
Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
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 ...................... 8-7
VQ37VHR engine model. ................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-9
Engine oil ......................................................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ............................ 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid ................................ 8-11
Power steering fluid .......................................... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-12
Brake fluid .................................................. 8-13
Clutch fluid ................................................. 8-13
Window washer fluid ........................................ 8-13
Battery .......................................................... 8-14
Jump starting .............................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ............................ 8-16
Drive belts ...................................................... 8-16 Spark plugs
.................................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ................................... 8-17
Air cleaner ...................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .................................... 8-18
Cleaning .................................................... 8-18
Replacing ................................................... 8-19
Brakes ........................................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear warning ................................ 8-20
Fuses ............................................................ 8-20
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-22
Intelligent Key battery replacement ....................... 8-22
Lights ............................................................ 8-24
Coupe ....................................................... 8-24
Roadster .................................................... 8-25
Headlights .................................................. 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ............................... 8-26
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
Emergency tire puncture repair kit
(if so equipped) ........................................... 8-37

Black plate (343,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
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 cannot be rotated on this
vehicle because the front tires are a different
size than the rear tires.
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.
Tire, 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
NISSAN Warranty 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.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechan-
ism: On a fairly steep hill, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes. 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.
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, adjuster
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 recliner, 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3

Black plate (344,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
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 vehicleThe 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 and clutch fluid levels*: Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid levels are
between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoirs.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily. Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 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. St arting 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 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 end
of 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.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Black plate (347,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
SSI0510
VQ37VHR ENGINE MODEL1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Engine oil filler cap6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmission mod-
els)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Window washer fluid reservoir
10 Air cleaner
11. Drive belt location 12. Engine coolant reservoirENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7

Black plate (352,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
SDI1765A
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked with the
engine off using the HOT range (
*1:HOT
MAX.,
*2: HOT MIN.) at fluid temperatures of
122 to 176 8F (50 to 80 8C) or using the COLD
range (
*3: COLD MAX.,
*4: COLD MIN.) at
fluid temperatures of 32 to 86 8F(0to30 8C) .
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. For further 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
and clutch system.
. Be sure to clean the filler cap before
removing.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash the surface with
water.
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID8-12
Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Black plate (356,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see “JUMP
STARTING” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be replaced.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
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.
SDI2119
VQ37VHR engine
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
5. Drive belt auto-tensioner
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 the belt for signs of unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is
in poor condition or loose, have it replaced
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEM DRIVE BELTS
8-16
Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Black plate (380,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
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 19 gal 15-7/8 gal 71.9 See “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change 5-1/8 qt 4-3/8 qt 4.9 .Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2, *3
. Viscosity SAE 5W-30*2, *3
Without oil filter change 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
Cooling system
Automatic transmission model With reservoir 9 qt 7-1/2 qt 8.5
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Manual transmission model With reservoir 9-1/8 qt 7-5/8 qt 8.6
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid —— —Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*4
Manual transmission gear oil —— —Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil —— —Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Synthetic 75W-90 or API GL-5 synthetic
gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90*5
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*6
Brake and clutch fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*7 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— —HFC-134a (R-134a)*8
Air conditioning system lubricants —— —NISSAN UV Luminous Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid 4-3/444.5Genuine 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: NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil, which is available at a NISSAN dealer.
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic
transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: See a NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
*6: DEXRON
TMVI type ATF may also be used.
*7: Available in mainland US through a NISSAN dealer.
*8: 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

Black plate (1,1)
10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .................. 5-26
Advanced air bag system ......................... 1-32
Air bag system Advanced air bag system ..................... 1-32
Front passenger air bag and status light .... 1-33
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system .................. 1-36
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system .................. 1-36
Air bag warning labels ............................. 1-39
Air bag warning light ....................... 1-39, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter .......................... 8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ...................... 4-17
Air conditioner service ......................... 4-24
Air conditioner specification label ............ 9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .............. 4-24, 9-6
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 4-23
Air deflectors ....................................... 9-16
Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system) ..................... 2-26
Alcohol, drugs and driving .......................... 5-7
Antenna ............................................. 4-73
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................. 5-26
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light ..... 2-9
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ........................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ........................ 7-5
Audible reminders ................................. 2-15
Audio operation precautions ...................... 4-24 Audio system
....................................... 4-24
Steering wheel audio controls ................ 4-71
Autochanger Compact Disc (CD) ........................... 4-42
Autolight system ................................... 2-30
Automatic Air conditioner (Type A) ....................... 4-18
Automatic adjusting function
(front windows) ................................ 2-43
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-11
Door locks ........................................ 3-5
Driving with automatic transmission .......... 5-12
Auxiliary input jacks ................................ 4-69
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................... 5-5
B
Battery .............................................. 8-14
Battery saver system .......................... 2-31
Intelligent Key .................................. 8-22
Variable voltage control system ............... 8-16
Before starting the engine ........................ 5-10
Belts (See drive belts) ............................. 8-16
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) .................. 4-74
Bluetooth®hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) .............. 4-85
Booster seats ...................................... 1-23
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .............. 5-26
Brake and clutch fluid ......................... 8-12
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-13
Brake system ................................... 5-25 Parking brake operation
....................... 5-20
Warning light ..................................... 2-9
Break-in schedule .................................. 5-22
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ......................... 4-6
Instrument panel ............................... 2-32
Bulb check/instrument panel ........................ 2-8
Bulb replacement .................................. 8-24
C
Cabin air filter ...................................... 4-23
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ..... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............................ 4-74
Cargo cover ........................................ 2-41
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ............ 5-2
Center multi-function control panel
(models with navigation system) .................... 4-2
Child restraint, Installation using the seat
belts ................................................. 1-19
Child restraints ..................................... 1-17
Booster seats .................................. 1-23
Precautions on child restraints ................ 1-17
Top tether strap ................................ 1-19
Child safety ......................................... 1-11
Chimes Audible reminders ............................. 2-15
Seat belt warning light and chime ............ 2-11
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ....................... 8-21
Cleaning exterior and interior ................. 7-2, 7-5
Clock .......................................... 2-7, 2-23
Clutch fluid ......................................... 8-12
Cockpit ............................................... 2-2
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10