
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If the
lock becomes frozen, heat the key before insert-
ing it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see “Engine Cooling
System” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section for changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Consult a NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some provinces
and states prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of stud-
ded snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces,
may be poorer than that of non-studded
snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used.
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables cannot be installed
on 265/35R19 size tires. Installation of
the tire chains/cables on 265/35R19size tires will cause damage to the ve-
hicle. If you plan to use tire
chains/cables, you should install
245/45R18 size tires on your vehicle.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
Class S chains.Class “S” chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component required
to accommodate the use of a winter traction
device (tire chains or cables). The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory
equipped tire size. Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure
a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must
be secured or removed to prevent the possibility
of whipping action damage to the fenders or
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive
at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
5-25
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0

Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with longer
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your
NISSAN’s good mechanical condition, as well
as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
Scheduled maintenance:
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide”. You must refer to that
guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is
performed on your NISSAN at regular intervals.
General maintenance:
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-to-
day operation. They are essential for proper
vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, a
NISSAN dealer.
Where to go for service:
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and tuned by a NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership training programs. They
are completely qualified to work on NISSAN
vehiclesbeforethey work on your vehicle,
rather than after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer’s
service department performs the best job to
meet the maintenance requirements of your ve-
hicle — in a reliable and economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smells, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that
repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the “Maintenance precau-
tions” later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well as
the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure that
all latches lock securely. Lubricate 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
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE8-2
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0

3. Close and lock all the doors using the
key or keyfob.
4. Disconnect the negative (−) battery ter-
minal.
5. Securely close the hood.
To connect the negative (−) battery termi-
nal, perform the procedure in the following
order. Otherwise, the window and the side
roof panel/top side rail may contact and be
damaged.
1. Unlock (using the key) and open the
driver side door. Do not close the door.
2. Open the hood.
3. Connect the negative (−) battery termi-
nal. Then close the hood.
4. Fully open the driver side door window.
5. Close the driver side door and the win-
dow.
WARNING
Do not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas,
generated by battery fluid, is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid tocontact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.
Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the battery is low. Low battery fluid
can cause a higher load on the bat-
tery which can generate heat, reduce
battery life, and in some cases lead
to an explosion.
When working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the UPPER LEVEL
1
and LOWER
LEVEL
2lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
1. Remove the cell plugs
A.
2. Add distilled water up to the UPPER LEVEL
line
1.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
DI0137MA
8-16
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0

Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-13
Coat hook.................................................................... 2-39
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-25
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-26
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-21
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-39
Console box................................................................ 2-36
Control panel buttons (models with navigation
system) ........................................................................... 4-2
Controls
Control panel buttons (display with
navigation system) ................................................ 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .............................................................. 4-9
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-29
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-6
Cruise control............................................................. 5-16
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-35
Curtain side-impact air bag system (See
supplemental side air bag and curtain air bag
system) ......................................................................... 1-37
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-26
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............................................. 2-24
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-9Display controls (See control panel buttons),
With navigation system .............................................. 4-2
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-13
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-25
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-6, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-18
Elapsed time ............................................................... 2-10
Emission control information label ........................ 9-11
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Break-in schedule............................................... 5-18
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-6
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-26
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-8If your vehicle overheats ...................................... 6-9
Oil pressure gauge ............................................... 2-7
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-18
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-27
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Flat tire, Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) .......................................................................... 5-3
Flat towing .................................................................. 9-22
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-14
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ............................................................................ 4-19
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
changer ........................................................................ 4-23
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-3
Front power seat adjustment........................... 1-4, 1-5
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0
10-2

Trunk light ............................................................. 2-43
Vanity mirror light ................................................ 2-42
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .................................................. 2-12, 2-16
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-24
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ... 8-28
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................................. 9-14
Lock
Door locks ............................................................... 3-3
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Rear floor box ...................................................... 2-36
Top latch lever ..................................................... 3-16
Trunk lid lock........................................................ 3-10
Low tire pressure warning light ............................. 2-14
Luggage compartment light.................................... 2-42
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-15
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance information (display) .................... 4-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-17
Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-16
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-27Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-26
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-26
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-27
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-27
N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-34
Net, Ventilated net seats ........................................... 1-6
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ................... 2-19
Engine start............................................................. 5-8
O
Obtaining an air bag ON/OFF switch ................. 1-13
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil pressure gauge .................................. 2-7
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Opening the soft top ................................................ 3-13
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-27
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-27
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-26P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake break-in ...................................... 5-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-15
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-19
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-30
Power
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Power front seat adjustment ..................... 1-4, 1-5
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-32
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-20
Power windows................................................... 2-39
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-39
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-13
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-20
Child restraints .................................................... 1-17
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-16
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-30
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0
10-4

