6-10In case of emergency
SCE0978
WARNING
.When storing the spare tire, make
sure that the outer side of the spare
tire
*Ais facing up and that the
hanging plate*Bis in the center of
the wheel as illustrated. Failure to
store the spare tire properly could
result in serious vehicle damage
and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal
injury.
. Do not store any tire with the cable
except the spare tire. .
Do not use an impact wrench when
tightening or loosening the spare
tire lowering mechanism.
. When raising the spare tire, tighten
the spare tire lowering mechanism
until three clicks are heard.
. After storing the spare tire, check
under the vehicle to make sure it is
stored properly. To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING
.
If done incorrectly, jump starting
can lead to a battery explosion,
resulting in severe injury or death.
It could also damage your vehicle.
. Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
. Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is
a corrosive sulfuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If
the fluid should come into contact
with anything, immediately flush the
contacted area with water.
. Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
. The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
JUMP STARTING
.Whenever working on or near a
battery, always wear suitable eye
protectors (for example, goggles or
industrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other jewelry. Do not lean over the
battery when jump starting.
. Do not attempt to jump start a
frozen battery. It could explode
and cause serious injury.
. Your vehicle has an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other
objects away from it.
SCE0969
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause
personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
*B, position the two vehicles (*Aand*B)
to bring their batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever
to the P (Park) position. Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (lights, hea-
ter, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped) . Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth to reduce explosion
hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
*1?*2?*3?*4).
If the battery is discharged, the ignition
switch cannot be moved from the OFF
position. Connect the jumper cables to
the booster vehicle
*Bbefore pushing
the ignition switch.
CAUTION
. Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (−) to body
ground (for example, as illustrated) ,
not to the battery.
. Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine
compartment and that the cable
clamps do not contact any other
metal.
In case of emergency6-11
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ........................................................ 8-2Scheduled 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 .......................................... 8-15
Drive belt ........................................................................\
.......... 8-15 Spark plugs ........................................................................\
..... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs .................................................. 8-16
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
....... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-17 Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-17
Replacing ........................................................................\
. 8-18
Washer nozzle ................................................................ 8-19
Rear window wiper blade ................................................... 8-20
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-20 Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-20
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-21 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-22
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-23
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-25
Headlights ........................................................................\
8-26
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-27
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-30 Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-33
Types of tires ................................................................... 8-35
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires .......................................... 8-37
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
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.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe condition require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances. In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake
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. 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
“Precautions when starting and driving” (P.5-2)
for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .)
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 gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected
immediately. Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
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, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the end
of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “Cleaning
exterior” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance 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.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and block the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. Move the
shift lever to P (Park) .
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. 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 secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle. .
If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while it
is supported 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 tank and the
battery.
. The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is
off.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly
disposed engine oil, and engine
coolant and/or other vehicle fluids
can damage the environment. Al- ways conform to local regulations
for disposal of vehicle fluid.
. Never leave the engine or the CVT
related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s manual/service manual
order information” (P.9-28) .)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
affect warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, we recommend that it be
done by a NISSAN dealer.
SDI2715
VQ35DE ENGINE1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Drive belt location
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air cleaner
6. Fuse/fusible link holder 7. Window washer fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Battery
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
SDI2724
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add window washer fluid when the low
washer fluid warning appears on the dot matrix
liquid crystal display.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap and pour the window washer fluid into the
reservoir opening.
Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for the mixture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
window washer fluid.Recommended fluid:
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concen-
trate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
CAUTION
.
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the
paint.
. Do not fill the window washer
reservoir tank with washer fluid
concentrates at full strength. Some
methyl alcohol based washer fluid
concentrates may permanently stain
the grille if spilled while filling the
window washer reservoir tank.
. Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer’s
recommended levels before pouring
the fluid into the window washer
reservoir tank. Do not use the
window washer reservoir tank 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 discharging it.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
WARNING
. Do not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. 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 battery life, and in
some cases lead to an explosion.
. When working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
. Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
. Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
DI0137MA
Check the fluid level in each cell. (Remove the
battery cover if it is necessary.) It should be
between the UPPER LEVEL
*1and LOWER
LEVEL
*2lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening. Do not overfill.
SDI1480C
1. Remove the cell plugs*A.
2. Add distilled water up to the UPPER LEVEL
*1line.
If the side of the battery is not clear, check
the distilled water level by looking directly
above the cell; the condition
*1indicates
OK and the conditions
*2needs more to
be added.
3. Tighten cell plugs
*A.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.