When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N(Neutral) position. For automatic
transmission models, move the se-
lector lever to P (Park).
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
Never connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized component
while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the igni-tion switch is in the ONposition.
If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.On gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
Avoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed en-
gine oil, engine coolant and/or other
vehicle fluids can damage the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5
07.2.9/Z33-D/V5.0
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T models)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Air cleaner
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Engine drive belts
11. Engine coolant reservoir
12. Engine oil dipstick
Do not tamper with the strut tower bar
adjustment
A. The strut tower bar has
been adjusted to the most suitable posi-
tion at the factory.CAUTION
Tampering with the strut tower bar ad-
justment may cause a noise while driv-
ing or damage to the hood or engine.
SDI2050
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7
07.2.9/Z33-D/V5.0
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTContact a NISSAN dealer if replacement is
required.
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING
To avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.
Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
the 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.
SDI2045
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-9
07.2.9/Z33-D/V5.0
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.
6. Recheck oil level with the 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 the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND
FILTERChange the engine oil and filter according to the
maintenance log shown in the “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide”.
Vehicle set-up1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
the operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suit-
able floor jack and safety jack stands.
Place the safety jack stands under the vehicle
jack-up points.
A suitable adapter should be attached to the
jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
a. Remove the small plastic clip at the center
point of the undercover.
b. Then remove the other bolts that hold the
undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and sup-
port points are used to avoid vehicle
damage.
Engine oil and filter1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
1.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
WARNING
Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
SDI2052
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
07.2.9/Z33-D/V5.0
For additional brake and clutch fluid information,
refer to “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake
and clutch systems. Do not add syn-
thetic brake fluid. The use of im-
proper fluids can damage the brake
system and affect the vehicle’s stop-
ping ability.
Be sure to clean the filler cap before
removing.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.
BRAKE FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
2or the brake warning light
comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line
1. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
CLUTCH FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the MIN line
2, add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalentDOT 3fluid up to the MAX line
1.
If fluid is added frequently, the system should be
thoroughly checked by a NISSAN dealer.
SDI1923
SDI1906
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-13
07.2.9/Z33-D/V5.0
unexpectedly.
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.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.
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.
Iridium-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the iridium-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as the conventional
type spark plugs since they will last much longer.
Follow the maintenance log shown in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”, but
do not service iridium-tipped spark plugs by
cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.
SDI2020
SPARK PLUGS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-17
07.2.9/Z33-D/V5.0
If necessary, clean the windshield washer
nozzle
A
with a needle or small pin
B.
*1: Only for passenger’s side wiper arm
*2: Adjustable washer nozzlesIf the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.
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 for a brake system
check 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 affectthe function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see the
appropriate maintenance log shown in the
NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.
SDI1730A
BRAKES
8-20
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
07.2.9/Z33-D/V5.0
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be in-
stalled on 265/35R19 size tires. Installa-
tion of the tire chains/cables on
265/35R19 size tires will cause damage
to the vehicle. 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
undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition,
drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely affected.
Never install the tire chains on a T-type
spare tire.
Do not use the tire chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotationTires cannot be rotated in this vehicle, as
front tires are different size from rear tires
and the direction of wheel rotation is fixed
in each tire.
A pin is on the front brake rotor to prevent
the rear wheels from being installed in
place of the front wheels. The spare tire
can be installed in place of the front and
rear wheels. When installing the spare
tire in the front wheel, the hole in the
spare tire wheel must be aligned with the
pin on the brake rotor.
8-36
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
07.2.9/Z33-D/V5.0