2002 Nissan Frontier Oil Type & Capacity
The 2002 Nissan Frontier oil type depends on the engine: the Base, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.75 quarts with filter); the Base, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.75 quarts with filter); the Desert Runner SE takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the Desert Runner XE, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the Desert Runner XE, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the SE, 4D Pickup, RWD takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.75 quarts with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.75 quarts with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.75 quarts with filter
- Base, Standard: 5W-30, 3.75 quarts with filter
- Desert Runner SE: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Desert Runner XE, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Desert Runner XE, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 4D Pickup, RWD: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.75 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard: 5W-30, 3.75 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, Automatic — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.75 QTS. | 3.50 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| Base, Standard — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.75 QTS. | 3.50 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| Desert Runner SE — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| Desert Runner XE, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| Desert Runner XE, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| SE, 4D Pickup, RWD — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.75 QTS. | 3.50 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.75 QTS. | 3.50 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 QTS. | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
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More specs & repair guides for your Frontier
2002 Nissan Frontier factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.5 quarts (7.09 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2002 Nissan Frontier take?
It depends on the engine: Base, Automatic uses 5W-30; Base, Standard uses 5W-30; Desert Runner SE uses 5W-30; Desert Runner XE, Automatic uses 5W-30; Desert Runner XE, Standard uses 5W-30; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30; S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD uses 5W-30; S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD uses 5W-30; SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab uses 5W-30; SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD uses 5W-30; SE, 4D Pickup, RWD uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard uses 5W-30; XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2002 Nissan Frontier take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base, Automatic holds 3.75 quarts with filter; Base, Standard holds 3.75 quarts with filter; Desert Runner SE holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Desert Runner XE, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Desert Runner XE, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD holds 3.5 quarts with filter; SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab holds 3.5 quarts with filter; SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD holds 3.5 quarts with filter; SE, 4D Pickup, RWD holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic holds 3.75 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard holds 3.75 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2002 Nissan Frontier?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2002 Nissan Frontier. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.