2019 Nissan Altima Fluid Type Specs

Quick Reference: 2019 Nissan Altima Fluid Specs

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	0W-20 Synthetic; API SN / GF-5	5.1 qt (4.8L) - 2.5L; 5.4 qt (5.1L) - 2.0L VC-T
Engine Coolant	Nissan Blue Long Life Coolant; Ethylene Glycol based OAT	7.9 qt (7.5L)
Transmission Fluid	Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3	~8 qt (7.5L) - service refill amount may vary
Rear Differential (AWD)	Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid-Super GL-5 80W-90	~0.6 qt (0.55L)
Transfer Case (AWD)	Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid-Super GL-5 80W-90	~0.4 qt (0.35L)
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 or DOT 4	As needed
Power Steering	Electric Power Steering (EPS) - No Fluid	N/A
Windshield Washer	All-season washer fluid	~4.7 qt (4.5L)

Engine Oil

The 2019 Nissan Altima, depending on the engine, requires a specific type of high-quality synthetic oil. For the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (PR25DD), the factory specifies 0W-20 synthetic oil that meets or exceeds API SN and ILSAC GF-5 standards. The high-performance 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder (KR20DDET) also calls for 0W-20 synthetic oil with the same API SN / GF-5 specifications. Using the correct viscosity and quality of oil is critical for the longevity and efficiency of these modern direct-injection engines.

• Capacity (with filter change):

  • 2.5L: 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters)
  • 2.0L VC-Turbo: 5.4 quarts (5.1 liters)

• Interval: Nissan recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, especially under severe driving conditions. However, always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate interval for your driving habits.

• Pitfalls: Do not use a conventional or a higher viscosity oil (like 5W-30), as this can affect fuel economy and engine performance. Ensure any oil you use is at least API Service SN certified.

Engine Coolant

The cooling system in the 2019 Altima is filled from the factory with Nissan Blue Long Life Coolant. This is an ethylene-glycol based Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant. It comes pre-diluted 50/50 with deionized water and requires no further mixing.

• Capacity: Approximately 7.9 quarts (7.5 liters)

• Interval: The initial factory fill is designed to last up to 105,000 miles or 7 years. Subsequent changes should occur every 75,000 miles or 5 years.

• Pitfalls: It is critical to use the correct blue Nissan coolant or a compatible OAT-type coolant. Never mix coolant types. For example, adding green or orange conventional or Hybrid OAT (HOAT) coolant can cause a chemical reaction that leads to gelling, corrosion, and blockages in the cooling system, potentially causing severe engine damage.

Transmission Fluid

The 2019 Altima is equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This transmission does not use traditional Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). It requires a specific fluid, Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3.

• Capacity: A full system flush is not a standard service procedure. A typical drain and fill will replace a portion of the fluid, usually around 5 quarts. Total system capacity is approximately 8 quarts, but service refills will always be less. This should be performed by a qualified technician.

• Interval: Nissan lists CVT fluid inspection every 5,000 miles, but replacement intervals can be a point of contention. Many technicians recommend a drain-and-fill service every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to ensure longevity, especially if the vehicle is driven in heavy traffic or hilly terrain.

• Pitfalls: Never use universal or multi-vehicle ATF, Dexron, Mercon, or any other fluid in a Nissan CVT. Using the wrong fluid will quickly lead to poor performance, shuddering, and catastrophic failure of the transmission, which is an extremely expensive repair.

AWD & Drivetrain Fluids

For 2019 Altimas equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), there are two additional fluid services to be aware of: the rear differential and the transfer case.

• Transfer Case Fluid: The factory specification is Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid-Super GL-5 80W-90. Capacity is approximately 0.4 quarts (0.35 liters).

• Rear Differential Fluid: The rear differential also uses Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid-Super GL-5 80W-90. Capacity is approximately 0.6 quarts (0.55 liters).

• Interval: Inspect these fluids every 10,000 miles or 12 months. A replacement interval of 30,000-50,000 miles is a good practice for ensuring the longevity of the AWD system components.

Brake Fluid

Like most modern vehicles, the 2019 Altima requires DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. DOT 4 has a higher boiling point, which can be beneficial, but either is acceptable per the manufacturer.

• Interval: Brake fluid should be replaced every 20,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can lower its boiling point and lead to corrosion in the brake lines and ABS components.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2019 Nissan Altima uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. This system uses an electric motor to provide steering assistance, eliminating the need for a hydraulic pump, hoses, and fluid. Therefore, there is no power steering fluid to check or change.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Use any good quality, all-season windshield washer fluid. In colder climates, a de-icing formula can be helpful to prevent freezing. The reservoir has a capacity of approximately 4.7 quarts (4.5 liters).

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