GENERAL MAINTENANCE
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Revision: 2007 April2007 M35/M45
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
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).ItemReference page
Warning lamps and
chimesMake sure that all warning lamps and chimes are operating properly. —
Windshield wiper and
washerCheck that the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do not
streak.—
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient
quantity when operating the heater or air conditioner.—
Steering wheelCheck that it has the specified play. Be sure to check for changes in the steer-
ing condition, such as excessive play, hard steering or strange noises.
Free play: Less than 35 mm (1.38 in)—
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
make sure they operate smoothly and that all latches lock securely in every
position. Check that the head restrains move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if equipped) hold securely in all latched positions. Check that the
latches lock securely for folding-down rear seatbacks.—
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.MA-39
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth operation and make sure the pedal does not catch
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.—
BrakesCheck that the brake does not pull the vehicle to one side when applied. —
Brake pedal and
boosterCheck the pedal for smooth operation and make sure it has the proper dis-
tance under it when depressed fully. Check the brake booster function. Be
sure to keep the floor mats away from the pedal.BR-6
, BR-17
Parking brakeCheck that the pedal 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-3
Automatic transmis-
sion “Park” mecha-
nismCheck that the lock release button on the selector lever operates properly and
smoothly. On a fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely with the
selector lever in the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.—
ItemReference page
Windshield washer
fluidCheck that there is adequate fluid in the tank. —
Engine coolant levelCheck the coolant level when the engine is cold.MA-15
, MA-22
Radiator and hosesCheck 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 levelMake sure that the brake fluid level is between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on
the reservoir.MA-35
BatteryCheck 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.SC-4
Engine drive beltsMake sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.MA-14, MA-22
Engine oil levelCheck the level on the oil level gauge after parking the vehicle on a level spot
and turning off the engine.MA-18, MA-25
Power steering fluid
level and linesCheck the level on the dipstick with the engine off. Check the lines for improper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.MA-37
Exhaust systemMake 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-29
MA-6
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Revision: 2007 April2007 M35/M45
UnderbodyThe 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 leaksCheck 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.— ItemReference page
MA-14
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
Revision: 2007 April2007 M35/M45
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)PFP:10001
Checking Drive BeltsNLS0009Y
WARNING:
Be sure to perform when engine is stopped.
1. Inspect belts for cracks, fraying, wear and oil. If necessary, replace.
2. Inspect drive belt deflection or tension at a point on belt midway
between pulleys.
Inspection should be done only when engine is cold, or over
30 minutes after engine is stopped.
Measure the belt tension with belt tension gauge (Commercial
service tool: BT3373-F or equivalent) at points marked
shown in the figure.
When measuring the deflection, apply 98 N (10 kg, 22 lb) at
the marked point.
Adjust if the belt deflection exceeds the limit or if the belt ten-
sion is not within specifications.
CAUTION:
When checking the belt deflection or the tension immediately after installation, first adjust it to
the specified value. Then, after turning crankshaft two turns or more, re-adjust to the specified
value to avoid variation in deflection between pulleys.
Tighten idler pulley lock nut by hand and measure the deflection or the tension without loose-
ness.
Belt Deflection and Tension
*: If belt tension gauge cannot be installed at check points shown, check drive belt tension at different location on belt.
Tension AdjustmentNLS0009Z
1 : Power steering oil pump
2 : Alternator
3: Idler pulley 2
4 : Crankshaft pulley
5: Idler pulley 3
6 : A/C compressor
7: Idler pulley 1
A : With idler pulley 1
B : Without idler pulley 1
PBIC5329E
ItemsDeflection adjustment Unit: mm (in) Tension adjustment* Unit: N (kg, lb)
Used belt
New beltUsed belt
New belt
Limit After adjustment Limit After adjustment
Alternator and
power steering
oil pump beltWith idler pulley 1 7 (0.28)4 - 5
(0.16 - 0.20)3.5 - 4.5
(0.138 - 0.177)
294 (30, 66)730 - 818
(74.5 - 83.4,
164 - 184)838 - 926
(85.5 - 94.5,
188 - 208) Without idler pul-
ley 112 (0.47)7 - 8
(0.28 - 0.31)6 - 7
(0.24 - 0.28)
A/C compressor belt 12 (0.47)9 - 10
(0.35 - 0.39)8 - 9
(0.31 - 0.35)196 (20, 44)348 - 436
(35.5 - 44.5,
78 - 98)470 - 559
(48 - 57,
106 - 126)
Applied pushing force 98 N (10 kg, 22 lb) —
PortionBelt tightening method for adjustment
Alternator and power steering oil pump belt Adjusting bolt on idler pulley
A/C compressor belt Adjusting bolt on idler pulley
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
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CAUTION:
When belt is replaced with a new one, adjust it to value for “New belt” to accommodate for insuffi-
cient adaptability with pulley grooves.
