2009 NISSAN CUBE transmission

Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
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
MR18DE engine............................................ 8-6
Engine cooling system......................................... 8-7
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant................................. 8-8
Engine oil......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter............................ 8-9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid........ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid....................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid........................................ 8-12
Battery.......................................................... 8-13
Jump starting.............................................. 8-14
Variable voltage control system (if so equipped)...... 8-14
Drive belt....................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs.................................................... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs................................... 8-16Air cleaner...................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades.................................... 8-17
Cleaning.................................................... 8-17
Replacing................................................... 8-17
Rear window wiper blade................................... 8-18
Brakes........................................................... 8-18
Self-adjusting brakes.................................... 8-18
Brake pad wear warning................................ 8-18
Fuses............................................................ 8-19
Engine compartment..................................... 8-19
Passenger compartment................................ 8-21
Key battery replacement.................................... 8-22
Keyfob....................................................... 8-22
Intelligent Key.............................................. 8-23
Lights............................................................ 8-25
Headlights.................................................. 8-26
Exterior and interior lights............................... 8-27
Wheels and tires.............................................. 8-28
Tire pressure............................................... 8-28
Tire labeling................................................ 8-31
Types of tires.............................................. 8-33
Tire chains.................................................. 8-34
Changing wheels and tires............................. 8-35
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (251,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If
necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires,
including the spare, to the pressure specified.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive
wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components:Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.For additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brake pedal:Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer to
stop, see a NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism:On a fairly
steep hill, check that the vehicle is held securely
with the selector lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.
Parking brake:Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake needs
adjusted, see a NISSAN dealer.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt
webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliners, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (254,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
affect your warranty coverage.If in doubt
about any servicing, we recommend that
it be done by a NISSAN dealer.
SSI0564
MR18DE ENGINE1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake and clutch (*1) fluid reservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Battery
5. Window washer fluid reservoir6. Engine drive belt location
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Fuse/fusible link holder
*1: for Manual Transmission (MT) modelsENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (259,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
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.For additional brake and clutch fluid information,
see “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
andclutchsystems.Theuseof
improper fluids can damage the
brake and clutch systems, and affect
the vehicle’s stopping ability.
.Clean the filler cap before removing.
.Brake and clutch fluid is poisonous
and should be stored carefully in
marked containers 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.
SDI2387
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
*1
or the brake warning
light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line*2. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDBRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (28,1)
9 Technical and consumer information
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants............ 9-2
Fuel recommendation...................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation............... 9-5
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations........................................... 9-6
Specifications.................................................... 9-7
Engine......................................................... 9-7
Wheels and tires............................................ 9-7
Dimensions and weights.................................. 9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country.................................................. 9-8
Vehicle identification........................................... 9-8
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate............. 9-8
Vehicle identification number (chassis number)...... 9-9
Engine serial number...................................... 9-9
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label............... 9-9
Emission control information label.................... 9-10
Tire and loading information label..................... 9-10
Air conditioner specification label
(if so equipped)........................................... 9-10
Installing front license plate................................ 9-11
Except for Kro¯
m models................................. 9-11For Kro¯
m models......................................... 9-13
Vehicle loading information................................. 9-14
Terms........................................................ 9-14
Vehicle load capacity.................................... 9-15
Securing the load......................................... 9-17
Loading tips................................................ 9-17
Measurement of weights................................ 9-18
Towing a trailer................................................ 9-18
Flat towing..................................................... 9-18
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).......... 9-19
Manual Transmission..................................... 9-19
Uniform tire quality grading................................. 9-19
Treadwear.................................................. 9-19
Traction AA, A, B and C................................ 9-19
Temperature A, B and C................................ 9-19
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only)....................... 9-20
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test . ..... 9-21
Event Data Recorders (EDR).............................. 9-22
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-22
In the event of a collision............................... 9-23
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (288,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
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 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50 See “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt 4.1
.Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2
.Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Without oil filter change 4 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.8
Cooling system
With reservoirCVT model 7-1/2 qt 6-1/4 qt 7.1
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water MT model 7-1/4 qt 6 qt 6.8
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2*3
Manual Transmission (MT) gear oil — — —Genuine NISSAN gear oil (ELF XT4447 M+) 75W-80, Genuine NISSAN gear oil
(Chevron Texaco ETL8997B) 75W-80 or equivalent*4
Brake fluidRefill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
*3: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.
*4: If Genuine NISSAN gear oil is not available, API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-80 may be used as a temporary replacement. Replace with Genuine NISSAN gearoil as soon as it is available.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.
*6: For additional information, see “VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (304,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your
vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded, drive
to a scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GAWR) . The total of the axle loads should
not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) . These ratings are given
on the vehicle certification label. If weight
ratings are exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below the ratings.
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.Towing 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 (CVT) vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground
(flat towing) . Doing so WILL DA-
MAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrica-
tion.
.For emergency towing procedures
refer to “TOWING YOUR VEHICLE”
in the “6. In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
TOWING A TRAILER FLAT TOWING
9-18
Technical and consumer information
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (305,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS-
MISSION (CVT)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.MANUAL TRANSMISSION.Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
.Your vehicle speed should never exceed 70
MPH (112 km/h) when flat towing your
vehicle.
.After towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause
damage to the transmission’s internal parts.DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course
as a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.TRACTION AA, A, B AND CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on spe-
cified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.TEMPERATURE A, B AND CThe temperature grades A (the highest) , B, and
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information
9-19
ProCarManuals.com