MA-6
< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically (e.g. each time you check the engine oil or refuel).
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
make sure they operate smoothly and that all latches lock securely in every po-
sition. Check that the head restrains move up and down smoothly and that the
locks (if equipped) hold securely in all latched positions. Check that the latches
lock securely for folding-down rear seatbacks. —
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. SB-5, "Inspection"
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure the pedal does not catch
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal. —
Brakes Check that the brake does not pull the vehicle to one side when applied. —
Brake pedal and
booster Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure it has the proper distance
under it when depressed fully. Check the brake booster function. Be sure to keep
the floor mats away from the pedal. BR-48
,
BR-49
Parking brake Check that the pedal has the proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is held
securely on a fairly steep hill when only the parking brake is applied. PB-4
CVT P (Park) position
mechanism On a fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely with the shift selector
in the P (Park) position without applying any brakes. —
Item
Reference page
ItemReference page
Windshield washer
fluid Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank. —
Engine coolant level Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. MA-14
(QR25DE)
MA-23
(VQ35DE)
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, de-
terioration or loose connections. —
Brake and clutch fluid
levels Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid levels are between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the reservoir. MA-41
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 conditions require fre-
quent checks of the battery fluid level. —
Engine drive belts Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily. MA-13
(QR25DE)
MA-22
(VQ35DE)
Engine oil level Check the level on the oil level gauge after parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. MA-17
(QR25DE)
MA-26
(VQ35DE)
Power steering fluid
level and lines Check the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine off. Check the lines for im-
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc. MA-44
Exhaust system
Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the ex-
haust seems unusual or there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immediately locate the
trouble and correct it. MA-31
Underbody
The underbody is frequently exposed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise 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
can easily accumulate. —
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 gasoline fumes are evident, check for
the cause and correct it immediately. —
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCEMA-7
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
FOR USA AND CANADA
FOR USA AND CANADA : Introduc
tion of Periodic MaintenanceINFOID:0000000009889991
The following tables show the normal maintenanc e schedule. Depending upon weather and atmospheric con-
ditions, varying road surfaces, indi vidual driving habits and vehicle usage, additional or more frequent mainte-
nance may be required.
Periodic maintenance beyond th e last period shown on the tables requires similar maintenance.
Emission Control System Maintenance
Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspec t. Correct or replace if necessary.
MAINTENANCE OPERATION MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months 5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54
Drive belt NOTE (1) I*
Air cleaner filter NOTE (2) R
EVAP vapor lines I* I*
Fuel lines I* I*
Fuel filter NOTE (3)
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil RRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use genuine NISSAN
engine oil filter or equivalent) RRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Iridium - tipped type) NOTE (6) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Intake and exhaust valve clearance* NOTE (7)
MAINTENANCE OPERATION MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000)
Months 50
(80)
60 55
(88)
66 60
(96)
72 65
(104)
78 70
(112)
84 75
(120)
90 80
(128)
96 85
(136)
102 90
(144)
108
Drive belt NOTE (1)I*I*I*I*I*
Air cleaner filter NOTE (2) R R
EVAP vapor lines I* I*
Fuel lines I* I*
Fuel filter NOTE (3)
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil RRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use genuine NISSAN
engine oil filter or equivalent) RRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Iridium - tipped type) NOTE (6) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Intake and exhaust valve clearance* NOTE (7)
MAINTENANCE OPERATION MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Reference Page
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000)
Months 95
(152)
11 4 100
(160)
120 105
(168)
126 11 0
(176)
132 11 5
(184)
138 120
(192)
144
Drive belt NOTE (1) I* I* I* MA-13
(QR25DE)
MA-22
(VQ35DE)
Air cleaner filter NOTE (2) R MA-17
(QR25DE)
MA-26
(VQ35DE)
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
MA-8
< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
• (1) After 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if
found damaged.
• (2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
• (3) Maintenance-free item. For service procedures, refer to the FL section.
• (4) First replacement interval is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months. After first replacement, replace every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 60 months.
• (5) Use only Genuine NISSAN long life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze and 50%
demineralized or distilled water. Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of non-distilled water will reduce the life expec tancy of the
factory fill coolant.
• (6) Replace spark plug when the plug gap exceeds 1.25 mm (0.049 in) even if within specified periodic replacement mileage.
• (7) Periodic maintenance is not required. However, if valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* Maintenance items and intervals with “*” are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and inter vals are
required.
Chassis and Body Maintenance
Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspec t. Correct or replace if necessary.
EVAP vapor lines I* I* MA-21(QR25DE)
MA-30
(VQ35DE)
Fuel lines I* I* MA-16
(QR25DE)
MA-25
(VQ35DE)
Fuel filter NOTE (3) —
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5) MA-13
(QR25DE)
MA-22
(VQ35DE)
Engine oil RRRRRR MA-17
(QR25DE)
MA-26
(VQ35DE)
Engine oil filter (Use genuine NISSAN
engine oil filter or equivalent) RRRRRRMA-18
(QR25DE)
MA-27
(VQ35DE)
Spark plugs (Iridium - tipped type) NOTE (6) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) MA-20
(QR25DE)
MA-29
(VQ35DE)
Intake and exhaust valve clearance* NOTE (7) MA-31
(QR25DE)
MA-31
(VQ35DE)
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Reference Page
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000)
Months 95
(152)
11 4 100
(160)
120 105
(168)
126 11 0
(176)
132 11 5
(184)
138 120
(192)
144
MAINTENANCE OPERATION MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilome-
ters or months, whichever comes
first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months 5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54
Brake lines & cables I I I I
Brake pads & roters IIII
Brake fluid RR
CVT fluid NOTE (1)IIII
Steering gear & linkage, axle & sus-
pension parts II
Tire rotation NOTE (2)
Front drive shaft boots IIII
Exhaust system II
In-cabin microfilter R R R
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTSMA-11
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RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
FOR USA AND CANADA
FOR USA AND CANADA :
Fluids and LubricantsINFOID:0000000009464536
*1: For additional information, see “Engine Oil Recommendation”.
*2: As an alternative to this recommended oil, SAE 5W-30 conventional petroleum based oil may be used and meet all specificatio ns
and requirements necessary to maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
*3: NISSAN recommen ds Genuine NISSAN Ester Oil av ailable at a NISSAN dealer.
*4: Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS -3, using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3
will damage the CVT, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: Use of a power steering fluid other than Genuine NISSAN E-PSF will prevent the power steering system from operating properly.
*6: Available in mainland U. S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.
*7: For additional information, see "Air conditioner specification label".
FOR USA AND CANADA : En gine Oil RecommendationINFOID:0000000009464537
NISSAN recommends the use of an energy conserving o il in order to improve fuel economy. Select only
engine oils that meet the American Petroleum Institut e (API) certification and International Lubricant Standard-
ization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) certificati on and SAE viscosity standard. These oils have the API
certification mark on the front of the container. Oils which do not have the specified quality label should not be
used as they could cause engine damage.
