PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
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ENGINE AND EMISSION CONTROL MAINTENANCE
(Annual Mileage >30,000 Km [18,000 miles]/year)
QR and VQ ENGINE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace,.
NOTE:
(1)Periodic maintenance is not required. However, if valve noise increases, check valve clearance.
(2) Replace the drive belt if found damaged or if the auto tensioner reading (for QR20DE engine) reaches the maximum
limit.
(3) First replace at 100,000 Km (60,000 miles), then every 60,000 km (36,000 miles). Perform “I” (Checking the mixture ratio
and correcting the mixture ratio if necessary) at the middle of replacement interval.
(4) Fuel filter is maintenance-free. For service procedures, refer to FL section.
(5) Perform only according to “Maintenance Under Severe Driving Conditions” for models without EURO-OBD system.
Maintenance items with “ ” should be performed more frequently according to “Maintenance Under Severe Driving
Conditions”. MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL Reference page
Perform at number of kilometers (miles)
basis only.km x
1,000
(Miles x
1,000)15
(9)30
(18)45
(27)60
(36)75
(45)90
(54)105
(63)120
(72)QR20DEVQ23DE
VQ35DE
Engine compartment and under vehicle
Intake and exhaust valve clearanceSee
NOTE
(1)EM-50
EM-202
Drive beltsSee
NOTE
(2)IIIIIIIIMA-16MA-24
Engine oil (Use recommended oil.)RR RRRRRRMA-20MA-30
Engine oil filter (Use genuine NISSAN part
or equivalent)RR RRRRRRMA-21MA-31
Engine anti-freeze coolant (Use Genuine
NISSAN Anti-freeze Coolant or equivalent
in its quality.)See
NOTE
(3)IMA-16
MA-25
Cooling system I I I IMA-18MA-28
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) sys-
tem (VQ engine only)IIII—MA-33
Fuel and EVAP vapor lines I IMA-23MA-34
Air cleaner filterRRMA-20MA-30
Fuel filter (In-tank type)See
NOTE
(4)——
Spark plugs (Platinum-tipped type) R R R RMA-22
MA-32
Heated oxygen sensorSee
NOTE
(5)EC-150EC-
143
EC-
496EC-
486
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
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SAE Viscosity NumberBLS0009D
GASOLINE ENGINE
5W-30 is preferable.
If 5W-30 is not available, select the viscosity, from the chart, that
is suitable for the outside temperature range.
CAUTION:
5W-20 should only be used for QR engine models.
5W-20 is not suitable for sustained high speed driving.
Anti-Freeze Coolant Mixture RatioBLS0009E
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a high-quality,
year-round anti-freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze coolant solu-
tion contains the specific solutions effective for the anti-corrosion
and the anti-freeze function. Therefore, additional cooling system
additives are not necessary.
CAUTION:
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only Gen-
uine NISSAN Anti-freeze Coolant or equivalent in its quality
with the proper mixture ratio. See the examples shown
right.
The use of other types of engine coolant may damage your
cooling system.
When checking the engine coolant mixture ratio by the coolant hydrometer, use the chart below to correct
your hydrometer reading (specific gravity) according to coolant temperature.
Mixed coolant specific gravity
Unit: specific gravity
WARNING:
Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait until the engine and radiator cool down.
SLIA0021E
SMA947CA
Engine coolant mixture
ratioCoolant temperature °C (°F)
15 (59) 25 (77) 35 (95) 45 (113)
50% 1.076 - 1.080 1.070 - 1.076 1.065 - 1.071 1.059 - 1.065
MA-16
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR20DE)
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR20DE)PFP:00100
Checking Drive BeltsBLS00090
WARNING:
Be sure to perform this step when the engine is stopped.
Make sure that the indicator (notch on fixed side) of drive belt auto-tensioner is within the possible use
range (between three line notches on moving side).
NOTE:
Check the drive belt auto-tensioner indication when engine is cold.
When new drive belt is installed, the indicator (notch on fixed side) should be within the range “a” in the
figure.
Visually check entire belt for wear, damage or cracks.
If the indicator (notch on fixed side) is out of the possible use range or belt is damaged, replace drive belt.
Tension AdjustmentBLS00091
Belt tensioning is not necessary, as it is automatically adjusted by drive belt auto-tensioner.
Changing Engine CoolantBLS00092
WARNING:
To avoid being scalded, do not change engine coolant when engine is hot.
