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 (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:
Black plate (449,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
HEADLIGHTSGUID-B7024CBE-4176-4E16-8869-DEBDA14C4A55Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is
not a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, contact a NISSAN dealer.
ReplacingGUID-06D0D99A-DBCB-47EA-BA6E-CE7EB8469ACBIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer.
Xenon headlight model:
GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407
WARNING
HIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent an
electric shock, never attempt to modify
or disassemble. Always have your xe-
non headlights replaced at a NISSAN
dealer. For additional information, see
“Headlight and turn signal switch” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” sec-
tion.
Halogen headlight model (if so equipped):
GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb.
CAUTION
. Do not leave the bulb out of the
headlight reflector for a long period
of time. Dust, moisture, smoke, etc.
entering the headlight body may
affect bulb performance.
. High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.
. Only touch the plastic base when
handling the bulb. Never touch the
glass envelope.
. Aiming is not necessary after repla-
cing the bulb. When aiming adjust-
ment is necessary, contact a
NISSAN dealer.
Use the same number and wattage as originally
installed as shown in the chart.
SDI2183
Disconnect the battery negative cable before
replacing bulbs.
To replace the headlight bulb, if necessary,
remove the rubber cover by pulling out the two
clips
*1.
*AHigh-beam bulb
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-27
Condition:
Black plate (451,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTSGUID-A6B488A2-F57B-4F86-9182-F40F0F8F3000
ItemWattage (W)Bulb No.
Headlight
High/Low beams (Xenon)* 35D2S
High beam (Halogen) (Hardtop) 65HB3
Low beam (Halogen) (Hardtop) 55H11
Front turn signal/parking light* 27/81157NA
Front turn signal light** 21WY21W
Front parking light** 5W5W
Front fog light (if so equipped) 35H8
Front side marker 5WY5W
Rear combination light* turn signal (Hardtop) 21WY21W
turn signal (CrossCabriolet) 21W21W
stop/tail LED—
side marker 5W5W
back-up 16W16W
License plate light* 5W5W
Front map light 8—
Rear personal light (if so equipped) 8—
Vanity mirror light (if so equipped) 2—
Step light * 2.7161
High-mounted stop light* LED—
Cargo light (Hardtop) 8—
Trunk light (CrossCabriolet) 5W5W
Glove box light* 3.4—
Mood light (if so equipped)* LED—
*: See a NISSAN dealer for replacement. **: Xenon headlight modelNOTE: Always check with the Parts Department
at a NISSAN dealer for the latest information
about parts.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-29
Condition:
Black plate (452,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
8-30Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Replacement proceduresGUID-D7C1D5A3-D223-40B4-93DE-E7CBE6E86E47All other lights are either type A, B, C, D, E or F.
When replacing a bulb, first remove the lens
and/or cover.
SDI1679
SDI2200
Side marker light (Halogen headlight model)
1. Remove the rubber cover. (See “Headlights”earlier in this section.)
2. Remove the bulb as illustrated.
Condition:
Black plate (489,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
turning corners.
Trailer lightsGUID-C0E60E1B-4E97-47ED-94B2-2A921EA2AF95
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle
battery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/con-
verter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtain
the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or
reputable trailer dealer.
Trailer brakesGUID-21DD387F-EC09-4A2A-95BA-58E6193E64FAIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tipsGUID-2726CCBF-1308-4A9A-9EE9-831D4F3E1608. Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes
of either condition.
. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
. Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
. Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side. .
Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
. Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
. Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.Trailer towing tipsGUID-18AE22C3-1763-4039-AB9A-7D6C36240ACDIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking
performance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
. Do not use the Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
system (if so equipped) .
Technical and consumer information9-23
Condition:
Black plate (491,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
This combination will help stabilize the
vehicle.
.Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road in
a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described earlier in this section.
. Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
. Down shift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
. Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
. Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer. .
Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
. Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness
connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every
break.
. When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
. When launching a boat, don’t allow the
water level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
. Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWINGGUID-3E848B66-44FF-4B16-8142-29DBD9690D46Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
. Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.
. Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never back-
ward.
. DO NOT tow any continuously vari-
able transmission vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground (flat
towing) . Doing so WILL DAMAGE
internal transmission parts due to
lack of transmission lubrication.
. DO NOT tow an All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground. Doing so
may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
. For emergency towing procedures
refer to “Towing recommended by
Technical and consumer information9-25
Condition: