8Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements ....................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance...................................... 8-2
General maintenance .......................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ...................................... 8-2
General maintenance ............................................... 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ........... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ......................................... 8-4
Engine compartment ................................................ 8-5
Engine cooling system ............................................. 8-6
Checking engine coolant level............................. 8-6
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-6
Engine oil................................................................. 8-8
Checking engine oil level .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil ............................................ 8-9
Changing engine oil filter .................................... 8-10
Protect the environment ...................................... 8-12
Fuel filter (Diesel engine models) ............................. 8-13
Draining water .................................................... 8-13
Bleeding the fuel system ..................................... 8-13
XTRONIC Continuously variable transmission
(CVT) fluid ............................................................... 8-13
Brakes ..................................................................... 8-13
Checking parking brake ...................................... 8-13
Checking brake pedal......................................... 8-13
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-14
Brake and clutch fluid .............................................. 8-14
Window washer fluid/headlight cleaner fluid
(where fitted) ........................................................... 8-15
Battery..................................................................... 8-16
Vehicle battery .................................................... 8-16Jump-starting ...................................................... 8-18
Integrated keyfob/Intelligent Key battery
replacement........................................................ 8-18
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-20
Spark plugs (Petrol engine models).......................... 8-21
Air duct removal....................................................... 8-21
Air cleaner filter........................................................ 8-23
Viscous paper type ............................................. 8-23
Dry paper type (where fitted) .............................. 8-23
Wiper blades ........................................................... 8-24
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-24
Front window wiper replacement ........................ 8-24
Back door window wiper replacement ................ 8-24
Windscreen washer nozzle ................................. 8-25
Fuses ...................................................................... 8-25
Passenger compartment ..................................... 8-25
Engine compartment ........................................... 8-26
Lights ...................................................................... 8-27
Headlights .......................................................... 8-28
Exterior lights ...................................................... 8-29
Interior lights....................................................... 8-29
Light locations .................................................... 8-30
Wheels and tyres ..................................................... 8-33
Tyre inflation pressure......................................... 8-33
Types of tyres ..................................................... 8-33
Snow chains....................................................... 8-34
Tyre rotation ....................................................... 8-34
Tyre wear and damage ....................................... 8-35
Tyre age ............................................................. 8-35
Changing tyres and wheels................................. 8-35
Some day-to-day and regular maintenance is essen-
tial to maintain your NISSAN’s good mechanical
condition, as well as its emission and engine perfor-
mance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the
specified maintenance, as well as general mainte-
nance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who can
ensure that your vehicle receives the proper mainte-
nance care.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For your convenience, the required scheduled main-
tenance items are described and listed in the sepa-
rate Warranty Information and Maintenance book-
let. You must refer to that booklet to ensure that
necessary maintenance is performed on your
NISSAN vehicle at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items which
should be checked during normal day-to-day opera-
tion of the vehicle. They are essential if your vehicle
is to continue to operate properly. It is your respon-
sibility to perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.
Performing general maintenance checks requires
minimal mechanical skill and a few general automo-
tive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by your-
self, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, your
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems checked
and tuned by an authorised NISSAN dealer or quali-
fied workshop.During the normal day-to-day operation of the ve-
hicle, general maintenance should be performed
regularly as prescribed in this section. If you detect
any unusual sounds, vibrations or smell, be sure to
check for the cause or have a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop if repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance work,
closely observe the “Maintenance precautions” later
in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following items with
an asterisk (*) is found later in this section.
The maintenance items listed here should be per-
formed from time to time, unless otherwise speci-
fied.
Outside the vehicle
Back door, doors and bonnet:
Check that the back door, all doors and the bonnet
operate properly. Also ensure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate hinges and latches if necessary.
Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the bon-
net from opening when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other cor-
rosive materials, check for lubrication frequently.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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.
Tyres*:
Check the pressure with a gauge periodically when
at a service station (including the spare) and adjust
to the specified pressure if necessary. Check care-
fully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tyre rotation*:
Tyres should be rotated every 10,000 km (6,000
miles) for Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models and
5,000 km (3,000 miles) for Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
models. However, the timing for tyre rotation may
vary according to your driving habits and road sur-
face conditions.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components (where fitted):
Replace the TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve
core and cap when the tyres are replaced due to
wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tyre 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.Wheel nuts:
When checking the tyres, make sure no wheel nuts
are missing, and check for any loose wheel nuts.
Tighten if necessary.
Windscreen:
Clean the windscreen on a regular basis. Check the
windscreen at least every six months for cracks or
other damage. Have a damaged windscreen re-
paired by a qualified repair facility.
Wiper blades*:
Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe prop-
erly.
Under the bonnet and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g. each time you check the
engine oil or refuel.
Battery*:
Check if the green indicator on the top of the main-
tenance free battery is visible. If it is not visible,
replace the battery as soon as possible.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions, check the fluid level frequently.
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 belts*:
Make sure that the drive belts are 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.
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
petrol fumes are evident, check for the cause and
have it corrected immediately.