Description Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric US measure Imp measure
Fuel QR25DE
68 18 gal 15 gal Unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)
VQ35DE
Engine oil
Drain and
refill With oil
filter
change QR25DE
4.6 4-7/8 qt 4 qt For QR25 engine:
• Genuine NISSAN engine oil or equiv- alent
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark
*1
• Viscosity SAE 0W-20 *2
For VQ35 engine:
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark
*1
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30
• Genuine NISSAN engine oil or equiv-
alent *3
VQ35DE
4.8 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt
Without
oil filter
change QR25DE
4.3 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt
VQ35DE 4.5 4-3/4 qt 4 qt
Dry engine
(engine overhaul) QR25DE
5.4 5-3/4 qt 4-3/4 qt
VQ35DE 5.3 5-5/8 qt 4-5/8 qt
Cooling system
(with reservoir tank
at MAX level) QR25DE
7.9 8-3/8 qt 7 qt
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/ Coolant (blue) or equivalent
VQ35DE 9.2 9-3/4 qt 8-1/8 qt
CVT fluid RE0F10D
7.4 7-7/8 qt 6-1/2 qt
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 *4
RE0F10E 8.2 8-5/8 qt 7-1/4 qt
Power steering fluid (E-PSF) 1.1 1-1/8 qt 1 qt Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent
*5
Brake fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid *6 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (lithium soap base)
Windshield washer fluid 4.5 4-3/4 qt 4 qt Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer
Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid
or equivalent
Air conditioner system refrigerant 0.525 ± 0.025 kg 1.158 ± 0.055 lb 1.158 ± 0.055 lb HFC-134a (R-134a) *7
Air conditioner system oil 150 m5.1 fl oz 5.3 fl oz A/C System Oil Type S (DH-PS) *7
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
MA-12
< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
FOR USA AND CANADA : Engi ne Coolant Mixture Ratio
INFOID:0000000009464538
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and 50% water to provide year-round anti-freeze and coolant protection. The anti-
freeze solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine cooling system additives are not nec-
essary.
WARNING:
• Do not remove the radiator or coolant reservoir cap wh en the engine is hot. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down. Serious burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from the radia-
tor.
• The radiator is equipped with a pressure type radiator cap. To prevent engine damage, use only a
genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION:
• When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) or equivalent. Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-diluted to pro-
vide antifreeze protection to -34°F (-37°C). If additional freeze protection is needed due to weather
where you operate your vehicle, add Genuine NISS AN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) concen-
trate following the directions on the container. If an equivalent coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used, follow the coolant manufacturer’s instructions to main-
tain minimum antifreeze protection to -34°F (-37°C). The use of other types of coolant solutions other
than Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent may damage the engine
cooling system.
• Mixing any other type of coolant other than Genu ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue),
including Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (green), or the use of non-distilled water will
reduce the life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant.
1. API certification mark 2. API service symbol (QR25DE) 3. API service symbol (VQ35DE)
AWLIA2217ZZ
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR25DE)MA-13
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ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR25DE)
DRIVE BELTS
DRIVE BELTS : Checking Drive BeltsINFOID:0000000009464542
WARNING:
Inspect the drive belt only when the engine is stopped.
1. Visually check entire drive belt for wear, damage or cracks.
2. Check that the drive belt auto-tensioner indicator is within the possible use range.
NOTE:
• When new drive belt is installed, the drive belt aut o-tensioner indicator should be within the new drive
belt range.
• Check the drive belt auto-tensioner indicator when the engine is cold.
3. If the drive belt auto-tensioner indicator is out of the possible use range or belt is damaged, replace drive
belt.
DRIVE BELTS : Tension AdjustmentINFOID:0000000009464543
Belt tension is not manually adjustable, it is aut omatically adjusted by the drive belt auto-tensioner.
ENGINE COOLANT
ENGINE COOLANT : System InspectionINFOID:0000000009464544
WARNING:
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high-pressure
engine coolant escaping from the radiator. Wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly push down and
turn it a quarter turn to allow built-up pressure to escape. Carefully remove the cap by pushing it down
and turning it all the way.
CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM HOSES
Check hoses for the following:
• Improper attachment
• Leaks
•Cracks
• Damage
1. Generator pulley 2. Water pump pulley 3. Drive belt auto-tensioner
4. Crankshaft pulley 5. A/C compressor pulley 6. Drive belt retainer boss
A. View A B. New drive belt range C. Allowable use range
D. Indicator (notch)
AWBIA1309GB
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
MA-14
< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR25DE)
• Loose connections
• Chafing
• Deterioration
CHECKING RESERVOIR LEVEL
• Check if the reservoir tank coolant level is within MIN to MAX when the engine is cool.
• Adjust coolant level if it is too much or too little.
ENGINE COOLANT : Changing Engine CoolantINFOID:0000000009464545
WARNING:
• To avoid being scalded, do not change the coolant when the engine is hot.
• Wrap a thick cloth around cap and carefully remove the cap. First, turn the cap a quarter of a turn to
release built-up pressure. Then push down and turn the cap all the way to remove.
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT
1. Remove the engine under cover. Refer to EXT-17, "Removal and Installation".
2. Open the radiator drain plug at the bottom of the radi ator and remove the radiator filler cap. This is the
only step required when partially draining the cooling system (radiator only).
CAUTION:
• Do not allow the coolant to contact the drive belt.
• Perform this step when engine is cold.
3. Follow this step for heater core removal/replac ement only. Disconnect the upper heater hose at the
engine side and apply moderate air pressure [103.46 kPa (1.055 kg/cm
2, 15 psi) maximum air pressure]
into the hose for 30 seconds to blow t he excess coolant out of the heater core.
4. When draining all of the coolant in the system, re move the reservoir tank and drain the coolant, then clean
the reservoir tank before installation.
CAUTION:
• Do not allow the coolant to contact the drive belt.
• Perform this step when engine is cold.
5. When draining all of the coolant in the system for engine removal or repair, open the drain plugs (A and B) on the cylinder
block.
: Front
6. Check the drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration.
If the coolant is contaminated, flush the engine cooling system.
REFILLING ENGINE COOLANT
SMA412B
AWBIA1328GB
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (QR25DE)MA-15
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1. Install the radiator drain plug. Install the reservoir tank and cylin-
der block drain plug, if removed for a total system drain or for
engine removal or repair.
• The radiator must be completely empty of coolant and
water.
• Apply sealant to the threads of the cylinder block drain
plug. Use Genuine High Pe rformance Thread Sealant or
equivalent. Refer to GI-21, "Recommended Chemical
Products and Sealants".
: Front
CAUTION:
Do not reuse copper sealing washers.
2. If disconnected, reattach the upper radiator hose at the engine side.
3. Set the vehicle heater controls to the full HOT and heat er ON position. Turn the vehicle ignition ON with
the engine OFF as necessary to activate the heater mode.
4. Install the Tool by installing the radiator cap adapter onto the radiator neck opening. Then attach the gauge body assembly
with the refill tube and the venturi assembly to the radiator cap
adapter.
5. Insert the refill hose into the coolant mixture container that is
placed at floor level. Make sure the ball valve is in the closed
position.
• Use recommended coolant or equivalent.
Refer to MA-11, "FOR USA AND CANADA : Fluids and Lubri-
cants".
CAUTION:
Do not use any cooling system additives such as radiator
sealer. Additives may clog th e cooling system and cause
damage to the engine, transmission and/or cooling system.
6. Install an air hose to the venturi assembly, the air pressure must be within specification.
CAUTION:
The compressed air supply must be equipped with an air dryer.
7. The vacuum gauge will begin to rise and there will be an audible hissing noise. During this process open the ball valve on the refill hose slightly. Coolant will be vi sible rising in the refill hose. Once the refill hose is
full of coolant, close the ball valve. Th is will purge any air trapped in the refill hose.
Radiator drain plug : Refer to
CO-16, "Exploded View"
.
Cylinder block drain plug (A) : 54 Nm (5.5 kg-m, 40 ft-lb)
Cylinder block drain plug (B) : 9.8 N·m (1.0 kg-m, 87 in-lb)
Tool number : KV991J0070 (J-45695)
Engine coolant capacity
(with reservoir tank) : Refer to
CO-26, "Capacity"
.
Compressed air
supply pressure : 549 - 824 kPa (5.6 - 8.4 kg/cm
2,
80 - 119 psi)
AWBIA1328GB
LLIA0058E
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM