8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-3
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-4
Checking engine coolant level .................................. 8-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-5
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level .......................................... 8-7
Changing engine oil .................................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil filter .......................................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid ..................................... 8-9
Temperature conditions for checking ...................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-11
Brake fluid ............................................................... 8-11
Clutch fluid .............................................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir ................................ 8-12
Battery ..................................................................... 8-13
Jump starting........................................................... 8-14
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-14
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ............................................. 8-15Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-17
Cleaning .................................................................. 8-17
Replacement ........................................................... 8-17
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-18
Checking parking brake .......................................... 8-18
Checking brake pedal ............................................. 8-19
Brake booster .......................................................... 8-19
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-20
Checking clutch pedal ............................................. 8-20
Fuses....................................................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ............................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ......................................... 8-21
Lights ....................................................................... 8-22
Headlights ............................................................... 8-23
Tires and wheels ..................................................... 8-26
Tire pressure ........................................................... 8-26
Types of tires .......................................................... 8-27
Tire chains............................................................... 8-28
Changing tires and wheels...................................... 8-28
Clutch housing drain ................................... 8-31
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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.IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to P
(Park).
IBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any replacement or repair.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
and fan belts.
IIt is advisable to remove necktie and
any jewelry, such as rings, watches,
etc. before working on your vehicle.IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
IThe fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
IDo not work under the engine hood
while it is hot. Always turn off the
engine and wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
IAvoid direct 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 vehicle
fluid.
This ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS8-2
Do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Warm up the engine until it reaches oper-
ating temperature, and 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 later in thissection for changing engine oil filter.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 N×m)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
See ªCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10. Technical and
consumer informationº section for drain and
refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always
use the dipstick to determine when the
proper amount of oil is in the engine.8. Start the engine.
Check for leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several min-
utes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
IProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
ITry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
IKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
SDI0416
8-8
Do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER1. 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.
(A specialcap-typewrench will assist with
oil filter removal on models with the V6
engine. This tool can be purchased from
your NISSAN dealer.) Then remove the oil
filter by turning it by hand.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
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 engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 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 min-
utes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
IWhen engine is running, keep hands,
jewelry, and clothing away from any
moving parts such as fan and drive
belt.
IAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
SDI0417
SDI0488
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Do-it-yourself
8-9
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Maintenance for offroad driving
(
only)
Whenever you drive offroad through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub, more
frequent maintenance may be required of the
following items:G
Brake pads and discs
G
Brake lining and drums
G
Brake lines and hoses
G
Wheel bearing grease
G
Differential, transmission and transfer oil
G
Steering linkage
G
Propeller shafts and front drive shafts
G
Air cleaner filter
G
Clutch housing (See ªClutch housing drainº
in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section for check-
ing water entry.)
These items should be checked frequently to
assure safe and proper operation of your ve-
hicle.
9-6
Maintenance
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Schedule 1Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km´1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (3)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter
(Use Part No. 15208 31U00 or equivalent.)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)NOTE: (1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
HMaintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
Maintenance
9-7
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Schedule 2Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km´1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (1)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (2)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use Part No. 15208 31U00 or equivalent.)RRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
NOTE: (1) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
HMaintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
Maintenance
9-9
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Emission control system
maintenanceAdditional information on the following
items with * is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.
Drive belts*:
Check drive belts for wear, fraying or cracking
and also for proper tension. Replace the drive
belts if found damaged.
Air filter:
Under normal driving conditions, the air
cleaner filter should be replaced in accordance
with the maintenance schedule. However,
driving the vehicle in dusty areas may cause
more rapid clogging of the element. Conse-
quently, the element may have to be replaced
more frequently.
EVAP vapor lines:
Check vapor lines and connections for failure
or looseness. If leaks are found, replace the
lines.
Fuel lines:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connections
for leaks, looseness or deterioration. Replace
any parts if they are damaged.Fuel filter:
If the vehicle is operated under extremely
adverse weather conditions or in areas where
ambient temperatures are either extremely low
or extremely high, the filter might become
clogged. In such an event, replace the filter
immediately.
Engine coolant*:
Flush and refill the cooling system.
Engine oil & oil filter*:
Under normal driving conditions, the engine oil
and oil filter should be replaced in accordance
with the maintenance schedule. However, un-
der severe driving conditions, they may have
to be replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*:
Replace with new plugs having the correct
heat range.
Timing belt:
Replace the timing belt for driving the cam-
shafts.
Chassis and body maintenanceBrake lines & cables:
Check the brake lines and hoses (including
brake booster vacuum hoses, connections &
check valve) and parking brake cables for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing,
abrasion, deterioration, etc.
Brake pads, rotors, drums & linings:
Check these and the other neighboring brake
components for wear, deterioration and leaks.
Under severe driving conditions, they may
have to be inspected more frequently.
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer & differential gear fluid:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage and re-
place oil for limited-slip differential. Under se-
vere driving conditions, the oil should be re-
placed at the specified interval.
Steering gear, linkage & transfer gear,
axle & suspension parts & drive axle
shaft boots:
Check for damage, looseness and leakage of
oil or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
more frequent inspection should be per-
formed.
Maintenance
9-11
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