2012 NISSAN CUBE coolant level

6-12In case of emergency
position.
Do not stop the engine.
3. Turn off the air conditioner (if so equipped) . Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no steam
or coolant can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check the drive belt for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time.
7. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir 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 powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dol-
lies must be used.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ........................................................ 8-2Scheduled 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 MR18DE engine .................................................................. 8-6
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-7
Checking engine coolant level ......................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant .................................................. 8-8
Engine oil ........................................................................\
............ 8-9
Checking engine oil level .................................................. 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter .......................................... 8-9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ............ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................................................ 8-12
Battery ........................................................................\
............... 8-13 Jump starting ..................................................................... 8-15
Variable voltage control system (if so equipped) .......... 8-15
Drive belt ........................................................................\
.......... 8-15
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
..... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs .................................................... 8-16 Air cleaner ........................................................................\
....... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-18 Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-18
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 .............................................. 8-22
Key battery replacement ...................................................... 8-23 Keyfob ........................................................................\
....... 8-24
Intelligent Key .................................................................. 8-25
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-26 Headlights ........................................................................\
8-27
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-30 Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-33
Types of tires ................................................................... 8-35
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires .......................................... 8-36

8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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 washers operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
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.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe condition require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
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 belt*: Make sure that the drive
belt is 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” (P.5-2)
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.
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” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance 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.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and block the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. Move the
selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion or the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. 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 secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle. .
Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
. The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is
off.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly
disposed engine oil, and engine coolant and/or other vehicle fluids
can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations
for disposal of vehicle fluid.
. Never leave the engine or the CVT
related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service Man-
ual order information” (P.9-20).)
You should be aware that incomplete or
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
.The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000
km) or 7 years. Mixing any other
type of coolant other than Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) , including Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (green) , or the use of non-
distilled water will reduce the life
expectancy of the factory-fill cool-
ant. Refer to the NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide for more
details.
SDI2385
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check 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.
Tighten the cap securely after adding engine
coolant.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major 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.

To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap and pour the window washer fluid into the
reservoir opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for the mixture ratio.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally.
Type A
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light illuminates.
Type B
To check the fluid level, use your finger to plug
the center hole
*1of the cap/tube assembly,
then remove it from the reservoir. If there is no
fluid in the tube, add fluid.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
window washer fluid.
Recommended fluid: Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze 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 7battery
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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
BATTERY

9-2Technical and consumer information
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 13-1/4 gal 11 gal50 See “Fuel recommendation” (P.9-3).
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt4.1
.Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2
. Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Without oil filter change 4 qt3-3/8 qt 3.8
Cooling system
With reservoir CVT model
7-1/2 qt 6-1/4 qt 7.1
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
MT model 7-1/4 qt6 qt6.8
Reservoir 3/4 qt5/8 qt 0.7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid —— — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2*3
Manual Transmission (MT) gear oil —— — API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-80
Brake and clutch fluid Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease —— — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— — HFC-134a (R-134a)*5
Air conditioning system lubricants —— — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid 1-1/4 gal1 gal 4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “Engine oil” (P.8-9) for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” (P.9-5).
*3: 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.
*4: Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.
*5: For additional information, see “Vehicle identification” (P.9-8) for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS

10 Index
A
A/C (Air Conditioner) operation.............................. 4-15
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ............................ 5-26
Advanced air bag system ......................................... 1-46
Air bag system Advanced air bag system .................................. 1-46
Front passenger air bag and status light....... 1-47
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ............................ 1-50
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system ............................ 1-50
Air bag warning labels............................................... 1-53
Air bag warning light...................................... 1-53, 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter ........................................... 8-17
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation.................................... 4-13
Air conditioner service ........................................ 4-19
Air conditioner specification label.................... 9-10
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations....................... 4-19, 9-6
In-cabin microfilter ............................................... 4-19
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system)........................................................... 2-20
Alcohol, drugs and driving.......................................... 5-7
Antenna.......................................................................... 4-50
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................ 5-26
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light..... 2-12
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ...................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ....................................... 7-4
Armrest ............................................................................ 1-9
Audible reminders....................................................... 2-18
Audio operation precautions.................................... 4-20
Audio setup .................................................................... 4-5
Audio system................................................................ 4-20 Steering wheel audio controls.......................... 4-49
Autolight system.......................................................... 2-25
Automatic Air conditioner....................................................... 4-17
Door locks................................................................. 3-6
AUX (Auxiliary) button........................ 4-34, 4-41, 4-45
AUX (Auxiliary) input........................... 4-34, 4-41, 4-45
Average fuel consumption ........................................ 2-10
Average speed............................................................. 2-10
Avoiding collision and rollover ................................... 5-6
B
Back door...................................................................... 3-20
Battery............................................................................ 8-13 Battery replacement, Intelligent Key................ 8-25
Battery replacement, Keyfob............................. 8-24
Battery saver system........................................... 2-26
Variable voltage control system........................ 8-15
Before starting the engine........................................ 5-12
Bluetooth
®Hands-Free Phone System ................ 4-52
Booster seats............................................................... 1-37
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..................... 5-26
Brake and clutch fluid......................................... 8-12
Brake system......................................................... 5-26
Parking brake operation ..................................... 5-20
Warning light......................................................... 2-12
Break-in schedule ....................................................... 5-23
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ........................................ 4-5
Instrument panel................................................... 2-27
Bulb check/instrument panel ................................... 2-12
Bulb replacement........................................................ 8-26
C
Cabin air filter............................................................... 4-19
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ....... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............................................. 4-51
Cargo light.................................................................... 2-40
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst................... 5-3
CD/USB memory care and cleaning ..................... 4-49
Ceiling light................................................................... 2-39
Check tire pressure warning...................................... 2-6
Child restraints............................................................. 1-21 Booster seats........................................................ 1-37
Precautions on child restraints......................... 1-21
Child safety................................................................... 1-19
Child safety rear door lock ......................................... 3-6
Chimes, Audible reminders ...................................... 2-18
Circuit breaker, Fusible link...................................... 8-21
Cleaning exterior and interior............................ 7-2, 7-4
Clock (models with navigation system)................... 4-7
Clutch fluid.................................................................... 8-12
Cockpit ............................................................................ 2-2
Cold weather driving.................................................. 5-29
Compact Disc (CD) player
(See audio system) ............................ 4-33, 4-38, 4-43
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................................................................... 8-11
Control panel buttons — color screen with
navigation system.......................................................... 4-2
Controls, Steering wheel audio controls............... 4-49
Coolant Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level............................. 8-8
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-6
Cruise control............................................................... 5-21