Replacing the oil filter with Nissan X-Trail - a procedure that many car owners prefer to perform on their own. But before you start work, you need to know exactly where is the oil filter located on a specific modification of the crossover. Its location depends on the generation (T30, T31, T32), engine type (MR20DD, QR25DE, M9R) and even configurations.

In this article we will look at unique features of the filter location on diesel and gasoline versions of the X-Trail, we will show photos from real cars and give practical advice on how to get to it without a lift. We’ll also tell you what tools you’ll need to avoid damaging the filter housing when unscrewing.

Oil filter location on Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2013)

On the first restyled generation (T31) the filter is located as inconveniently as possible - behind the engine, closer to the cabin. Access to it is complicated by attachments: pipes, generator and intake manifold. On gasoline engines (QR25DE, MR20DE) the filter is hidden under a plastic cover, which is often confused with the filter itself.

On diesel versions (M9R, R9M) the situation is even worse: the filter is located under the turbine, and to replace it you will have to remove the crankcase protection and part of the thermal insulation. It is almost impossible to get to it without a hole or overpass.

  • 🔧 Gasoline engines: filter under a black plastic cover with an inscription OIL FILTER (not to be confused with a metal case!).
  • ⚙️ Diesel engines: The filter is built into a metal housing, which is attached to the cylinder block with a 27 mm bolt.
  • ⚠️ Common problem: on T31 Plastic pipes often break when you try to move them away - be careful!

If you have never changed the filter to T31 yourself, we recommend that you first watch a training video or invite an assistant. One person can support the pipes while another unscrews the filter.

📊 What engine does your Nissan X-Trail have?
  • Gasoline QR25DE
  • Petrol MR20DE
  • Diesel M9R/R9M
  • Other

Where to look for an oil filter on a Nissan X-Trail T32 (2013–2021)

On the second generation (T32) engineers Nissan The layout of the engine compartment has been slightly redesigned. Filter on gasoline engines (MR20DD, QR25DE) is now located in front of the engine, closer to the radiator. This simplified access, but a new problem appeared: the filter often sticks to the block, and a special puller is required to remove it.

On diesel X-Trail T32 (R9M) the filter remained in the same inconvenient place - under the turbine, but now its housing is made of aluminum rather than plastic. This is a plus from a reliability point of view, but a minus for those who are used to unscrewing the filter by hand: you can’t do it without a tool.

Engine model Filter location Housing type Replacement Difficulty (1–5)
MR20DD (2.0 petrol) In front of the engine, under the plastic cover Plastic removable 2
QR25DE (2.5 petrol) In front, next to the generator Metal built-in 3
R9M (1.6 diesel) Under the turbine, closer to the cabin Aluminum housing 5

Important nuance: on T32 with motor MR20DD filter is often confused with oil cooler, which is located nearby. To avoid mistakes, be guided by the inscription OIL FILTER on a plastic cover.

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Before replacing the filter with X-Trail T32 remove the negative terminal from the battery - this will prevent a short circuit if you accidentally touch the wiring.

How to get to the filter without a pit: life hacks for the garage

Not everyone has access to a ramp or lift, but replacing the oil filter with Nissan X-Trail You can do it in a regular garage. The main thing is to prepare properly. Here are proven methods:

  • 🚗 Jack up the front end: Raise the vehicle on the driver's side (to T31) or passenger (on T32) and fix it on the stops.
  • 🔨 Remove the crankcase protection: on most versions it is secured with 4-6 10mm bolts. Without this, it is impossible to get to the filter on a diesel engine.
  • 🔦 Use a flexible endoscope: If the filter is hidden behind the pipes, inspect its position through the dipstick hole or from above (you will need to remove the air filter).

On X-Trail T31 with diesel M9R you can try to get to the filter through hatch in protection (if there is one). To do this, you will have to cut out part of the plastic with a knife, but this will save time on complete dismantling.

Jack and stops|10 mm wrench for protection|27 mm socket (for diesel)|Filter puller|Rags and oil container-->

If the filter does not unscrew, do not try to rip it off with a gas wrench - this will damage the housing. Better use rubber belt (from the generator) or a special cup puller.

What to do if the filter is stuck?

If the filter cannot be removed even with a puller, try the following:

1. Treat it with WD-40 or rust remover, wait 10-15 minutes.

2. Using light blows of a hammer through a wooden spacer, tap on the filter housing (not on the fitting!).

3. Heat the body with a hair dryer - the metal will expand and the threads will weaken.

4. As a last resort, drill the filter and unscrew it using a homemade lever made from a nail and a wrench.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the oil filter on the X-Trail

Once you have found the filter and prepared the tools, proceed to the replacement. It is important to follow the sequence so as not to fill the generator or timing belt with oil.

  1. Drain the oil: unscrew the plug on the pan (14 mm wrench) and wait until the oil drains into the container.
  2. Loosen the filter:

    - On T31 gasoline: unscrew the plastic cap counterclockwise.

    - On T32 diesel: loosen the central bolt 27mm, then remove the housing.

