MA-6
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Revision: November 20092006 QX56
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically (e.g. each time you check the engine oil or refuel).Brakes
Check that the brake does 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. Keep the floor
mats away from the pedal. ACC-5, "
ADJUSTABLE
ACCELERATOR
PEDAL",
BR-17, "On-
Vehicle Service"
Parking brake Check that the parking brake control 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. PB-9, "Parking Brake
Control"
Automatic transmis-
sion “Park” mecha-
nismOn a fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P position without applying the brakes.
—
Item
Reference page
Item Reference page
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
reservoirs MA-28
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 belt Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily. MA-13
Engine oil levelCheck the level on the dipstick after parking the vehicle on a level spot and turn-
ing off the engine. —
Power steering fluid
level and lines Check the level on the reservoir with the engine off. Check the lines for improper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
MA-29
Automatic transmis-
sion fluid levelCheck the level on the dipstick after putting the selector lever in
“P ” with the
engine idling. MA-22
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. MA-22
Underbody
The 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, otherwise 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
can easily accumulate. —
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 gasoline fumes are evident, check for
the cause and correct it immediately. —
MA-14
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Revision: November 20092006 QX56
3. Open the radiator drain plug at the bottom of the radiator, and
remove the radiator filler cap. This is the only step required
when partially draining the cooling system (radiator only).
CAUTION:
Do not to allow the coolant to contact the drive belts.
4. When draining all of the coolant in the system for engine removal or repair, it is necessary to drain the cylinder block.
Remove the RH cylinder block drain plug to drain the right bank
and the oil cooler hose to drain the left bank as shown.
5. Remove the reservoir tank to drain the engine coolant, then clean the reservoir tank before installing it.
6. Check the drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration. If the coolant is contaminated, flush the engine cooling system. Refer to MA-15, "
FLUSHING COOLING
SYSTEM" .
REFILLING ENGINE COOLANT
1. Close the radiator drain plug. Install the reservoir tank, cylinder block drain plug, and the oil cooler hose, ifremoved for a total system drain or for engine removal or repair.
The radiator must be completely empty of coolant and water.
Apply sealant to the threads of the cylinder block drain plug. Use Genuine High Performance Thread
Sealant or equivalent. Refer to GI-46, "
Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants" .
2. Set the vehicle heater controls to the full HOT and heater ON position. Turn the vehicle ignition ON with the engine OFF as necessary to activate the heater mode.
3. Remove the vented reservoir cap and replace it with a non-vented reservoir cap before filling the cooling system.
WBIA0391E
PBIC0146E
WBIA0392E
Radiator drain plug : Refer to CO-14, "RADIATOR" .
RH cylinder block drain plug : Refer to EM-78, "
CYLINDER BLOCK" .
ENGINE MAINTENANCEMA-15
C
DE
F
G H
I
J
K
M A
B
MA
Revision: November 2009 2006 QX56
4. Install the Tool by installing the radiator cap adapter onto the
radiator neck opening. Then attach the gauge body assembly
with the refill tube and the venturi assembly to the radiator cap
adapter.
5. Insert the refill hose into the coolant mixture container that is placed at floor level. Make sure the ball valve is in the closed
position.
Use Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-freeze coolant or equiv-
alent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water or demineralized water.
Refer to MA-12, "
ANTI-FREEZE COOLANT MIXTURE
RATIO" .
6. Install an air hose to the venturi assembly, the air pressure must be within specification.
CAUTION:
The compressed air supply must be equipped with an air
dryer.
7. The vacuum gauge will begin to rise and there will be an audible hissing noise. During this process open the ball valve on the refill hose slightly. Coolant will be visible rising in the refill hose. Once the refill hose is
full of coolant, close the ball valve. This will purge any air trapped in the refill hose.
8. Continue to draw the vacuum until the gauge reaches 28 inches of vacuum. The gauge may not reach 28 inches in high altitude
locations, refer to the vacuum specifications based on the alti-
tude above sea level.
9. When the vacuum gauge has reached the specified amount, disconnect the air hose and wait 20 seconds to see if the system loses any vacuum. If the vacuum level drops, perform any necessary repairs to the
system and repeat steps 6 - 8 to bring the vacuum to the specified amount. Recheck for any leaks.
10. Place the coolant container (with the refill hose inserted) at the same level as the top of the radiator. Then open the ball valve on the refill hose so the coolant will be drawn up to fill the cooling system. The cooling
system is full when the vacuum gauge reads zero.
CAUTION:
Do not allow the coolant container to get too low when filling, to avoid air from being drawn into
the cooling system.
11. Remove the Tool from the radiator neck opening and install the radiator cap.
12. Remove the non-vented reservoir cap.
13. Fill the cooling system reservoir tank to the specified level. Run the engine to warm up the cooling system and top up the system as necessary before installing the vented reservoir cap.
FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM
1. Drain the water from the engine cooling system. Refer to MA-13, "DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT" .
2. Fill the radiator and the reservoir tank (to the “MAX” line), with water. Reinstall the radiator cap and leave
the vented reservoir cap off. Tool number : KV991J0070 (J-45695)
Cooling system capacity
(with reservoir)
: Refer to
MA-11, "
Fluids
and Lubricants" .
Compressed air
supply pressure : 5.7 - 8.5 kPa (5.6 - 8.4 kg/cm
2 ,
80 - 120 psi)
LLIA0058E
Altitude above sea level Vacuum gauge reading
0 - 100 m (328 ft) : 28 inches of vacuum
300 m (984 ft) : 27 inches of vacuum
500 m (1,641 ft) : 26 inches of vacuum
1,000 m (3,281 ft) : 24 - 25 inches of vacuum
LLIA0057E
MA-16
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Revision: November 20092006 QX56
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Press the engine accelerator two or three times under no-load.
5. Stop the engine and wait until it cools down.
6. Drain the water from the engine cooling system. Refer to MA-13, "
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT" .
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 until clear water begins to drain from the radiator.
Checking Fuel LinesELS001PI
Inspect the fuel lines and fuel tank for improper mounting, leaks,
cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing, or deterioration.
As necessary, repair or replace any faulty parts.
Changing Fuel FilterELS001PJ
The fuel filter is part of the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter and fuel pump assembly. Refer to FL-6, "FUEL
LEVEL SENSOR UNIT, FUEL FILTER AND FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY" .
WARNING:
Before replacing the fuel filter, release the fuel pressure from the fuel system. Refer to EC-80, "
FUEL
PRESSURE RELEASE" .
Changing Engine Air Cleaner FilterELS001PK
VISCOUS PAPER TYPE
NOTE:
The viscous paper type filter does not need cleaning between replacement intervals.
Replace the air filter as necessary for required maintenance.
1. Remove the air duct and resonator assembly.
2. Disconnect the harness connector, then remove the air cleaner case (upper).
3. Remove the air cleaner filter from the air cleaner case (lower).
4. Install the new air cleaner filter in the air cleaner case (lower).
SMA803A
1. Air cleaner case (upper) 2. Air cleaner filter3. Air cleaner case (lower)
4. Air duct and resonator assembly
WBIA0465E
MA-24
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Revision: November 20092006 QX56
If the ATF contains frictional material (clutches, bands, etc.), replace the radiator and flush the transmis-
sion cooler lines using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repairing the transmission.
9. Install the ATF level gauge in the ATF charging pipe and install the level gauge bolt.
10. Tighten the level gauge bolt to specification.
Changing Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)ELS001PR
1. Drive the vehicle to warm up the ATF to 80 ° C (176 ° F).
2. Stop the engine.
3. Remove the ATF level gauge bolt.
4. Drain the ATF from the drain plug hole and then install the drain plug with a new gasket. Refill the transmission with new ATF.
Always refill with the same volume as the drained ATF. Use the
ATF level gauge to check the ATF level as shown. Add ATF as
necessary.
To flush out the old ATF from the coolers, pour new ATF into the charging pipe with the engine idling
and at the same time drain the old ATF from the auxiliary transmission oil cooler hose return line.
When the color of the ATF coming out of the auxiliary transmission oil cooler hose return line is about
the same as the color of the new ATF, flushing out the old ATF is complete. The amount of new trans-
mission ATF used for flushing should be 30% to 50% of the specified capacity.
CAUTION:
Use only the specified ATF. Do not mix with other fluids.
Using an ATF other than the specified ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic
transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by
the warranty.
When filling the transmission with ATF, do not spill the ATF on any heat generating parts such
as the exhaust manifold.
Do not reuse the drain plug gasket.
5. Install the ATF level gauge in the ATF charging pipe and tighten the level gauge bolt to specification.
6. Drive the vehicle to warm up the ATF to 80 ° C (176 ° F).
7. Check the ATF level and condition. Refer to MA-22, "
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)" . If
the ATF is still dirty, repeat steps 2 through 5.
Changing Transfer FluidELS001H0
DRAINING
1. Stop the engine. Level gauge bolt: : Refer to
AT- 2 5 0 , "
Components" .
Drain plug : Refer to AT- 2 5 0 , "
Components" .
WLIA0014E
ATF type and capacity : Refer to MA-11, "Fluids and Lubricants" .
Drain plug : Refer to AT- 2 5 0 , "
Components" .
Level gauge bolt : Refer to AT- 2 5 0 , "
Components" .
