Black plate (353,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING
.If done incorrectly, jump starting
can lead to a battery explosion,
resulting in severe injury or death.
It could also damage your vehicle.
.Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
.Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is
a corrosive sulfuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If
the fluid should come into contact
with anything, immediately flush the
contacted area with water.
.Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
.The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
.Whenever working on or near a
battery, always wear suitable eyeprotectors (for example, goggles or
industrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other jewelry. Do not lean over the
battery when jump starting.
.Do not attempt to jump start a
frozen battery. It could explode
and cause serious injury.
.Your vehicle has an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other
objects away from it.
SCE0719
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause
personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
*B, position the two vehicles (*Aand*B)
to bring their batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position. Switch off all
JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency6-9
Black plate (354,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
unnecessary electrical systems (lights, hea-
ter, air conditioner, etc.) .
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped) . Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth to reduce explosion
hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated (
*1?*2?*3?*4).
If the battery is disconnected or dis-
charged, the steering wheel will lock
and cannot be turned. Supply power
using jumper cables before pushing
the ignition switch and disengaging
the steering lock.
CAUTION
.Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (−) to body
ground (for example, as illustrated) ,
not to the battery.
.Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine
compartment and that the cable
clamps do not contact any other
metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
*Band let it run for a few minutes.6. Keep the engine speed of the booster
vehicle
*Bat about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle
*Abeing jump
started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position
and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable (
*4?*3?*2?*1).
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped) . Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models cannot be push-started
or tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
PUSH STARTING
6-10In case of emergency
Black plate (355,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
CAUTION
.Do not continue to drive if your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle
fire.
.To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
.Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed.3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no steam
or coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time.6. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle repaired
at a NISSAN dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-11
Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
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 (368,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with long
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your
NISSAN’s fine mechanical condition, as well
as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance. You are a vital link in the main-
tenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide”. You must refer to that
guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is
performed on your NISSAN at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation. They are essential for proper
vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, a
NISSAN dealer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced by a NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up-to-date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership information systems.
They are completely qualified to work on
NISSAN vehiclesbeforework begins.
You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer’s
service department performs the best job to
meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle — in a reliable and economical way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that
repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see “MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS”
later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (370,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient 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 vehicle
The 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 condition 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 the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan.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 have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. (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
immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level when the fluid is cold, 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, rot 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 floor pan, 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”
section.
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (371,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
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-yourself8-5
Black plate (372,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
done by a NISSAN dealer.
SDI2172
VQ35DE ENGINE
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Drive belt location
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air cleaner6. Fuse/fusible link holder
7. Window washer fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Battery
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself