
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ........................................................ 8-2
Engine compartment check locations .................................. 8-3MR16DDT engine ............................................................... 8-3
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level ......................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant .................................................. 8-5
Engine oil ........................................................................\
............ 8-5 Checking engine oil level .................................................. 8-5
Changing engine oil and filter .......................................... 8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ............... 8-8
For NISMO RS models ..................................................... 8-8
Except for NISMO RS models ........................................ 8-8
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ............................... 8-9
Window washer fluid ............................................................... 8-9
Battery ........................................................................\
............... 8-10 Jump starting ..................................................................... 8-12
Variable voltage control system .......................................... 8-12
Drive belt ........................................................................\
.......... 8-12
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
..... 8-13 Replacing spark plugs .................................................... 8-13
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
........ 8-14 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-15
Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-15
Replacing ........................................................................\
. 8-15
Rear window wiper blade ................................................... 8-16
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-16 Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-16
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-16
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-17 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-17
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-19
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-20
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-23 Headlights ........................................................................\
8-23
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-28 Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-28
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires ................................................................... 8-36
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires .......................................... 8-38

8-16Do-it-yourself
SDI2693
Be careful not to clog the washer nozzle*A.
This may cause improper windshield washer
operation. If the nozzle is clogged, remove any
objects with a needle or small pin
*B.Be
careful not to damage the nozzle. It is recommended you contact a NISSAN dealer
if checking or replacement is required.
If the brakes do not operate properly, it is
recommended you have the brakes checked by
a NISSAN dealer.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
Have your brake system checked if the
brake pedal height does not return to
normal. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound will
first occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake pad,
the sound will always be heard even if the brake
pedal is not depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear warning
sound is heard.
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADE BRAKES

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
necessary, 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
NISSAN 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
damaged 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
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer to
stop, have your vehicle checked immediately. It
is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. 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) 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
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake needs
adjusted, it is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
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
webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliners, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
Maintenance and schedules9-3