  3. Remove the old filter: on gasoline engines it is removed along with the cover, on diesel engines it is necessary to remove the sealing ring.
  4. Prepare a new filter: lubricate the rubber ring with fresh oil and pour ~100 ml of oil into the housing (a must for a diesel engine!).
  5. Install a filter: tighten it by hand, then tighten it with a puller (tightening torque: 18–25 Nm).

On X-Trail T32 with motor MR20DD after installing the filter you need reset maintenance counter. To do this:

1. Включите зажигание (не запуская двигатель).

2. Нажмите педаль газа до упора 3 раза в течение 5 секунд.


3. Выключите зажигание и снова включите — индикатор сервиса должен погаснуть.

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On diesel X-Trail After replacing the filter, be sure to bleed the oil system, otherwise the engine will not start! To do this, turn on the ignition for 30 seconds (without starting the engine), then turn off and repeat 2-3 times.

What tools are needed to replace the filter?

To work, you will need not only a standard set of keys, but also specialized tools. Here's the full list:

  • 🔧 Oil filter puller: cup (for T32) or chain (for T31).
  • 🛠️ 27 mm head - only for diesel versions (central housing bolt).
  • 🔩 14 mm socket wrench - for the drain plug.
  • 🧰 Torque wrench — to avoid over-tightening the filter (optional, but recommended).
  • 🧴 Rubber seal lubricant (For example, LIQUI MOLY Kupferspray).

If you are working with diesel X-Trail, additionally prepare:

  • 🔥 Heat resistant gloves — the turbine and exhaust manifold are hot even after the engine has cooled.
  • 🔦 Flashlight with magnet - so as not to lose the bolts in the pan.

Don't skimp on the puller! Cheap Chinese models often break, and then the filter has to be drilled out. A good tool (for example, from Hazet or KUKKO) will last for years.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan X-Trail T31 with motor QR25DE Do not use pullers with a chain grip - they may damage the plastic filter cover. Cup or belt pullers only!

Common mistakes when replacing the oil filter

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to oil leaks or engine failure. Here are the most common:

  • 🛑 Unlubricated O-ring - leads to oil leakage and pressure drop.
  • 🔧 Overstretched filter - on T32 this may result in a crack in the aluminum casing.
  • 🔄 Forgot to reset the maintenance counter - on T32 this leads to false errors on the panel.
  • 🚫 Used the wrong filter - for example, they installed a filter from Qashqai on X-Trail (they are similar in appearance, but have different valve actuation pressures).

Another typical problem is incomplete oil drain. If you do not wait until all the oil has drained, old dirty fluid will remain in the new filter, which will quickly clog it. On diesel X-Trail This is especially critical: soot particles from old oil can damage the turbine.

To avoid errors, always check:

  1. Filter compatibility with your modification (by VIN or catalog Nissan).
  2. The integrity of the sealing ring on the new filter (sometimes it is damaged during transportation).
  3. No old oil in the pan (after draining, tilt the machine towards the drain plug).
⚠️ Attention: On X-Trail T32 with motor MR20DD After replacing the filter, the oil pressure light may come on. This is normal - the sensor is triggered due to air in the system. Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes, the light will go out.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan X-Trail oil filter

Is it possible to change the oil filter on the X-Trail T31 without removing the protection?

Theoretically yes, but only if you have gasoline engine and thin hands. On a diesel engine, you cannot do without removing the protection or cutting out the hatch. Also keep in mind that without protection there is a high risk of dropping tools or bolts into the pan.

Which oil filter is better to install on the X-Trail T32 with the MR20DD engine?

Original filter from Nissan has an article number 15208-9F600. Among the analogues that have proven themselves well:

  • Mann W 610/3
  • Bosch 0 451 103 316
  • Framm PH7317

Avoid cheap filters without a check valve - they can cause oil starvation during cold starts.

What happens if you don't change the oil filter when changing the oil?

The filter becomes clogged with wear products, soot (on diesel engines) and resins. This leads to:

  • Loss of oil pressure (risk of bearings turning).
  • Accelerated wear of the turbine (on diesel X-Trail).
  • Increased oil consumption due to an open bypass valve.

In practice, the filter can withstand 10–15 thousand km, but in difficult conditions (city, off-road) it needs to be changed along with the oil.

How to check if the oil filter is installed correctly?

After installation:

  1. Start the engine and check if oil is leaking from under the filter.
  2. Make sure the oil pressure light goes out within 2-3 seconds.
  3. After 5 minutes of engine operation, check the oil level with a dipstick - it should be between MIN And MAX.

If the filter is installed crookedly, you will see oil leaks on the block or protection.

Is it possible to wash the oil filter before replacing it?

No! The filter is a consumable item and cannot be cleaned to new condition. Flushing (for example, with gasoline) will only worsen the situation:

  • The remaining flushing fluid will be mixed with the new oil.
  • The paper filter element will lose its properties.
  • Abrasive particles will remain in the housing.

The only correct option is to replace it with a new filter.