The oil filter on a 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 L is located on the lower passenger-side of the engine block, near the oil pan, and is most easily accessed from beneath the car with the right front wheel removed and the splash shield off.
Locating the filter in the engine bay
On this model, the oil filter is a cartridge-style element housed in a compact canister mounted to the lower side of the engine block. It is not readily visible from the top of the engine and is generally reached from below.
- The filter is cartridge-style and sits in a vertical canister on the lower-right (passenger) side of the engine block, near the oil pan.
- Its location is close to the exhaust manifold and behind the front splash shield area, rather than up near the valve cover.
- Access is typically from underneath the vehicle; many owners gain visibility by removing the right front wheel and the splash shield.
- Identify the filter housing before loosening any parts to avoid spills and ensure you have the correct cartridge replacement.
These cues help you confirm the exact spot and what you will encounter when you reach the filter. In practice, the filter sits tucked away but is reachable with standard tools when you follow proper safety steps.
Accessing and replacing the oil filter
To replace the filter, follow these steps from beneath the vehicle, ensuring the car is securely supported:
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and raise the front of the car with a jack. Secure with jack stands and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
- Remove the right front wheel and the splash shield to expose the engine’s lower-right side where the oil filter housing sits.
- Locate the oil filter cartridge housing on the lower side of the engine block near the oil pan. Unscrew and remove the old cartridge according to the housing design.
- Install the new filter cartridge in the housing and reattach the cap or housing as specified by the service manual, ensuring a proper seal.
- Reinstall the splash shield and wheel, lower the car, and check the oil level after adding oil if needed. Start the engine and look for leaks around the filter area.
Note: Always refer to the owner’s manual or a service guide for the exact replacement procedure, torque specs, and any VIN-specific variations for your Altima year and trim.
Summary
The oil filter on a 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 L is located on the lower passenger-side of the engine block, near the oil pan, and is typically accessed from beneath the vehicle with the right front wheel removed and the splash shield off. It uses a cartridge-style filter in a vertical canister, so you’ll primarily work from below to replace it, reassembling the shield and wheel afterward and verifying oil level and leaks.