CAUTION
Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground,
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission. If it
is necessary to tow the vehicle with
the front wheels raised, always use
towing dollies under the rear wheels.
When towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
Move the transfer case shift lever
to the 2H position.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by turn-
ing the ignition key to the LOCK
position. This may damage the
steering lock mechanism.If you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground (if you do not use towing
dollies) or four wheels on the ground:
Move the transfer case shift lever
to the 2H position.
Move the transmission shift lever
to the N(Neutral) position.
Always release the parking brake.
Observe the following restricted tow-
ing speeds and distances manual
transmission models only:
Speed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h)
Distance: Less than 500 miles (800
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the front and rear propeller
shafts before towing to prevent damage to the
transmission.
In case of emergency
6-15
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
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 ............................................................................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ............................................ 8-11
Changing engine oil ...................................................... 8-12
Changing engine oil filter ............................................ 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................................. 8-14
Temperature conditions for checking ....................... 8-14
Power steering fluid ............................................................ 8-15
Brake and clutch fluid ........................................................ 8-16
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-16
Clutch fluid ...................................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid.......................................................... 8-17
Window washer fluid reservoir .................................. 8-17
Battery .................................................................................... 8-18
Jump starting .................................................................. 8-18
Drive belts ............................................................................. 8-19
Spark plugs ........................................................................... 8-20Replacing spark plugs.................................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ............................................................................. 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................................... 8-21
Cleaning ........................................................................... 8-21
Replacing ......................................................................... 8-21
Parking brake and brake pedal ........................................ 8-22
Checking parking brake ............................................... 8-22
Checking brake pedal .................................................. 8-23
Brake booster ................................................................. 8-23
Fuses ...................................................................................... 8-24
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-24
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-25
Keyfobbattery replacement ........................................ 8-25
Lights ...................................................................................... 8-27
Headlights ....................................................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 8-31
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-31
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-36
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-37
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody:
The underbody is frequently exposed to corro-
sive substances such as those used on icy roads
or to control dust. It is very important to remove
these substances, otherwise rust will form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the under-
body should be thoroughly flushed with plain
water, being careful to clean those areas where
mud and dirt may accumulate. For additional
information, see “Cleaning exterior” in the “7.
Appearance and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to the P
(Park) position.
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any replacement or repair.
If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
belts and any other moving parts.
It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable be-
fore working near the fan.
On gasoline engine models with theMAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
Do not work under the engine hood
while it is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
Never connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion key is on.
Never leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.
Avoid direct contact with used engine
oil and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This section gives instructions regarding only
those items which are relatively easy for an
owner to perform. More involved service should
be done by your NISSAN dealer.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating difficul-
ties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage.If in doubt about any
servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.8-6
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
1. Perform the following procedure to open the
heater water cock.
Turn the ignition key from OFF to ON.
Move the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position then turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Open the radiator drain plugs and radiator
cap.
Open the drain plugs on the engine block.
SDI1109SDI1118
SDI1110SDI1189
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying oil adhesion or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN
dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-tion and tension.
SDI1480
SDI1119
DRIVE BELTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-19
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brake checked by your NISSAN dealer.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are OFF.2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse.
6. If a new fuse opens again, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by your
NISSAN dealer.
Fusible linksIf any electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace only with genuine NISSAN parts.
SDI0395
FUSES
8-24
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
PASSENGER COMPARTMENTIf any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Pull to open the fuse box cover/coin tray.
3. Pull down the fuse box cover/coin tray to
remove it.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse.
6. If a new fuse opens again, have the electricalsystem checked and repaired by your
NISSAN dealer.
KEYFOB BATTERY REPLACEMENTReplace the battery as follows:
1. Open the lid using a suitable tool.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.
SDI1169
SPA1374
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-25
04.3.9/R50-D/V5