Supplemental restraint system............................... 1-30
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.................................................................... 1-30
Supplemental side and curtain air bag
system .......................................................................... 1-37
Switch
Audio control steering wheel switch ............. 4-29
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-27
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-25
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-6
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models ............................................................ 5-6, 5-9
Ignition switch manual transmission
models .......................................................... 5-7, 5-13
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................................................................... 2-24
Traction control system (TCS) off switch .... 2-30
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-27
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-29
T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-5
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................................................... 2-6
Theft (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start................................................................. 2-20
Three way catalyst ....................................................... 5-3
Tilting passenger’s seat ............................................. 1-7
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-25
Tire
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Pressure indicator............................................... 2-10Pressure, Low tire pressure warning light ... 2-14
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ....... 5-3
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-23
Tires
Spare tire .............................................................. 8-39
Tire and loading information label ...... 8-32, 9-12
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-37
Tire dressing ........................................................... 7-4
Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-30
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-37
Types of tires ....................................................... 8-36
Wheel/tire size ....................................................... 9-9
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-30
Top
If the top does not open or close ................. 3-19
Soft top operation .............................................. 3-13
Top latch lever ..................................................... 3-16
Top tether strap child restraint........................ 1-25
Towing
Flat towing ............................................................ 9-22
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-10
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-18
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-18
Towing safety....................................................... 9-19
TPMS, Tire pressure monitoring system................ 5-3
Traction control system (TCS)............................... 5-22
Traction control system (TCS) off switch ........... 2-30
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-18
Transceiver, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-43
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-6, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-13Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ......................................................................... 9-10
Trip computer ............................................................... 2-8
Trunk
Trunk lid................................................................. 3-10
Trunk light ............................................................. 2-43
Interior trunk lid release .................................... 3-11
Secondary trunk lid release ............................. 3-12
Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-27
U
Underbody cleaning .................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 9-23
Up-shift indicator (M/T models) ............................ 5-14
Up-shift indicator setting (rpm) (M/T models) ... 2-11
V
Vanity mirror light ...................................................... 2-42
Vehicle
Dimensions and weights ..................................... 9-9
Identification number (VIN)............................... 9-10
Loading information............................................ 9-14
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ................. 6-12
Security system ................................................... 2-19
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-29
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system ........ 5-23
Ventilated net seats..................................................... 1-6
Ventilators ...................................................................... 4-8
Volt meter ...................................................................... 2-8
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0
10-6

W
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .............. 1-40
Warning light
Air bag warning light .............................. 1-41, 2-15
Anti-lock brake warning light ........................... 2-12
Brake warning light ............................................ 2-13
Door open warning light ................................... 2-13
Low tire pressure warning light ...................... 2-14
Warning lights ............................................................ 2-12
Warning, Hazard warning flasher switch ............ 2-27
Warning, Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) .......................................................................... 5-3
Warning, Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ..................................................................... 2-12
Warranty, Emission control system warranty ..... 9-24
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer switch........ 2-23
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-22
Washing ......................................................................... 7-2
Waxing............................................................................ 7-3
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ............... 9-9
Wheel/tire size.............................................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires ....................................................... 8-30
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels ....................... 7-4
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-14
Window(s)
Automatic adjusting function ........................... 2-41
Cleaning................................................................... 7-3
Power windows................................................... 2-39
Windshield wiper and washer switch .................. 2-22Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer switch........ 2-23
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-22
Wiper blades ....................................................... 8-19
X
Xenon headlights....................................................... 2-24
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0
10-7

1. Engine oil (P.8-10)
2. Brake fluid (P.8-13)
3. Meters and gauges (P.2-3)
4. Fuel-filler door release (P.3-23)
5. Hood release (P.3-8)
6. Seat belt (P.1-10)
7. Door lock/key (P.3-2)
8. Rear hatch release (Coupe) (P.3-9) or Trunk
lid release (Roadster) (P.3-10)
9. Engine coolant (P.8-8)
10. Window washer fluid (P.8-14)
11. Power steering fluid (P.8-13)
12. Battery (P.8-15)
13. Audio system (P.4-12)/
Heater and air conditioner (P.4-9)
14. Soft top (Roadster models) (P.3-13)
15. Fuel (P.3-23, P.9-3)
16. Spare tire (P.6-3, P.8-39)
STI0364
QUICK REFERENCE
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0