
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 ................8-7
Engine cooling system .............................8-9
Checking engine coolant level ..................8-10
Changing engine coolant .......................8-10
Engine oil ........................................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level .......................8-11
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-12
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-13
5-speed automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-14
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-15
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-15
Brake fluid .................................... 8-15
Clutch (if so equipped) fluid ....................8-16
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-16
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-16
Battery .......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ................................. 8-18
Variable voltage control system .....................8-19Drive belt
........................................ 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-20
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-21
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-22
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-23
Cleaning ..................................... 8-23
Replacing .................................... 8-23
Brakes .......................................... 8-24
Fuses ........................................... 8-25
Engine compartment ........................... 8-25
Passenger compartment .......................8-26
Battery replacement .............................. 8-28
Key fob (if so equipped) ........................ 8-29
Lights ........................................... 8-30
Headlights .................................... 8-30
Fog lights
(if so equipped) ...................... 8-31
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-32
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-34
Tire pressure .................................. 8-34
Tire labeling ................................... 8-38
Types of tires .................................. 8-40
Tire chains .................................... 8-41
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-41

When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
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.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)* When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every
5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire 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.
● For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found in this section.
Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal. Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism
On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the shift lever in the P
(Park) position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, have your
vehicle checked immediately. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment, it
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head
restraints/headrests move up and down
smoothly and the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched positions.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3

Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive free play, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check 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. 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 electronic accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone char-
gers, GPS, DVD players, ect.)
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 (if so equipped) fluid lev-
els* Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX 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. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide)” 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.
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.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of your
vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded, drive
to a scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle
loads. Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the GAWR. The total of the
axle loads should not exceed the GVWR.
These ratings are given on the vehicle
certification label. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to bring
all weights below the ratings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
●Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 mile (805 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing ca-
pability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart found in this section.
The total trailer load equals trailer weight plus its
cargo weight. ● When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) should not exceed the value specified
in the following “Towing Load/Specification”
chart.
TOWING A TRAILER
9-26Technical and consumer information

Pre-towing tips
●Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
●
Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low.
● Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
●
Determine the overall height of the vehicle and
trailer so the required clearance is known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
● When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:CAUTION
If you move the shift lever to the P (Park)
position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission
damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (A/T) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. For additional information,
refer to “Automatic transmission park warn-
ing light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section and “Using four wheel drive (4WD)”
in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
7. Turn off the engine.
Technical and consumer information9-35

To drive away:1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks. ● While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances. ●
Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway: 1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or applying the brakes. 2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal- anced as described in this section.
● Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
● Downshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
9-36Technical and consumer information

10 Index
4WDwarninglight...............2-15A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-36
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-70
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-77
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-85
Airbagwarninglight...........1-85,2-20
Air bag warning light, supplemental . .1-85, 2-20
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-21
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-25
Air conditioner service ...........4-35
Air conditioner specification label .....9-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-8
Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations ..............9-8
Heater and air conditioner
controls............4-16,4-22,4-33
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-35
Airflowcharts..............4-19,4-26
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-24
Anchor point locations .............1-32
Antenna .....................4-70
Antifreeze ....................5-42 Anti-lock brake warning light
..........2-15
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-35
Apps .......................4-70
Audible reminders ...............2-24
Audio system ..................4-35
AMradioreception.............4-36
Bluetooth®audio..........4-66,4-67
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-45, 4-50, 4-56
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-43
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-47,4-51
FMradioreception.............4-35
iPod® Player .............4-61,4-63
iPod® player operation .......4-61,4-63
Radio ....................4-35
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-69
USB interface ............4-57,4-59
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connection
Port..................4-57,4-59
Autolight switch .................2-30
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-50
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-20
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-14
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-15
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
AUXjack.................4-46,4-57 B
Back button ....................4-7
Battery ..................5-42, 8-17
Charge warning light ............2-17
Battery replacement ..............8-28
Keyfob................8-28,8-29
Before starting the engine ...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-19
Block heater Engine ....................5-43
Bluetooth® audio ............4-66,4-67
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system..............4-75,4-90,4-101
Boosterseats..................1-65
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-35
Brake fluid ..................8-15
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-32
Brake system ................5-34
Brakewarninglight.............2-16
Brakewearindicators........2-24,8-24
Parking brake operation ..........5-20
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-24
Brake fluid ....................8-15
Brakes ......................8-24
Brake system ..................5-34
Break-inschedule ...............5-23
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-9
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-32

Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-15
Bulb replacement ................8-32
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants . .9-2
Cargolightswitch................2-33
Cargo(Seevehicleloadinginformation)....9-15
Car phone or CB radio .............4-75
CD care and cleaning ..............4-68
CD player (See audio system) . .4-45, 4-50, 4-56
Check tire press ..................2-5
Child restraints .......1-24,1-25,1-26,1-29
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System ..............1-29
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-27,1-39,1-54,1-65
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-32
Child restraint with top tether strap .......1-31
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-24
Cleaningexteriorandinterior........7-2,7-4
Clockset.....................4-44
Clock set/adjustment ...............4-7
Clock setting
(models with Navigation System) ........4-7
Clock setting
(models without Navigation System) . .4-44, 4-48
Clutch Clutch fluid ..................8-16
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch ......2-37
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-13
Cold weather driving ...............5-42
Compact disc (CD) player ....4-45,4-50,4-56
Compass display .................2-11 Connect phone
.................4-71
Console box ...................2-40
Control panel buttons ...............4-4
Back button ..................4-7
Brightness/contrast button ..........4-9
Enterbutton..................4-4
Setting button .................4-7
With navigation system .........4-4,4-5
Controls Audio controls (steering wheel) .......4-69
Heater and air conditioner
controls.............4-16,4-22,4-33
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level .......8-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Corrosion protection ...............7-5
Cruisecontrol..................5-21
Cupholders...................2-45
Curtainside-impactandrolloverairbag....1-82
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-31
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-28
Rear window defroster switch .......2-28
Dimensionsandweights ............9-11
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-32
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-4
Door locks .....................3-3
Door open warning light .............2-17 Doors
........................3-3
Drive belt .....................8-19
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-42
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-14
Driving with manual transmission ......5-18
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Driving the vehicle ................5-14
E
Economy-fuel..................5-24
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system ......................5-31
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch ..................2-36
Emission control information label .......9-13
Emission control
system warranty .......9-39
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-12
Blockheater.................5-43
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-10
Changingengineoil.............8-12
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-13
Checking engine coolant level .......8-10
Checking engine oil level ..........8-11
Engine compartment check locations ....8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Engine cooling system ............8-9
Engineoil...................8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-7
Engineoilpressuregauge..........2-8
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-17
10-2