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 MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*:Make sure that the brake
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 “Precautions when starting
and driving” in the “5. Starting 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 attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses:Check 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.
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floorpan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the endof winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “Cleaning
exterior” in the “7. Appearance and care” sec-
tion.
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
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. Move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
Your vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable be-
fore working near the fan.
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 fuel tank and bat-
tery.
On gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) Sys-
tem, the fuel filter or fuel lines shouldbe serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause 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.
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 the CVT
related component harness connec-
tor disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ONposition.
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.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
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.
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 as illustrated and wipe it
clean. Reinsert 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.
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 the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.
SDI1762
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-9
06.7.5/Z50-D/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
A
(under the body).
5. Remove the oil filler cap
B(inside the engine
compartment).
6. Remove the drain plug
Awith a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See later in “Engine oil”
for changing engine oil filter.
CAUTION
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 with a newwasher. Securely tighten the drain plug with a
wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 N⋅m)
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-
SDI1763
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.
11. Dispose of waste oil properly.
WARNING
Prolonged and repeated contact with
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. Remove the cover with a suitable tool as
illustrated
A.
4. Loosen the oil filter
B
with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
5. 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.
6. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten additionally more than 2/3
turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb (15 to 20 N⋅m)
8. Reinstall the cover.
9. Start the engine and check for leakage
SDI1764
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Power steering oil pump
2. Idler pulley
3. Alternator
4. Crankshaft pulley
5. Air conditioner compressor
: Tension checking pointsVisually 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.
Have the belts checked regularly for condition
and tension.
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.
SDI0141B
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS8-16
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.7.5/Z50-D/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 rearview 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,
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
opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
Technical and consumer information
9-21
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
10 Index
A
Adjusting pedal position .......................................... 3-29
Aiming control, Headlights...................................... 2-25
Air bag system, Front passenger air bag and
status light................................................................... 1-49
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-55
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-56, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation .................................. 4-23
Air conditioner service ........................... 4-23, 4-26
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations ............ 4-26, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ......... 4-23
In-cabin microfilter .............................................. 4-26
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-6
All-wheel drive (AWD) ............................................. 5-25
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light ...................... 2-9
All-wheel drive (AWD), AWD lock switch
operations.................................................................... 5-25
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-44
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........................... 5-31
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light ............................................................................... 2-10
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4Armrest ........................................................................... 1-9
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-16
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-28
Audio system .............................................................. 4-27
FM-AM-SAT radio with casette player
and CD changer ................................................. 4-38
FM-AM-SAT radio with CD player................. 4-34
Steering switch for audio control ................... 4-43
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-42
Autolight system ........................................................ 2-23
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-31
Automatic sunroof .............................................. 2-40
Drive positioner ................................................... 3-33
Seat positioner .................................................... 3-33
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-5
B
Back door (See lift gate)......................................... 3-24
Battery .......................................................................... 8-14
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-25
Battery replacement
Intelligent Key system .......................................... 3-8
Remote keyless entry system............................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ...................................... 5-12
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-16
Booster seats ............................................................. 1-36Brake
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13
Brake system ....................................................... 5-30
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-21
Warning light ....................................................... 2-10
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-24
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-26
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-9
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-26
C
Cabin air filter ............................................................. 4-26
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-45
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-36
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-36
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-41
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-43
Ceiling light ................................................................. 2-42
Cellular phone holder ............................................... 2-31
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-21
Booster seats ...................................................... 1-36
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-25
Child safety ................................................................. 1-12
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-5
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0