The 1997 Nissan Altima was the last of the first generation of the Altimas. Nissan offered three different trim packages for the car. Though not known for speed or luxury, having a reputation for dependability is not a bad thing either. Many owners report 200,000 miles or more with regular maintenance such as oil changes. Changing the oil is something you can do right at home.
Place the wheel chocks behind the rear tires and then jack the front of the car up. There is a notch where the jack should go under the car just behind the front tire. Jack one side at a time, and set the jack stands under the car and slowly lower the jack until the car is resting on the jack stands. Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap.
Place the drain pan under the car and remove the 14 mm drain plug. Allow the oil to drain. Using the oil filter wrench and ratchet, put the oil filter cup on the oil filter and turn the ratchet counterclockwise.
Check the old oil filter and make sure the oil seal is on it. Take the new oil filter, add oil to the seal with your finger, and install it on the engine. Hand tighten the filter until the seal touches, then 3/4 turn more.
Install the oil drain plug and torque it to 22 to 29 foot-pounds. Add 4.2 quarts of engine oil and install the oil fill cap. Start the car for 30 seconds and check for leaks. Turn the engine off. Lower the car and let it sit for a couple minutes, then check the oil level. Add to the full line.