Wrap a thick cloth around radiator cap and carefully remove the cap. First, turn the cap a quarter
of a turn to release built-up pressure. Then turn the cap all the way.
Be careful not to allow engine coolant to contact drive belt.
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT
1. Remove grommet from undercover.
2. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator, and then remove radiator cap.
PBIC2622E
PBIC2512E
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR20DE)
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When drain all of engine coolant in the system, open water drain plug on engine cylinder block.
Refer to EM-81, "
CYLINDER BLOCK" .
3. Remove reservoir tank as necessary, and drain engine coolant and clean reservoir tank before installing.
4. Check drained engine coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration.
If contaminated, flush the engine cooling system. Refer to MA-18, "
FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM" .
REFILLING ENGINE COOLANT
1. Install reservoir tank if removed, and radiator drain plug.
CAUTION:
Be sure to clean drain plug and install with new O-ring.
If water drain plug on cylinder block is removed, close and tighten it. Refer to EM-81, "
CYLINDER
BLOCK" .
2. Make sure that each hose clamp has been firmly tightened.
3. Remove air duct assembly. Refer to EM-17, "
AIR CLEANER AND AIR DUCT" .
4. Disconnect heater hose (left side of vehicle) at the position in
the figure.
Enhance heater hose as high as possible.
5. Fill radiator and reservoir tank to specified level.
Pour engine coolant through engine coolant filler neck
slowly of less than 2 (1-3/4 lmp qt) a minute to allow air
in system to escape.
Use NISSAN Genuine Engine Coolant or equivalent
mixed with water (distilled or demineralized). Refer to
MA-14, "
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS".
When engine coolant overflows disconnected heater hose, connect heater hose, and continue filling the
engine coolant.
6. Install air duct assembly. Refer to EM-17, "
AIR CLEANER AND AIR DUCT" .
7. Install radiator cap.Radiator drain plug:
: 1.2 N·m (0.12 kg-m, 11 in-lb)
1 : Heater hose
: Vehicle front
PBIC4679E
Engine coolant capacity
(With reservoir tank at “MAX” level)
: Approx. 7.4 (6-1/2 lmp qt)
SMA182B
Reservoir tank engine coolant capacity
(At “MAX” level)
: 0.8 (3/4 lmp qt)
SMA412B
MA-18
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR20DE)
8. Warm up until opening thermostat and water control valve. Standard for warming-up time is approximately
10 minutes at 3,000 rpm.
Make sure thermostat opening condition by touching radiator hose (lower) to see a flow of warm water.
CAUTION:
Watch water temperature gauge so as not to overheat engine.
9. Stop engine and cool down to less than approximately 50°C (122°F).
Cool down using fan to reduce the time.
If necessary, refill radiator up to filler neck with engine coolant.
10. Refill reservoir tank to “MAX” level line with engine coolant.
11. Repeat steps 3 through 9 two or more times with radiator cap installed until engine coolant level no longer
drops.
12. Check cooling system for leaks with engine running.
13. Warm up engine, and check for sound of engine coolant flow while running engine from idle up to 3,000
rpm with heater temperature controller set at several position between “COOL” and “WARM”.
Sound may be noticeable at heater unit.
14. Repeat step 13 three times.
15. If sound is heard, bleed air from cooling system by repeating step 3 through 9 until engine coolant level no
longer drops.
FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM
1. Install reservoir tank if removed, and radiator drain plug.
CAUTION:
Be sure to clean drain plug and install with new O-ring.
If water drain plug on cylinder block is removed, close and tighten it. Refer to EM-81, "
CYLINDER
BLOCK" .
2. Remove air duct assembly. Refer to EM-17, "
AIR CLEANER AND AIR DUCT" .
3. Disconnect heater hose (left side of vehicle) at the position in
the figure.
Enhance heater hose as high as possible.
4. Fill radiator and reservoir tank with water and reinstall radiator cap.
When engine coolant overflows disconnected heater hose, connect heater hose, and continue filling the
engine coolant.
5. Install air duct assembly. Refer to EM-17, "
AIR CLEANER AND AIR DUCT" .
6. Run engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
7. Rev engine two or three times under no-load.
8. Stop engine and wait until it cools down.
9. Drain water from the system. Refer to MA-16, "
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT" .
