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.
Tyres*:
Check the pressure with a gauge periodically when
at a service station (including the spare) and adjust
to the specified pressure if necessary. Check care-
fully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tyre rotation*:
Tyres should be rotated at least every 10,000 km
(6,000 miles). However, the timing for tyre rotation
may vary according to your driving habits and road
surface conditions.
Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tyre 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.
Wheel bolts:
When checking the tyres, make sure no wheel bolts
are missing, and check for any loose wheel bolts.
Tighten if necessary.Windscreen:
Clean the windscreen on a regular basis. Check the
windscreen at least every six months for cracks or
other damage. Have a damaged windscreen re-
paired by a qualified repair facility.
Wiper blades*:
Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe prop-
erly.
Under the bonnet and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g. each time you check the
engine oil or refuel.
Battery*:
Check if the green indicator on the top of the main-
tenance free battery is visible. If it is not visible,
replace the battery as soon as possible.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions, check the fluid level frequently.
Brake and clutch fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch 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.
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
petrol fumes are evident, check for the cause and
have it corrected immediately.
Window washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when perform-
ing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and make
sure that the pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
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, contact a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop immediately. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
Handbrake*:
Confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
steep hill with only the handbrake applied.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat adjust-
ers, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely in every posi-
tion. Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g.
buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage. See “Seat belt maintenance” in the
“1. Safety — seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section for further details.
Steering wheel:
Check for any change in the steering conditions,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or strange
noises.
Warning lights and audible reminders:
Make sure that all warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders are operating properly.
Windscreen defogger:
Check that the air comes out of the defogger outlets
properly when operating the heater or air condi-
tioner.Windscreen wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precautions
which should be closely observed.
•Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
handbrake securely and block the wheels to
prevent the vehicle from moving. For a manual
transmission models, move the gear lever to
N (Neutral) position. [For automatic transmis-
sion models, move the selector lever to P
(Park) position.]
•Do not work under the engine bonnet while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine and wait
until it cools down.
•Be sure to turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”
or LOCK position.
When the ignition switch is in the ON or Acc
position, the cooling fan may start to operate
suddenly even when the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working near
the engine.
•If you must work with the engine running,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from moving fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
•It is advisable to remove ties and any jewel-
lery, such as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
A.CR14DE or HR16DE engine
B.K9K engine
1.Normal range
2.MIN level
3.MAX level
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CAUTION
The oil level should be checked regularly. Oper-
ating with an insufficient amount of oil can dam-
age the engine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the
handbrake.
2. Start the engine. If the engine is cold, start and
let the engine idle until it reaches the operational
temperature.3. Turn the engine off.
4. Wait at least 10 minutes for the engine oil to
drain back into the oil pan.
5. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
7. Reinsert it all the way.
8. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level.
It should be in the normal range
j1.
9. If the oil level is below MIN
j2 , remove the en-
gine oil filler cap and pour the recommended oil
through the opening.Do not overfill
j3.
10. Re-check the oil level with the dipstick.
11. Install the engine oil filler cap securely.
12. Close the bonnet.
It is normal to add some engine oil between oil
maintenance intervals depending on the severity
of operating conditions or depending on the prop-
erty of the engine oil used. More engine oil is
consumed by frequent acceleration/deceleration
especially when the engine rpm is high. Con-
sumption is likely to be higher when the engine
is new. If the rate of oil consumption, after hav-
ing driven for 5,000 km (3,000 miles), is more
than 0.5 litre per 1,000 km (621 miles), consult a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
NDI957Z
SDI1104Z
CR14DE engine
NDI653Z
HR16DE engine
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
WARNING
•NISSAN recommends contacting a NISSAN
dealer or qualified workshop for engine oil
servicing.
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
A used oil filter should be disposed of at a
rubbish tip having proper facilities.
•Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine
oil is hot.
•Prolonged and repeated contact with used
engine oil may cause skin cancer.
•Avoid direct skin contact with used oil. If skin
contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap
or hand cleaner and plenty of water as soon
as possible.
•Store used engine oil in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the
handbrake.
2. Start the engine. If the engine is cold, start and
let the engine idle until the engine temperature
reaches the operational temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait at least 10 minutes
to let the engine oil drain back into the oil pan.
4. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
5. Remove the engine oil filler cap.
6. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable
floor jack and safety jack stands.
Place the safety jack stands under the vehicle
jack-up points.
For details, see “Flat tyre” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.
7. Remove the engine compartment under cover
(where fitted).8. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
9. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and com-
pletely drain the oil.
If the engine oil filter needs to be changed, re-
move and replace it at this time. See “Changing
engine oil filter” later in this section.
10. Clean and reinstall the drain plug along with a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torques:
CR14DE or HR16DE engine:
34.3 N•m (3.5 kg-m, 25 ft-lb)
K9K engine:
20 N•m (2.0 kg-m, 15 ft-lb)
11. Refill the engine with recommended engine oil
and quantity.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical information” sec-
tion.
12. Check the oil level with the dipstick. For details,
see “Checking engine oil level” earlier in this
section. If necessary, add engine oil.
13. Install the engine oil filler cap securely.
14. Start the engine.
15. Check for any leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
16. Turn the engine off and wait several minutes.
17. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If
necessary, add engine oil.NDI509Z
Euro 4 — K9K engine
NDI1064
Euro 5 — K9K engine
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
When checking or replacement is required, NISSAN
recommends contacting a NISSAN dealer or quali-
fied workshop for servicing.
CAUTION
•Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF. Do
not mix with other fluids.
•Using automatic transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF will cause dete-
rioration in driveability and automatic trans-
mission durability, and may damage the auto-
matic transmission, which is not covered by
the warranty.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
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
or qualified workshop.
CHECKING HANDBRAKE
Periodically check the holding ability of the hand-
brake by parking on a steep hill and restraining the
vehicle by using only the handbrake. If it does not
hold satisfactorily, see a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop.
WARNING
•Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the vehicle’s
stopping ability.
•Clean the filler cap before removing.
NDI1011Z
LHD models
NDI735Z
RHD models
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF)BRAKES BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
•Brake and clutch fluids are poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked contain-
ers out of the reach of children.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level
is between the MIN
j2 and MAXj1 lines or the
brake warning light comes on, add fluid up to the
MAX line.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants”
in the “9. Technical information” section for the rec-
ommended brake and clutch fluid type.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system should
be thoroughly checked by a NISSAN dealer or quali-
fied workshop.
CAUTION
•NISSAN recommends that refilling and check-
ing the brake and clutch systems should be
left to a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
who will have the necessary fluids and techni-
cal knowledge.
•Do not spill the fluid on painted surfaces. This
will damage the paint. If fluid is spilled, wash
with water.
WARNING
Anti-freeze window washer is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
•Check the fluid level in the window washer res-
ervoir. If the fluid level is low, add window washer
fluid up to the MAX level.
•Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.
•Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a window
washer anti-freeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
•Do not substitute anti-freeze engine coolant
for window washer solution. This may result
in damage to the paint.
•Always use window washer fluid recom-
mended by NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop.
NDI723Z
WINDOW WASHER FLUID/HEADLIGHT CLEANER FLUID (where fitted)
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
2. Insert a flat blade screwdriver or a suitable tool
into the slit of the corner and twist it to open the
lid.
3. Replace the battery with a new one.
For models equipped with Integrated keyfob, use
the following battery type:
CR2016
For models equipped with Intelligent Key, use
the following battery type:
CR2032
•Do not touch the internal circuit and electric ter-
minals as doing so could cause a malfunction.
•Make sure that the + side faces the bottom of the
case, as illustrated.
4. Install the lid in the reverse order of removal.
5. Operate the buttons to check its operation.
Contact a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
if you need assistance for battery replacement.
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the “OFF” or
LOCK position. Otherwise the cooling fan or the
engine may start to operate suddenly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is in
poor condition or loose, have it replaced or ad-
justed by a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condition
and tension in accordance with the maintenance
schedule as shown in the separately provided
Warranty Information and Maintenance booklet.WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch are off
and that the handbrake is engaged securely.
CAUTION
•Be sure to use the correct socket to remove
the spark plugs. An incorrect socket can
cause damage to the spark plugs.
•Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.
Replace spark plugs according to the maintenance
schedule. For details, see the separately provided
Warranty Information & Maintenance Booklet.
If replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop for servicing.
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS (Petrol engine
models)
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
TYRE AGE
Remember tyre age. Never use a tyre over six years
old, regardless of whether they have been used or
not.
Tyres degrade with age as well as the use they are
subjected to. Have the tyres checked and balanced
frequently by a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop. Report all accidents where the tyre is knocked
even if it is minor.
CHANGING TYRES AND WHEELS
WARNING
Do not install a deformed wheel or tyre even if it
has been repaired. Such wheels or tyres could
have structural damage and could fail without
warning.
When replacing a tyre, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. Recommended types and sizes are men-
tioned in “Wheels and tyres” in the “9. Technical
information” section.
The use of tyres other than those recommended or
the mixed use of tyres of different brands, construc-
tion (bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking, handling,
ground clearance, body-to-tyre clearance, snow
chain clearance, speedometer calibration, headlight
aim and bumper height.
WARNING
Some of these effects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal injury.
If the wheels are changed for any reason, always
replace with wheels which have the same offset
dimension. Wheels of a different offset could cause
early tyre wear, possibly degraded vehicle handling
characteristics and/or interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear.
WHEEL BALANCE
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling and
tyre life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out
of balance. Therefore, they should be balanced as
required.
Wheel balance service should be performed with
the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing the front
wheels on the vehicle could lead to transmission
damage.
SPARE TYRE
The temporary-use spare wheel/tyre can be identi-
fied by the temporary-use spare tyre label which
contrasts to the standard road wheels. If in doubt,
contact a NISSAN dealer, qualified workshop or
see “Spare tyre” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section.
CARE OF WHEELS
For details, see “Care of wheels” in the “7. Appear-
ance and care” section.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-31