2004 Nissan Altima Oil Type & Capacity
The 2004 Nissan Altima oil type depends on the engine: the Base, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Base, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the S, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the S, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.25 quarts qt with filter); the SE, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.25 quarts qt with filter); the SL, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the SL, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Base, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- S, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- S, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SE, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.25 quarts with filter
- SE, Standard: 5W-30, 4.25 quarts with filter
- SL, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SL, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.25 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 — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.25 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, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.25 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, Standard — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.25 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, Automatic — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.25 QTS. | 3.88 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, Standard — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.25 QTS. | 3.88 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). |
| SL, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.25 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). |
| SL, Standard — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.25 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). |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Altima
🛞 2004 Nissan Altima Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2004 Nissan Altima Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2004 Nissan Altima Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2004 Nissan Altima Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.25 quarts (6.86 L) — 50/50 mixture of Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant and demineralized or distilled water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2004 Nissan Altima take?
It depends on the engine: Base, Automatic uses 5W-30; Base, Standard uses 5W-30; S, Automatic uses 5W-30; S, Standard uses 5W-30; SE, Automatic uses 5W-30; SE, Standard uses 5W-30; SL, Automatic uses 5W-30; SL, Standard uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2004 Nissan Altima?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Base, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; S, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; S, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SE, Automatic holds 4.25 quarts with filter; SE, Standard holds 4.25 quarts with filter; SL, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SL, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2004 Nissan Altima?
Most 2004 Nissan Altima owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Nissan recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2004 Nissan Altima?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2004 Nissan Altima. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.