2005 Nissan Altima Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.5 quarts)
The 2005 Nissan Altima takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.5 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — 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-R, Automatic — 3.5L 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-R, Standard — 3.5L 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 | 4.50 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, Standard — 3.5L 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, 2.5 A — 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, 3.5 B — 3.5L 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
🛞 2005 Nissan Altima Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2005 Nissan Altima Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2005 Nissan Altima Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2005 Nissan Altima Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.6 quarts (8.13 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 2005 Nissan Altima take?
The 2005 Nissan Altima takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 2005 Nissan Altima?
The 2005 Nissan Altima oil capacity is 4.5 quarts with a filter change, or 4.25 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2005 Nissan Altima?
Most 2005 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 2005 Nissan Altima?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2005 Nissan Altima. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.