1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30)

L30 / Sedan / Coupe / North America / Japan / select global markets

KA24DEVQ20DEVQ30DE (Japan only)Fiche exacte année/versionGold

Engine identity

Engine code

KA24DE, VQ20DE, VQ30DE (Japan only)

Engine summary

The 1998 Altima, second generation (L30), was offered with multiple engines depending on market: a 2.4L KA24DE inline-4 common in North America producing about 155 hp, and the 2.0L VQ20DE inline-6 or 3.0L VQ30DE V6 engine in Japan and some other markets.

Displacement

2389 cc (KA24DE), 1998 cc (VQ20DE), 2960 cc (VQ30DE)

Power

KA24DE ~155 hp, VQ20DE ~140 hp, VQ30DE ~190 hp

Torque

KA24DE ~160 lb-ft, VQ20DE ~135 lb-ft, VQ30DE ~190 lb-ft

Fuel system

Multi-point fuel injection

Timing drive

Timing chain for KA24DE and VQ engines

Port OBD

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Type d’huile

SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher

Capacité d’huile

Approximately 4.2L service-fill with filter change (KA24DE); consult specific market manual for VQ engines

Liquide de refroidissement

Approximately 7.5L

Fluide

Nissan Matic-D or equivalent

Differential fluid

Nissan recommended gear oil, 75W-90 GL-5

Liquide de frein

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

5-speed manual (available primarily with KA24DE)

Automatic transmission

4-speed automatic

Spark plugs

NGK or equivalent, resistor type, gap 1.1 mm

Service interval

7,500 miles / 12,000 km typically

Dimensions des pneus

205/65 R15, 215/60 R16 depending on trim and market

Couple de roue

Verify by VIN and market

Common and chronic problems

Timing chain tensioner noise (KA24DE)
Transmission shifting hesitation on automatics
Head gasket issues rare but possible on VQ engines

First checks

Check timing chain condition and tension (especially on high mileage KA24DE)
Inspect transmission service history
Cooling system pressure test

Avant de remplacer des pièces

Save fault codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything.
Check engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid using the correct temperature and service procedure.
Verify power, ground, connectors, hoses, leaks and live data before replacing expensive parts.

Important notes

The 1998 Nissan Altima L30 series was primarily sold in North America with the KA24DE I4 engine; Japan had additional VQ engine options but these were not widely exported.
Oil capacity and service-fill figures vary by engine and market; always confirm with local service manuals.

Codes courants

Source and verification notes

Nissan USA 1998 Altima Owner's Manual and Service Guide
Automotive technical specifications databases (e.g., Haynes, Chilton) cross-checked for 1998 Nissan Altima L30

Outils compatibles

Verify by VIN and market

Questions fréquentes

What engine code does the 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) use? 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) is listed here with engine code KA24DE, VQ20DE, VQ30DE (Japan only); engine summary: The 1998 Altima, second generation (L30), was offered with multiple engines depending on market: a 2.4L KA24DE inline-4 common in North America producing about 155 hp, and the 2.0L VQ20DE inline-6 or 3.0L VQ30DE V6 engine in Japan and some other markets..
What oil and capacity does the 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) use? 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) is listed with SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher and oil capacity Approximately 4.2L service-fill with filter change (KA24DE); consult specific market manual for VQ engines. Confirm market and engine option before service.
What are common 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) problems? Highlighted checks for 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30): Timing chain tensioner noise (KA24DE), Transmission shifting hesitation on automatics, Head gasket issues rare but possible on VQ engines.

Engine identity

Engine code

KA24DE, VQ20DE, VQ30DE (Japan only)

Engine summary

Displacement

2389 cc (KA24DE), 1998 cc (VQ20DE), 2960 cc (VQ30DE)

Power

KA24DE ~155 hp, VQ20DE ~140 hp, VQ30DE ~190 hp

Torque

KA24DE ~160 lb-ft, VQ20DE ~135 lb-ft, VQ30DE ~190 lb-ft

Fuel system

Multi-point fuel injection

Timing drive

Timing chain for KA24DE and VQ engines

Port OBD

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Type d’huile

SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher

Capacité d’huile

Approximately 4.2L service-fill with filter change (KA24DE); consult specific market manual for VQ engines

Liquide de refroidissement

Approximately 7.5L

Fluide

Nissan Matic-D or equivalent

Differential fluid

Nissan recommended gear oil, 75W-90 GL-5

Liquide de frein

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

5-speed manual (available primarily with KA24DE)

Automatic transmission

4-speed automatic

Spark plugs

NGK or equivalent, resistor type, gap 1.1 mm

Service interval

7,500 miles / 12,000 km typically

Dimensions des pneus

205/65 R15, 215/60 R16 depending on trim and market

Couple de roue

Verify by VIN and market

Questions fréquentes

What engine code does the 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) use? 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) is listed here with engine code KA24DE, VQ20DE, VQ30DE (Japan only); engine summary: The 1998 Altima, second generation (L30), was offered with multiple engines depending on market: a 2.4L KA24DE inline-4 common in North America producing about 155 hp, and the 2.0L VQ20DE inline-6 or 3.0L VQ30DE V6 engine in Japan and some other markets..

What oil and capacity does the 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) use? 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) is listed with SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher and oil capacity Approximately 4.2L service-fill with filter change (KA24DE); consult specific market manual for VQ engines. Confirm market and engine option before service.

What are common 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30) problems? Highlighted checks for 1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30): Timing chain tensioner noise (KA24DE), Transmission shifting hesitation on automatics, Head gasket issues rare but possible on VQ engines.

1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Avant de remplacer des pièces

Important notes

Scanning Engine...

1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Avant de remplacer des pièces

Important notes