2001 NISSAN QUEST coolant level

ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
This gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature. The engine coolant tempera-
ture varies with the outside air temperature
and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature above the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible. If the engine is overheated, con-
tinued operation of the vehicle mayseriously damage the engine. See the
``In case of emergency'' section for
immediate action required.
FUEL GAUGE
This gauge indicates theapproximatefuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
down hills.
The gauge needle remains in approximately
the same position even when the ignition
key is turned OFF.
The low fuel warning light comes on when
the amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
WIC0080WIC0081
Instruments and controls2-5
ZX

3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
4. Open the hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check if the cooling fan is run-
ning. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leak-
ing or the cooling fan does not run, stop
the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair
or clothing to come into contact with,
or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time when the
coolant temperature is high.
6. After the engine cools down completely,
check the coolant level in the reservoir
tank with the engine running. Add coolant
to the reservoir tank, if necessary. Have
your vehicle repaired at an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
INERTIA FUEL SHUT-OFF
SWITCH
When the vehicle is involved in a collision,
the inertia fuel shutoff switch is designed to
automatically stop the flow of fuel to the
engine. The impact forces needed to trigger
the switch do not have to be great. Parking
lot bumping or road impacts (such as driving
over potholes) may trigger the switch.
Once the inertia fuel shutoff switch is trig-
gered, it must be reset before the engine
can be started. If your engine cranks but
does not start after a collision, take the
ACE1020
AFTER AN ACCIDENT
In case of emergency6-11
ZX

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance 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 ...............................................................8-5
Checking engine oil level ..................................8-5
Changing engine oil ..........................................8-6
Changing engine oil filter...................................8-7
Automatic transmission fluid ..................................8-8
Temperature conditions for checking ................8-8
Power steering fluid................................................8-9
Brake fluid ..............................................................8-9
Window washer fluid ............................................8-10
Battery ..................................................................8-10
Jump starting ...................................................8-11
Drive belts ............................................................8-12
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-12
Replacing spark plugs .....................................8-12
Air cleaner ............................................................8-13
Cabin air filter ..................................................8-14Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-17
Cleaning ..........................................................8-17
Replacing .........................................................8-17
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-19
Checking parking brake...................................8-19
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-19
Brake booster ..................................................8-20
Fuses ....................................................................8-20
Engine compartment .......................................8-20
Passenger compartment .................................8-21
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-22
Lights ....................................................................8-23
Headlights ........................................................8-23
Fog lights .........................................................8-24
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-25
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-29
Tire pressure ...................................................8-29
Types of tires ...................................................8-30
Tire chains .......................................................8-31
Changing tires and wheels ..............................8-31
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 P (park).
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or Lock position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
cYour vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable
before working near the fan.
c
If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work 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 to escape.
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 the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an authorized NISSAN
dealer because 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 the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself'' section gives instruc-
tions 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 an authorized NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ZX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional engine cooling system
additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a Genuine Nissan
anti-freeze coolant (green) or equiva-
lent with the proper mixture ratio of
50% anti-freeze and 50% demineralized
or distilled water. The use of other
types of coolant solutions or coolant
colors, such as orange, may damage
the engine cooling system.
Outside tempera-
ture down toGenuine
NISSAN
Anti-freeze
Coolant or
equivalentDemineral-
ized or Dis-
tilled water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
c
Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiatorwhen the
engine is cold.If there is insufficient cool-
ant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
ADI1083
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-4Do-it-yourself
ZX

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
An authorized 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.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle 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
(High) and L (Low) marks. If the oil level
is below the L (Low) 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.
ADI1084ADI0009
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself8-5
ZX

WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior, or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash with water.
To check the fluid level, look down the fill tube
of the washer fluid reservoir in the engine
compartment. Add fluid when the low washer
fluid warning light (Canada only) comes on.
To add fluid, remove the reservoir cap and
refill the reservoir.
This reservoir serves both the front and rear
washer systems.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.cKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days
or longer, disconnect the negative (þ)
battery terminal cable to prevent dis-
charging.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery 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 min-
utes and seek medical attention
cDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the battery is low. Low battery
fluid can cause a higher load on the
battery which can generate heat, re-
ADI1088
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
8-10Do-it-yourself
ZX

has the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Parking brake*Ð Check that the pedal is
adjusted to specification and confirm that
your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
steep hill with only the parking brake ap-
plied.
Automatic transmission P mechanismÐ
On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle
is held securely with the selector lever in the
P (Park) position without applying 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.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself section'' of this manual.
Windshield washer fluid* ÐCheck that
there is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Ð Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oilto drain back into the oil pan.
Brake fluid level*Ð Make sure the brake
fluid level is between the MIN and MAX
lines on the reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and linesÐ
Check the level when the fluid is cold with
the engine 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 at
operating temperature.
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.
Engine drive belts*Ð Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Battery*Ð Check the fluid level in each
cell. It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines.
Exhaust systemÐ Make sure there are nocracks, 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
an authorized NISSAN dealer. See the car-
bon monoxide warning in the ``Starting and
driving'' section of this manual.
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 from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, in those areas where mud
and dirt may have accumulated. See the
``Appearance and care'' section of this
manual.
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 by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
9-4Maintenance
ZX