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
Drive belt........................................8-18
Spark plugs......................................8-18
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-18Air cleaner.......................................8-19
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-20
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-20
Cleaning.....................................8-20
Replacing....................................8-20
Brakes..........................................8-22
Fuses...........................................8-22
Engine compartment...........................8-23
Passenger compartment.......................8-24
Battery replacement..............................8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key®.......................8-26
Lights...........................................8-27
Headlights....................................8-27
Fog lights (if so equipped)......................8-28
Exterior and interior lights
.......................8-29
Wheels and tires.................................8-31
Tire pressure..................................8-31
Tire labeling...................................8-34
Types of tires..................................8-37
Tire chains....................................8-38
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-39
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 wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake 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 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.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 systemMake 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 exhaustsystem inspected. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. For additional
information, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon mon-
oxide)” in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Fluid leaksCheck 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 linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck 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.
UnderbodyThe 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
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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.When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift lever to P
(Park) .
●Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
●If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
●It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
●Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.●Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition switch is in the OFF posi-
tion and the engine is not running. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working
near the fan.
●If you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
●Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
●Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
●Because the fuel lines on gasoline en-
gine models are under high pressure
even when the engine is off, it is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service of the fuel filter or fuel lines.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
VQ35DE engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Drive belt location
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Air cleaner
7. Fuse box
8. Fuse/Fusible link box
9. Battery
10 Radiator cap
11. Power steering fluid reservoir
12. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
LDI2633
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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 engine
oil may be hot.
7. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
25 ft-lb (34 N·m)
8. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
For additional information on drain and refill
capacity, refer to “Recommended
fluids/lubricants and capacities” in the
“Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.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.
9. Start the engine. Check for leakage around
the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than
10 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
B.
LDI2562
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface with
water.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the brake
fluid is below the MIN line
B, the brake warning
light will illuminate. Add brake fluid up to the MAX
line
A. For additional information on brake fluid
type, refer to “Recommended fluids/lubricants
and capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
If the brake fluid must be added frequently, the
brake system should be thoroughly checked. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add windshield-washer fluid when the low
windshield-washer fluid warning light comes on.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir and pour the windshield-
washer fluid into the reservoir opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield-
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent.
CAUTION
●Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for windshield-washer fluid.
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 washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the windshield-washer fluid reser-
voir. Do not use the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir to mix the washer fluid
concentrate and water.
LDI2573
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
Fluid types Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Power steering fluid — — —• Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent.
• Use of power steering fluid other than Genuine NISSAN E-PSF will pre-
vent the power steering system from operating properly.
• Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
• It is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for service.
Brake fluid — — —• Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3.
• Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
• Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
• It is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for service.
Multi-purpose grease — — —• NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base) .
• It is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for service.
Windshield-washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.6 L• Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
• Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent.
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — —• HFC-134a (R-134a) .
• For additional information, refer to “Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations” in this section.
• It is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for service.
Air conditioning system oil — — —• NISSAN A/C System Oil Type ND-OIL8 or equivalent.
• For additional information, refer to “Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations” in this section.
• It is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for service.
Technical and consumer information9-3
Engine oil...................8-10
Power steering fluid.............8-14
Windshield-washerfluid...........8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label...........9-11
Foglightswitch .................2-36
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB).......2-10
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system)......1-55
Front power seat adjustment...........1-4
Frontseats.....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-78
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-28
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-27
Fuel gauge...................2-6
Fuel octane rating...............9-5
Fuel recommendation.............9-4
Loose fuel cap warning...........2-25
Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) System
Tirepressure.................8-31
Fuel efficient driving tips.............5-77
Fuel-filler door..................3-27
Fuel gauge.....................2-6
Fuses.......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver.............2-56,2-58,2-59
Gascap .....................3-28
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6Fuel gauge...................2-6
Odometer...................2-5
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-5
General maintenance...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-45
H
Hazard warning flasher switch..........6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-32
Headlight control switch............2-32
Headlights....................8-27
Head restraints..................1-10
Heated rear seats................2-38
Heated seats...............2-37,2-40
Heated steering wheel.............2-40
Heater
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)...............4-26
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-27
Heater operation...............4-28
Heater and air conditioner (automatic).....4-26
Hill start assist system..............5-87
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver . . .2-56, 2-58,
2-59
Hood.......................3-21
Hook
Luggage hook................2-48
Horn .......................2-36I
Ignition Switch
Push-Button Ignition Switch........5-11
Immobilizer system............2-28,5-14
Important vehicle information label
.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter................8-20
Increasing fuel economy.............5-78
Indicator
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge
indicator ...................5-13
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)..................2-8,2-13
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror........3-33
Instrument brightness control..........2-35
Instrumentpanel...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-35
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system
Brake assist.................5-41
Intelligent Key system
Key operating range..............3-8
Key operation................3-10
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation.......3-12
Troubleshooting guide............3-17
Warning signals...............3-17
Interior light....................2-54
iPod®Player...................4-45
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-29
J
Jump starting................6-9,8-17
10-3