When deflection or tension of belt being used exceeds “Limit”, adjust it to value for “After adjust-
ment”.
When checking belt deflection or tension immediately after installation, first adjust it to the speci-
fied value. Then, after turning crankshaft two turns or more, re-adjust to the specified value to
avoid variation in deflection between pulleys.
When installing belt, make sure that it is correctly engaged with pulley grooves.
Keep engine oil, working fluid and engine coolant away from belt and pulley grooves.
Do not twist or bend belt excessively.
ALTERNATOR AND POWER STEERING OIL PUMP BELT
1. Remove front engine undercover with power tool.
2. Loosen idler pulley lock nut (A) and adjust tension by turning
adjusting bolt (B).
For the specified belt tension, refer to MA-14, "Checking Drive
Belts" .
3. Tighten nut (A).
A/C COMPRESSOR BELT
1. Remove front engine undercover with power tool.
2. Loosen idler pulley lock nut (C) and adjust tension by turning adjusting bolt (D).
For the specified belt tension, refer to MA-14, "Checking Drive Belts" .
3. Tighten nut (C).
Changing Engine CoolantNLS0007J
WARNING:
To avoid being scalded, do not change engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Wrap a thick cloth around radiator cap and carefully remove radiator cap. First, turn radiator cap a
quarter of a turn to release built-up pressure. Then turn radiator cap all the way.
Be careful not to allow engine coolant to contact drive belts.
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT
1. Remove engine room cover (RH and LH). Refer to EM-15, "ENGINE ROOM COVER" .
2. Remove air duct (inlet). Refer to EM-19, "
AIR CLEANER AND AIR DUCT" .
3. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator, and then remove radiator cap.
1 : Alternator and power steering oil pump belt
2 : Power steering oil pump
3 : Alternator
4 : Idler pulley 2
5 : Crankshaft pulley
6 : Idler pulley 3
7 : A/C compressor
8 : A/C compressor belt
9 : Idler pulley 1
E : With idler pulley 1
F : Without idler pulley 2
: 34.8 N·m (3.5 kg-m, 26 ft-lb)
PBIC5330E
: 34.8 N·m (3.5 kg-m, 26 ft-lb)
MA-18
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
Revision: 2007 April2007 M35/M45
4. Run the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
5. Rev the engine two or three times under no-load.
6. Stop the engine and wait until it cools down.
7. Drain water from the system. Refer to CO-11, "
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT" .
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 until clear water begins to drain from radiator.
Checking Fuel LinesNLS0007K
Inspect fuel lines, filler cap and tank for improper attachment, leaks,
cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing or deterioration.
If necessary, repair or replace damaged parts.
Changing Air Cleaner FilterNLS0007L
VISCOUS PAPER TYPE
The viscous paper type filter does not need cleaning between replacement intervals. Refer to MA-7,
"PERIODIC MAINTENANCE" .
Changing Engine OilNLS0007M
WARNING:
Be careful not to burn yourself, as engine oil may be hot.
Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer; try to avoid direct
skin contact with used engine oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
1. Warm up the engine, and check for engine oil leakage from engine components. Refer to LU-7, "
ENGINE
OIL LEAKAGE" .
2. Stop the engine and wait for 10 minutes.
3. Loosen oil filler cap.
4. Remove mounting bolts, and then pull down the rear of front
engine under cover (1) and secure it using clip.
5. Remove drain plug (2) and then drain engine oil.
6. Install drain plug with new washer. Refer to EM-31, "
OIL PAN AND OIL STRAINER" .
CAUTION:
Be sure to clean drain plug and install with new washer.
