Handbrake*:
Confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
steep hill with only the handbrake applied.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat adjust-
ers, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely in every posi-
tion. Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check 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. See “Seat belt maintenance” in the
“1. Safety — seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section for further details.
Steering wheel:
Check for any change in the steering conditions,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or strange
noises.
Warning lights and audible reminders:
Make sure that all warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders are operating properly.
Windscreen defogger:
Check that the air comes out of the defogger outlets
properly when operating the heater or air condi-
tioner.Windscreen wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.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 precautions
which should be closely observed.
•Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
handbrake securely and block the wheels to
prevent the vehicle from moving. For a manual
transmission models, move the gear lever to
N (Neutral) position. [For automatic transmis-
sion models, move the selector lever to P
(Park) position.]
•Do not work under the engine bonnet while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine and wait
until it cools down.
•Be sure to turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”
or LOCK position.
When the ignition switch is in the ON or Acc
position, the cooling fan may start to operate
suddenly even when the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working near
the engine.
•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 remove ties and any jewel-
lery, such as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
WARNING
•Never remove the engine coolant reservoir
cap or the radiator cap (where fitted) when
the engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping either
from the radiator or the engine coolant reser-
voir. Wait until the engine and radiator have
cooled down.
•Engine coolant is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out of
the reach of children.
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round and extended life en-
gine coolant. The high quality engine coolant con-
tains the specific solutions effective for the anti-cor-
rosion and the anti-freeze function. Therefore, addi-
tional cooling system additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
•When adding or replacing engine coolant, be
sure to use Genuine NISSAN anti-freeze L250
coolant or equivalent premixed type (mixture
ratio 50% for all ambient temperatures).
•The use of other types of engine coolant may
damage the engine cooling system.
•If the radiator or engine coolant reservoir tank
is equipped with a pressure cap, use a Genu-
ine NISSAN cap or its equivalent when re-
placement is required.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir when the
engine is cold. If the coolant level is below MINj2,
add coolant up to the MAXj1 level. If the reservoir
is empty, check the coolant level in the radiator
(where fitted)when the engine is cold.If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiatorwith coolant up to the filler opening (where fitted)
and also add it to the coolant reservoir up to the
MAX level.
CAUTION
If the cooling system frequently requires coolant,
have it checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
CAUTION
•Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop. The service procedures can be found in
the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
•When checking or replacement is required,
NISSAN recommends contacting a NISSAN
dealer or qualified workshop for servicing.
•Improper servicing or engine coolant change
can result in reduced heater performance and
engine overheating.
NDI742Z
Type A
NDI741Z
Type B
NDI719Z
CR14DE or HR16DE
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
WARNING
•To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
change the coolant when the engine is hot.
•Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant. If
skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with
soap or hand cleaner and plenty of water as
soon as possible.
•Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CR14DE or HR16DE engine
1. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature
control to the maximum “HOT” position.
2. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
3. Open the radiator cap
j1 (where fitted) or en-
gine coolant reservoir cap to help to drain the
coolant.
4. Slacken off the radiator lower hose clip
j2and
remove the lower hosej3 to drain the coolant.
5. Flush the cooling system by running clean water
through the radiator filler opening (where fitted)
or engine coolant reservoir.
6. Install the radiator lower hose on the radiator
securely.7. Fill the radiator through the filler opening (where
applicable) slowly with coolant and fill the cool-
ant reservoir up to the MAX level. See “Capaci-
ties and recommended fuel/lubricants” in the
“9. Technical information” section for cooling
system capacity.
8. Install the radiator cap (where fitted) and the en-
gine coolant reservoir cap.
9. Start the engine, and warm it up until the radiator
fan operates. Then rev the engine two or three
times under no load. Observe the coolant tem-
perature warning light for signs of overheating.
10. Stop the engine. After it has completely cooled
down, refill the radiator up to the filler opening
(where fitted). If the coolant level lowered, fill
the engine coolant reservoir up to the MAX level.
11. Check radiator lower hose for any signs of leak-
age.
12. Close the bonnet.
K9K engine
1. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature
control to the maximum “HOT” position.
2. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
3. Disconnect the radiator lower hose
j1 and open
the drain plugj2 on the engine block.
4. Open the engine coolant reservoir cap to help to
drain the coolant.
5. Flush the cooling system by running fresh water
through the radiator.
6. Install the radiator lower hose to the radiator and
securely tighten the engine block drain plug.
7. Fill the reservoir up to the MAX level with cool-
ant. See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical information”
section for cooling system capacity.
8. Install the engine coolant reservoir cap.
9. Start the engine and run the engine at about
2,000 rpm for 1 minute.
10. Stop the engine and check coolant level, allow
to cool and refill up to the MAX level.
11. Warm up the engine at about 2,000 rpm until it
reaches the normal operational temperature
(fan cycles).
Check heater core (below instrument panel) for
gurgling, refill if necessary.
NDI671Z
K9K engine
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
12. Stop the engine and check coolant level, allow
to cool and refill up to the MAX level.
13. Check the radiator lower hose for any signs of
leakage.
14. Close the bonnet.
NDI720Z
CR14DE engine
NDI721Z
HR16DE engine
NDI743Z
Euro 4 — K9K engine
NDI1061
Euro 5 — K9K engine
ENGINE OIL
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
A.CR14DE or HR16DE engine
B.K9K engine
1.Normal range
2.MIN level
3.MAX level
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CAUTION
The oil level should be checked regularly. Oper-
ating with an insufficient amount of oil can dam-
age the engine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the
handbrake.
2. Start the engine. If the engine is cold, start and
let the engine idle until it reaches the operational
temperature.3. Turn the engine off.
