
Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 23
Maintenance requirement..................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance................................... 8-2
General maintenance...................................... 8-2
Where to go for service................................... 8-2
General maintenance.......................................... 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items....................... 8-2
Maintenance precautions..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations...................... 8-6
VQ35DE engine............................................ 8-6
Engine cooling system......................................... 8-7
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-7
Changing engine coolant................................. 8-8
Engine oil......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter............................ 8-8
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid........ 8-11
Power steering fluid.......................................... 8-11
Brake fluid...................................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid........................................ 8-12
Battery.......................................................... 8-13
Jump starting.............................................. 8-14
Variable voltage control system (if so equipped)...... 8-15
Drive belts...................................................... 8-15Spark plugs.................................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs................................... 8-16
Air cleaner...................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades.................................... 8-17
Cleaning.................................................... 8-17
Replacing................................................... 8-18
Rear window wiper blade................................... 8-19
Brakes........................................................... 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes.................................... 8-19
Brake pad wear indicators.............................. 8-19
Fuses............................................................ 8-20
Engine compartment..................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment................................ 8-21
Battery replacement.......................................... 8-21
Lights............................................................ 8-24
Headlights.................................................. 8-25
Exterior and interior lights............................... 8-27
Wheels and tires.............................................. 8-30
Tire pressure............................................... 8-30
Tire labeling................................................ 8-33
Types of tires.............................................. 8-35
Tire chains.................................................. 8-36
Changing wheels and tires............................. 8-37

Black plate (371,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are general
precautions 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 vehicle from moving. Move the
selector lever to P (Park) .
.Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
.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 anenclosed 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
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
.Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
.The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
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.
.Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly
disposed engine oil, and engine
coolant and/or other vehicle fluids
can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations
for disposal of vehicle fluid..Never leave the engine or the CVT
related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
.Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
.Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
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
available. (See “OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION” in the “9.
Technical and consumer information” section.)
Youshouldbeawarethatincompleteor
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
affect warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, we recommend that it be
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5

Black plate (377,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
CAUTION
.Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2. Do not mix with other fluids.
.Using transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2
will damage the CVT, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle
limited warranty.
When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
SDI2177
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range (
*1: HOT MAX.,
*3: HOT MIN.) at fluid
temperatures of 122 to 1768F (50 to 808C) or
using the COLD range (
*2: COLD MAX.,
*3:
COLD MIN.) at fluid temperatures of 32 to 868F
(0 to 308C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Remove the cap
and fill through the opening.
CAUTION
.Do not overfill.
.Use Genuine NISSAN PSF or
equivalent.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11

Black plate (408,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 21-5/8 gal 18 gal 82 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil*2
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
.Engine oil with API Certification Mark*3
.Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Without oil filter change 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
Cooling system
With reservoir 10 qt 8-1/4 qt 9.4
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2*4
Differential gear oil — — —Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5 Viscosity SAE
80W-90*5
Transfer oil — — —Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5 Viscosity SAE
80W-90
Power steering fluid (PSF)
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*8
Brake fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*6 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*7
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid — — —
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
*2: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*3: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
*4:Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
*5: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 328F(08C).
*6: Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.
*7: For additional information, see “VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*8: DEXRON
TMVI type ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information

Black plate (429,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
without applying the brakes.
.Avoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
.Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
.Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
.Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
.Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness
connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every
break.
.When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
.When launching a boat, don’t allow the
water level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
.Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.When towing a trailer, the transmission
fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWINGTowing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
.Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.
.Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never back-
ward.
.DO NOT tow any continuously vari-
able transmission vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground (flat
towing) . Doing so WILL DAMAGE
internal transmission parts due to
lack of transmission lubrication.
.DO NOT tow an All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground. Doing somay cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
.For emergency towing procedures
refer to “TOWING RECOMMENDED
BY NISSAN” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models:
Do not tow an AWD vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models:
To tow a vehicle equipped with a Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) , an appropriate
vehicle dollyMUSTbe placed under the towed
vehicle’s driving wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly
manufacturer’s recommendations when using
their product.Technical and consumer information
9-23

