Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 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 ...................... 8-7
VQ37VHR engine model. ................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-9
Engine oil ......................................................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter .......................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ................................ 8-12
Power steering fluid .......................................... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid .................................................. 8-13
Clutch fluid ................................................. 8-13
Window washer fluid ........................................ 8-14
Battery .......................................................... 8-14
Jump starting .............................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ............................ 8-16
Drive belts ...................................................... 8-17 Spark plugs
.................................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ................................... 8-18
Air cleaner ...................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .................................... 8-19
Cleaning .................................................... 8-19
Replacing ................................................... 8-19
Brakes ........................................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear warning ................................ 8-20
Fuses ............................................................ 8-21
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-22
Intelligent Key battery replacement ....................... 8-23
Lights ............................................................ 8-25
Coupe ....................................................... 8-25
Roadster .................................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................................. 8-27
Exterior and interior lights ............................... 8-27
Wheels and tires .............................................. 8-29
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-29
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-32
Types of tires .............................................. 8-34
Tire chains .................................................. 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ............................. 8-36
Emergency tire puncture repair kit
(if so equipped) ........................................... 8-38
Black plate (348,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
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 (355,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
(Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine
oil filter change is needed.)
4. Loosen the oil filter
*2
with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber
gasket remaining on the mounting sur-
face of the engine. Failure to do so
could lead to engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m) Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section for drain
and refill capacity. The drain and refill
capacity depends on the oil temperature
and drain time. Use these specifications for
reference only. Always use the dipstick to
determine the proper amount of oil in the
engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation1. Install the engine undercover into position as
the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clipout.
b. Hold the engine undercover into posi- tion. c. Insert the clip through the undercover
into the hole in the frame, then push the
center of the clip in to lock the clip in
place.
d. Install the bolts that hold the undercover in place. Be careful not to strip the bolts
or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
. Prolonged and repeated contact
with used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
. Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11
Black plate (365,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SDI1479A
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch is pushed to the OFF or LOCK position and the headlight
switch is turned to OFF. 2. Open the engine hood and remove the
cover on the battery and the fuse/fusible link
holder.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller located in the passenger compartment fuse box.
SDI1754
5. If the fuse is open
*A
, replace it with a new
fuse
*B. Spare fuses are stored in the
passenger compartment fuse box.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Fusible linksIf any electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace only with genuine NISSAN parts.
FUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-21
Black plate (389,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling or hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, im-
mediately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a
fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygenates
can cause paint damage.
E-85 fuelE-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for
that region.Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (Example: fuel injector
cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain active
solvent or similar ingredients that can be harmful
to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tipsUsing unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above can
cause persistent, heavy spark knock.
(Spark knock is a metallic rapping noise.)
If severe, this can lead to engine damage.
If you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have a NISSAN dealer
correct the condition. Failure to correct
the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service
facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
Technical and consumer information
9-5
Black plate (408,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
A vehicle equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
should never be tested using a two wheel
dynamometer (such as the dynamometers used
by some states for emissions testing) , or similar
equipment. Make sure you inform test facility
personnel that your vehicle is equipped with
AWD before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may result in
transmission damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be
required to be in what is called the “ready
condition” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
test of the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the “ready condition” can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s inspection/
maintenance test readiness condition. Place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and
then blinks for 10 seconds, the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not
blink after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is“ready”.
Contact a NISSAN dealer to set “ready condi-
tion” or to prepare the vehicle for testing.
This vehicle is equipped with an Event
Data Recorder (EDR) . The main purpose of
an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data
that will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
.
How various systems in your vehicle
were operating;
. Whether or not the driver and passen-
ger safety belts were buckled/fas-
tened;
. How far (if at all) the driver was
depressing the accelerator and/or
brake pedal; and,
. How fast the vehicle was traveling.
. Sounds are not recorded.
Thesedatacanhelpprovideabetter
understanding of the circumstances in
which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE:
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only
if a nontrivial crash situation occurs; no
data are recorded by the EDR under
normal driving conditions and no personalREADINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)9-24
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 ............................. 1-38
Air bag warning light ....................... 1-38, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter .......................... 8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ...................... 4-24
Air conditioner service ......................... 4-30
Air conditioner specification label ............ 9-13
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .............. 4-30, 9-7
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 4-29
Air deflectors ....................................... 9-17
Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system) ..................... 2-26
Alcohol, drugs and driving .......................... 5-7
Antenna ............................................. 4-79
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 ...................... 4-30 Audio system
....................................... 4-30
Steering wheel audio controls ................ 4-77
Autochanger Compact Disc (CD) ........................... 4-48
Autolight system ................................... 2-30
Automatic Air conditioner (Type A) ....................... 4-25
Air conditioner (Type B) ....................... 4-27
Automatic adjusting function
(front windows) ................................ 2-43
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-12
Door locks ........................................ 3-5
Driving with automatic transmission .......... 5-12
AUX (Auxiliary) button ...................... 4-45, 4-50
Auxiliary input jacks ................................ 4-75
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................... 5-5
B
Battery .............................................. 8-14
Battery saver system .......................... 2-31
Intelligent Key .................................. 8-23
Variable voltage control system ............... 8-16
Before starting the engine ........................ 5-10
Belts (See drive belts) ............................. 8-17
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) .................. 4-80
Bluetooth®hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) .............. 4-91
Bluetooth®streaming audio ....................... 4-62
Booster seats ...................................... 1-23
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .............. 5-26Brake and clutch fluid
......................... 8-13
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-13
Brake system ................................... 5-25
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-20
Warning light ..................................... 2-9
Break-in schedule .................................. 5-23
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ......................... 4-6
Instrument panel ............................... 2-32
Bulb check/instrument panel ........................ 2-8
Bulb replacement .................................. 8-25
C
Cabin air filter ...................................... 4-29
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ..... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............................ 4-80
Cargo cover ........................................ 2-41
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ............ 5-2
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning ......... 4-76
Center multi-function control panel
(models with navigation system) .................... 4-2
Child restraints ..................................... 1-17
Booster seats .................................. 1-23
Precautions on child restraints ................ 1-17
Top tether strap ................................ 1-18
Child safety ......................................... 1-15
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
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 28
Black plate (2,1)
10-2Clutch fluid......................................... 8-13
Cockpit ............................................... 2-2
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-31
Compact Disc (CD) changer
(See audio system) ................................ 4-48
Compact Disc (CD) player
(See audio system) ......................... 4-44, 4-54
Compact spare tire ................................ 8-37
Console box ........................................ 2-40
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level .................. 8-9
Corrosion protection ................................. 7-7
Cover, Cargo cover ................................ 2-41
Cruise control ...................................... 5-21
Cup holders ........................................ 2-38
D
Dampers, Performance dampers ................. 5-30
Daytime running light system ..................... 2-32
Defroster switch, Rear window defroster
switch ............................................... 2-29
Dimensions ......................................... 9-10
Drive belts .......................................... 8-17
Driving Cold weather driving .......................... 5-31
Driving with automatic transmission .......... 5-12
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-16
Precautions when starting and driving ......... 5-2
DVD player operation .............................. 4-55 E
Economy, Fuel ..................................... 5-23
Elapsed time ....................................... 2-21
Emergency tire puncture repair kit .................. 6-7
Emission control information label ................ 9-12
Emission control system warranty ................ 9-22
Engine Before starting the engine .................... 5-10
Break-in schedule .............................. 5-23
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ................. 8-10
Checking engine coolant level .................. 8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................ 8-9
Coolant temperature gauge ..................... 2-6
Emergency engine shut off ...................... 5-9
Engine block heater ........................... 5-32
Engine compartment check locations .......... 8-7
Engine cooling system .......................... 8-8
Engine oil ......................................... 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ....... 9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator .............. 2-19
Engine oil temperature gauge ................... 2-7
Engine oil viscosity .............................. 9-6
Engine serial number .......................... 9-12
Engine specifications ............................ 9-8
Engine start operation indicator .............. 2-16
Engine start operation indicator
(Manual Transmission models) ................ 2-17
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 6-15
Starting the engine ............................ 5-11
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ..................... 9-24
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .................... 5-2 F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. ......... 9-12
Filter Air cleaner housing filter ...................... 8-18
Changing engine oil and filter ................. 8-10
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . . . 2-33
Flat tire ................................................ 6-2
Repairing flat tire
(with emergency tire puncture repair kit) ....... 6-7
Flat towing .......................................... 9-21
Floor mat cleaning ................................... 7-6
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ......................... 8-13
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................... 9-2
Engine coolant ................................... 8-8
Engine oil ......................................... 8-9
Power steering fluid ........................... 8-12
Window washer fluid .......................... 8-14
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ............................................... 4-42
FM-AM-SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer (models without navigation system) .... 4-47
FM-AM-SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player (models with navigation system) .......... 4-51
Fog light switch .................................... 2-33
Front manual seat adjustment. ...................... 1-4
Front passenger air bag and status light ........ 1-33
Front power seat adjustment ....................... 1-3
Front seat, Front seat adjustment .................. 1-3
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 28