4. Wait at least 10 minutes for the engine oil to
drain back into the oil pan.
5. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
7. Reinsert it all the way.
8. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level.
It should be in the normal range
j1.
9. If the oil level is below MIN
j2 , remove the en-
gine oil filler cap and pour the recommended oil
through the opening.Do not overfill
j3.
10. Re-check the oil level with the dipstick.
11. Install the engine oil filler cap securely.
12. Close the bonnet.
It is normal to add some engine oil between oil
maintenance intervals depending on the severity
of operating conditions or depending on the prop-
erty of the engine oil used. More engine oil is
consumed by frequent acceleration/deceleration
especially when the engine rpm is high. Con-
sumption is likely to be higher when the engine
is new. If the rate of oil consumption, after hav-
ing driven for 5,000 km (3,000 miles), is more
than 0.5 litre per 1,000 km (621 miles), consult a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
NDI957Z
SDI1104Z
CR14DE engine
NDI653Z
HR16DE engine
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
WARNING
•NISSAN recommends contacting a NISSAN
dealer or qualified workshop for engine oil
servicing.
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
A used oil filter should be disposed of at a
rubbish tip having proper facilities.
•Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine
oil is hot.
•Prolonged and repeated contact with used
engine oil may cause skin cancer.
•Avoid direct skin contact with used oil. If skin
contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap
or hand cleaner and plenty of water as soon
as possible.
•Store used engine oil in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the
handbrake.
2. Start the engine. If the engine is cold, start and
let the engine idle until the engine temperature
reaches the operational temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait at least 10 minutes
to let the engine oil drain back into the oil pan.
4. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
5. Remove the engine oil filler cap.
6. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable
floor jack and safety jack stands.
Place the safety jack stands under the vehicle
jack-up points.
For details, see “Flat tyre” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.
7. Remove the engine compartment under cover
(where fitted).8. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
9. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and com-
pletely drain the oil.
If the engine oil filter needs to be changed, re-
move and replace it at this time. See “Changing
engine oil filter” later in this section.
10. Clean and reinstall the drain plug along with a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torques:
CR14DE or HR16DE engine:
34.3 N•m (3.5 kg-m, 25 ft-lb)
K9K engine:
20 N•m (2.0 kg-m, 15 ft-lb)
11. Refill the engine with recommended engine oil
and quantity.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical information” sec-
tion.
12. Check the oil level with the dipstick. For details,
see “Checking engine oil level” earlier in this
section. If necessary, add engine oil.
13. Install the engine oil filler cap securely.
14. Start the engine.
15. Check for any leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
16. Turn the engine off and wait several minutes.
17. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If
necessary, add engine oil.NDI509Z
Euro 4 — K9K engine
NDI1064
Euro 5 — K9K engine
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
18. Install the engine compartment undercover
(where fitted).
19. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
20. Close the bonnet.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
WARNING
•NISSAN recommends contacting a NISSAN
dealer or qualified workshop for engine oil fil-
ter servicing.
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
A used oil filter should be disposed of at a
rubbish tip having proper facilities.
Engine oil filter replacement
Removal:
1. Drain the engine oil. For details, see “Changing
engine oil” earlier in this section.
2. Loosen the engine oil filter unit with an oil filter
wrench. Depending on the engine model, a spe-
cialcap typewrench may be required. See a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop, if in doubt.
3. Remove the engine oil filter unit.
4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a
clean rag.CAUTION
If any oil is spilled on the engine or the ve-
hicle, thoroughly wipe it clean.
Installation:
1. Clean and reinstall the drain plug along with a
new washer. For tightening torque details, see
“Changing engine oil” earlier in this section.
2. Coat the rubber gasket on the new engine oil fil-
ter unit with clean engine oil.
3. Install the engine oil filter unit by hand until a
slight resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
2/3ofaturn.
Engine oil filter tightening torques:
CR14DE or HR16DE engine:
17.7 N•m (1.8 kg-m, 13 ft-lb)
K9K engine:
14 N•m (1.4 kg-m, 10 ft-lb)
4. Add engine oil and check the oil level with the
engine oil dipstick. For details, see “Checking
engine oil level” earlier in this section and “Ca-
pacities and recommended fuel/lubricants” in the
“9. Technical information” section.
5. Install the engine oil filler cap.
6. Start the engine.
7. After the engine has been warmed up, make sure
there are no leaks around the engine oil filter unit
and the drain plug. Correct as required.
NDI722Z
CR14DE engine
NDI656Z
HR16DE engine
NDI985Z
K9K engine
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
8. Turn the engine off and wait several minutes.
Check the oil level and add engine oil, if neces-
sary.
9. Install the engine compartment under cover
(where fitted).
10. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
11. Close the bonnet.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses and soil.
Use authorised waste collection facilities, including
civic amenity sites and garages providing facilities
for the disposal of used oil and used oil filters. If in
doubt, contact your local authority for advice on dis-
posal.
The regulations concerning the pollution of the
environment will vary from country to country.
BLEEDING THE FUEL SYSTEM
Bleed the air out of the fuel system after refilling an
empty fuel tank by the following procedure:
1. Squeeze the priming bulb
jA several times until
there is a sudden resistance felt in the pressure,
then stop.
2. Crank the engine until the engine starts.NOTE
•If the engine does not start, stop cranking
and repeat step 1 of the procedure.
•If the engine does not operate smoothly
after it has started, race it two or three
times.
NDI1062
K9K engine (LHD models)
NDI1063
K9K engine (RHD models)
FUEL FILTER (Diesel engine
models)
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself