the locks hold securely in all latched positions.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering conditions,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or
strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure that all warning lights and chimes are
operating properly.
Windshield defroster:
Check that the air comes out of the defroster
outlets properly and in good quantity when
operating the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate
properly and that the wipers do not streak.Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the upper level and lower level lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.Brake and clutch fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is
between the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked
or oily.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level on the dipstick after parking the
vehicle on a level spot and turning off the engine.
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. (See “Precau-
tions when starting and driving” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section for exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide).)
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 if gasoline fumes are evident,check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level in the reservoir tank with the
engine off. Check the lines for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the radiator and clean off any
dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have accumu-
lated. Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, deterioration 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.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter
3
with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself, as theengine oil may be hot.
4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten additionally more than 2/3
turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
15 to 20 N⋅m (1.6 to 2.0 kg-m, 11 to 15
ft-lb)
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several minutes.
Check the oil level. Add engine oil if neces-
sary.
SDI1318B
8-12
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
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
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 switch and headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fusible link cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by a 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.
SDI1928
SDI1753
Type A
SDI1754
Type B
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-23
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
E-85 fuelE-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, or-
ange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel in-
jector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve de-
posit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain active
solvent or similar ingredients that can be harmful
to the fuel system and engine.Octane rating tipsUsing unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knockwhile holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.9-4
Technical and consumer information
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tipsBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down con-
dition; check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle
tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer
wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer
to the vehicle.
Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and back
up slowly. If possible, have someone guide
you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic
transmission, first block the wheels and apply
the parking brake, and then move the selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the selector lever to the P (Park) position
before blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.
When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
9-20
Technical and consumer information
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-25
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-47
Air bag warning light ....................................... 1-47, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service....................................... 4-14
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-14, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ......... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)................. 4-8
In-cabin microfilter .................................. 4-11, 4-13
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-4
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-28
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-17
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-25
Anti-lock brake warning light .................................... 2-7
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Armrest......................................................................... 1-10
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-12
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-14
Audio system .............................................................. 4-14
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD) ....................... 4-22Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-6, 5-10
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-3
B
Back door ...................................................................... 3-7
Battery .......................................................................... 8-16
Battery replacement
Remote keyless entry system .......................... 8-24
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Booster seats ............................................................ 1-32
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-25
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-14
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-24
Parking brake check............................... 5-15, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Warning light .......................................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-18
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-19
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-7
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-26C
Cabin air filter ................................................. 4-11, 4-13
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-33
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-33
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-21
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-32
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-20
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-21
Installation on rear center or outboard
positions ................................................................ 1-35
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-20
Top tether strap anchor point locations ....... 1-28
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-28
Child safety ................................................................. 1-14
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Chimes
Audible reminders............................................... 2-12
Seat belt warning light and chime .................... 2-9
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-24
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-14
C.M.V.S.S. certification label .................................. 9-10
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-28
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-22
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0