8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
4-speed automatic transmission fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-11
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-12
Brake fluid .................................... 8-12
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-13
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-15
Drive belt ........................................ 8-15
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-16Replacing spark plugs
......................... 8-16
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-16
Air conditioner filter (if so equipped) .............8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-17
Cleaning ..................................... 8-17
Replacing .................................... 8-18
Brakes .......................................... 8-19
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................... 8-20
Passenger compartment .......................8-22
Battery replacement .............................. 8-23
Key fob (if so equipped) ........................ 8-24
Lights ........................................... 8-25
Headlights .................................... 8-25
Headlight aim ................................. 8-26
Fog
lights (if so equipped) ...................... 8-29
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-29
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-34
Tire pressure .................................. 8-34
Tire labeling ................................... 8-36
Types of tires .................................. 8-39
Tire chains .................................... 8-40
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-40
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
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. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid (if so equipped) lev-
els* 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 the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
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. For addi-
tional information, refer to the carbon monoxide
warning in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
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 imme-
diately.
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 from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. For
additional information, refer to the “Appearance
and care” section of this manual.
Windshield-washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
HR16DE engine
1. Drive belt location
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Air cleaner
4. Brake and clutch (*1) fluid reservoir
5. Fusible link
6. Battery
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Radiator cap
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
*1 For Manual Transmission (M/T) model
LDI2377
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature, then turn it off. 3. Remove the oil filler cap
Bby turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
A.
5. Remove the drain plug
Awith a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Changing engine oil filter” in
this section.
WARNING
● Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
● Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
● Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
● Be careful not to burn yourself. The en-
gine oil may be hot.
● Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
● Check your local regulations. 6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug
Aand a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
Awith a wrench. Do not use excessive
force.
Drain plug tightening torque: 34 N·m (25 ft-lb)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap
Bsecurely.
For additional information, refer to “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities” in
the “Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual 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 when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage around the drain plug
Aand oil filter. Correct as
required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.LDI2364
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Add a washer solvent to the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir for better cleaning. In the winter
season, add a windshield-washer antifreeze. Fol-
low the manufacturer’s instructions for the mix-
ture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN
Windshield-Washer Fluid Concentrate Cleaner
& Anti-freeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
●Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for windshield-washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
● Do not fill the windshield-washer fluid
reservoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl al-
cohol based washer fluid concentrates
may permanently stain the grille if
spilled while filling the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
● Pre-mix windshield-washer fluid con-
centrates with water to the manufactur-
er’s recommended levels before pour-
ing the fluid into the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir. Do not use the
windshield-washer fluid reservoir 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 going to be used for
30 days or longer, disconnect the negative
(-) battery terminal cable to prevent dis-
charge.
WARNING
● Do not expose the battery to flames,
electrical spark or a cigarette. Hydrogen
gas generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Explosive gases can cause blind-
ness or injury. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your skin, eyes, fabrics or
painted surfaces. Sulfuric acid can
cause blindness or severe burns. 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.
LDI2040
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
●Never pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.
To remove the filter from the air cleaner, push the
tabs
1and pull the unit upward2.
The viscous paper type filter element should not
be cleaned and reused. The dry paper type filter
element may be cleaned and reused. Replace the
air filter according to the maintenance log shown
in a separate maintenance booklet.
When replacing the air filter, wipe the inside of
the air cleaner housing and the cover with a damp
cloth.
AIR CONDITIONER FILTER (if so
equipped)
The air conditioner filter restricts the entry of
airborne dust and pollen particles and reduces
some objectionable outside odors. The filter is
located behind the glove box. Refer to the sepa-
rate maintenance booklet for change intervals.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield–washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Your windshield is clean
if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer fluid or a mild detergent. Then rinse
the blades with clear water. If your windshield is
still not clear after cleaning the blades and using
the wiper, install new windshield wiper blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Automatic transmission fluid ———• Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF
• Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission
durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not cov-
ered by the warranty.
• Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.
• See your NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop for service.
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ———• Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3
• Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.
• See your NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop for service.
Multi-purpose grease ——— • NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ———• HFC-134a (R-134a)
• For additional information, refer to “Air conditioner system (if so equipped)
refrigerant and oil recommendations” in this section.
Air conditioning system oil ———• Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent
• For additional information, refer to “Air conditioner system (if so equipped)
refrigerant and oil recommendations” in this section.
Windshield-washer fluid 7/8 Gal3/4 Gal3.5 L• Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent
Technical and consumer information9-3
Fuel-filler lid and cap............3-11
Fuel gauge ...................2-5
Fuel octane rating ...............9-5
Fuel gauge .....................2-5
Fuses.......................8-20
Fusible links ...................8-21
G
Gascap .....................3-11
Gauge Fuel gauge ...................2-5
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-3
Tachometer ..................2-4
Trip computer .................2-5
Trip odometer .................2-4
General maintenance ...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-23
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth® ....4-46
Hazard warning flasher switch ..........6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ........2-17
Headlightcontrolswitch ............2-17
Headlights....................8-25
Head restraints ..................1-6
Heater Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-7, 4-15
Heater operation ............4-9,4-17
Hood release ...................3-9
Horn .......................2-20 I
Ignition switch ...................5-5
Immobilizer system ..........2-13,3-2,5-7
Important vehicle information label .......9-11
Increasing fuel economy .............5-17
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) .....................2-7
Inside mirror ...................3-14
Instrument brightness control ..........2-18
Instrument panel ...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-18
Intelligent Key system Remote keyless entry operation .......3-7
Interiorlight....................2-27
iPod® Player ...................4-42
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-20
J
Jump starting ...............6-10,8-15
K
Key.........................3-2
Key fob battery replacement ..........8-24
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) .........3-7
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system) ........3-6 L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-11
Emission control information label .....9-11
Engine serial number ............9-11
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-54
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-20
License plate Installing the license plate ..........9-12
Light A
irbagwarninglight.........1-55,2-10
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-29
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-7
Bulb replacement ..............8-29
Charge warning light .............2-8
Foglights...................8-29
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-17
Headlight control switch ..........2-17
Headlights..................8-25
Interior light ..................2-27
Lightbulbs..................8-25
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light.......................2-9
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-49
Security indicator light ............2-11
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-7
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-5
Doorlocks...................3-3
10-3