Black plate (2,1)
10-2Cigarette lighter and ashtray...................... 2-41
Circuit breaker, Fusible link....................... 8-20
Cleaning exterior and interior................. 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................... 2-38
Coat hooks......................................... 2-49
Cold weather driving.............................. 5-29
Command (See Bluetooth
®Hands-Free
Phone System).................................... 4-100
Command (See NISSAN voice recognition
system)............................ 4-11, 4-114, 4-132
Compact Disc (CD) changer
(See audio system)................................ 4-41
CompactFlash (CF) player
(See audio system)................................ 4-49
Compass ............................................. 2-7
Console box........................................ 2-44
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid................................................. 8-11
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/ lubricants................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-8
Checking engine coolant level.................. 8-7
Corrosion protection................................. 7-5
Cover, Cargo cover................................ 2-46
Cruise control...................................... 5-19
Cup holders........................................ 2-41
CVT, Driving with CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission)............. 5-14
D
Daytime running light system..................... 2-35
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch............................ 2-31
Dimensions and weights............................ 9-8Display cleaning...................................... 4-5
Display controls
(See center multi-function control panel).......... 4-2
Dot matrix liquid crystal display................... 2-17
Drive belts.......................................... 8-15
Drive positioner.................................... 3-30
Driving
All-wheel drive (AWD)......................... 5-22
Cold weather driving.......................... 5-29
Driving with CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission)......... 5-14
On-pavement and off-road driving............. 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving......... 5-2
Safety precautions............................... 5-7
DVD player, NISSAN mobile entertainment...... 4-62
E
Economy, Fuel ..................................... 5-21
Elapsed time....................................... 2-22
Emission control information label................ 9-10
Emission control system warranty................ 9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine.................... 5-13
Break-in schedule.............................. 5-21
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level.................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level........................ 8-8
Coolant temperature gauge..................... 2-6
Engine block heater........................... 5-30
Engine compartment check locations.......... 8-6
Engine cooling system.......................... 8-7Engine oil......................................... 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation....... 9-5
Engine oil replacement indicator.............. 2-20
Engine oil viscosity.............................. 9-5
Engine serial number ............................ 9-9
Engine specifications............................ 9-7
If your vehicle overheats....................... 6-11
Starting the engine............................ 5-13
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive positioner . . . 3-30
Event Data Recorders (EDR)..................... 9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label............ 9-9
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter...................... 8-16
Changing engine oil and filter................... 8-8
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . . . 2-36
Flat tire................................................ 6-2
Flat towing.......................................... 9-23
Floor mat cleaning................................... 7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid...................................... 8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................................... 9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid............................................. 8-11
Engine coolant ................................... 8-7
Engine oil......................................... 8-8
Power steering fluid........................... 8-11
Window washer fluid .......................... 8-12
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
changer............................................. 4-39
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 23

Black plate (5,1)
Parking
Brake break-in.................................. 5-26
Parking brake operation....................... 5-18
Parking on hills................................. 5-25
Personal lights ..................................... 2-54
Phone
Bluetooth
®Hands-Free Phone System
(with navigation system for Canada)......... 4-85
Bluetooth®Hands-Free Phone System
(with navigation system for U.S.)............. 4-75
Car phone or CB radio........................ 4-74
Power
Front seat adjustment........................... 1-4
Power door lock................................. 3-4
Power outlet.................................... 2-39
Power steering fluid........................... 8-11
Power steering system........................ 5-26
Power windows................................ 2-49
Precautions
Audio operation................................ 4-31
Braking precautions........................... 5-26
Child restraints................................. 1-22
Cruise control.................................. 5-19
Driving safety..................................... 5-7
Maintenance...................................... 8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving............. 5-5
Seat belt usage................................ 1-11
Supplemental restraint system................ 1-41
When starting and driving....................... 5-2
Push starting....................................... 6-10
Push-button ignition switch......................... 5-9R
Radio........................................ 4-31, 4-60
Car phone or CB radio........................ 4-74
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
changer.................................. 4-39, 4-44
Rain-sensing auto wiper system.................. 2-29
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test.................................................. 9-25
Rear center seat belt.............................. 1-18
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock........ 3-7
Rear power point.................................. 2-39
Rear seats............................................ 1-6
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch............................................... 2-31
Rear window wiper and washer switch.......... 2-30
Rearview monitor.................................. 4-19
Recorders, Event data............................. 9-26
Registering your vehicle in another country........ 9-8
Remote controller (DVD).......................... 4-72
Remote keyless entry system..................... 3-15
Reporting safety defects (US only)............... 9-25
Rollover............................................... 5-5
Roof, Roof rack.................................... 2-48
S
Safety
Child seat belts................................ 1-13
Reporting safety defects (US only)........... 9-25
Towing safety.................................. 9-19
Satellite radio operation........................... 4-45
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment................... 1-3
Front power seat adjustment................... 1-4Front seats ....................................... 1-3
Seat belt(s)
Child safety..................................... 1-13
Infants........................................... 1-13
Injured persons................................. 1-14
Larger children ................................. 1-14
Precautions on seat belt usage............... 1-11
Pregnant women............................... 1-14
Rear center seat belt.......................... 1-18
Seat belt cleaning ............................... 7-5
Seat belt extenders............................ 1-21
Seat belt hooks ................................ 1-18
Seat belt maintenance......................... 1-21
Seat belt warning light ........................ 2-14
Seat belts ...................................... 1-11
Seat belts with pretensioners................. 1-53
Shoulder belt height adjustment.............. 1-17
Small children.................................. 1-14
Three-point type............................... 1-14
Seat(s)
Driver-side memory............................ 3-30
Heated seats................................... 2-37
Seats.............................................. 1-2
Security system
(NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System) ,
Engine start ........................................ 2-27
Security system, Vehicle security system........ 2-25
Selector lever, Shift lock release................. 5-17
Servicing air conditioner........................... 4-30
SETTING button................................... 4-12
Shift lock release, Transmission.................. 5-17
Shifting, CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission)............. 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment.................. 1-17
Spare tire...................................... 8-39, 9-7
10-5
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 23