Window washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when perform-
ing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and make
sure that the pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mats 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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
longer to stop, contact a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop immediately. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Parking brake*:
Confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
steep hill with only the parking brake 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 belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
Seat belts and Supplemental Restraint System” sec-
tion 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
parking brake securely and block the wheels
to prevent the vehicle from moving. For
manual transmission models, move the shift
lever to N (Neutral) position.For continuously
variable transmission models: move the shift
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
WARNING
•Never remove the engine coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure fluid es-
caping from the engine coolant reservoir. 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
•Never use any cooling system additives such
as radiator sealer. Additives may clog the
cooling system and cause damage to the en-
gine, transmission and/or cooling system.
•When adding or replacing engine coolant, be
sure to use Genuine NISSAN engine coolant
or equivalent.
•The use of other types of engine coolant may
damage the engine cooling system.
•The engine coolant reservoir tank is equipped
with a pressure cap, use a Genuine NISSAN
cap or its equivalent when replacement is re-
quired.
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.
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.
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 Blue Citizenship
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
NDI1426
NDI1478
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
MR20DD, MR16DE or R9M 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 engine coolant reservoir cap
j1to
help drain the coolant.
4. Loosen the engine coolant radiator drain plug
j3
to help drain the coolant.
5. Disconnect the end of the hose
j2 to drain the
coolant.
6. Flush the cooling system by running clean water
through the engine coolant reservoir.
7. Install the hose
j2.
8. Tighten the engine coolant radiator drain plug
j3.
9. Fill the coolant reservoir up to the MAX level.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical information” sec-
tion for cooling system capacity.
10. Install the engine coolant reservoir cap.
11. Start the engine, and rev the engine two or
three times under no load.
12. Touch the radiator hose and feel if the water
flows.
13. Keep racing the engine at a speed of 3,000 rpm
for about 10 minutes.14. Observe the coolant temperature gauge for
signs of overheating.
15. Stop the engine and check coolant level, allow
to cool and refill up to the MAX level.
16. Check radiator lower hose for any signs of leak-
age.
17. Close the bonnet.HRA2DDT or 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. Loosen the engine coolant radiator drain plug
j1
to help drain the coolant.
4. Disconnect the radiator lower hose
j2 and open
the drain plugj3 on the engine block.5. Open the engine coolant reservoir cap to help to
drain the coolant.
6. Flush the cooling system by running fresh water
through the engine coolant reservoir.
7. Install the hose
j2 and securely tighten the en-
gine block drain plugj3.
8. Tighten the engine coolant radiator drain plug
j1.
9. 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.
10. Install the engine coolant reservoir cap.
11. Start the engine, and rev the engine two or
three times under no load.
12. Touch the radiator hose and feel if the water
flows.
13. Keep racing the engine at a speed of 2,000 –
2,500 rpm for about 10 minutes.
14. Observe the coolant temperature gauge for
signs of overheating.
15. Stop the engine and check coolant level, allow
to cool and refill up to the MAX level.
16. Check the radiator lower hose for any signs of
leakage.
17. Close the bonnet.
NDI1491
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CAUTION
The oil level should be checked regularly. Oper-
ating with an insufficient amount of oil can dam-
age the engine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.
jAMR20DD engine
jBHRA2DDT
jCR9M engine
jDK9K engine G6
j1Normal range
j2MIN level
j3MAX level
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the
parking brake.
2. Start the engine. If the engine is cold, start and
let the engine idle until it reaches the operational
temperature.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Wait at least 10 minutes for the engine oil to
drain back into the oil pan.
NDI983ZMR20DD engine
NDI984ZHRA2DDT engine
NDI1427K9K engine
NDI1266R9M engine
NDI1494
ENGINE OIL
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
5. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Models with K9K engine: the engine oil dipstick
is attached to the engine oil filler cap. Remove
the engine oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick
clean.
7. Reinsert it all the way.
Models with K9K engine: install the engine oil
filler cap.
8. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level.
It should be in the normal range
j1.
9. If the oil level is below MIN
j2 , remove the en-
gine oil filler cap and pour the recommended oil
through the opening.Do not overfill
j3.
10. Recheck the oil level with the dipstick.
11. Install the engine oil filler cap securely.
12. Close the bonnet.
It is normal to add some engine oil between oil
maintenance intervals depending on the severity
of operating conditions or depending on the prop-
erty of the engine oil used. More engine oil is
consumed by frequent acceleration/deceleration
especially when the engine rpm is high. Con-
sumption is likely to be higher when the engine
is new. If the rate of oil consumption, after hav-
ing driven for 5,000 km (3,000 miles), is morethan 0.5 litre per 1,000 km (621 miles), consult a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
WARNING
•NISSAN recommends contacting a NISSAN
dealer or qualified workshop for engine oil
servicing.
NISSAN Blue Citizenship
Used oil must not be poured into the ground,
canals, rivers, etc. It should be disposed of at
a rubbish tip having proper facilities. Check
your local regulations.
•Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine
oil is hot.
•Prolonged and repeated contact with used
engine oil may cause skin cancer.
•Avoid direct skin contact with used oil. If skin
contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap
or hand cleaner and plenty of water as soon
as possible.
•Store used engine oil in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
NDI653ZMR20DD engine
NDI1064K9K engine
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9