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1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder Oil Capacity, Types, & Filters

Your ultimate DIY maintenance guide for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder oil change is here! No more searching – find all the critical oil specs for your 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder, including exact engine oil capacity, the manufacturer recommended oil viscosity and type, and the correct OEM and aftermarket oil filters.

We cover all available engine options categorized by their specific engine codes, ensuring you get pinpoint accuracy for your specific vehicle configuration. Keep reading to discover everything required for a successful 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder oil change!

Scroll Table ➜

Engine & CodeOil CapacityOil Viscosity/TypeOil Filter
3.0L 6-cylinder [H] VG30I Q4.2 quarts (with filter) RWD
3.6 quarts (with filter) 4WD
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 16°C)
Nissan/Datsun 15208-55Y0A

Select Your 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder Engine Option

3.0L 6-cylinder Engine Code [H] VG30I Q

Engine:

3.0L 6-cylinder [H] VG30I Q [aka 3.0L V6 (Gas)]

Body & Trims:

SE, XE

Oil Capacity:

4.2 quarts (with filter) RWD
3.6 quarts (with filter) 4WD

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 16°C)

OEM Oil Filter:

Nissan/Datsun 15208-55Y0A

Oil Filter Replaces:

15208-55Y00, 15208-55Y00A, 15208-60U00, 15208-60U01, 15208-H1010, 15208-H1011, 15208-H1012, 15208-H8901, 15208-H8903, 15208-H8904, 15208-H8905, 15208-H8911, 15208-H8915, 15208-H8916, 15208-H8916DY, 15208-H8916MP, 15208-H8917, 15208-H8917MP, 15208-H8993, 15208-H8994

1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder [H] VG30I Q oil change details

Oil Grade:

SL

Oil Capacity:

4.2 quarts. (with filter). For Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) models, this is the capacity with the filter. Always check the oil level after refilling.
3.6 quarts. (with filter). For Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models, this is the capacity with the filter. Always check the oil level after refilling.

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C) - SAE 10W-30 is preferred.
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 16°C)

Name of Oil Filter:

N/A

Wix Oil Filter:

51361-EA

Wix Air Filter:

N/A

Coolant Capacity:

10.6 quarts

Oil Drain Plug Torque:

22-29 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)

Notes:

N/A

How much oil does the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder ([H] VG30I Q) take?

A complete oil change for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder (with engine code [H] VG30I Q) requires 4.2 quarts (with filter) RWD
3.6 quarts (with filter) 4WD
of engine oil. To ensure safety and performance, always verify the level on the dipstick after refilling.

What type of oil is recommended for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder ([H] VG30I Q)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder is using:

SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 16°C)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SL standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder ([H] VG30I Q)?

The factory-recommended OEM oil filter for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder is the Nissan/Datsun 15208-55Y0A. If you prefer a top-tier aftermarket option, the Wix 51361-EA is an excellent choice.

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder ([H] VG30I Q)?

To prevent leaks or stripped oil pan threads, the drain plug on the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder should be tightened to exactly 22-29 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug) and we also recommend installing a new crush washer with every oil change.

What is the correct air filter for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder ([H] VG30I Q)?

For optimal engine performance and clean airflow, the recommended engine air filter replacement for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder is the Wix or other equivalent found in air filter cross-reference catalog for this trim compatible with your intake system. It is a good maintenance habit to inspect this filter during every oil change.

What is the coolant capacity for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder ([H] VG30I Q)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder 3.0L 6-cylinder is:

10.6 quarts

Always ensure you use the manufacturer-approved coolant color and type to prevent internal corrosion.

People also ask – 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder

What is the oil capacity of a 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder?

Depending on the specific engine option, the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder oil capacity ranges from to quarts. Here is the exact oil capacity breakdown for each available engine configuration:

• 3.0L 6-cylinder ([H] VG30I Q): 4.2 quarts. (with filter). For Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) models, this is the capacity with the filter. Always check the oil level after refilling.
3.6 quarts. (with filter). For Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models, this is the capacity with the filter. Always check the oil level after refilling.

Always check your dipstick after refilling to ensure the proper level.

What type of oil does a 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder use?

Across its 1 available engine configurations, the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder uses the following motor oil viscosities: SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)SAE 5W-30 (Below 16°C). Using the correct manufacturer-approved oil weight is crucial for engine health. Here are the specific oil type requirements by engine:

• 3.0L 6-cylinder ([H] VG30I Q):
Grade: SL
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C) - SAE 10W-30 is preferred.
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 16°C)

What is the best oil filter for the 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder?

The proper oil filter depends on your exact engine code. The 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder utilizes the following premium aftermarket Wix oil filters across its lineup: 51361-EA. Here is the specific OEM and aftermarket filter data for each engine:

• 3.0L 6-cylinder ([H] VG30I Q):
OEM Filter: Nissan/Datsun 15208-55Y0A
Wix Filter: 51361-EA

How often should I change the oil in my 1989 Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder?

For modern models running full synthetic oil, oil change intervals are typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, for older Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder generations (1985-2010) or those using conventional/synthetic-blend fluid, changing the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is highly recommended to prevent sludge buildup. Regardless of engine (3.0L 6-cylinder), you should change your oil at least once a year even if you don’t reach the mileage limit.

Nissan/Datsun Pathfinder – Engine Oil details by Year