Q: 04 Nissan altima knocking and dripping oil

asked by on February 24, 2018

Brought an 04 Nissan altima in August.. Was leaking a little oil but but not a lot car started knocking and shaking a little on Wednesday, put in a quart of oil stick was bone dry.. Added 3 quarts yesterday car cut off while running, now after putting 3 quarts in stick Is dry and all oil gone leaking out a drip every 5-6 seconds.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Oil level is low Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

This doesn’t sound good. If the engine is loosing oil that fast there is a serious problem. If you have driven the car while it was very low on oil, the damage will be greater still. The engine has to have oil pressure while it is running or the sliding surfaces inside will destroy themselves in short order and your only options will be replacing the engine or replacing the car. Before trying to drive the car any further, you should have it checked out by a pro. Contact YourMechanic to have a technician come out to your home or office to check out your Altima and let you know what are the best next steps.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Cooling fan doesn't turn off
The cooling fan relay is most likely stuck, and needs to be replaced. I recommend that you have a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come by and replace your cooling fan relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-fan-relay-replacement), if it is deemed necessary.
Tugging while shifting from first to third gear, the engine lacks power
Hi there. The most common cause of this is a bad catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-catalytic-converter). When it fails, it will clog internally and will restrict the exhaust. This will cause a serious lack of power like what you are experiencing. It...
I need to replace the crankshaft sensor. Where is it located in the motor?
Hello. Carbon buildup and other issues can cause these sensors to fail prematurely. You will need to raise the vehicle to access the sensor best. Once below the right, or passenger, side of the vehicle, you will want to look...
My car is shaking when accelerating.
Hi there. The description you have provided, leads me to believe you are experiencing an inner cv wobble. The inner cv joint (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement) has excessive play, this results in shaking upon acceleration. Another possibility would be, a broken engine or...
Bumper and hood replacement cost? 2001 Honda Civic
Hi there - this task is best handled by a collision repair estimator at a reputable paint and body shop. S/he is trained to evaluate visible and not-so-visible damage, and the costs to repair. Contact a reputable paint and body...
I changed my distributor an I am not getting no power wen accelerating an my temperature gauge rises very fast?
Hi there. This sounds like you may have a blown head gasket. Combustion processes could be entering the cooling system via the gasket or worse, a crack in the cylinder head. This could be an involved process to accurately diagnose...
Blinker/turn signal does not flash, I can hear a click in the module, lights up but doesn't blink 2004 Chevrolet Express 2500
Hi there - I would check the turn signal (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-a-car-turn-signal-works) light bulbs and ground connections on the side which is not flashing. Burned out bulbs, shorts and poor ground connections can cause the "no flash" behavior you describe. If the...
I took my car to a shop to fix my thermostat and water pump, now my car won't accelerate fast past 3000 rpm ? 2012 Dodge Charger
Hi - your symptoms suggest a problem with the throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/car-hesitation-when-taking-off-at-a-light-by-gloria-l). This component is falsely limiting throttle position and power demand to the engine computer. I recommend a loss of power inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/loss-of-power-inspection) performed by a mobile, professional...
Hi Peter. What is the cost to replace headlight assembly on 2011 Chrysler Town
Hi there. It is probably a good idea to have one of our professional mobile mechanics first come to your location and complete an onsite inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/headlight-is-not-working-inspection) to determine if this can be repaired or if replacement of the headlight...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan LEAF
The The introduction of the LEAF represented the beginning of an age many car experts were skeptical would even happen – true mass production of a 100% electric vehicle. Not only did it happen but the LEAF was grabbed up...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Hilly Area
Do Do you live in terrain that is hilly? Do your city streets feature plenty of inclines and declines that can be nothing short of treacherous in miserable weather? If so, when it’s time to purchase a car you’re looking...
Is it Safe to Drive With the Oil Light On?
The Engine Oil Light indicates low engine oil levels or low engine oil pressure. Pull over and check your engine oil to avoid major engine damage.