
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ........................................................ 8-2
Engine compartment check locations .................................. 8-3VK56VD engine ................................................................... 8-3
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level ......................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant .................................................. 8-5
Engine oil ........................................................................\
............ 8-6 Checking engine oil level .................................................. 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter .......................................... 8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ..................................... 8-8
Power steering fluid .................................................................. 8-8
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
........... 8-9
Window washer fluid ............................................................ 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
............... 8-11 Jump starting ..................................................................... 8-13
Variable voltage control system .......................................... 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
........ 8-13
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
..... 8-14 Replacing spark plugs .................................................... 8-14
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
........ 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-16
Replacing ........................................................................\
. 8-16
Rear window wiper blades ................................................. 8-17
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-17
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-17
Brake booster ................................................................. 8-18
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-18 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-19
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-20
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-21
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-24
Headlights ........................................................................\
8-25
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-30
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires ................................................................... 8-36
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires .......................................... 8-37

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

8-4Do-it-yourself
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and
50% water to provide year-round anti-freeze
and coolant protection. The antifreeze solution
contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional
engine cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNING
.Never remove the radiator or cool-
ant reservoir cap when the engine is
hot. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
See precautions in “If your vehicle
overheats” (P.6-14) .
. The radiator is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To pre-
vent engine damage, use only a
genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
.Never use any cooling system ad-
ditives such as radiator sealer. Ad-
ditives may clog the cooling system
and cause damage to the engine,
transmission and/or cooling sys-
tem.
. When adding or replacing coolant,
be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) or equivalent. Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) is pre-diluted to provide
antifreeze protection to í348 F
( í378C) . If additional freeze protec-
tion is needed due to weather where
you operate your vehicle, add Gen-
uine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) concentrate follow-
ing the directions on the container.
If an equivalent coolant other than
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze/Coolant (blue) is used, fol-
low the coolant manufacturer’s
instructions to maintain minimum
antifreeze protection to í348 F
( í378C) . The use of other types of
coolant solutions other than Genu- ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) or equivalent may
damage the engine cooling system.
. The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000
km) or 7 years. Mixing any other
type of coolant other than Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) , including Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (green) , or the use of non-
distilled water will reduce the life
expectancy of the factory-fill cool-
ant. Refer to the “9. Maintenance
and schedules” section of this man-
ual for more details.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

8-8Do-it-yourself
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into positionusing the bolts.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
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. When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
.
It is recommended that you use only
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. Do
not mix with other fluids.
. Using automatic transmission fluid
(ATF) other than Genuine NISSAN
Matic S ATF may cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic
transmission durability, and may
damage the automatic transmis-
sion. Damage caused by use of
fluids other than as recommended
is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
SDI1765A
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range (
*1: HOT MAX.,*2: HOT MIN.) at fluid
temperatures of 122 to 1768F (50 to 808C) or
using the COLD range (
*3: COLD MAX.,*4:
COLD MIN.) at fluid temperatures of 32 to 868F
(0 to 308C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Remove the cap
and fill through the opening.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
(ATF) POWER STEERING FLUID

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

CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace, L = Lubricate
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at of miles, kilometers 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
Brake lines and cables II II I I
Brake pads and rotors$ II I I I I
Brake fluid$ RR R
Automatic transmission fluid See NOTE (1)
Differential gear oil See NOTE (2)II II I I
Transfer fluid See NOTE (2)II II I I
Steering gear and linkage, axle
and suspension parts$ II I
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots
(4WD models)$ II I I I I
Propeller shaft grease (4WD
models) LL L L L L
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Exhaust system$ II I
In-cabin microfilter RR R R
Intelligent Key battery RR R R
Maintenance and schedules9-11

9-12Maintenance and schedules
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at 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
Brake lines & cables II II I I
Brake pads & rotors$ II II I I
Brake fluid$ RR R
Automatic transmission fluid See NOTE (1)
Differential gear oil See NOTE (2)II II I I
Transfer fluid See NOTE (2)II II I I
Steering gear & linkage, axle &
suspension parts$ II I
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots
(4WD models)$ II II I I
Propeller shaft grease (4WD
models) LL LL L L
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Exhaust system$ III
In-cabin microfilter RRR R
Intelligent Key battery RRR R
NOTE:
Maintenance items with “$”should be
performed more frequently according to
“Maintenance under severe driving condi-
tions” (P.9-13) . (1) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(2) If towing a trailer, using a camper or
car-top carrier, or driving on rough or
muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil
at every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24 months.
(3) Refer to
“Tire rotation” under“General
maintenance” (P.9-2) .

10-2Technical and consumer information
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Fluid typeCapacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric Measure US Measure Imperial Measure
Fuel 98.426 gal 21-5/8 gal ÂSee “Fuel information” (P.10-4).
Engine oil*1 With oil filter change 6.56-7/8 qt 5-3/4 qt ÂGenuine “Nissan Motor Oil 0W-20 SN” is recommended.
 If the above motor oil is not available, use an equivalent motor oil that
matches the above grade and viscosity. For additional information, see
“Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” (P.10-6).
Drain and refill
*1: For additional information, see
“Changing engine oil and filter”
(P.8-6) .
Without oil filter change
6.26-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt
Engine coolant with reservoir 16.317-1/4 qt 14-3/8 qt ÂPre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) —— — ÂGenuine NISSAN Matic S ATF
 NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF ONLY in
NISSAN automatic transmissions. Do not mix with other fluids. Using fluids
that are not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF may damage the
automatic transmission. Damage caused by the use of fluids other than as
recommended is not covered under the NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Transfer fluid —— — ÂGenuine NISSAN Transfer Fluid for ATX90A transfer
 Using transfer fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Transfer Fluid may damage
the transfer. Damage caused by use of other fluids is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
Front differential gear oil —— — ÂGenuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or equivalent
conventional (non-synthetic) oil
Rear differential gear oil —— — ÂGenuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super-S GL-5 synthetic 75W-90
or equivalent
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the “8. Do-it-yourself” section. Â
Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent
 DEXRON
TMVI type ATF may also be used.
Brake fluid ÂGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent DOT 3
*4: Available in mainland U.S.A through a NISSAN dealer.
Suspension fluid —— — ÂGenuine NISSAN Hydraulic Suspension Fluid
 Using Hydraulic Suspension fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Hydraulic
Suspension fluid will damage the Hydraulic Suspension, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty. It is recommended
that you see a NISSAN dealer for recommended hydraulic suspension fluid.
Multi-purpose grease —— — ÂNLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FLUIDS/LUBRICANTS