10. Repeat steps 1 through 9 until clear water begins to drain from radiator.
Checking Cooling SystemBLS00093
WARNING:
Do not remove radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns occur from high-pressure
engine coolant escaping from radiator.Radiator drain plug:
: 1.2 N·m (0.12 kg-m, 11 in-lb)
1 : Heater hose
: Vehicle front
PBIC4679E
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR20DE)
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Wrap a thick cloth around radiator cap and carefully remove the cap. First, turn the cap a quarter
of a turn to release built-up pressure. Then turn the cap all the way.
CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM HOSES
Check hoses for improper attachment, leaks, cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing and deterioration.
CHECKING RADIATOR CAP
Check valve seat of radiator cap.
–Check if valve seat is swollen to the extent that the edge of the
plunger cannot be seen when watching it vertically from the top.
–Check if valve seat has no soil and damage.
Pull negative-pressure valve to open it, and make sure that it is
completely closed when released.
–Make sure that there is no dirt or damage on the valve seat of
radiator cap negative-pressure valve.
–Make sure that there are no unusualness in the opening and
closing conditions of negative-pressure valve.
Check radiator cap relief pressure.
–When connecting radiator cap to the radiator cap tester (com-
mercial service tool) and the radiator cap tester adapter [SST],
apply engine coolant to the cap seal surface.
Replace radiator cap if there is an unusualness related to the above three.
CAUTION:
When installing radiator cap, thoroughly wipe out the radiator filler neck to remove any waxy residue
or foreign material.
PBIC2816E
SMA967B
Standard:
78 - 98 kPa (0.78 - 0.98bar, 0.8 - 1.0 kg/cm
2 , 11 - 14 psi)
Limit:
59 kPa (0.59bar, 0.6 kg/cm
2 , 9 psi)
SLC755AC
MA-20
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR20DE)
CHECKING RADIATOR SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
To check for leaks, apply pressure to the cooling system with
radiator cap tester (commercial service tool) and radiator cap
tester adapter [SST].
WARNING:
Do not remove radiator cap when engine is hot. Serious
burns could occur from high-pressure engine coolant
escaping from radiator.
CAUTION:
Higher testing pressure than specified may cause radiator
damage.
NOTE:
In a case that engine coolant decreases, replenish radiator with engine coolant.
If anything is found, repair or replace damaged parts.
Checking Fuel LinesBLS00094
Inspect fuel lines, fuel filler cap and fuel tank for improper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing or deterio-
ration.
If necessary, repair or replace damaged parts.
Changing Air Cleaner FilterBLS00095
VISCOUS PAPER TYPE
The viscous paper type filter does not need cleaning between replacement intervals. Refer to MA-8,
"PERIODIC MAINTENANCE".
Removal
1. Unhook air cleaner case (lower) side clips and lift up air cleaner case (upper).
2. Remove air cleaner filter.
Installation
Installation is the reverse order of removal.
Changing Engine OilBLS00096
WARNING:
Be careful not to burn yourself, as engine oil may be hot.Testing pressure
: 157 kPa (1.57 bar, 1.6 kg/cm
2 , 23 psi)
SLC756AA
SMA803A
PBIC2452E
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR20DE)
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Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer; try to avoid direct
skin contact with used engine oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
1. Warm up engine, put vehicle horizontally and check for engine oil leakage from engine components.
2. Stop engine and wait for 10 minutes.
3. Loosen oil filler cap and then remove drain plug.
4. Drain engine oil.
5. Install drain plug with new washer. Refer to EM-26, "
OIL PAN AND OIL STRAINER" .
CAUTION:
Be sure to clean drain plug and install with new washer.
6. Refill with new engine oil.
Engine oil specification and viscosity:
Refer to MA-14, "
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS" .
Engine oil capacity (Approximate):
Unit: (lmp qt)
CAUTION:
The refill capacity depends on the engine oil temperature and drain time. Use these specifica-
tions for reference only.
Always use oil level gauge to the determine when the proper amount of engine oil is in the
engine.
7. Warm up engine and check area around drain plug and oil filter for engine oil leakage.
8. Stop engine and wait for 10 minutes.
9. Check the engine oil level.
Changing Oil FilterBLS00097
REMOVAL
1. Remove splash guard (RH).
PBIC2410E
Oil pan drain plug:
: 34.3 N·m (3.5 kg-m, 25 ft-lb)
Drain and refill With oil filter change 3.9 (3-3/8)
Without oil filter change 3.7 (3-1/4)
Dry engine (Overhaul)4.5 (4)
PBIC0249E