TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
Two wheel drive modelsNISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck
as illustrated.
CAUTION
INever tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward), as this may
cause serious and expensive damage
to the transmission. If it is necessary
to tow the vehicle with the front
wheels raised, always use towing dol-
lies under the rear wheels.
IWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
ITurn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steeringwheel in a straightahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by turn-
ing the ignition key to the LOCK
position. This may damage the
steering lock mechanism.
IIf you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground or four wheels on the
ground (if you do not use towing
dollies):
IAlways release the parking brake.
IMove the transmission shift lever
to the N (Neutral) position.
IObserve the following restricted tow-
ing speeds and distances for manual
transmission models only:
ISpeed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h)
IDistance: Less than 500 miles (800
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the propeller shaft before tow-
ing to prevent damage to the transmission.
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In case of emergency
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Part time four wheel drive modelsNISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or the vehicle
be placed on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
INever tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground,
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission. If it
is necessary to tow the vehicle with
the front wheels raised, always use
towing dollies under the rear wheels.
IWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
IMove the transfer case shift lever
to the 2H position.
ITurn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by turn-
ing the ignition key to the LOCK
position. This may damage the
steering lock mechanism.IIf you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground (if you do not use towing
dollies) or four wheels on the ground:
IMove the transfer case shift lever
to the 2H position.
IMove the transmission shift lever
to the N (Neutral) position.
IAlways release the parking brake.
IObserve the following restricted tow-
ing speeds and distances manual
transmission models only:
ISpeed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h)
IDistance: Less than 500 miles (800
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the front and rear propeller
shafts before towing to prevent damage to the
transmission.
SCE0198
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8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-4
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-6
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-7
Engine oil ................................................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter ................................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-13
Temperature conditions for checking ................. 8-14
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-15
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-15
Brake fluid .......................................................... 8-15
Clutch fluid.......................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-17
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................... 8-17
Battery ..................................................................... 8-18
Jump starting ...................................................... 8-18
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-19Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-21
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-21
Replacing............................................................ 8-21
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-22
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-22
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-22
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-23
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-24
Checking clutch pedal ........................................ 8-24
Fuses....................................................................... 8-24
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-24
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-25
Multi-remote controller battery replacement....... 8-25
Lights ....................................................................... 8-27
Headlights........................................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-31
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-31
Types of tires...................................................... 8-32
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-33
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-33
Clutch housing drain............................... 8-37Z
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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.
WARNING
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 the P
(Park) position.
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
belts and any other moving parts.
IIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing 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 to escape.
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.
IYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
IOn gasoline engine models with themultiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the 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.
CAUTION
IDo not work under the engine hood
while it is hot. 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.
INever leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS8-2
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CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
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 Lmarks.If the oil level is below the L mark,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening. Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
changes or during the break-in period, de-
pending on the severity of operating con-
ditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of oil
can damage the engine, and such dam-
age is not covered by warranty.
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ENGINE OIL8-10
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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 and
wait more than 10 minutes.
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 this
section for changing engine oil filter.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
IWaste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
ICheck your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and new
SDI0487A
SDI1112
SDI0416
Do-it-yourself
8-11
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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 more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dip-
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.
WARNING
IProlonged and repeated contact withused 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.
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.
(Depending on the engine model, a special
cap-type wrench may be required. See your
NISSAN dealer.) Then remove the oil filter
by turning it by hand.
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TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKINGThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range (L & H marks) on the dipstick at
fluid temperatures between 122 and 176ÉF (50
and 80ÉC) after the vehicle has been driven
approximately 5 minutes in urban areas after
the engine is warmed up. The level can be
checked at fluid temperatures between 86 and
122ÉF (30 and 50ÉC) using the COLD range on
the dipstick for reference, after the engine is
warmed up but before driving. However, the
fluid level must be rechecked using the HOT
range.1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the selector
lever through each gear range, ending in P.
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes).
4. Expand the spring stopper and remove the
dipstick. Wipe it clean with lint-free paper.
5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging pipe
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading.
If the level is on the low side of either range,
add fluid to the charging pipe.
7. When inserting the dipstick, set it so that
the spring stopper presses the upper part of
the dipstick rubber to lock the dipstick.
CAUTION
IDo not overfill.IUse only Nissan Matic D (Continental
U.S. and Alaska) or Canada Nissan
automatic transmission fluid.
Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent
may also be used. Outside the conti-
nental US and Alaska contact a
NISSAN dealer for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including
recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
automatic transmission
fluid.
SDI0488
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