Black plate (423,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement...
........................................................ 8-2
Scheduled 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
VQ35DE engine ...
.................................................................. 8-6
Engine cooling system ...
............................................................. 8-7
Checking engine coolant level ...
......................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ...
.................................................. 8-8
Engine oil ...
........................................................................\
............ 8-8
Checking engine oil level ...
.................................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter ...
.......................................... 8-9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ...
............ 8-11
Power steering fluid ...
............................................................... 8-11
Brake fluid ...
........................................................................\
........ 8-12
Window washer fluid ...
............................................................ 8-13
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 (if so equipped) ...
.................... 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 ...
.............................................. 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement ...
................................... 8-22
Lights ...
........................................................................\
................ 8-25
Hardtop models ...
.............................................................. 8-25
CrossCabriolet models ...
................................................. 8-26
Headlights ...
........................................................................\
8-27
Exterior and interior lights ...
............................................ 8-29
Wheels and tires ...
................................................................... 8-32
Tire pressure ...
................................................................... 8-32
Tire labeling ...
..................................................................... 8-36
Types of tires ...
................................................................... 8-38
Tire chains ...
....................................................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires ...
.......................................... 8-40
Emergency tire puncture repair kit (if
so equipped) ...
................................................................... 8-43
Condition:
Black plate (425,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
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.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If
necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires,
including the spare, to the pressure specified.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive
wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire 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. For additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
Windshield:
Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleGUID-7477C43A-6666-4E1C-8183-C50E8768BD51The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat 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, see a NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism:
On a fairly
steep hill, check that the vehicle is held securely
with the selector lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake needs
adjustment, see a NISSAN dealer.
Seat belts: Check 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
webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints/headrests move up and down
smoothly and that the locks (if so equipped)
hold securely in all latched positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
Condition:
Black plate (432,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2355
Engine oil and filterGUID-8B3161D2-292F-4648-BFB0-C9B192C64D361. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
*A.
2. Remove the oil filler cap
*B.
3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
.Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
.Check your local regulations.
Perform steps 4 to 9 when the engine oil
filter change is needed.
4. Remove the plastic cover over the oil filter location by removing the small plastic clips
as illustrated.
5. Loosen the oil filter
*Cwith an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket
material remaining on the mounting
surface of the engine. Failure to do so
could lead to engine damage. 7. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
8. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb (14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
9. Install the plastic cover.
10. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
11. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section for drain and refill
capacity. The drain and refill capacity
depends on the oil temperature and drain
time. Use these specifications for reference
only. Always use the dipstick to determine
the proper amount of oil in the engine.
12. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Condition:
Black plate (434,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
CAUTION
.Do not overfill.
. Use Genuine NISSAN PSF or
equivalent.
GUID-B3BD1957-FA8E-4683-A39B-5761F7B3C3C9For additional brake fluid information, see
“Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants”
in the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual.
WARNING
.Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake
system. The use of improper fluids
can damage the brake system and
affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
. Clean the filler cap before removing.
. Brake fluid is poisonous and should
be stored carefully in marked con-
tainers out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.
SDI2178
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
*2or the brake warning
light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line
*1. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
BRAKE FLUID
Condition:
Black plate (442,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself
light to moderate stops is normal and does not
affect the function or performance of the brake
system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see the
maintenance log section of your “NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide”.
GUID-DC128A5B-9CA9-4DE2-AC47-C190EAF0F0CE
SDI2181
ENGINE COMPARTMENTGUID-18AC0A9A-FA94-4493-99D2-AE037D0D54D0
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are turned off. 2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover by
pushing the tab
*1.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller located in the passenger compartment fuse box.
FUSES
Condition:
Black plate (443,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
SDI1754
5. If the fuse is open*A, replace it with a new
fuse
*B. Spare fuses are stored in the
passenger compartment fuse box.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Fusible linksGUID-D36A40A1-C38B-4230-8C7E-617D35305811If any electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace only with genuine NISSAN parts.
SDI2196
PASSENGER COMPARTMENTGUID-57F99DF8-30EB-4FFF-997F-119B6522E030
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are turned off. 2. Pull to remove the fuse box cover
*1.
3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
*2.
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse.
5. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
Condition:
Black plate (444,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2704
Example
Extended storage fuse switchGUID-FDBA3C57-9E08-47EE-A331-D151818E244DTo reduce battery drain, the extended storage
fuse switch comes from the factory switched off.
Prior to delivery of your vehicle, the switch is
pushed in (switched on) and should always
remain on.
If the extended storage fuse switch is not
pushed in (switched on) , the "SHIPPING MODE
ON, PUSH STORAGE FUSE" warning may
appear on the dot matrix liquid crystal display.
See “Dot matrix liquid crystal display” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
remove the extended storage fuse switch andcheck for an open fuse.
NOTE:
If the extended storage fuse switch mal-
functions, or if the fuse is open, it is not
necessary to replace the switch. In this
case, remove the extended storage fuse
switch and replace it with a new fuse of the
same rating.
How to remove the extended storage fuse
switch:
GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C4071. To remove the extended storage fuse switch,
be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position.
2. Be sure the headlight switch is in the OFF position.
3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Pinch the locking tabs
*1found on each
side of the storage fuse switch.
5. Pull the storage fuse switch straight out from the fuse box
*2.
GUID-C0D452EB-E68D-49BF-9C3D-375A5C96FCEA
CAUTION
Be careful not to allow children to
swallow the battery and removed parts.
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
Condition:
Black plate (447,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
GUID-7930BD1D-6A37-45F8-BD07-EC7DACC0844D
JVM0092X
HARDTOP MODELSGUID-E863F809-FABB-4234-BEE2-35A49E182A3C1. Front turn signal/parking light* or Front turnsignal light**
2. Headlight (high-beam)* or Front parking light**
3. Headlight (low-beam)* or Headlight (low-beam, high-beam)**
4. Side marker light
5. Front map light
6. Rear personal light
7. Front fog light (if so equipped)
8. Step light
9. High-mounted stop light
10. Back-up light
11. Rear stop/tail light
12. Rear side marker light
13. License plate light
14. Cargo light
15. Rear turn signal light
*: Halogen headlight model
**: Xenon headlight model
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-25
LIGHTS
Condition: