2012 Nissan Murano Oil Change: Step-by-Step Guide

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 50 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into something every 2012 Nissan Murano owner should know: how to perform a DIY oil change. Changing your oil is one of the most important things you can do to keep your engine running smoothly and extend its life. It might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, with a little guidance, you can totally handle this. We'll walk through each step, making it super easy to follow along. So, grab your tools, and let's get started!

Why Change Your Oil?

Before we get our hands dirty, let's chat about why oil changes are so crucial. Your engine's oil is like its lifeblood. It lubricates all those moving parts, reducing friction and wear. Over time, however, the oil breaks down, gets contaminated with dirt and debris, and becomes less effective. Dirty oil can lead to increased engine wear, reduced performance, and even serious damage. Regular oil changes ensure that your engine is always running with clean, high-quality oil, keeping it in tip-top shape. Think of it as giving your Murano a regular health check-up.

Improved Engine Performance: Clean oil ensures that all engine components are properly lubricated. This reduces friction, allowing the engine to run more smoothly and efficiently. You might notice better acceleration and overall performance after an oil change. Basically, a happy engine is a powerful engine, and clean oil is the key to that happiness.

Extended Engine Life: Regular oil changes are one of the best ways to extend the life of your engine. By removing contaminants and ensuring proper lubrication, you prevent excessive wear and tear on critical engine parts. This can save you a ton of money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or premature engine replacement. It's like investing in your Murano's future health.

Better Fuel Efficiency: When your engine is running smoothly and efficiently, it consumes less fuel. Clean oil helps to reduce friction, which means your engine doesn't have to work as hard to produce power. This can lead to noticeable improvements in your gas mileage. Who doesn't want to save some money at the pump? Regular oil changes can help you do just that!

Prevention of Sludge Buildup: Over time, oil can break down and form sludge, a thick, gooey substance that can clog engine passages and restrict oil flow. This can lead to serious engine damage. Regular oil changes remove old, degraded oil and prevent sludge from building up. Think of it as keeping your engine's arteries clear and healthy.

Maintaining Engine Cleanliness: Clean oil helps to keep your engine clean by carrying away dirt, debris, and other contaminants. This prevents these particles from building up inside the engine and causing wear and tear. It's like giving your engine a regular bath, ensuring that everything stays clean and functional.

What You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our supplies. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for your 2012 Nissan Murano oil change:

New Oil: Check your owner's manual to find the correct oil type and quantity for your Murano. Usually, it's around 5.1 quarts of 5W-30. Using the right oil is super important.
New Oil Filter: Again, consult your owner's manual or a parts store to get the correct oil filter for your specific Murano model. A quality filter makes a big difference.
Wrench: You'll need a wrench to remove the oil drain plug. Make sure you have the right size – usually, it's a 14mm or 19mm socket.
Oil Filter Wrench: This is a special wrench designed to grip and remove the oil filter. They're pretty inexpensive and make the job much easier.
Drain Pan: You'll need something to catch the old oil. A large drain pan is perfect for this.
Funnel: A funnel will help you pour the new oil into the engine without making a mess. Trust me, you'll want this.
Gloves: Protect your hands from the dirty oil. Nitrile gloves are a great choice.
Rags or Shop Towels: For wiping up spills and keeping things clean. You can never have too many of these.
Jack and Jack Stands (Optional): If you need more clearance to reach the drain plug and oil filter, you'll need a jack and jack stands to safely lift the vehicle. Safety first!
Wheel chocks (Optional): For increased safety, it is important to secure the wheels that are not being lifted with wheel chocks.

Having all these things ready will make the whole process smoother and less stressful.

Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll have that oil changed in no time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Murano

Warm Up the Engine: Start your Murano and let it run for a few minutes. This will warm up the oil, making it flow more easily. But don't let it get too hot – you don't want to burn yourself.
Secure the Vehicle: Park your Murano on a level surface. If you need to lift it for more clearance, use a jack to lift the vehicle and then securely place jack stands under the frame. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack! Engage the parking brake and put wheel chocks behind the wheels that are on the ground.