7. Refill with new engine oil.Air relief plug:
: 1.2 N·m (0.12 kg-m, 11 ft-lb)
SMA803A
KBIA3593J
Oil pan drain plug:
: 34.3 N·m (3.5 kg-m, 25 ft-lb)
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
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Engine oil specification and viscosity:
Refer to MA-12, "
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS" .
Engine oil capacity (Approximate):
Unit: (US qt, lmp qt)
CAUTION:
When filling engine oil, do not pull out oil level gauge.
The refill capacity depends on the engine oil temperature and drain time. Use these specifica-
tions for reference only.
Always use oil level gauge to determine the proper amount of engine oil in engine.
8. Warm up the engine and check area around drain plug and oil filter for engine oil leakage.
9. Stop the engine and wait for 10 minutes.
10. Check the engine oil level.
Changing Oil FilterNLS0007N
REMOVAL
WARNING:
Be careful not to get burned when the engine and engine oil may be hot.
1. Remove front engine undercover with power tool.
2. Using oil filter wrench [SST], remove oil filter.
CAUTION:
Oil filter is provided with relief valve. Use genuine NIS-
SAN engine oil filter or equivalent.
When removing, prepare a shop cloth to absorb any
engine oil leakage or spillage.
Do not allow engine oil to adhere to drive belts.
Completely wipe off any engine oil that adheres to engine
and vehicle.
Drain and refill With oil filter change 4.7 (5, 4-1/8)
Without oil filter change 4.4 (4-5/8, 3-7/8)
Dry engine (Overhaul)5.4 (5-3/4, 4-3/4)
PBIC0249E
SBIA0454E
SBIA0455E
MA-20
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
Revision: 2007 April2007 M35/M45
INSTALLATION
1. Remove foreign materials adhering to oil filter installation surface.
2. Apply engine oil to the oil seal contact surface of new oil filter.
3. Screw oil filter manually until it touches the installation surface,
then tighten it by 2/3 turn. Or tighten to the specification.
INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
1. Check the engine oil level. Refer to MA-18, "Changing Engine Oil" .
2. Start the engine, and check there is no leak of engine oil.
3. Stop the engine and wait for 10 minutes.
4. Check the engine oil level, and adjust the level. Refer to MA-18, "
Changing Engine Oil" .
Changing Spark Plugs (Platinum-Tipped Type)NLS0007O
REMOVAL
1. Remove engine cover with power tool. Refer to EM-21, "INTAKE MANIFOLD COLLECTOR" .
2. Remove ignition coil. Refer to EM-44, "
IGNITION COIL" .
3. Remove spark plug with a spark plug wrench (commercial ser-
vice tool).
SMA010
Oil filter:
: 17.7 N·m (1.8 kg-m, 13 ft-lb)
SMA229B
SEM294A
MA-22
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VK45DE ENGINE)
Revision: 2007 April2007 M35/M45
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VK45DE ENGINE)PFP:10001
Checking Drive BeltsNLS0007Q
WARNING:
Be sure to perform when the engine is stopped.
Remove air duct (inlet) when inspecting drive belt for alternator, water pump and A/C compressor.
Remove front engine undercover with power tool when inspecting power steering oil pump belt.
Make sure that indicator (single line notch) of each auto tensioner is within the allowable working range
(between three line notches).
NOTE:
Check auto tensioner indication when engine is cold.
When new drive belt is installed, the range should be “A”.
The indicator notch is located on the moving side of the tensioner for alternator, water pump and A/C
compressor belt, while it is found on the fixed side for power steering oil pump belt.
Visually check entire belt for wear, damage or cracks.
If the indicator is out of allowable working range or belt is damaged, replace belt.
Tension AdjustmentNLS0007R
Belt tensioning is not necessary, as it is automatically adjusted by auto tensioner.
Changing Engine CoolantNLS0007S
WARNING:
To avoid being scalded, do not change engine coolant when engine is hot.
Wrap a thick cloth around radiator cap and carefully remove radiator cap. First, turn radiator cap a
quarter of a turn to release built-up pressure. Then turn radiator cap all the way.
Be careful not to allow engine coolant to contact drive belts.
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT
1. Remove engine room cover (RH and LH) Refer to EM-173, "ENGINE ROOM COVER" .
2. Remove engine cover with power tool. Refer to EM-179, "
INTAKE MANIFOLD" .
3. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator, and then remove radiator cap.
PBIC3822E