
1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-11)
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(*1) (P.8-13)
4. Brake and clutch (*2) fluid reservoir
(P.8-14)
5. Air cleaner (P.8-18)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-15)
7. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-8)
8. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-10)
9. Radiator cap (P.8-9)
10. Fuse/Fusible link holder (P.8-22)
11. Battery (P.8-16)
*1: For Automatic Transmission (AT) model
*2: For Manual Transmission (MT) model
SDI1947
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS0-8
Illustrated table of contents
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0

Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is ap-
plied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake and clutch fluid” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
WARNING
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could bedangerous.
Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
greater pedal travel.
If the brake fluid level is below the
MINmark on the brake fluid reser-
voir, do not drive until the brake sys-
tem has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Avoid high speed driving and abrupt
braking.
Anti-lock brake system warning light:
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the anti-lock brake warning
light illuminate, it may indicate the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked by a NISSAN dealer. See
“Anti-lock brake warning light” earlier in this
section.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate that the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are
not closed securely while the ignition key is ON.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light blinks or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
2-8
Instruments and controls
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0

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

1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(Automatic Transmission (AT) model)
4. Brake and clutch (Manual Transmission (MT)
model) fluid reservoir
5. Air cleaner
6. Window washer fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Radiator cap
10. Fuse/Fusible link holder
11. Battery
SDI1947
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0

4. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature. Then
race the engine 2 or 3 times under no load.
Watch the engine coolant temperature
gauge for signs of overheating.
5. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler open-
ing. Fill the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
Check the drain valve for any sign of leakage.
6. Recheck the coolant level after the vehicle
has been driven for a day.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Rein-
sert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H and L marks
1. If the oil level is below the L mark
2,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening.Do not
overfill
3.
When filling the engine oil, do not remove the
dipstick.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of
oil can damage the engine, and such
damage is not covered by warranty.
SDI1597
ENGINE OIL
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0

CHANGING ENGINE OILChange the engine oil and filter according to the
maintenance log shown in the Service and Main-
tenance Guide.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn the engine off andwait more than 10
minutes.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
1.5. Remove the oil filler cap
2.
6. Remove the drain plug
1with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See later in this section
for changing engine oil filter.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
7. Clean and re-install the drain plug
1
with a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
29 to 39 N⋅m (3.0 to 4.0 kg-m, 22 to 29
ft-lb)
Do not use excessive force.
8. Refill engine with recommended oil and in-
stall the cap securely.
CAUTION
Never pull out the oil level gauge while
filling engine oil.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section for drain and refill
capacity. The drain and refill capacity de-
pends on the oil temperature and drain time.
Use these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine the
proper amount of oil in the engine.
9. Start the engine.
Check for leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
10. Turn the engine off andwait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dip-
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.
11. Dispose of waste oil properly.
WARNING
Prolonged and repeated contact with
SDI1318B
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0