
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements ...................................................... 8-3Scheduled maintenance .................................................... 8-3
General maintenance ......................................................... 8-3
Where to go for service .................................................... 8-3
General maintenance ............................................................... 8-3 Explanation of maintenance items ................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ........................................................ 8-6
Engine compartment check locations .................................. 8-7 VQ37VHR engine model .................................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ......................................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant .................................................. 8-9
Engine oil ........................................................................\
......... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ............................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ....................................... 8-10
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .................................. 8-12
Power steering fluid ............................................................... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ........................................................... 8-13 Brake fluid ........................................................................\
.. 8-13
Clutch fluid (Manual transmission models) ............... 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................................................ 8-14
Battery ........................................................................\
............... 8-15 Jump starting ..................................................................... 8-17 Variable voltage control system ......................................... 8-17
Drive belts ........................................................................\
....... 8-18
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
..... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs .................................................. 8-19
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
....... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-20
Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-20
Replacing ........................................................................\
. 8-20
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-21 Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-21
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-21
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-22 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-23
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-24
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-26
Coupe ........................................................................\
....... 8-26
Roadster ........................................................................\
... 8-27
Headlights ........................................................................\
8-27
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-30 Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-33

Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
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 and clutch fluid levels*: Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid levels are
between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoirs.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 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 fuel fumes are evident, check for the cause and have it corrected
immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check
the level 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
affect your warranty coverage.If in doubt
about any servicing, we recommend that
it be done by a NISSAN dealer.
JVC0785X
VQ37VHR ENGINE MODEL1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir 7. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmission
models)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Window washer fluid reservoir
10 Air cleaner
11. Drive belt location
12. Engine coolant reservoir
13. Fuse/fusible link holder
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS

SDI2335
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
*1with a wrench
and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
.Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
.Check your local regulations.
(Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine
oil filter change is needed.)
4. Loosen the oil filter
*2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber
gasket remaining on the mounting sur-
face of the engine. Failure to do so
could lead to engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench. Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants” (P.9-2) for drain and refill capa-
city. The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use
these specifications for reference only. Al-
ways use the dipstick to determine the
proper amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into position asthe following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clipout.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11

8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
WARNING
For NISMO models: Genuine NISSAN
Brake Fluid R35 Special II is the factory
fill brake fluid. The Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) unit and other related
parts were specially designed for this
brake fluid. Using any other brake fluid
may result in improper operation of the
brake system which result in serious
injury or death.
SDI1906A
CLUTCH FLUID (Manual transmission
models)
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the MIN line
*1, add Genuine
NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special II or equivalent
DOT 4 up to the MAX line
*2. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
SDI2349
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add window washer fluid when the low
window washer fluid warning appears.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window
washer fluid into the tank 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 is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
WINDOW WASHER FLUID

freeze 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 ( í) 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.
CAUTION
When the battery cable is removed from
the battery terminal, do not close either
of front doors. The automatic window
adjusting function will not work, and the side roof panel may be damaged.
To disconnect the negative ( í) battery terminal,
perform the procedure in the following order.
Otherwise, the window and the side roof panel
may contact and be damaged.
1. Close the windows.
2. Open the hood.
3. Close and lock all the doors.
4. Disconnect the negative ( í) battery terminal.
5. Securely close the hood.
To connect the negative ( í) battery terminal,
perform the procedure in the following order.
Otherwise, the window and the side roof panel
may contact and be damaged.
1. Unlock and open the driver side door. Do not close the door.
2. Open the hood.
3. Connect the negative ( í) battery terminal. Then close the hood.
4. Fully open the driver side door window.
5. Close the driver side door and the window.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
BATTERY

Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Brake fluid Refill to the proper oil level according to the
instructions in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.Except for NISMO models:
.
Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid* or equivalent DOT3
*: Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
For NISMO models:
. Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special ll *1 *2
*1: Never mix different types of fluids.
*2: Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special II is the factory fill brake fluid. The
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) unit and other related parts were specially designed
for this brake fluid. Using any other fluid may result in improper operation of the brake
system which could result in serious injury or death.
Clutch fluid .
Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special II*1,*2 or equivalent DOT4
*1: Never mix different types of fluids.
*2: NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special II available at a
NISSAN dealer.
Multi-purpose grease ———.
NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ———.
HFC-134a (R-134a)
. For additional information, see “Vehicle identification” (P.9-11) for air conditioner
specification label.
Air conditioning system lubricants ———.
NISSAN UV Luminous Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid 4-3/444.5.
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
Technical and consumer information9-3

10-2
Console box ................................................................. 2-43
CoolantCapacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ........................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ............................ 8-9
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-7
Cover, Cargo cover ................................................... 2-44
Cruise control .............................................................. 5-21
Cup holders ................................................................. 2-42
D
Dampers, Performance dampers ............................ 5-31
Daytime running light system .................................. 2-35
Defroster switch, Rear window
defroster switch .......................................................... 2-32
Dimensions ................................................................... 9-10
Drive belts .................................................................... 8-18
Driving Cold weather driving .......................................... 5-32
Driving with automatic transmission ............... 5-12
Driving with manual transmission .................... 5-16
Precautions when starting and driving ............. 5-2
DVD player operation ................................................ 4-55
E
Economy, Fuel ............................................................. 5-24
Elapsed time ................................................................ 2-25
Emergency tire puncture repair kit ........................... 6-8
Emission control information label ......................... 9-12
Emission control system warranty .......................... 9-22
Engine Before starting the engine ................................ 5-10
Break-in schedule ................................................ 5-23 Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ........................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter .......................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ............................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level .................................. 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ................................. 2-7
Emergency engine shut off .................................. 5-9
Engine block heater ............................................ 5-33
Engine compartment check locations ............... 8-7
Engine cooling system .......................................... 8-8
Engine oil ............................................................... 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .......... 9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator ..................... 2-22
Engine oil temperature gauge ............................. 2-8
Engine oil viscosity ................................................. 9-6
Engine serial number .......................................... 9-12
Engine specifications ............................................. 9-8
Engine start operation indicator ...................... 2-19
Engine start operation indicator (Manual
Transmission models) ......................................... 2-20
If your vehicle overheats .................................... 6-16
Starting the engine ............................................. 5-11
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .................................. 9-24
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................... 5-2
Extended storage fuse warning .............................. 2-22
Exterior light indicator ................................................ 2-15F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 9-12
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 8-19
Changing engine oil and filter .......................... 8-10
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ...... 6-2 Flat tire ............................................................................ 6-3
Repairing flat tire (with emergency tire
puncture repair kit) ................................................. 6-8
Flat towing .................................................................... 9-21
Floor mat cleaning ........................................................ 7-6
Fluid Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ............... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ........................................ 8-13
Brake fluid ............................................................. 8-13
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ........................... 9-2
Engine coolant ........................................................ 8-8
Engine oil ............................................................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ............................................ 8-12
Window washer fluid .......................................... 8-14
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD) player .... 4-43
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ................................................................... 4-52
Fog light switch .......................................................... 2-37
Front manual seat adjustment ................................... 1-4
Front passenger air bag and status light ............. 1-37
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-3
Front seat, Front seat adjustment ............................ 1-3
Front-seat active head restraints .............................. 1-9
Fuel Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ........................... 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................................... 5-24
Fuel economy information (display) ................... 4-9
Fuel information ....................................................... 9-4
Fuel octane rating .................................................. 9-4
Fuel-filler cap ........................................................ 3-34
Fuel-filler door ...................................................... 3-34
Gauge ........................................................................ 2-8
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning ............................. 3-35
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................................... 5-23
Fuses ............................................................................. 8-22