General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during the normal day-to-day operation
of the vehicle. They are essential if the vehicle is to continue operating properly. The owners can perform the
checks and inspections themselves or they can have their NISSAN dealers do them.
Item Reference pages
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise
speci®ed.
TiresCheck the pressure with a gauge periodically when at a service station, including the
spare, and adjust to the speci®ed pressure if necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts or
excessive wear.Ð
Windshield wiper bladesCheck for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly. Ð
Doors and engine hoodCheck that all doors, the engine hood, the trunk lid and back door
operate properly. Also ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials, check for lubrication fre-
quently.MA-27
Tire rotationTires should be rotated every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) for 4WD models. MA-25
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
LightsMake sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all operating properly and installed securely. Also check headlight aim.Ð
Warning lights and chimesMake sure that all warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.Ð
Steering wheelCheck for change in the steering conditions, such as excessive free play, hard
steering or strange noises.
Free play: Less than 35 mm (1.38 in)Ð
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters and
retractors) operate properly and smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the belt webbing for
cuts, fraying, wear or damage.MA-27
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically e.g. each time you check the
engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer ¯uidCheck that there is adequate ¯uid in the tank. Ð
Engine coolant levelCheck the coolant level when the engine is cold. MA-14, 15
Engine oil levelCheck the level after parking the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine.MA-13, 14
Brake and clutch ¯uid levelMake sure that the brake and clutch ¯uid levels are between the
``MAX'' and ``MIN'' lines on the reservoir.MA-20, 23
BatteryCheck the ¯uid level in each cell. It should be between the ``MAX'' and ``MIN'' lines. Ð
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
MA-3
4. Check oil level.
5. Start engine. Check area around drain plug and oil ®lter for any
sign of oil leakage.
6. Run engine for a few minutes, then turn it off. After several
minutes check oil level.
Changing Engine Oil Filter
1. Remove oil ®lter with Tool.
WARNING:
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine and engine oil
are hot.
2. Clean oil ®lter mounting surface on cylinder block. Coat rubber
seal of new oil ®lter with engine oil.
3. Screw in the oil ®lter until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten
an additional 2/3 of a turn.
4. Add engine oil.
Refer to Changing Engine Oil.
+Clean excess oil from engine.
Changing Engine Coolant
WARNING:
To avoid the danger of being scalded, never change the cool-
ant when the engine is hot.
ÐDRAINING ENGINE COOLANTÐ
1. Move heater TEMP control knob all the way to HOT.
2. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator.
3. Remove radiator ®ller cap.
Remove reservoir tank, drain coolant, then clean reservoir tank.
Install it temporarily.
+Be careful not to allow coolant to contact drive belts.
SMA999C
SMA001D
SMA010
SMA972C
SMA002D
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Changing Engine Oil (Cont'd)
MA-14
