8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................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 ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-11
4-speed automatic transmission fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-12
Temperature conditions for checking . ............8-12
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-13
Brake fluid .................................... 8-14
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-14
Battery .......................................... 8-15Jump starting
................................. 8-16
Drive belt ........................................ 8-17
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-20
Fuses ........................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .......................8-23
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
Keyfob (if so equipped) ........................ 8-26
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped) ........8-27
Lights ........................................... 8-28
Headlights .................................... 8-28
Exterior
and interior lights ....................... 8-29
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-32
Tire pressure . . . ............................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................... 8-35
Types of tires .................................. 8-38
Tire chains .................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-39
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
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. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level. Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid lev-
els*
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
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 the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
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 (if so equipped) after use is nor-
mal. 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 from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield–washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
MR18DE Engine Model
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake and clutch (*1) fluid reservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Battery
5. Fuse/Fusible link box
6. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)/Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) dipstick (*2)
7. Radiator cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Drive belt location
11. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
*1: For Manual Transmission (M/T) model
*2: For Automatic Transmission (A/T)
model/Continuously Variable Transmis-
sion (CVT) model
WDI0733
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line
1or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent
Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT
3 fluid up to the MAX line
2. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
CLUTCH FLUID (if so equipped)
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmissions only) . If the fluid level is
below the MIN line
1, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent
Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT
3 fluid up to the MAX line
2. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
To check the windshield-washer fluid level, use
your finger to plug the center hole of the cap/tube
assembly, then remove it from the reservoir. If
there is no fluid in the tube, add fluid.
Add a washer solvent to the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir for better cleaning. In the winter
season, add a windshield-washer antifreeze. Fol-
low the manufacturer’s instructions for the mix-
ture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
windshield-washer fluid.
SDI1958SDI1958SDI1866
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN
Windshield-Washer Fluid Concentrate Cleaner
& Anti-freeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
●Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for windshield-washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
● Do not fill the windshield-washer fluid
reservoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl al-
cohol based washer fluid concentrates
may permanently stain the grille if
spilled while filling the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
● Pre-mix windshield-washer fluid con-
centrates with water to the manufactur-
er’s recommended levels before pour-
ing the fluid into the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir. Do not use the
windshield-washer fluid reservoir 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 discharge.
WARNING
● Do not expose the battery to electrical
sparks, flames or smoking. Hydrogen
gas generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Explosive gases can cause blind-
ness or injury. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your skin, eyes, fabrics or
painted surfaces. Sulfuric acid can
cause blindness or severe burns. 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 bat-
tery life, and in some cases lead to an
explosion.
● When working on or near a battery, al-
ways wear suitable eye protection and
remove all jewelry.
● Do not tip the battery. Keep the vent
caps tight and the battery level.
● Battery posts, terminals and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
● Keep battery out of the reach of
children.
BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Your windshield is clean
if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer fluid or a mild detergent. Then rinse
the blades with clear water. If your windshield is
still not clear after cleaning the blades and using
the wiper, install new windshield wiper blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Push and hold the release tab
A, and then
move the wiper blade down
1the wiper
arm to remove.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
●After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when the
hood is opened.
● Make sure the wiper blades contact the
glass; otherwise the arms may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
SDI1803
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-19
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
U.S. measure Imp. measure Liter Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50.0 See “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil (drain and refill) *6 With oil
filter
change 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
Genuine NISSAN engine oil *1
API grade SM *1
ILSAC grade GF-4 *1
Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *1
Without
oil filter
change 3-1/8 qt 2-5/8 qt 3.0
Cooling system (with reservoir) 1-3/4 gal 1-1/2 gal 6.8 Genuine NISSAN Engine Coolant or equivalent in its quality *2
Manual transmission gear oil — —
—Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi
75W-85, or equivalent *3
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instruc-
tions in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section. *7 Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF *4
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3.
Multi-purpose grease ———NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant (if so equipped) ———HFC-134a (R-134a) *5
Air conditioning system oil (if so equipped) ———Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent *5
Windshield-washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Recommended SAE viscosity number” in this section.
*2: Use Genuine NISSAN Engine Coolant or equivalent in its quality, in order to avoid possible aluminum corrosion within the engine cooling system caused by the use of non-genuine engine coolant. Note that any repairs for incidents within the engine cooling system while using non-genuine engine coolant may not be covered by the warranty
even if such incidents occurred during the warranty period.
*3: If Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) is not available, API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 may be used as a temporary replacement. However, use Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) as soon as possible.
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the auto- matic transmission, which is not covered by the warranty.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner system (if so equipped) refrigerant and oil recommendations” in this section.
*6: For further details, see “Engine oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
*7 : See your NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
Interiorlight..................2-35
Lightbulbs..................8-28
Low tire pressure warning light.......2-10
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-11
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-42
Security indicator light ............2-14
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-7
Lights Maplights ..................2-36
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-7
Door locks ................3-4,3-5
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever ......3-25
Power door locks ...............3-6
Loose fuel cap warning ..........2-5,3-26
Lowfuelwarninglight..............2-10
Low tire pressure warning light .........2-10
Low windshield-washer fluid warning light . . .2-11
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance Generalmaintenance.............8-2
Insidethevehicle...............8-3
Maintenanceprecautions...........8-5
Outsidethevehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance ............1-14
Under the hood and vehicle .........8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............2-13
Manual front seat adjustment ...........1-2
Maplights ....................2-36
Map pocket ....................2-25 Meters and gauges
................2-3
Instrument brightness control ........2-22
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ......3-29
Inside mirror .................3-29
Outside mirrors ...............3-30
Vanity mirror .................3-28
Moonroof .....................2-33
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ .........3-10,3-13
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system . . .2-17, 3-4, 5-11
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ......9-4
Odometer .....................2-4
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine oil .............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engineoil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-5
Outside mirrors .................3-30
Overdrive switch .................5-20
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ...........6-9
Owner’s manual order form ...........9-20Owner’s manual/service manual order
information
....................9-20
P
Parking Parking brake operation ...........5-22
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-26
Phone, Bluetooth hands-free system .....4-49
Power Power door locks ...............3-6
Power outlet .................2-25
Power rear windows .............2-32
P
ower steering system ...........5-27
Power windows ...............2-31
Rear power windows ............2-32
Precautions Maintenanceprecautions...........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-16,1-23,1-27,1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage ........1-8
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-34
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Programmablefeatures..............4-5
Push starting ....................6-9
R
Radio CarphoneorCBradio...........4-48
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..................4-26
10-4