Black plate (353,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
REMOVING SPOTSRemove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting damage
or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive
accessory stores.UNDERBODYIn areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the underseal
must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.GLASSUse glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass
to become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could da-mage the electrical conductors, radio
antenna elements or rear window
defroster elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELSWash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
.
Do not use a cleaner that uses
strong acid or alkali contents to
clean the wheels.
. Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The
wheel temperature should be the
same as ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.CHROME PARTSClean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSINGNISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
.Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove) .
. Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is
completely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
Appearance and care
7-3
Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
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 belt ....................................................... 8-15 Spark 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 warning ................................ 8-19
Fuses ............................................................ 8-20
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement ....................... 8-22
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 ............................. 8-36
Black plate (362,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
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 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. 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 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 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 (364,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
done by a NISSAN dealer.
SDI2172
VQ35DE ENGINE1. 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. BatteryENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (366,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTMajor cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
.To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
. Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
. Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
. Keep coolant out of reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
SDI2174
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
*1. If the
oil level is below
*2, remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the
opening.
Do not overfill
*3.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the break-
in period, depending on the severity of
operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not cov-
ered by the warranty.CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTERChange the engine oil and filter according to the
maintenance log shown in the NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide.Vehicle set-up1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes.
ENGINE OIL
8-8
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (368,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.. Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
. Check your local regulations.
Perform steps 4 to 9 when the engine oil
filter change is needed.
4. Remove the plastic cover over the oil filter location by removing the small plastic clips
as illustrated.
5. Loosen the oil filter
*C
with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket
material remaining on the mounting
surface of the engine. Failure to do so
could lead to engine damage.
7. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil. 8. 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)
9. Install the plastic cover.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
13. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation1. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
2. 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.
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (373,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
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.
SDI2186
1. Power steering oil pump
2. Alternator
3. Drive belt auto-tensioner
4. Crankshaft pulley
5. Air conditioner compressor
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position before servicing drive
belt. The engine could rotate unexpect-
edly.
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 or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belt condition checked regularly.
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEM (if so equipped) DRIVE BELT
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-15
Black plate (2,1)
10-2Cold weather driving.............................. 5-29
Compact Disc (CD) changer
(See audio system) ................................ 4-48
Compact Disc (CD) player
(See audio system) ................................ 4-54
Compass ............................................. 2-7
Console box ........................................ 2-45
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ................................................. 8-11
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/luricants ...................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-8
Checking engine coolant level .................. 8-7
Corrosion protection ................................. 7-5
Cover, Cargo cover ................................ 2-47
Cruise control ...................................... 5-18
Cup holders ........................................ 2-43
CVT, Driving with CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission) ............. 5-14
D
Daytime running light system ..................... 2-35
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............................ 2-32
Dimensions and weights ............................ 9-8
Display controls
(See center multi-function control panel) .......... 4-2
Door/lift gate open warning ....................... 2-20
Dot matrix liquid crystal display ................... 2-17
Drive belt ........................................... 8-15
Drive positioner .................................... 3-31
Driving All-wheel drive (AWD) ......................... 5-21
Cold weather driving .......................... 5-29 Driving with CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission)
......... 5-14
On-pavement and off-road driving ............. 5-6
Precautions when starting and driving ......... 5-2
Safety precautions ............................... 5-7
DVD player operation .............................. 4-55
E
Economy, Fuel ..................................... 5-21
Elapsed time ....................................... 2-23
Emission control information label ................ 9-10
Emission control system warranty ................ 9-25
Engine Before starting the engine .................... 5-13
Break-in schedule .............................. 5-20
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level .................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level ........................ 8-8
Coolant temperature gauge ..................... 2-6
Emergency engine shut off .................... 5-12
Engine block heater ........................... 5-30
Engine compartment check locations .......... 8-6
Engine cooling system .......................... 8-7
Engine oil ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ....... 9-5
Engine oil replacement indicator .............. 2-21
Engine oil viscosity .............................. 9-5
Engine serial number ............................ 9-9
Engine specifications ............................ 9-7
Engine start operation indicator .............. 2-18
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 6-11 Starting the engine
............................ 5-13
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive positioner . . . 3-31
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ..................... 9-27
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. ........... 9-9
Filter Air cleaner housing filter ...................... 8-16
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-8
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . . . 2-37
Flat tire ................................................ 6-2
Flat towing .......................................... 9-23
Floor mat cleaning ................................... 7-4
Fluid Brake fluid ...................................... 8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................... 9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ............................................. 8-11
Engine coolant ................................... 8-7
Engine oil ......................................... 8-8
Power steering fluid ........................... 8-11
Window washer fluid .......................... 8-12
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
changer ............................................. 4-46
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ............................................... 4-51
Fog light switch .................................... 2-36
Front manual seat adjustment. ...................... 1-3
Front passenger air bag and status light ........ 1-50
Front power seat adjustment ....................... 1-4
Front seat, Front seat adjustment .................. 1-3
Front-seat active head restraint ................... 1-11
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23