30-50%.

Frequently asked questions about changing the oil in Nissan Terrano

❓ Is it possible to use semi-synthetics instead of synthetics?

For Nissan Terrano 2014 and newer not recommended. Semi-synthetics oxidize faster and lose their viscosity properties, which is critical for modern engines with a turbine. Exception - old models Terrano I (until 2000), where semi-synthetics 10W-40 still acceptable.

❓ How much oil should I fill if I don’t know the exact volume?

General principle: fill 0.5 liters less than indicated in the manual, then check the level with a dipstick. For example, for MR20DE:

1. Fill 4.3 l.
2. Start the engine and let it run for 2 minutes.
3. Top up to the "MAX" mark on the dipstick.

This approach eliminates overflow.

❓ Is it necessary to flush the engine when changing the oil?

Flushing is only necessary in the following cases:

• 🔹 You are moving from one type of oil to another (for example, from mineral water to synthetic water).
• 🔹 Found in old oil sludge or metal shavings.
• 🔹 The car was bought secondhand, and you don’t know what oil the previous owner filled in.

For rinsing use special compounds (For example, Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motorspulung), but not ordinary oil!

❓ Why did the engine start running louder after changing the oil?

This can be caused by several reasons:

• 🔹 Insufficient oil level — check the dipstick.
• 🔹 Low quality oil - some cheap oils lose viscosity when heated.
• 🔹 Clogged oil channels - if washing has not been done.
• 🔹 Malfunction of hydraulic compensators (a common problem on engines HR16DE after 100,000 km).

If the noise does not go away after 500 km, contact diagnostics.

❓ What oil should I fill in the 2020 Nissan Terrano?

For Nissan Terrano 2020 (restyled version) recommendations are as follows:

• 🔹 Gasoline engines (HR16DE): API SP or ILSAC GF-6, viscosity 0W-20 or 5W-30.
• 🔹 Diesel engines (R9M): ACEA C5, viscosity 5W-30 with permission RN0720.

Examples of suitable oils:

• 🏆 Idemitsu Zepro Touring 0W-20 (for petrol versions).
• 🏆 Total Quartz INEO ECS 5W-30 (for diesel engines).