Black plate (6,1)
10-6Spark plugs ........................................ 8-16
Speedometer......................................... 2-5
Starting
Before starting the engine.................... 5-13
Jump starting..................................... 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving......... 5-2
Push starting................................... 6-10
Starting the engine............................ 5-13
STATUS button...................................... 4-8
Status light, Front passenger air bag............ 1-48
Steering
Power steering fluid........................... 8-11
Power steering system........................ 5-26
Steering lock release malfunction
indicator........................................ 2-18
Steering-wheel-mounted controls for
audio............................................ 4-60
Tilting telescopic steering column............ 3-25
Storage............................................. 2-41
Storage box........................................ 2-45
Sun visors.......................................... 3-26
Sunglasses holder................................. 2-42
Supplemental air bag warning labels............. 1-54
Supplemental air bag warning light....... 1-54, 2-14
Supplemental restraint system.................... 1-41
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.......................................... 1-41
Switch
Autolight switch................................ 2-33
Fog light switch................................ 2-36
Hazard warning flasher switch................ 2-36
Headlight aiming control...................... 2-34
Headlight switch............................... 2-32
Overdrive OFF switch......................... 5-16
Power door lock switch......................... 3-6Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch........................................... 2-31
Turn signal switch.............................. 2-36
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch . . . 2-39
T
Tachometer........................................... 2-6
Temperature display............................... 2-23
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge................................... 2-6
Theft (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System) ,
Engine start........................................ 2-27
Three-way catalyst................................... 5-2
Tilting telescopic steering column................ 3-25
Tire
Pressure, Low tire pressure warning light . . . 2-13
Tire replacement indicator..................... 2-20
Tires
Flat tire............................................ 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system.............. 5-3
Tire and Loading information label........... 8-31
Tire and Loading Information label........... 9-10
Tire chains...................................... 8-36
Tire dressing..................................... 7-3
Tire pressure................................... 8-30
Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)..................................... 5-3, 6-2
Tire rotation.................................... 8-37
Types of tires................................... 8-35
Uniform tire quality grading................... 9-24
Wheel/tire size................................... 9-7
Wheels and tires............................... 8-30
Tonneau cover (see cargo cover)................. 2-46
Top tether strap child restraints.................. 1-25Touch screen system................................ 4-4
Towing
Flat towing...................................... 9-23
Tow truck towing............................... 6-12
Towing a trailer................................. 9-15
Towing load/specification chart............... 9-15
Towing safety .................................. 9-19
TPMS, Tire pressure monitoring system........... 5-3
TPMS, Tire pressure warning system.............. 6-2
Trailer towing....................................... 9-15
Transceiver, HomeLink
®Universal
Transceiver......................................... 2-57
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid............................................. 8-11
Driving with CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission)......... 5-14
Transmission selector lever lock release..... 5-17
Transmitter (See remote keyless
entry system)....................................... 3-15
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country................................................ 9-8
Trip computer...................................... 2-21
Trip odometer...................................... 2-22
Turn signal switch.................................. 2-36
U
Underbody cleaning................................. 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading....................... 9-24
V
Vanity mirror........................................ 3-30
Vanity mirror lights................................. 2-56
Variable voltage control system................... 8-15
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 23