8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions . . .........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
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 ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-13
4-speed automatic transmission fluid ...............8-13
Temperature conditions for checking .............8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ............................. 8-15
Brake fluid .................................... 8-15
Clutch fluid ................................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-16
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-16
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-18
Drive belt ........................................ 8-18Spark plugs .
..................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-20
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-20
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-21
Cleaning ..................................... 8-21
Replacing .................................... 8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-23
Engine compartment ........................... 8-24
Passenger compartment .......................8-25
Battery replacement .............................. 8-26
Keyfob (if so equipped) ........................ 8-27
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped) ........8-28
Lights ........................................... 8-29
Headlights .................................... 8-29
Exterior and interior
lights....................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-34
Tire pressure .................................. 8-34
Tire labeling ................................... 8-38
Types of tires .................................. 8-40
Tire chains .................................... 8-41
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-41
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
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 neces-
sary, 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 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 dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal. Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther 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.
Automatic Transmission (AT) or Continu-
ously Variable Transmission (CVT) P (Park)
position mechanism On a fairly steep hill
check that the vehicle is held securely with the
shift selector in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
Parking brake Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seat back recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints and
headrests move up and down smoothly and the
locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
Seat beltsCheck 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 web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
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. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level. Brake and clutch fluid levels*
Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
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 the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
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 imme-
diately. 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 from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield–washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is
clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blades with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the blades
and using the wiper, install new windshield wiper
blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Push and hold the release tab
A, and then
move the wiper blade down
1the wiper
arm to remove.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
●After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when the
hood is opened.
● Make sure the wiper blades contact the
glass; otherwise the arms may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
SDI1803
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
Be careful not to let anything get into the washer
nozzle
A. This may cause clogging or improper
windshield washer operation. If something gets
into the nozzle, remove it with a needle or small
pin
B.
Rear window wiper blade
Contact a NISSAN dealer if checking or replace-
ment is required. If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every time
the brake pedal is applied. The rear drum-type
brakes self-adjust every time the parking brake is
applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
WDI0526
BRAKES
8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-47
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .....................4-25
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .....................4-29
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player .....................4-33
Steering wheel audio control switch . . . .4-45
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test ........................9-19
Rear center seat belt ..............1-18
Rear power windows ..............2-32
Rear seat ......................1-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .......................2-20
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-19
Recorders Event data ..................9-20
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-19
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-7
Child seat belts .....1-23, 1-29, 1-34, 1-38
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-19
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment ........1-2
Rear seat adjustment .............1-4 Seat belt
Child safety ..................1-21
Infants and small children ..........1-22
Injured Person ................1-15
Larger children ................1-22
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-12
Pregnant women ...............1-15
Rear center seat belt ............1-18
Seat belt extenders .............1-20
Seat belt maintenance ............1-20
Seat belts ...................1-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-20
Three-point type with retractor .......1-15
Seat belt warning light ..............2-11
Seats Adjustment ...................1-2
Front seats.................. .1-2
Manual
front seat adjustment .........1-2
Rear seat ....................1-4
Security indicator light ..............2-13
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start ........2-17, 3-2, 5-11
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-22
Service manual order form ...........9-21
Servicing air conditioner .............4-16
Setting button ...................4-5
Shift lock release .............5-16, 5-19
Shifting Automatic transmission ...........5-14
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .....................5-18
Manual transmission .............5-21
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-20
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag
system) ......................1-52 Spark plug replacement
.............8-19
Speedometer ...................2-4
SRS warning label ................1-55
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-12
Jump starting .................6-7
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
Push starting .................6-10
Starting the engine .............5-12
Steering Power steering system ...........5-28
Tilting steering wheel ............3-29
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-45
Stop light .....................8-30
Storage ......................2-25
Storage tray ...................2-25
Sunglasses case .................2-26
Sunglasses holder ................2-26
Sunroof (see Moonroof) .............2-33
Supplemental air bag warning labels ......1-55
Supplemental air bag
warning light . . .1-55, 2-11
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-48
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-55
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-41
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-41
Supplemental side and curtain side-impact
air bag system ..................1-52
Switch Automatic power window switch ......2-32
Fog light switch ...............2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch .......2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-20
Headlight control switch ..........2-20
10-5
Ignition switch.................5-7
Overdrive switch ...............5-16
Power door lock switch ............3-6
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-20
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-19
Turn signal switch ..............2-22
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .....................2-24
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-18
T
Tachometer ....................2-5
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start .............2-17, 3-2, 5-11
Three-way catalyst ................5-2
Tilting steering wheel ..............3-29
Tire Flat tire .....................6-2
Spare tire ................6-3, 8-44
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Tire chains ..................8-41
Tire placard ..................9-12
Tire pressure .................8-34
Tire rotation ..................8-41
Types of tires .................8-40
Uniform tire quality grading .........9-17
Wheels and tires ...............8-34
Wheel/tire size .................9-9
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light ........2-9
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint .........1-26Towing
Flat towing ..................9-17
Tow truck towing ...............6-11
Trailer towing .................9-17
Transmission Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) .....8-13
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-13
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-17
Driving with manual transmission ......5-21
T ransmission shift
selector lock
release ...................5-16, 5-19
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country) .................9-10
Trip odometer ...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat .......1-4
Trunk light ....................2-37
Turn signal switch ................2-22
U
Uniform tire quality grading ...........9-17
USB interface Audio file operation .............4-43
V
Vanity mirror ...................3-30
Vehicle dimensions and weights .........9-9
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch . . .2-24
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system .....5-30
Vehicle identification ...............9-10 Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)
................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . . .9-10
Vehicle loading information ...........9-13
Vehicle recovery .................6-13
Vehicle security system .............2-15
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle immobi-
lizer system) , engine start ......2-17, 3-2, 5-11
Ventilators .....................4-8
W
Warning Air bag warning light .........1-55, 2-11
Anti-lock brake warning light .........2-7
Battery charge warning light .........2-8
Brake warning light ..............2-7
Door open warning light ...........2-8
Engine oil pressure warning light .......2-8
Hazard warning flasher switch .......2-23
Low fuel warning light .............2-9
Low tire pressure warning light ........2-9
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light ......................2-10
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-49
Seat belt warning light ............2-11
Vehicle security system ...........2-15
W arning labels
(for SRS)..........1-55
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-6
Warning lights ...................2-6
Washer switch Rear window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-18
10-6
Weights (See dimensions and weights).....9-9
Wheels and tires .................8-34
Wheel/tire size ...................9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................9-10
Windows Locking passengers’ windows .......2-32
Manual windows ...............2-33
Power rear windows .............2-32
Power windows ...............2-30
Rear power windows ............2-32
Windshield wiper and washer switch .....2-18
Windshield-washer fluid .............8-16
Wiper Rear window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-18
Wiper blades .................8-21
10-7