Check the fluid level in the reservoir tank.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range (
1: HOT MAX.,
2: HOT MIN.) at fluid
temperatures of 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F) or
using the COLD range (3: COLD MAX.,
4:
COLD MIN.) at fluid temperatures of 0 to 30°C
(32 to 86°F).
CAUTION
Do not overfill.
Use NISSAN Automatic TransmissionFluid (ATF), DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TM
or equivalent ATF.
For additional fluid specification information, re-
fer to “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section.
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
vehicle’s stopping ability.
SDI1765A
SDI1307A
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID8-14
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, wash with water.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
1or the brake warning light
comes on (for the brake fluid), add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalentDOT 3fluid up to the MAX line
2.If
fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
The low washer fluid warning light comes on
when the washer tank fluid is at a low level. To
check the fluid level, use your finger to plug the
center hole
1
of the cap/tube assembly (as
shown above), then remove it from the tank. If
there is no fluid in the tube, add fluid. Add a
washer solvent to the water for better cleaning.
In the winter season, add a windshield washer
antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the mixture ratio.
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
SDI0603A
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-15
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
Keep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a solu-
tion of baking soda and water.
Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the (—) negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharging it.
WARNING
Do not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact 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.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and leadcompounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
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.
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
2
lines.
If the side of the battery is not visible, the
electrolyte level can be checked through each
filler opening as illustrated.
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.
DI0137MA
BATTERY8-16
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
2. Add distilled water up to the UPPER LEVEL
1.
3. Tighten cell plugs
A.
JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section. If the
engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact a
NISSAN dealer.1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Water pump
3. Alternator
4. Crankshaft pulley
5. Air conditioner compressor
6. Drive belt auto-tensioner
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotateunexpectedly.
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 a NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension.
SDI1480
SDI1632
DRIVE BELTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-17
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-tippedAspark plugs as frequently as the conventional
type spark plugs since they will last much longer.
Follow the maintenance schedule, but do not
reuse them by cleaning or regapping.
Always replace with recommended
platinum-tipped spark plugs.The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
log shown in the separate Service and Mainte-
nance Guide. When replacing the filter, wipe the
inside of the air cleaner housing and the cover
with a damp cloth.
WARNING
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame
SDI0145C
SDI1637
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER8-18
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
CHECKING PARKING BRAKEFrom the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up
Aslowly and firmly. If the number
of clicks is out of the range listed below, see a
NISSAN dealer.
Pulling force:
196 N (20 kg, 44 lb)
Range:
6 to 7 clicks
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
A
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range listed below,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Depressing force:
490 N (50 kg, 110 lb)
Range:
85 mm (3.35 in) or more (AT model)
80 mm (3.15 in) or more (MT model)
Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have au-
dible wear indicators. When a brake pad re-
quires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle
is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the wear indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
SDI1447B
DI1020MR
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-21
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire inflation pressureCheck the tire pressures (including the
spare) often and always prior to long
distance trips. The recommended tire
pressure specifications are shown on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label or the Tire
and Loading Information label (if so
equipped) under the “Cold Tire Pres-
sure” heading. The Tire and Loading In-
formation label is affixed to the driver side
center pillar. Tire pressures should be
checked regularly because:
Most tires naturally lose air over time.
Tires can lose air suddenly when
driven over potholes or other objects
or if the vehicle strikes a curbwhile
parking.
The tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold. The tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle has
been parked for 3 or more hours, or
driven less than 1.6 km (1 mile) at mod-
erate speeds.Incorrect tire pressure, including un-
der inflation, may adversely affect
tire life and vehicle handling.
WARNING
Improperly inflated tires can fail
suddenly and cause an acci-
dent.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing (GVWR) is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label. The
vehicle weight capacity is indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading
Information label (if so
equipped). Do not load your ve-
hicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may
result in reduced tire life, un-
safe operating conditions due
to premature tire failure, or un-
favorable handling characteris-
tics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading be-yond the specified capacity may
also result in failure of other
vehicle components.
Before taking a long trip, or
whenever you heavily load your
vehicle, use a tire pressure
gauge to ensure that the tire
pressures are at the specified
level.
Do not drive your vehicle over
137 km/h (85 MPH) unless it is
equipped with high speed rated
tires. Driving faster than 137
km/h (85 MPH) may result in
tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury.
For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Tire
Safety Information” in the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
WHEELS AND TIRES8-34
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the
outward facing sidewall of an asymmetri-
cal tire that has a particular side that must
always face outward when mounted on a
vehicle.TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same
type (for example, Summer, All Sea-
son or Snow) and construction. A
NISSAN dealer may be able to help
you with information about tire type,
size, speed rating and availability.
Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” in the Warranty InformationBooklet.
All season tiresNISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use all
year, including snowy and icy road conditions.
All Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have
better snow traction than All Season tires and
may be more appropriate in some areas.Summer tiresNISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating “M&S” on the tire
sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.Snow tiresIf snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it canadversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
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 studded snow
tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
Four-wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted
or radial), and tread pattern on all
four wheels. Failure to do so may
result in a circumference difference
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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