
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 .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-9
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Engine oil ........................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level .......................8-10
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-13
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-14
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-15
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-17
Variable voltage control system .....................8-18
Drive belt ........................................ 8-18
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19Air cleaner
....................................... 8-20
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-20
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-20
Cleaning ..................................... 8-20
Replacing .................................... 8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .......................8-24
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Front park/turn signal/side marker light ...........8-27
Fog
lights ..................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-28
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-31
Tire pressure .................................. 8-31
Tire labeling ................................... 8-35
Types of tires .................................. 8-37
Tire chains .................................... 8-38
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-38

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.
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, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes
Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism: On a fairly
steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely
with the shift lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
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,
see a NISSAN dealer.
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
move up and down smoothly and the lock knobs
(if so equipped) hold securely in all adjustable
positions.
Seat belts Check 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3

Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, 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, 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 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 by a NISSAN dealer. 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.
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
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

VQ35DE engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Drive belt location
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air cleaner
6. Fuse block
7. Fuse block/Fusible links
8. Fusible links
9. Battery
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Radiator cap
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
13. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
LDI2749
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7

Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked when the fluid
is cold at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86ºF (0 to
30ºC) . The fluid level can be checked with the
level gauge which is attached to the cap. To
check the fluid level, remove the cap. The fluid
level should be between the MAX
Aand MINB
lines.
If the fluid is below the MIN
Bline, add Genuine
NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent. Remove the cap
and fill through the opening.
WARNING
Power steering fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked con-
tainers out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
● DO NOT OVERFILL.
● Use of a power steering fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent
will prevent the power steering system
from operating properly.
For additional information on brake fluid specifi-
cation, refer to “Recommended fluids/lubricants
and capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
WARNING
●Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
● Clean the filler cap before removing.
LDI2752LDI2753
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Capacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measureLiter
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ———• Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3
• NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN
CVT Fluid NS-3 ONLY in NISSAN CVTs. Do not
mix with other fluids. Using fluids that are not
equivalent to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3
may damage the CVT. Damage caused by the
use of fluids other than as recommended is not
covered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Power steering fluid (PSF) ———• Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent.
• Use of a power steering fluid other than Genu-
ine NISSAN E-PSF will prevent the power steer-
ing system from operating properly.
• Refill to the proper level according to the in-
struction is the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
• See a NISSAN dealer for service.
Brake fluid reservoir 1/8 gal1/8 gal0.43 L• Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake
Fluid or equivalent DOT 3
• Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN
dealer.
Multi-purpose grease ——— • NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ———• HFC-134a (R-134a)
• For additional information, refer to “Air condi-
tioner system refrigerant and oil recommenda-
tions” in this section of the manual.
Technical and consumer information9-3

Cold weather driving...............5-86
Consolebox...................2-51
Consolelight...................2-59
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . . .5-15 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ......................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-15
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-19
Controls Heater and air conditioner controls .....4-26
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosionprotection ...............7-7
Cruisecontrol..................5-40
Cupholders...................2-49
D
Daytime Running Light System .........2-40
Defogger Switch .................2-38
Dimensionsandweights ............9-10
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-41
Door locks .....................3-4
Doors ........................3-3
Drive belt .....................8-18
Drive Mode Selector ...............5-22
Drive positioner, Automatic ....3-30,3-31,3-31
Drive Sport Mode Selector ...........5-22
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-86 Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
.............5-15
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-4
Driving the vehicle ................5-15
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-76
Emergency engine shutoff ............5-12
Emission control information label .......9-12
Emission control system warranty .......9-19
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-14
Block heater .................5-87
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant...........8-9
Changingengineoil.............8-11
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations ....8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-8
Engineoil...................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .............9-2,9-7
Engine oil pressure warning light .......2-8
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-7
Engine serial number ............9-12
Engine specifications .............9-9
Starting the engine .............5-14
Engine coolant temperature gauge .......2-5
Eventdatarecorders ..............9-21
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-4Explanation of maintenance items
........8-2
Extended storage switch ............2-46
Eyeglass case ..................2-48
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat
tire.......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-6
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-13
Enginecoolant.................8-8
Engineoil...................8-10
Power steering fluid .............8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-12
Foglightswitch .................2-42
Foldingrearseat..................1-5
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) .......2-9
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-47
Front and rear sonar system ..........5-84
Front power seat adjustment ...........1-3
Frontseats.....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-76
Fuel-filler cap .................3-23
Fuel-filler lid .................3-23
Fuelgauge...................2-6
10-2

Fuel octane rating...............9-6
Fuel recommendation ..........9-2,9-5
Loose fuel cap warning ...........2-24
Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) System Tirepressure.................8-31
Fuel-filler door ..................3-23
Fuel gauge .....................2-6
Fuses.......................8-22
Fusible links ...................8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver .........2-60,2-63,2-63,2-64
Gascap .....................3-23
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Fuel gauge ...................2-6
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-4
Tachometer ..................2-5
Trip odometer .................2-4
General maintenance ...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-50
Gloveboxlock..................2-50
H
Hazard warning flasher switch ..........6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ........2-38
Headlightcontrolswitch ............2-38
Headlights....................8-27
Head restraints ..................1-6
Heated seats ...............2-43,2-45 Heated steering wheel
.............2-45
Heater Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) ...............4-25
Heater and air conditioner controls .....4-26
Heater operation ...............4-27
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) .....4-25
HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver .........2-60,2-63,2-63,2-64
Hood .......................3-20
Horn .......................2-42
I
Ignition Switch Push-Button Ignition Switch ........5-10
Immobilizer system ............2-35,5-13
Important vehicle information label .......9-12
In-cabin microfilter ................8-20
Increasing fuel economy .............5-76
Indicator NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge
indicator ...................5-13
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) ..................2-7,2-12
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror ........3-28
Instrument brightness control ..........2-41
Instrument panel ...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-41
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system Brake assist .................5-42
Intelligent Key system Key operating range ..............3-7
Key operation .................3-8 Mechanical key
................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation.......3-11
Troubleshooting guide ............3-16
Warning signals ...............3-16
Interior light ....................2-58
Interior trunk lid release .............3-22
ISOFIX
child restraints .............1-23
J
Jump starting ................6-8,8-17
K
Key.........................3-2
Key fob battery replacement ..........8-25
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) .........3-11
Keys NISSAN Intelligent Key® ........3-2,3-6
L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-13
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-12
Emission control information label .....9-12
Engine serial number ............9-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-12
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN) .....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-11
10-3