The oil filter location and part number for your 2013 Altima

The oil filter on a 2013 Nissan Altima sits on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold and behind the engine block. You will need to get under the car to reach it — the filter is not visible from above. The part number is 15208-9E000, which is Nissan's OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filter. This same part fits all 2013 Altima models regardless of engine size (2.5L or 3.5L).

When you buy a replacement, you will see this part number on the box. Aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and other brands also fit the 2013 Altima — they will list "2013 Nissan Altima" in their compatibility information. The OEM filter costs between $8 and $15 depending on where you buy it; aftermarket filters typically run $6 to $12.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Altima oil filter is located on the driver's side of the engine block, below the intake manifold, and requires getting under the vehicle to access.
  • The OEM part number is 15208-9E000, and this same filter works on all 2013 Altima models with either the 2.5L or 3.5L engine.
  • You will need an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, and a jack with jack stands to safely remove and replace the filter yourself.
  • The filter should be hand-tightened only after the new gasket makes contact with the engine — over-tightening can damage the filter housing.

What you need before you start

Gather these tools and materials before you get under the car. You will need an oil filter wrench (a socket-style wrench sized for your filter, usually 74mm or 76mm for the Altima), a drain pan to catch oil spillage, a jack and jack stands to safely lift the vehicle, and wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling. You should also have rags or paper towels on hand — oil will drip from the old filter and the surrounding area.

If you do not own a filter wrench, you can rent one from most auto parts stores for $5 to $10, or borrow one from a friend. Do not attempt to remove the filter by hand — the wrench is necessary because the filter sits in a tight space and hand-grip alone will not give you enough leverage. Have your new filter ready before you start, and check that it has the correct part number printed on the box.

How to access the filter safely

Park the Altima on level ground and engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels slightly (just a quarter turn) while the car is still on the ground — this makes removal easier once the car is lifted. Then use the jack to lift the driver's side of the vehicle, and find it with jack stands placed under the frame rail. Lower the car onto the stands so it rests fully on them, not on the jack.

Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the front wheel on the driver's side. You now have clear access to the underside of the engine. Look for the cylindrical oil filter mounted vertically on the driver's side of the engine block. It will be about the size of a soda can and wrapped in a metal housing. Position your drain pan underneath it to catch the oil that will spill when you loosen the filter.

Removing the old filter

Slide the filter wrench onto the filter and turn it counterclockwise to loosen. Once it is loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Tip the filter slightly as you remove it so the remaining oil inside drains into the pan. The filter will be hot if the engine has run recently, so be careful not to burn yourself — let the engine cool for at least 30 minutes before you start if you just drove the car.

Once the old filter is out, wipe the filter mounting surface (the part of the engine where the filter screws on) with a clean rag. Remove any dirt, old gasket material, or oil residue. This step is important because a dirty surface can prevent the new filter from sealing properly and cause leaks.

Installing the new filter correctly

Before you screw on the new filter, explore a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the top of the filter. This gasket is the black rubber ring you see on the filter's threaded end. Rub a small amount of new oil around this ring with your finger — this helps the gasket seal properly when the filter is tightened.

Screw the new filter onto the mounting surface by hand. Turn it clockwise until the gasket makes contact with the engine (you will feel slight resistance). Once contact is made, turn the filter an additional three-quarters of a turn by hand. Do not use the wrench to tighten it further — over-tightening will crush the gasket and cause leaks. Hand-tight is the correct tension.

Checking your work and reassembling

Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds, then turn it off. Wait two minutes and check under the car for any oil leaks around the new filter. If you see drips, the filter may not be seated correctly — turn off the engine, let it cool, and tighten the filter by another quarter turn by hand. Check again after running the engine.

Once you confirm there are no leaks, reinstall the wheel you removed, hand-tighten the lug nuts, and lower the car back onto the ground using the jack. Tighten the lug nuts fully in a star pattern (opposite sides alternately) to may support even pressure. Dispose of the old filter and the used oil according to your local regulations — most auto parts stores accept used oil and filters for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the oil filter without removing the wheel?

You can reach the filter without removing the wheel if you have a low-profile jack and can fit your body under the car, but removing the wheel gives you much better access and makes the job faster and safer. The extra five minutes to remove and reinstall the wheel is worth the reduced risk of dropping something or getting stuck.

What if the old filter is stuck and won't turn?

Tap the filter wrench gently with a hammer to break the seal, then try again. If it still will not budge, wrap a rubber band around the filter to improve grip, or use a strap wrench instead of a socket wrench. Do not force it — forcing can strip the threads on the engine block and cause a much larger repair.

How often should the oil filter be replaced?

Nissan recommends replacing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2013 Altima, that is typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you use conventional oil, or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you use synthetic oil. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your vehicle.

Is the OEM filter better than aftermarket filters?

OEM and quality aftermarket filters perform similarly on the 2013 Altima. The main difference is price — OEM filters cost slightly more but are may provide to fit perfectly. Aftermarket brands like Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch are reliable and widely used. Avoid the cheapest filters you can find, as they may have lower filtration quality.

Can I dispose of the old filter in the trash?

No — used oil filters contain residual oil and must be recycled. Take the old filter to an auto parts store, a quick-lube shop, or a local recycling center. Most accept them for free. Some stores offer a small credit if you buy a new filter from them at the same time.