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSESRF-7
C
DE
F
G H
J
K L
M A
B
RF
Revision: November 2009 2006 QX56
TRUNK
Trunk noises are often caused by a loose jack or loose items put into the trunk by the owner.
In addition look for:
1. Trunk lid bumpers out of adjustment
2. Trunk lid striker out of adjustment
3. The trunk lid torsion bars knocking together
4. A loose license plate or bracket
Most of these incidents can be repaired by adjusting, securing or insulating the item(s) or component(s) caus-
ing the noise.
SUNROOF/HEADLINING
Noises in the sunroof/headlining area can often be traced to one of the following:
1. Sunroof lid, rail, linkage or seals making a rattle or light knocking noise
2. Sun visor shaft shaking in the holder
3. Front or rear windshield touching headliner and squeaking
Again, pressing on the components to stop the noise while duplicating the conditions can isolate most of these
incidents. Repairs usually consist of insulating with felt cloth tape.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (FRONT AND REAR)
Overhead console noises are often caused by the console panel clips not being engaged correctly. Most of
these incidents are repaired by pushing up on the console at the clip locations until the clips engage.
In addition look for:
1. Loose harness or harness connectors.
2. Front console map/reading lamp lens loose.
3. Loose screws at console attachment points.
SEATS
When isolating seat noise it's important to note the position the seat is in and the load placed on the seat when
the noise is present. These conditions should be duplicated when verifying and isolating the cause of the
noise.
Cause of seat noise include:
1. Headrest rods and holder
2. A squeak between the seat pad cushion and frame
3. The rear seatback lock and bracket
These noises can be isolated by moving or pressing on the suspected components while duplicating the con-
ditions under which the noise occurs. Most of these incidents can be repaired by repositioning the component
or applying urethane tape to the contact area.
UNDERHOOD
Some interior noise may be caused by components under the hood or on the engine wall. The noise is then
transmitted into the passenger compartment.
Causes of transmitted underhood noise include:
1. Any component installed to the engine wall
2. Components that pass through the engine wall
3. Engine wall mounts and connectors
4. Loose radiator installation pins
5. Hood bumpers out of adjustment
6. Hood striker out of adjustment
These noises can be difficult to isolate since they cannot be reached from the interior of the vehicle. The best
method is to secure, move or insulate one component at a time and test drive the vehicle. Also, engine RPM
or load can be changed to isolate the noise. Repairs can usually be made by moving, adjusting, securing, or
insulating the component causing the noise.
SE-8
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
Revision: November 20092006 QX56
TRUNK
Trunk noises are often caused by a loose jack or loose items put into the trunk by the owner.
In addition look for:
1. Trunk lid bumpers out of adjustment
2. Trunk lid striker out of adjustment
3. The trunk lid torsion bars knocking together
4. A loose license plate or bracket
Most of these incidents can be repaired by adjusting, securing or insulating the item(s) or component(s) caus-
ing the noise.
SUNROOF/HEADLINING
Noises in the sunroof/headlining area can often be traced to one of the following:
1. Sunroof lid, rail, linkage or seals making a rattle or light knocking noise
2. Sun visor shaft shaking in the holder
3. Front or rear windshield touching headliner and squeaking
Again, pressing on the components to stop the noise while duplicating the conditions can isolate most of these
incidents. Repairs usually consist of insulating with felt cloth tape.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (FRONT AND REAR)
Overhead console noises are often caused by the console panel clips not being engaged correctly. Most of
these incidents are repaired by pushing up on the console at the clip locations until the clips engage.
In addition look for:
1. Loose harness or harness connectors.
2. Front console map/reading lamp lense loose.
3. Loose screws at console attachment points.
SEATS
When isolating seat noise it's important to note the position the seat is in and the load placed on the seat when
the noise is present. These conditions should be duplicated when verifying and isolating the cause of the
noise.
Cause of seat noise include:
1. Headrest rods and holder
2. A squeak between the seat pad cushion and frame
3. The rear seatback lock and bracket
These noises can be isolated by moving or pressing on the suspected components while duplicating the con-
ditions under which the noise occurs. Most of these incidents can be repaired by repositioning the component
or applying urethane tape to the contact area.
UNDERHOOD
Some interior noise may be caused by components under the hood or on the engine wall. The noise is then
transmitted into the passenger compartment.
Causes of transmitted underhood noise include:
1. Any component mounted to the engine wall
2. Components that pass through the engine wall
3. Engine wall mounts and connectors
4. Loose radiator mounting pins
5. Hood bumpers out of adjustment
6. Hood striker out of adjustment
These noises can be difficult to isolate since they cannot be reached from the interior of the vehicle. The best
method is to secure, move or insulate one component at a time and test drive the vehicle. Also, engine RPM
or load can be changed to isolate the noise. Repairs can usually be made by moving, adjusting, securing, or
insulating the component causing the noise.