2003 NISSAN MURANO steering

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements .................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ............................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ................ 8-2
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
CVT fluid ................................................................................ 8-12
Power steering fluid ............................................................ 8-12
Brake fluid ............................................................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid.......................................................... 8-13
Battery .................................................................................... 8-14
Jump starting .................................................................. 8-15
Drive belts ............................................................................. 8-15
Spark plugs ........................................................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs.................................................. 8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................................. 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ................................................... 8-17
Cleaning ........................................................................... 8-17Replacing ......................................................................... 8-18
Rear window wiper blade ................................................. 8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal ........................................ 8-19
Checking parking brake ............................................... 8-19
Checking brake pedal .................................................. 8-20
Brake booster ................................................................. 8-20
Fuses ...................................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-22
Keyfobbattery replacement .............................................. 8-22
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-24
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights............................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 8-27
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-27
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-28
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-29
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-30


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loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). However, the timing
for tire rotation may vary according to your
driving habits and road surface conditions.
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight and
level road, or if you detect uneven or abnormal
tire wear, there may be a need for wheel align-
ment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified re-
pair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly. Also
make sure that all latches lock securely. Lubri-cate if necessary. Make sure that the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or air
conditioner.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,hard steering or strange noises.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal does
not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mats away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check 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 depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
keep floor mats away from the pedal.
Parking brake*:Check that the lever has the
proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill when only the
parking brake is applied.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3


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Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism:On a fairly
steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely
with the selector lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*:Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hoses: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, deformation, deterioration
or loose connections.
Brake fluid level*:Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
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.
Engine drive belts*:Make sure that no belt isfrayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level on the
dipstick after parking the vehicle on a level spot
and turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level in the reservoir tank with the engine off.
Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Exhaust system:Make 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, immediately locate the trouble
and correct it. (See “Precautions when starting
and driving” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the end
of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “Cleaning
exterior” in the “7. Appearance and care” sec-
tion.
Fluid leaks: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 imme-
diately.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Radiator filler cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Fuse/fusible link holder
10. Battery
SDI1492
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


Contact your NISSAN dealer if checking or
replacement is required.
CAUTION

Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2. Do not mix with other fluids.

Using transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will
damage the CVT transmission, which
is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
The specified CVT fluid is also described on
caution labels located in the engine compart-
ment.Check the fluid level in the reservoir tank.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range at fluid temperatures of 122 to 176°F (50
to 80°C) or using the COLD range at fluid
temperatures of 32 to 86°F (0 to 30°C).
CAUTION

Do not overfill.

Use Genuine Nissan PSF or equiva-
lent.Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line or the brake warning light
comes on, addDOT 3fluid up to the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or con-
taminated fluid may damage the brake
system. The use of improper fluids can
damage the brake system and affect the
SDI1443
SDI1502
CVT FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID8-12
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended
specifications US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 21-5/8 gal 18 gal 82 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil*6
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
API Certification Mark*2, *3

API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgradeSJorSL,Energy
Conserving*2, *3

ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III*2, *3 Without oil filter change 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
With reservoir 9-3/4 qt 8-1/8 qt 9.2
Genuine NISSAN anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/5 qt 0.8
Differential gear oil — — — API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*4
CVT fluid — — — Genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2*5
Transfer fluid — — — API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90
Power steering fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine Nissan PSF or equivalent*7
Brake fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*8 or equivalent DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants — — —Nissan A/C System Oil
Type S or exact equivalent
*1: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for fuel recommendation.
*2: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.
*3: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for recommended SAE viscosity number.
*4: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F).
*5:Use only Genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT transmission, which
is not covered by the Nissan new vehicle limited warranty.
*6: For additional information, see “Engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*7: For Canada, Nissan Automatic Transmission fluid (ATF), DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMor equivalent ATF may also be used.
*8: Available in mainland US through your NISSAN dealer.
*9: For additional information, see “Vehicle identification” in this section for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS9-2
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After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.

Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the tire placard (located on the
driver’s door center pillar).

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.
Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between your ve-
hicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point be-
tween the sensor and stop light or light switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips
Be certain your vehicle maintains a levelposition when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down con-
dition; check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle andTechnical and consumer information
9-19


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
first block the wheels and apply the parking
brake, and then move the selector lever into
the P (Park) position. If you move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.

When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.

If the transmission fluid rises to an extremely
high temperature, a high fluid temperature
protection mode may operate. See page
5-13 for details. If necessary, pull to the side
of the road at a safe place and let the
transmission cool before continuing.

Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended main-
tenance schedule.

When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make
a larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.
Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakesto overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.
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