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 .......................8-14
5-speed automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ..........8-15
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-15
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-16
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-16
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-16
Battery .......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ................................. 8-19
Drive belt ........................................ 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-20Air cleaner
....................................... 8-21
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-21
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-22
Cleaning ..................................... 8-22
Replacing .................................... 8-22
Brakes .......................................... 8-23
Fuses ........................................... 8-24
Engine compartment ........................... 8-25
Passenger compartment .......................8-26
Battery replacement .............................. 8-27
Key fob (if so equipped) ........................ 8-28
Lights ........................................... 8-29
Headlights .................................... 8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped) ......................8-29
Exterior
and interior lights ....................... 8-31
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-33
Tire pressure .................................. 8-33
Tire labeling ................................... 8-36
Types of tires .................................. 8-39
Tire chains .................................... 8-40
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-40
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, 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.
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/headrests move up and down
smoothly and the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched 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
When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
●Use Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. If
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not
available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF
may also be used.
● Using automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF or Matic J ATF will cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic trans-
mission durability, and may damage the
automatic transmission, which is not
covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment. The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is at or below the MIN line, add Genu-
ine NISSAN PSF to HOT MAX or COLD MAX
depending on system fluid temperature. Remove
the cap and fill through the opening.
CAUTION
●
DO NOT OVERFILL.
● Recommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
LDI2597
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) POWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Fluid typeCapacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 28 gal23 1/4 gal 105.8 L • For additional information refer to “Recommended Fuel.” in this section
of the manual.
Engine oil
Drain and refill VQ40DE
With oil filter
change 5 – 3/8 qt
4–1/2 qt 5.1 L For VQ40DE engine
• Genuine NISSAN engine oil or equivalent
• NISSAN recommended Genuine NISSAN Ester Oil available at a
NISSAN dealer.
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark*1, Viscosity SAE 5W-30
*1: For additional information, refer to “Engine oil and filter recommen-
dations” in this section of the manual.
Without oil filter
change 5 – 1/8 qt
4–1/4 qt 4.8 L
VK56DE With oil filter
change 6 – 7/8 qt
5–3/4 qt6.5 L
For VK56DE engine
• Genuine NISSAN engine Oil or equivalent
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2, Viscosity SAE 5W-30*3
*2: For additional information, refer to “Engine oil and oil filter recom-
mendations” in this section.
*3: As an alternative to this recommended oil, SAE 5W-30 or SAE
10W-30 conventional petroleum based oils may be used and meet all
specifications and requirements necessary to maintain the NISSAN
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Without oil filter
change 6–1/2qt
5–1/2qt 6.2L
Engine cool-
ant With reservoir
2–3/4 gal2–1/4 gal 10.2 L • Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent.
Automatic transmission fluid ———• Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF
• If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN
Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other
than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or Matic J ATF will cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may dam-
age the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• See a NISSAN dealer for service.
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
9-2Technical and consumer information
●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.
● Use the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission 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.
● Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break. ●
When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, refer to
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
Tow mode (if so equipped)
Using tow mode is recommended when pulling a
heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Press the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
indicator light on the TOW MODE switch illumi-
nates when tow mode is selected. Press the
TOW MODE switch again to turn tow mode off.
Tow mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is turned OFF.
Tow mode includes the following features: ● Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.
Technical and consumer information9-27
●Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — automati-
cally downshifts when driving down a grade
with a trailer or heavy load to help control
vehicle speed.
Driving the vehicle in the tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not cause
any damage. However, fuel economy may be
reduced and the transmission/engine driving
characteristics may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, refer to
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
FLAT TOWING FOR REAR WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
● Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
● Never tow your rear wheel drive vehicle
with the front tires on the ground. Doing
so may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
● DO NOT tow your rear wheel drive ve-
hicle with all four wheels on the ground
(flat towing) . Doing so WILL DAMAGE
internal transmission parts due to lack
of transmission lubrication.
