Page 177 of 272

WARNING
cAutomatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. This
may cause transmission or other ve-
hicle damage.
cThree-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by towing
it. When the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc. take the following steps.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause a ve-
hicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P
(Park) (automatic transmission) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner (if so equipped) .
Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a
long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast
idle (approximately 1,500 r/min) until the
temperature gauge indicator returns to nor-
mal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-11
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Page 194 of 272
KA24DE engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(A/T model)
3. Air cleaner
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Radiator cap
10. Coolant reservoir
11. Battery
WDI0087
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Page 195 of 272
VG33E engine
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(A/T model)
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
6. Air cleaner
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Radiator cap
10. Engine oil filler cap
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Battery
WDI0269
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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Page 196 of 272
VG33ER engine
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(A/T model)
4. Supercharger
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Air cleaner
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Radiator cap
10. Engine oil filler cap
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Battery
WDI0270
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Page 197 of 272

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors; therefore, additional
engine cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure fluid
escaping from the radiator. See precau-
tions in “If your vehicle overheats”
found in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
Outside temperature
down toGenuine
NISSAN
Anti-freeze
coolant or
equivalentDemineral-
ized or dis-
tilled water
°C °F
-35 -30 50% 50%
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure
to use only a Genuine Nissan Anti-Freeze
coolant (green) or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze
and 50% demineralized or distilled water.
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions or coolant colors, such as orange,
may damage the engine cooling system.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold.If the coolant level is below
the MIN level, add coolant to the MAX level. If the
reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the MAX level.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WDI0271
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
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Page 198 of 272

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine 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 the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
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 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. Re-
insert 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. This is the normal operating
oil level range. 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.
KA24DE engine
WDI0272
VG33E/VG33ER engine
WDI0273
ENGINE OIL
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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