2016 Nissan Frontier: Fluid Type Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	5W-30 or 10W-30, API SN/GF-5	5.4 qt (QR25DE) / 5.5 qt (VQ40DE)
Engine Coolant	Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue)	10.5 qt (QR25DE) / 12.1 qt (VQ40DE)
Automatic Transmission Fluid	Nissan Matic-S ATF	11 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid	Genuine Nissan Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85	3.25 qt
Transfer Case Fluid	Nissan Matic-D ATF	2.1 qt
Front Differential Fluid	API GL-5, SAE 80W-90	1.7 pt
Rear Differential Fluid	API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (without limited slip) / SAE 75W-140 synthetic (with limited slip)	3.5 pt (C200) / 4.0 pt (M226)
Brake Fluid	DOT 3	As required
Power Steering Fluid	Nissan Power Steering Fluid or equivalent	As required
Windshield Washer Fluid	-	As required

Engine Oil

Type/Spec: For the 2016 Nissan Frontier, the recommended engine oil is a 5W-30 or 10W-30 viscosity grade, meeting the API SN or ILSAC GF-5 specification. Use of synthetic oil is recommended for better protection and longer change intervals. Nissan's own Genuine Synthetic 5W-30 is a good option.

Capacity: The 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) engine requires 5.4 quarts with a filter change. The 4.0L V6 (VQ40DE) engine requires 5.5 quarts with a filter change.

Notes: Change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles or 6 months with conventional oil. With synthetic oil, you can extend the interval to 7,500-10,000 miles, but always follow the manufacturer's recommendation in your owner's manual. Regularly check the oil level and top off as needed. Do not use oils with different viscosity grades or specifications, as this can lead to engine wear and damage.

Engine Coolant

Type/Spec: The 2016 Nissan Frontier requires Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue). This is a P-OAT (Phosphate-based Organic Acid Technology) coolant. Do not mix with other coolant types, such as OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT, Pink/Yellow), as this can cause cooling system damage.

Capacity: The 2.5L engine requires 10.5 quarts, and the 4.0L engine requires 12.1 quarts.

Notes: The coolant should be changed every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Always use a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. Never use tap water, as it contains minerals that can damage the cooling system. Inspect the coolant level regularly and top off as needed with the correct type of coolant.

Transmission Fluid

Type/Spec:

• Automatic Transmission: For automatic transmissions, use Nissan Matic-S ATF. Do not use other types of ATF, such as Dexron or Mercon, as this can cause transmission damage.
• Manual Transmission: For manual transmissions, use Genuine Nissan Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85.

Capacity:

• Automatic Transmission: Approximately 11 quarts for a full fluid exchange.
• Manual Transmission: 3.25 quarts.

Notes:

• Automatic Transmission: The fluid should be inspected every 30,000 miles and changed if it is dark or has a burnt smell. A full fluid exchange should be performed every 60,000 miles.
• Manual Transmission: The fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Transfer Case Fluid

Type/Spec: For 4WD models, the transfer case requires Nissan Matic-D ATF.

Capacity: 2.1 quarts.

Notes: The fluid should be inspected every 30,000 miles and changed if it is dark or has a burnt smell. A fluid change should be performed every 60,000 miles.

Differential Fluid

Type/Spec:

• Front Differential: For 4WD models, the front differential requires API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
• Rear Differential:
  • Without Limited Slip: Use API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
  • With Limited Slip: Use a synthetic SAE 75W-140 gear oil that contains a limited-slip additive.

Capacity:

• Front Differential: 1.7 pints.
• Rear Differential: 3.5 pints for the C200 axle and 4.0 pints for the M226 axle.

Notes: The differential fluid should be inspected every 30,000 miles and changed if it is dark or has a burnt smell. A fluid change should be performed every 60,000 miles.

Brake Fluid

Type/Spec: The 2016 Nissan Frontier requires DOT 3 brake fluid. Do not use DOT 5 (silicone-based) brake fluid, as it is not compatible with the system.

Capacity: As required. A full flush will require approximately 1-2 quarts.

Notes: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This can lead to a lower boiling point and reduced braking performance. The brake fluid should be changed every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Always use a fresh, unopened container of brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid

Type/Spec: Use Nissan Power Steering Fluid or an equivalent.

Capacity: As required.

Notes: The power steering fluid should be inspected every 30,000 miles and changed if it is dark or has a burnt smell. A fluid change should be performed every 60,000 miles.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Type/Spec: There is no specific type of windshield washer fluid required. Use any commercially available windshield washer fluid.

Capacity: As required.

Notes: In colder climates, use a washer fluid with a low freezing point to prevent the system from freezing.

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