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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IKeep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a
solution of baking soda and water.
IMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
IIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the (Ð) negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
IDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch or
rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash your
hands. If the acid contacts your eyes,
skin or clothing, immediately flush
with water for at least 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
IWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.IBattery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
IKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.
IDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the battery is low. Low battery fluid
can cause a higher load on the bat-
tery which can generate heat, reduce
battery life, and in some cases lead to
an explosion.
JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see ªJump start-
ingº in the ª6. In case of emergencyº section. If
the engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX. and MIN. lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
1. Remove the cell plugs using a suitable tool.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX. level.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
DI0137M
BATTERY8-18
Do-it-yourself
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WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying oil adhesion or
looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or
loose, have it replaced or adjusted by your
NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-tion and tension in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule in this manual.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
SDI1119
SDI0424
SDI0145A
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS
Do-it-yourself
8-19
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remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can cause damage the spark
plugs.Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the con-
ventional type spark plugs since they will last
much longer. Follow the maintenance sched-
ule, but do not reuse them by cleaning or
regapping.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for servicing.
Always replace with recommended
platinum-tipped spark plugs.The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused as it is given a special treatment. We
recommended it be replaced according to the
maintenance intervals. See ªPeriodic mainte-
nanceº in the ª9. Maintenanceº section for
maintenance intervals. When replacing the
filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
IOperating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you orothers to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if the engine backfires. If it is not
there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with
the air cleaner removed and be care-
ful working on the engine with the air
cleaner removed.
INever pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with the
air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in serious injury.
SDI1022A
SDI1115B
SDI0393B
AIR CLEANER
8-20
Do-it-yourself
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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 for VQ35DE) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-TIPPED type for VG33E)[R]
Intkae & exhaust valve clearance (for VQ35DE) See NOTE (4)
Timing belt (for VG33E)Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)NOTE: (1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) When the filter becomes clogged, the vehicle speed cannot be increased as the driver wishes. In such an event, replace the filter.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(4) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
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.9-6
Maintenance
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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 for VQ35DE) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-TIPPED type for VG33E)[R]
Intake & exhaust valve clearance (for VQ35DE) See NOTE (3)
Timing belt (for VG33E) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
NOTE: (1) When the filter becomes clogged, the vehicle speed cannot be increased as the driver wishes. In such an event, replace the filter.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(3) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
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.9-8
Maintenance
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Maintenance for off-road 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.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
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 cleaner 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 connectionsfor leaks, looseness or deterioration. Replace
any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filter:
When the filter becomes clogged, the vehicle
speed cannot be increased as the driver
wishes. In such an event, replace the filter.
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.
Intake & exhaust valve clearance:
Check the valve clearance if valve noise in-
creases.
Timing belt:
Replace the timing belt for driving the cam-
shafts.
9-10
Maintenance
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On-pavement and offroad driving
precautions .................................................. 5-3
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ................................................... 6-11
R
Rack, Luggage rack ........................................ 2-34
Radio, Car phone or CB radio ........................ 4-27
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ....................................................... 10-22
Rear door ........................................................ 3-10
Rear door lock ................................................ 3-10
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Rear door opener ........................................... 3-10
Rear power point ............................................ 2-25
Rear seat adjustment ....................................... 1-6
Rear window wiper and washer switch .......... 2-18
Registering your vehicle in another
country .......................................................... 10-12
Remote keyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)............... 10-21
Rollover ............................................................. 5-4
S
Safety
Child seat belts.......................................... 1-24
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......... 10-21
Towing safety .......................................... 10-18
Seat
Belt extenders ........................................... 1-30
Belt hook ................................................... 1-28Belt maintenance....................................... 1-31
Belt warning light ....................................... 1-22
Belt warning light and chime ..................... 2-12
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment .................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ...................... 1-4
Rear seat adjustment .................................. 1-6
Seat belt(s)
Child safety................................................ 1-24
Infants and small children ......................... 1-24
Injured persons.......................................... 1-25
Larger children .......................................... 1-25
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ................. 1-19
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 1-23
Pregnant women ....................................... 1-25
Seat belt cleaning........................................ 7-4
Seat belts .................................................. 1-22
Three-point type with retractor .................. 1-25
Two-point type without retractor (rear center
lap belt)...................................................... 1-29
Seat(s), Seats ................................................... 1-2
Seats, Heated seats ....................................... 2-24
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ..................................... 2-16
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ........................................................... 2-15
Servicing air conditioner................... 4-2, 4-8, 4-10
Shift lock release ............................................ 5-13
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................. 5-10
Manual transmission ................................. 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................... 1-28Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag system) .................................................... 1-18
Spare tire carrier ............................................. 3-10
Spark plugs ..................................................... 8-19
Speedometer .................................................... 2-3
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-9
Jump starting ............................................... 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ............................................. 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 8-15
Power steering system .............................. 5-31
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 3-14
Storage ........................................................... 2-27
Sun shade....................................................... 2-38
Sun visors ....................................................... 3-14
Sunroof, Electric sunroof ................................ 2-36
Supplemental air bag warning labels ............. 1-20
Supplemental air bag warning light ....... 1-21, 2-12
Supplemental front air bag system ................. 1-16
Supplemental restraint system ....................... 1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................................................... 1-10
Supplemental side air bag system ................. 1-18
Switch
4WD shift switch operations...................... 5-26
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-23
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-19
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-23
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-19
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
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11-5