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
•If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases.
•Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported 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 and battery.
•Never connect or disconnect either the bat-
tery or any transistorised component connec-
tor while the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion.
•Never leave the engine or transmission re-
lated component harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
•On petrol engine models with the multiport
fuel injection (MFI) system, the fuel filter or
fuel lines should be serviced by a NISSAN
dealer or qualified workshop because the fuel
lines are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
•Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
•Failure to follow these or other common sense
guidelines may lead to serious injury or ve-
hicle damage.
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
Improperly disposed engine oil and/or other
vehicle fluids can pollute the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluid.
This section gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner to per-
form.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or ex-
cessive emissions, and could affect your warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing, have it
done by your NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop.For an overview of the engine compartment, see
“Engine compartment” in the “0. Illustrated table
of contents” section.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
WARNING
•Never remove the engine coolant reservoir
cap or the radiator cap (where fitted) when
the engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping either
from the radiator or the engine coolant reser-
voir. Wait until the engine and radiator have
cooled down.
•Engine coolant is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out of
the reach of children.
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round and extended life en-
gine coolant. The high quality engine coolant con-
tains the specific solutions effective for the anti-cor-
rosion and the anti-freeze function. Therefore, addi-
tional cooling system additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
•When adding or replacing engine coolant, be
sure to use Genuine NISSAN anti-freeze L250
coolant or equivalent premixed type (mixture
ratio 50% for all ambient temperatures).
•The use of other types of engine coolant may
damage the engine cooling system.
•If the radiator or engine coolant reservoir tank
is equipped with a pressure cap, use a Genu-
ine NISSAN cap or its equivalent when re-
placement is required.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir when the
engine is cold. If the coolant level is below MINj2,
add coolant up to the MAXj1 level. If the reservoir
is empty, check the coolant level in the radiator
(where fitted)when the engine is cold.If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiatorwith coolant up to the filler opening (where fitted)
and also add it to the coolant reservoir up to the
MAX level.
CAUTION
If the cooling system frequently requires coolant,
have it checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
CAUTION
•Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop. The service procedures can be found in
the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
•When checking or replacement is required,
NISSAN recommends contacting a NISSAN
dealer or qualified workshop for servicing.
•Improper servicing or engine coolant change
can result in reduced heater performance and
engine overheating.
NDI742Z
Type A
NDI741Z
Type B
NDI719Z
CR14DE or HR16DE
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
WARNING
•To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
change the coolant when the engine is hot.
•Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant. If
skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with
soap or hand cleaner and plenty of water as
soon as possible.
•Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CR14DE or HR16DE engine
1. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature
control to the maximum “HOT” position.
2. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
3. Open the radiator cap
j1 (where fitted) or en-
gine coolant reservoir cap to help to drain the
coolant.
4. Slacken off the radiator lower hose clip
j2and
remove the lower hosej3 to drain the coolant.
5. Flush the cooling system by running clean water
through the radiator filler opening (where fitted)
or engine coolant reservoir.
6. Install the radiator lower hose on the radiator
securely.7. Fill the radiator through the filler opening (where
applicable) slowly with coolant and fill the cool-
ant reservoir up to the MAX level. See “Capaci-
ties and recommended fuel/lubricants” in the
“9. Technical information” section for cooling
system capacity.
8. Install the radiator cap (where fitted) and the en-
gine coolant reservoir cap.
9. Start the engine, and warm it up until the radiator
fan operates. Then rev the engine two or three
times under no load. Observe the coolant tem-
perature warning light for signs of overheating.
10. Stop the engine. After it has completely cooled
down, refill the radiator up to the filler opening
(where fitted). If the coolant level lowered, fill
the engine coolant reservoir up to the MAX level.
11. Check radiator lower hose for any signs of leak-
age.
12. Close the bonnet.
K9K engine
1. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature
control to the maximum “HOT” position.
2. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
3. Disconnect the radiator lower hose
j1 and open
the drain plugj2 on the engine block.
4. Open the engine coolant reservoir cap to help to
drain the coolant.
5. Flush the cooling system by running fresh water
through the radiator.
6. Install the radiator lower hose to the radiator and
securely tighten the engine block drain plug.
7. Fill the reservoir up to the MAX level with cool-
ant. See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical information”
section for cooling system capacity.
8. Install the engine coolant reservoir cap.
9. Start the engine and run the engine at about
2,000 rpm for 1 minute.
10. Stop the engine and check coolant level, allow
to cool and refill up to the MAX level.
11. Warm up the engine at about 2,000 rpm until it
reaches the normal operational temperature
(fan cycles).
Check heater core (below instrument panel) for
gurgling, refill if necessary.
NDI671Z
K9K engine
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
8. Turn the engine off and wait several minutes.
Check the oil level and add engine oil, if neces-
sary.
9. Install the engine compartment under cover
(where fitted).
10. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
11. Close the bonnet.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses and soil.
Use authorised waste collection facilities, including
civic amenity sites and garages providing facilities
for the disposal of used oil and used oil filters. If in
doubt, contact your local authority for advice on dis-
posal.
The regulations concerning the pollution of the
environment will vary from country to country.
BLEEDING THE FUEL SYSTEM
Bleed the air out of the fuel system after refilling an
empty fuel tank by the following procedure:
1. Squeeze the priming bulb
jA several times until
there is a sudden resistance felt in the pressure,
then stop.
2. Crank the engine until the engine starts.NOTE
•If the engine does not start, stop cranking
and repeat step 1 of the procedure.
•If the engine does not operate smoothly
after it has started, race it two or three
times.
NDI1062
K9K engine (LHD models)
NDI1063
K9K engine (RHD models)
FUEL FILTER (Diesel engine
models)
8-12Maintenance 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
ommends to visually check the green indicatorjA status periodically. If it is not visible, replace
the battery as soon as possible.
•If battery replacement or check is required, con-
tact a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.
REINITIALISATION PROCEDURE
AFTER BATTERY RECONNECTION
Power window (Driver’s side —
where fitted)
When the vehicle battery has been connected, the
system must be reinitialised as follows:
1. Push down and hold the driver’s side window
switch until the window glass is completely low-
ered then release the switch.
2.In one continuous operation, pull up and hold
the driver’s side window switch until the window
glass is completely closed and continue holding
the switch for a further 5 seconds.
3. The system is now reinitialised.
Repeat the procedure every time the vehicle battery
is connected.
If the reinitialisation procedure cannot be performed
successfully, take your vehicle to a NISSAN dealer
or qualified workshop.
JUMP-STARTING
If jump-starting is necessary, see “Jump-starting” in
the “6. In case of emergency” section. If the engine
does not start by jump starting, the battery may have
to be replaced. Contact a NISSAN dealer or quali-
fied workshop.
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself