1997 NISSAN QUEST oil level

Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake, fasten seat belts,
and turn the ignition key to ON without start-
ing the engine. The following lights come on
and stay on until the engine is started:
,,,or
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
ABS or
,,
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an open
circuit in the electrical system. Have thesystem repaired promptly.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN
dealer or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the charging system. Turn the engine
off and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing, or if the light re-
AIC0589
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
1-6
ZX

7Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions .......................................7-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................7-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................7-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................7-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................7-5
Engine oil ...............................................................7-5
Checking engine oil level .......................................7-5
Changing engine oil ...............................................7-6
Changing engine oil filter .......................................7-7
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................7-8
Temperature conditions for checking ATF .............7-8
Power steering fluid................................................7-9
Brake fluid ............................................................7-10
Window washer fluid ............................................7-10
Battery ..................................................................7-11
Jump starting ........................................................7-12Drive belts ............................................................7-12
Spark plug replacement .......................................7-12
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................7-13
Wiper blades ........................................................7-14
Parking brake check.............................................7-16
Brake pedal ..........................................................7-16
Brake booster .......................................................7-17
Fuses ....................................................................7-17
Fusible links..........................................................7-18
Light bulbs ............................................................7-19
Headlights ............................................................7-19
Bulb replacement .................................................7-21
Wheels and tires ..................................................7-25
Types of tires........................................................7-26
Tire chains ............................................................7-26
ZX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Move the gear-
shift lever to N (neutral).
cBe sure the ignition key is OFF when
performing any replacement or
repair.
cBe sure to turn the ignition key to the
OFF or LOCK position. When the
ignition key is in the ON or ACC
position, the cooling fan may start to
operate suddenly even when the en-
gine is not running. To avoid injury
always disconnect the negative bat-
tery cable before working near the
fan.cIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
cIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is
off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is ON.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil.
Improperly disposed motor oil and/
or other vehicle fluids can hurt the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by your NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
ZX

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Your NISSAN dealer can change the engine
coolant. The service procedure is found in
NISSAN's service manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine
overheating.
WARNING
cTo avoid danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn the engine off.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H and
L marks. If the oil level is below the L
mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the opening.
Do not overfill.
6. Recheck the oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the sever-
ity of operating conditions.
ADI0008ADI0009
ENGINE OIL
7-5
ZX

CAUTION
cOil level should be checked regu-
larly. Operating with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the en-
gine, and such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature, then turn it off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
4. Remove the oil filler cap.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing the oil filter'' later in this section.
WARNING
cBe careful not to burn yourself, as
the engine oil is hot.
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
ADI0057
7-6
ZX

Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not use excessive force.
7. Refill the engine with a recommended oil
and install the cap securely. See the
``Technical and consumer information''
section for refill capacity.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it
by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag. Be sure to remove
any old rubber gasket remaining on the
mounting surface of the engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with clean engine oil.
6. Screw the oil filter in until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
ADI0010
7-7
ZX

steep hill with only the parking brake ap-
plied.
Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nismÐ On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P (Park) position without apply-
ing any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically, for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer fluid* ÐCheck that
there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Ð Check the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesÐ Check the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot, or loose connections.
Brake fluid level*Ð Make sure the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN
lines on the reservoir.
Battery*Ð Check the fluid level in eachcell. It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines.
Engine drive belts*Ð Make sure no belts
are frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Ð Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface and
turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and linesÐ
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Ð
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P (Park) with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemÐ Make sure there are no
cracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
a qualified individual. (See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section.)
UnderbodyÐ The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-stances, otherwise rust forms on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksÐ Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
8-4
ZX

Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts* ÐCheck drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace the drive belts if found dam-
aged.
Air cleaner filter ÐUnder normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, driving the ve-
hicle in dusty areas may cause more rapid
clogging of the element. Consequently, the
element may have to be replaced more
frequently.
Vapor lines ÐCheck vapor lines and con-
nections for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace them.
Fuel lines ÐCheck the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any parts if they are
damaged.
Fuel filter ÐIf the vehicle is operated
under extremely adverse weather condi-tions or in areas where ambient tempera-
tures are either extremely low or extremely
high, the filter might become clogged. In
such an event, replace the filter immedi-
ately.
Engine coolant* ÐChanging engine cool-
ant can be performed by your NISSAN
dealer or procedures can be found in the
Service Manual. Improper air relief after
changing coolant can result in reduced
heater performance and overheating.
Engine oil & oil filter* ÐUnder normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs* ÐReplace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Timing belt ÐReplace the timing belt for
driving the camshaft.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cables ÐCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & linings Ð
Check these and the other neighboring
brake components for wear, deterioration
and leaks. Under severe driving conditions,
they may have to be inspected more fre-
quently.
Automatic transmission fluid* ÐCheck
the fluid level and visually inspect for signs
of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft boots Ð
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, more frequent inspection should be
performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front sus-
pension ball joints ÐCheck the ball joints
for damage, looseness and grease leakage.
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
8-10
ZX