Black plate (373,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
cooling system additives are not necessary.
WARNING
.Never remove the radiator or cool-
ant reservoir cap when the engine is
hot. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
See precautions in “IF YOUR VEHI-
CLE OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case
of emergency” section of this man-
ual.
.The radiator is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To pre-
vent engine damage, use only a
genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or
equivalent with the proper mixture ratioof 50% anti-freeze and 50% deminer-
alized or distilled water. The use of
other types of coolant solutions may
damage the engine cooling system.
Outside
temperature
down toAnti-freezeDeminera-
lized water
or distilled
water
8C8F
35 30 50%
50%
SDI2173
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVELCheck the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold.If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
*2, open the reservoir cap and
add coolant up to the MAX level
*1. If the
reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the MAX level*1.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7
Black plate (374,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTMajor 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 overheat-
ing.
WARNING
.To avoid the danger of 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 chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
SDI2174
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the 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.
Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be within the range
*1. If the
oil level is below
*2, remove the oil filler capand pour recommended 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 cov-
ered 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
operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes.
ENGINE OIL
8-8
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (376,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
.Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
.Check your local regulations.
Perform steps 4 to 9 when the engine oil
filter change is needed.
4. Remove the plastic cover over the oil filter
location by removing the small plastic clips
as illustrated.
5. Loosen the oil filter
*C
with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket
material remaining on the mounting
surface of the engine. Failure to do so
could lead to engine damage.
7. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.8. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight
resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb (14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
9. Install the plastic cover.
10. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a
new washer. 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.
11. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, and install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section for drain
and refill capacity. The drain and refill
capacity depends 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.
12. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
13. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation1. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
2. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
.Prolonged and repeated contact
with used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
.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.
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (378,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
For additional brake fluid information, see
“CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
.Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake
system. The use of improper fluids
can damage the brake system and
affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
.Clean the filler cap before removing.
.Brake fluid is poisonous and should
be stored carefully in marked con-
tainers out of the reach of children.
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.
SDI2178
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
*2
or the brake warning
light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line*1. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
SDI2179
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add window washer fluid when the low
window washer fluid warning light illuminates.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap and pour the window washer fluid into the
reservoir opening.
Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for the mixture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
window washer fluid.
BRAKE FLUID WINDOW WASHER FLUID8-12
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (379,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
Recommended fluid:
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concen-
trate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
CAUTION
.Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the
paint.
.Do not fill the window washer
reservoir tank with washer fluid
concentrates at full strength. Some
methyl alcohol based washer fluid
concentrates may permanently stain
the grille if spilled while filling the
window washer reservoir tank.
.Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer’s
recommended levels before pouring
the fluid into the window washer
reservoir tank. Do not use the
window washer reservoir tank to
mix the washer fluid concentrate
and water..Keep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
.Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
.If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative ( ) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharging it.
WARNING
.Do not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15
minutes and seek medical attention.
.Do not operate the vehicle if the
fluid in the battery is low. Low
battery fluid can cause a higher load
on the battery which can generate
heat, reduce battery life, and in
some cases lead to an explosion..When working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
.Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
.Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-13
Black plate (381,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
CAUTION
.Do not ground accessories directly
to the battery terminal. Doing so will
bypass the variable voltage control
system and the vehicle battery may
not charge completely.
.Use electrical accessories with the
engine running to avoid discharging
the vehicle battery.
The variable voltage control system measures
the amount of electrical discharge from the
battery and controls voltage generated by the
generator.
SDI2186
1. Power steering oil pump
2. Alternator
3. Drive belt auto-tensioner
4. Crankshaft pulley
5. Air conditioner compressor
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position before servicing drive
belts. The engine could rotate unex-
pectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If
the belt is in poor condition or loose, have itreplaced or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion.
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEM (if so equipped)DRIVE BELTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-15
Black plate (382,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
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.
SDI2020
REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the conven-
tional type spark plugs since they will last much
longer. Follow the maintenance log shown in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”. Do
not reuse spark plugs by cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.
SDI2180
Pull the tabs
*1
and pull out the cover
*2.
The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
log shown in the “NISSAN Service and Main-
tenance Guide”. When replacing the filter, wipe
the inside of the air cleaner housing and the
cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
.Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops
flame if the engine backfires. If it
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER8-16
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (385,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
Contact a NISSAN dealer if checking or
replacement is required.If 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
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle
is in motion. The sound will be heard 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,
occasional 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
be followed.For additional information, see the
maintenance log section of your “NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide”.
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADE BRAKES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-19