8-2Do-it-yourself
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are general
precautions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply 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 per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
. If you must work with the engine
running, 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 when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed 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
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan. .
Because the fuel lines are under
high pressure even when the engine
is off, it is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for service of the
fuel filter or fuel lines.CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly
disposed engine oil, coolant, and/
or other vehicle fluids can damage
the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of
vehicle fluid.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service Man-
ual order information” (P.10-33).)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
SDI2515
To remove the filter, release the lock pins*1and pull the unit upward*2.
The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
schedule shown in the “9. Maintenance and
schedules” section. When replacing the filter,
wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing and
the cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
. Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it
isn’t there, and the engine backfires,
you could be burned. Do not drive
with the air cleaner removed, and be
careful when working on the engine
with the air cleaner removed.
. Never pour fuel into the throttle
body or attempt to start the engine
with the air cleaner removed. Doing
so could result in serious injury.
Do-it-yourself8-15
AIR CLEANER
The following descriptions are provided to give
you a better understanding of the scheduled
maintenance items that should be regularly
checked or replaced. The maintenance sche-
dule indicates at which mileage/time intervals
each item requires service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance, your
vehicle requires that some items be checked
during normal day-to-day operation. Refer to
“General maintenance” (P.9-2) .
Items marked with “*” are recommended by
NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. You are
not required to perform maintenance on these
items in order to maintain the warranties which
come with your vehicle. Other maintenance
items and intervals are required.
When applicable, additional information can be
found in the “8. Do-it yourself” section of this
manual.
NOTE:
NISSAN does not advocate the use of non-
OEM approved aftermarket flushing sys-
tems and strongly advises against per-
forming these services on a NISSAN
product. Many of the aftermarket flushing
systems use non-OEM approved chemicals
or solvents, the use of which has not been
validated by NISSAN.For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, refer to
“Capaci-
ties and recommended fluids/lubricants”
(P.10-2) of this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAIN-
TENANCE
Drive belts*:
Check engine drive belts for wear, fraying or
cracking and for proper tension. Replace any
damaged drive belts.
Engine air filter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving for
prolonged periods in dusty conditions, check/
replace the filter more frequently.
Engine coolant*:
Replace coolant at the specified interval. When
adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) or equivalent with the proper mixture.
(Refer to “Engine cooling system” (P.8-4) to
determine the proper mixture for your area.)
NOTE:
Mixing any other type of coolant or the use
of non-distilled water may reduce the
recommended service interval of the cool-
ant. Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil and oil filter at the specified
intervals. For recommended oil grade and vis-
cosity refer to “Capacities and recommended
fluids/lubricants” (P.10-2) .
Evaporative Emissions Control Vapor
Lines*:
Check vapor lines for leaks or looseness.
Tighten connections or replace parts as neces-
sary.
Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connections
for leaks, looseness, or deterioration. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Spark plugs:
Replace at specified intervals. Install new plugs
of the type as originally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Brake lines and cables:
Visually inspect for proper installation. Check for
chafing, cracks, deterioration, and signs of
leaking. Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors:
Check for wear, deterioration and fluid leaks.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged parts
immediately.
Maintenance and schedules9-5
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
9-6Maintenance and schedules
Exhaust system:
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler and
hangers for leaks, cracks, deterioration, and
damage. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, looseness, and grease
leakage.
In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving for
prolonged periods in dusty conditions, replace
the filter more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts:
Check for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation:
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles
(8,000km) . When rotating tires, check for
damage and uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage at specified
intervals.Off-road maintenance:
Check the following items frequently whenever
you drive off-road through deep sand, mud or
water:
.
Brake pads and rotors
. Brake linings and drums
. Brake lines and hoses
. Differential, transmission and transfer case
oil
. Steering linkage
. Propeller shaft(s) and front drive shafts
. Engine air filter
. Clutch housing drain (AWD only) To help ensure smooth, safe and economical
driving, NISSAN provides two maintenance
schedules that may be used, depending upon
the conditions in which you usually drive. These
schedules contain both distance and time
intervals, up to 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/
144 months. For most people, the odometer
reading will indicate when service is needed.
However, if you drive very little, your vehicle
should be serviced at the regular time intervals
shown in the schedule.
After 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/144
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
FOR SEVERE OPERATING CONDI-
TIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditions;
should be performed
on vehicles that are driven under especially
demanding conditions. Additional maintenance
items should be performed if you primarily
operate your vehicle under the following condi-
tions:
. Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8
km) .
. Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures remain-
ing below freezing.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9-8Maintenance and schedules
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilo-
meters or months, whichever
comes first.Miles
61,000
(km 61,000)
Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54 50
(80) 60 55
(88) 66 60
(96) 72
Drive belts See NOTE (1) I*I* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2) RR
EVAP vapor lines I*I* I*
Fuel lines I*I* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)
Engine coolant* See NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil R R R R R R R R R R R R
Engine oil filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
Spark plugs See NOTE (6) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Intake and exhaust valve clear-
ance* See NOTE (7)
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, whichever
comes first.Miles
61,000
(km 61,000)
Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
65
(104) 78 70
(112) 84 75
(120) 90 80
(128) 96 85
(136) 102 90
(144) 108 95
(152) 114 100
(160) 120 105
(168) 126 110
(176) 132 115
(184) 138 120
(192) 144
Drive belts See NOTE (1)I*I*I*I* I* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2) RR
EVAP vapor lines I*I* I*
Fuel lines I*I* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)
Engine coolant* See NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil R R R R R R R R R R R R
Engine oil filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
Spark plugs See NOTE (6) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Intake and exhaust valve clear-
ance* See NOTE (7)
NOTE:
(1) After 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 48
months, inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000
km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts
if found damaged.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions,
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired.
(3) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(4) First replacement interval is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months. After first
replacement, replace every 75,000 miles
(120,000 km) or 60 months.
(5) Use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
with proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-
freeze and 50% demineralized or distilled
water. Mixing any other type of coolant or
the use of non-distilled water may reduce
the life expectancy of the factory fill cool-
ant.
(6) Replace spark plug when the plug gap
exceeds 0.053 in (1.35 mm) even if within
specified replacement mileage.
(7) Periodic maintenance is not required.
However, if valve noise increases, inspect
valve clearance.
*: Maintenance items and intervals with
“*”
are recommended by NISSAN for reliable
vehicle operation. The owner does not
Maintenance and schedules9-9
10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fluids/lubricants ............. 10-2Fuel information ................................................................ 10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .................... 10-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................................ 10-7
Specifications ........................................................................\
.. 10-8
Engine ........................................................................\
......... 10-8
Wheels and tires .............................................................. 10-9
Dimensions ........................................................................\
10-9
When traveling or registering in another country ....... 10-10
Vehicle identification ........................................................... 10-10 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ............... 10-10
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) .... 10-10
Engine serial number .................................................... 10-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................. 10-11
Emission control information label ............................ 10-11
Tire and loading information label ............................. 10-12
Air conditioner specification label ............................. 10-12
Installing front license plate .............................................. 10-12
Vehicle loading information ............................................... 10-13
Terms ........................................................................\
........ 10-13 Vehicle load capacity ................................................. 10-14
Securing the load ....................................................... 10-15
Loading tips .................................................................. 10-16
Measurement of weights ........................................... 10-16
Towing a trailer .................................................................... 10-17 Maximum load limits ................................................... 10-17
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/maximum
Gross Axle Weight (GAW) ...................................... 10-19
Towing load/specification ......................................... 10-20
Towing safety .............................................................. 10-21
Flat towing .................................................................... 10-29
Uniform tire quality grading .............................................. 10-29 Treadwear ..................................................................... 10-29
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................................... 10-29
Temperature A, B and C ........................................... 10-30
Emission control system warranty .................................. 10-30
Reporting safety defects .................................................. 10-31
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ...... 10-32
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................................... 10-33
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ................................................................ 10-33
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. Choosing
an oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-quality
genuine NISSAN oil filter. When replacing, use
the genuine oil filter or its equivalent for the
reason described in change intervals.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than the
specified quality, or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended could reduce engine
life. Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and filter
quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the
new NISSAN vehicle limited warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RE-
FRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT RE-
COMMENDATIONS
The air conditioning system in your
NISSAN vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the
lubricant, NISSAN A/C system oil Type S
or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or
lubricant may cause severe damage to
the air conditioning system and may
require the replacement of all air con-
ditioner system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect
the earth’s atmosphere, certain governmental
regulations require the recovery and recycling of
any refrigerant during automotive air condition-
ing system service. Your NISSAN dealer has the
trained technicians and equipment needed to
recover and recycle your air conditioning system
refrigerant.
It is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
when servicing your air conditioning system.
Technical and consumer information10-7