2003–2008 Infiniti FX35

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 — Oil and Filter Change

By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 24, 2026 · Updated Oct 19, 2026

🔧 Easy 45–60 minutes $42 DIY

Save $132 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $174

Quick answer: Oil and Filter Change on a 2003–2008 Infiniti FX35 is rated Easy and takes about 45–60 minutes. You'll need 7 tools for this job, and parts cost about $42. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$42.00

Oil spec 3.5L VQ35DE V6

Capacity 5.0 qt with filter Viscosity 5W-30 (alt: 10W-30, 10W-40)

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
5W-30 engine oil, about 5 quarts	—	$27.00	Amazon
Spin-on engine oil filter (OEM Nissan or quality equivalent)	—	$14.00	Amazon
Drain plug crush washer	—	$1.00	Amazon

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Warm the engine and park on level ground

Idle the engine two to three minutes so the oil warms and drains quickly. Park on a flat, level surface, set the parking brake firmly, and shut the engine off before crawling underneath.

Raise the front and remove the undertray

Jack the front up on a solid subframe point and lower it onto two jack stands — never work under a jack-only vehicle. Remove the plastic undertray fasteners to reach the drain plug and spin-on filter on the VQ35DE V6.

Position the drain pan and remove the drain plug

Set a pan under the drain plug at the rear of the oil pan. Loosen the plug with a socket, finish by hand, drain at least ten minutes — hot oil burns, so wear gloves and keep your face clear.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

I push inward on the plug as I back it out by hand — it holds the oil back until you're ready, instead of spraying it past your fingers.

Remove the old oil filter

Find the spin-on filter on the VQ35DE and loosen it counterclockwise with a filter wrench, pan underneath to catch spilling oil. Confirm the old gasket came off with the filter and isn't stuck to the housing.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

Always check the old gasket came off with the filter. A stuck gasket means a double gasket, and I've seen that dump an engine's oil in the driveway within a minute of starting.

Install the new drain plug washer and filter

Fit a new crush washer on the plug, start it by hand to avoid cross-threading, then snug with a socket — don't over-tighten. Oil the new filter's gasket, thread it on by hand until it seats, then tighten three-quarter turn.

Refill with fresh 5W-30 oil

Remove the filler cap, set a funnel in the neck, and pour 5W-30. The VQ35DE takes roughly five quarts with a filter change — add four and a half first, check the dipstick, then add the rest. Reinstall the cap.

Start the engine and check for leaks

Start the engine and idle about a minute, watching the oil-pressure warning light go out. Look underneath for dripping at the drain plug or filter. If you see a leak, shut off immediately and re-check the plug and filter seating.

Verify the oil level and clean up

Shut off, wait two minutes, confirm dipstick reads between low and high marks. Top off slowly if low — overfilling is as harmful as running low. Pour used oil into a sealed container and recycle it and the old filter.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-tightening the drain plug and stripping the oil pan threads — snug is enough.
• Leaving the old filter gasket stuck to the housing, which causes a double-gasket leak when the new filter goes on.
• Forgetting to reinstall the drain plug before pouring in fresh oil.
• Overfilling past the dipstick high mark, which can foam the oil and damage seals.
• Skipping the post-change leak check and discovering a puddle in the driveway the next morning.

Tools You'll Need

Floor jack Jack stands (pair) Wide oil drain pan (6+ quart) Socket set and ratchet Oil filter wrench or cap wrench Funnel Nitrile gloves Shop rags

⚠️ Safety First!

• Hot engine oil can cause serious burns — let the exhaust and oil cool for a few minutes and wear gloves and eye protection.
• Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack; always use jack stands on solid ground.
• Keep hands, rags, and tools clear of the cooling fans and belts when the engine is running during the leak check.
• Used motor oil is a hazardous pollutant — collect every drop and recycle it; never pour it down a drain or onto soil.