● For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product. DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
9-28Technical and consumer information
10 Index
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-24
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-51
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-58
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-62
Airbagwarninglight...........1-62,2-15
Air bag warning light, supplemental . .1-62, 2-15
AirCleaner ...................8-21
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-21
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-21
Air conditioner service ...........4-29
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations ..............9-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-18,4-26
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-28
Servicing air conditioner .......4-22,4-29
Alarm system (See vehicle security system). .2-23
Anchor point locations .............1-34
Antenna .....................4-59
Antifreeze ....................5-30
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-12
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-23
Apps .......................4-60 Audible reminders
...............2-18
Audio system ..................4-29
AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-37,4-41
AMradioreception.............4-30
Bluetooth®audio..............4-56
Bluetooth® streaming audio ........4-56
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-39, 4-43, 4-50
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-37,4-41
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-45
FMradioreception.............4-30
iPod® Player ................4-53
iPod® player operation ...........4-53
Radio ....................4-29
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-58
USB interface ................4-51
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connection
Port .....................4-51
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-47
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-16
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-12
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-17
Automatic door locks ..............3-8
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge.......................2-7
AUXjack..............4-40,4-44,4-51 B
Back button ....................4-7
Back door .....................3-7
Battery ..................5-30, 8-17
Charge warning light ............2-13
Battery replacement Keyfob................8-27,8-28
Before starting the engine ...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-19
Block heater Engine ....................5-31
Bluetooth® audio ................4-56
Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System with
Navigation System ...............4-75
Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System without
Navigation System ...............4-61
Bluetooth® streaming audio with Navigation
System .....................4-56
Boosterseats..................1-48
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-23
Brake fluid ..................8-16
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-31
Brake system ................5-22
Brakewarninglight.............2-12
Brakewearindicators........2-18,8-23
Parking brake operation ..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-23
Brake fluid ....................8-16
Brakes ......................8-23
Brake system ..................5-22
Break-in schedule................5-19
Brightness/contrastbutton............4-9
Brightness control Instrument panel ...............2-29
Bulb replacement ................8-31
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants . .9-2
Cargo(Seevehicleloadinginformation)....9-13
Car phone or CB radio .............4-61
CD care and cleaning ..............4-58
CD player (See audio system) . .4-39, 4-43, 4-50
Check engine indicator light
(Seemalfunctionindicatorlamp)........2-16
Checkingbulbs .................2-11
Check tire pressure ...............2-22
Child restraints .......1-27,1-27,1-29,1-31
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System ..............1-31
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-30,1-37,1-44,1-49
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-34
Child restraint with top tether strap .......1-34
Child safety sliding door lock ...........3-8
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-18
Cleaningexteriorandinterior........7-2,7-4
Clock ...................4-38,4-42
Clock set/adjustment ...........4-7,4-38
Clock setting (models with Navigation System)..4-7
Clock setting
(models without Navigation System) . .4-38, 4-42
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Cold weather driving ...............5-30
Compact disc (CD) player ....4-39,4-43,4-50Compass
......................2-8
Compass display .................2-8
Connect phone .................4-60
Console box ...................2-42
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) .......4-58
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-18, 4-26
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-28
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level .......8-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosion protection ...............7-6
Cruisecontrol ...........5-17,5-17,5-18
Cupholders...................2-40
Curtainside-impactandrolloverairbag....1-59
D
Daytime light system ...............2-28
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-26
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-29
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-4
Door open warning light .............2-13 Doors
........................3-3
Drive belt .....................8-19
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-30
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Driving the vehicle ................5-11
E
Economy-fuel..................5-21
Emission control information label .......9-12
Emission control system warranty .......9-29
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-10
Blockheater.................5-31
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-10
Changingengineoil.............8-12
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-14
Checking engine coolant level .......8-10
Checking engine oil level ..........8-11
Engine compartment check locations ....8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-9
Engineoil...................8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engineoilpressuregauge..........2-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-13
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-7
Engine serial number ............9-11
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine .............5-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge .......2-5
10-2