Step 2: Locate and Remove the Drain Plug

Find the Oil Drain Plug: Crawl under your Murano and locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. It's usually a large bolt.
Position the Drain Pan: Place the drain pan directly under the drain plug.
Loosen the Drain Plug: Using the correct size wrench, carefully loosen the drain plug. Be prepared for the oil to start flowing once you fully remove the plug.
Remove the Drain Plug: Finish unscrewing the drain plug by hand, being careful as the oil will be hot. Let all the old oil drain completely into the pan. This might take 15-20 minutes.
Inspect the Drain Plug: Check the drain plug and the sealing washer for any damage. Replace the washer if it looks worn or damaged. Many people replace the drain plug every few oil changes.

Step 3: Remove the Old Oil Filter

Locate the Oil Filter: The oil filter is usually located near the engine block. Consult your owner's manual if you're not sure where it is.
Position the Drain Pan: Place the drain pan under the oil filter to catch any oil that spills out when you remove it.
Loosen the Oil Filter: Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. It might be on there pretty tight, so you might need to use some force.
Remove the Oil Filter: Unscrew the oil filter by hand. Be careful as it will be full of oil.
Prepare the New Oil Filter: Take the new oil filter and lightly lubricate the rubber gasket with fresh oil. This will help create a good seal.

Step 4: Install the New Oil Filter

Install the New Oil Filter: Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until the rubber gasket makes contact with the engine. Then, tighten it an additional ¾ turn. Don't overtighten it!

Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug

Clean the Drain Plug: Wipe off the drain plug and install a new sealing washer if necessary.
Reinstall the Drain Plug: Screw the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand until it's snug. Then, use the wrench to tighten it to the manufacturer's specified torque. Don't overtighten it, or you could damage the oil pan.

Step 6: Add New Oil

Locate the Oil Fill Cap: Find the oil fill cap on top of the engine. It usually has an oil can symbol on it.
Remove the Oil Fill Cap: Unscrew the oil fill cap.
Add New Oil: Insert the funnel into the oil fill opening and carefully pour in the correct amount of new oil, as specified in your owner's manual. For a 2012 Nissan Murano, it's usually around 5.1 quarts.
Check the Oil Level: After adding most of the oil, check the oil level using the dipstick. Add more oil as needed to reach the full mark. Don't overfill it!

Step 7: Final Checks

Replace the Oil Fill Cap: Screw the oil fill cap back on.
Start the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
Check the Oil Level Again: After running the engine, turn it off and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, check the oil level again and add more oil if needed.
Reset the Oil Life Monitor: Reset the oil life monitor in your Murano's onboard computer. Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to do this.

Step 8: Dispose of the Old Oil Properly

Take the Old Oil to a Recycling Center: Don't just dump the old oil down the drain or in the trash! Take it to a local recycling center or auto parts store that accepts used oil. They'll recycle it properly.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra tips to make your oil change even easier:

Warm Up the Engine, But Not Too Much: Warming the engine helps the oil flow better, but be careful not to burn yourself on hot engine parts. A few minutes is usually enough.
Use the Right Tools: Having the right tools for the job makes everything easier. An oil filter wrench and the correct size wrench for the drain plug are essential.
Don't Overtighten: Overtightening the drain plug or oil filter can damage the threads or crush the gasket, leading to leaks. Tighten them snugly, but don't go overboard.
Keep Things Clean: Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent messes and keep your work area clean. This makes it easier to spot any leaks later on.
Double-Check Everything: Before you start the engine, double-check that the drain plug and oil filter are properly tightened and that you've added the correct amount of oil.

Conclusion

So there you have it! You've successfully changed the oil in your 2012 Nissan Murano. Give yourself a pat on the back! Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your engine running smoothly and extending its life. By following these steps, you can save money and gain a sense of accomplishment. Plus, you'll know that your Murano is getting the best possible care. Now get out there and enjoy the ride!

Remember, if you're ever unsure about any step in the process, don't hesitate to consult your owner's manual or seek help from a qualified mechanic. Better safe than sorry! Happy driving, guys! I hope this helps you and if you have any questions leave it down in the comments. Safe driving!