2002 NISSAN QUEST check engine

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements .....................................8-2
General maintenance .............................................8-3
Explanation of general maintenance
items ..................................................................8-3
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-7
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-8
Changing engine coolant ..................................8-9
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ..................................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-11
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-12
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-12
Power steering fluid..............................................8-13
Brake fluid ............................................................8-13
Window washer fluid ............................................8-14
Battery ..................................................................8-14
Jump starting ...................................................8-15
Drive belts ............................................................8-16
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-16Replacing spark plugs .....................................8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................8-17
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-19
Cleaning ..........................................................8-19
Replacing .........................................................8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-21
Checking parking brake...................................8-21
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-21
Brake booster ..................................................8-22
Fuses ....................................................................8-22
Engine compartment .......................................8-22
Passenger compartment .................................8-23
Keyfob battery replacement .................................8-24
Lights ....................................................................8-25
Headlights ........................................................8-25
Fog lights .........................................................8-26
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-27
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-31
Tire pressure ...................................................8-31
Types of tires ...................................................8-32
Tire chains .......................................................8-33
Changing tires and wheels ..............................8-33
ZX

Your new NISSAN has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with longer service intervals to save you
both time and money. However, some day-
to-day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your NISSAN's good mechani-
cal condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
the scheduled maintenance, as well as gen-
eral maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in
the maintenance chain.
Scheduled maintenance
For your convenience, both required and
optional scheduled maintenance items are
described and listed in your ``Nissan Service
and Maintenance Guide.'' You must refer to
that guide to ensure that necessary mainte-
nance is performed on your Nissan at regu-
lar intervals.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normalday-to-day operation of the vehicle. They
are essential if your vehicle is to continue to
operate properly. It is your responsibility to
perform these maintenance procedures
regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quire minimal mechanical skill and only a
few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and tuned by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists who are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership
training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on NISSAN vehiclesbe-
forethey begin work on your vehicle, rather
than after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that an authorized
NISSAN dealer's service department per-forms the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle Ð in a reliable
and economic way.
MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that is has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it 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*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) posi-
tion mechanismCheck that the lock re-
lease button on the selector lever operates
properly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
time you check the engine oil or refuel.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Brake and clutch fluid level*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
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*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling at operating
temperature.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck 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*Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks, or holes. 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.
UnderbodyThe 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 rustmay 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 leaksCheck 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.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.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
ZX

1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner housing
5. Battery
6. Fuse and relay box
7. Radiator cap
8. Fuse and relay box
9. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
10. Engine oil filler cap
11. Spark plug wires
12. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
13. Engine coolant reservoir
WDI0104
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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
8-8Maintenance and do-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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
ZX

CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with an insufficient amount
of oil can damage the engine, and such
damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
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, then turn
it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
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 ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
WARNING
cBe careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
ADI0057
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX