
Black plate (11,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
SDI2172
VQ35DE ENGINE1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-11)
2. Drive belt location (P.8-15)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-8)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-12)
5. Air cleaner (P.8-16)6. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-20)
7. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-12)
8. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-7)
9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-7)
10. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-8)
11. Battery (P.8-13)ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Illustrated table of contents
0-9

Black plate (330,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (32 8F, 0 8C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The
vehicle will have much less traction
or “grip” under these conditions. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a
patch of ice is seen ahead, brake
before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)Engine block heaters are used to assist with
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20 8F( 7 8C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-
volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm the
engine coolant. Use an appropriate timer to
turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away from
moving parts.
WARNING
.Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical sys-
tem or a 2-pronged adapter. You can
be seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.
. Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before
5-30
Starting and driving

Black plate (344,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
6. After the engine cools down, check thecoolant 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. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators are familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends that you
have a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions.
WARNING
.
Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and drivetrain are in working condi-
tion. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
. Always attach safety chains before
towing. For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV) , see “FLAT TOW-
ING” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-12
In case of emergency

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 (365,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) to provide year-round anti-freeze
and coolant protection. The anti-freeze solution
contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional
engine cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNING
.Never remove the radiator or cool-
ant reservoir cap when the engine is
hot. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
See precautions in “IF YOUR VEHI-
CLE OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case
of emergency” section of this man-
ual.
. The radiator is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To pre-
vent engine damage, use only a
genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
. If the engine was stopped soon
when the engine is hot, the cooling
fan may operate for approximately
10 minutes after the engine was
stopped to cool the components in
the engine compartment. When the cooling fan is operating, be sure
that hands or other items do not get
caught in it.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent. Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-diluted
to provide antifreeze protection to
34
8F( 37 8C) . If additional freeze pro-
tection is needed due to weather where
you operate your vehicle, add Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) concentrate following the direc-
tions on the container. If an equivalent
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is
used, follow the coolant manufacture’s
instructions to maintain minimum anti-
freeze protection to 34 8F( 37 8C) . The
use of other types of coolant solutions
other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
may damage the engine cooling sys-
tem.
SDI2173
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVELCheck the coolant level in the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
*2, open the reservoir cap and
add coolant up to the MAX level
*1. If the
reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiator when the engine is cold. If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the MAX level*1.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7

Black plate (371,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
Recommended fluid:
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concen-
trate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
CAUTION
.Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the
paint.
. Do not fill the window washer
reservoir tank with washer fluid
concentrates at full strength. Some
methyl alcohol based washer fluid
concentrates may permanently stain
the grille if spilled while filling the
window washer reservoir tank.
. Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer’s
recommended levels before pouring
the fluid into the window washer
reservoir tank. Do not use the
window washer reservoir tank to
mix the washer fluid concentrate
and water. .
Keep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
. Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
. If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative ( ) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharging it.
WARNING
. Do not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15
minutes and seek medical attention.
. Do not operate the vehicle if the
fluid in the battery is low. Low
battery fluid can cause a higher load
on the battery which can generate
heat, reduce battery life, and in
some cases lead to an explosion. .
When working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
. Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
. Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-13

Black plate (400,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 23
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 21-5/8 gal18 gal 82 See “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change 4-7/8 qt4 qt4.6
.Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2, *3
. Viscosity SAE 5W-30*2, *3
Without oil filter change 4-1/2 qt3-3/4 qt 4.3
Cooling system With reservoir 10 qt8-1/4 qt 9.4
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
Reservoir 7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid —— — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2*4
Differential gear oil —— —Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5 Viscosity SAE
80W-90*5
Transfer oil —— —Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5 Viscosity SAE
80W-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 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 A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid —— —
Genuine 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 available at a NISSAN dealer.
*4: Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle
limited warranty.
*5: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 32 8F(0 8C).
*6: DEXRON
TMVI type ATF may also be used.
*7: Available in mainland U.S.A. 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