1. Remove the vent caps with a screwdriver asshown. Use a cloth to protect the battery
case.
2. Check the fluid level in each cell. If it isnecessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level up to the bottom of
the filler opening. Do not overfill.Reinstall
the vent caps. Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, refer to “Jump start-
ing” in the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be replaced. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
WDI0224
WDI0529
Do-it-yourself8-13
CAUTION
●Do not ground accessories directly to
the battery terminal. Doing so will by-
pass the variable voltage control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely.
● Use electrical accessories with the en-
gine running to avoid discharging the
vehicle battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with a variable voltage
control system. This system measures the
amount of electrical discharge from the battery
and controls voltage generated by the generator. The current sensor
Ais located near the battery
along the negative battery cable. If you add elec-
trical accessories to your vehicle, be sure to
ground them to a suitable body ground such as
the frame or engine block area.
1. Crankshaft pulley
2. Drive belt automatic tensioner pulley
3. Generator pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor pulley
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF or LOCK position before servicing
drive belt. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
LDI2755
VQ35DE engine
LDI2131
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEM DRIVE BELT
8-14Do-it-yourself
1. Visually inspect the belt for signs of unusualwear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is
in poor condition or is loose, have it replaced
or adjusted. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
2. Have the belt checked regularly for condi- tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the “Mainte-
nance and schedules” section of this
manual.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace iridium-tippedA
spark plugs as frequently as conventional type
spark plugs because they last much longer. Fol-
low the maintenance log shown in the “Mainte-
nance and schedules” section of this manual. Do
not service iridium-tipped spark plugs by clean-
ing or regapping.
● Always replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect socket
can damage the spark plugs.
If replacement is required, it is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
SDI1895
SPARK PLUGS
Do-it-yourself8-15
The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
log shown in the “Maintenance and schedules”
section of this manual. When replacing the filter,
wipe the inside of the air cleaner filter housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
To remove the air cleaner filter:● Unlatch the clips
Aand move the air
cleaner cover upward.
● Remove the air cleaner filter.
● Wipe the inside of the air cleaner filter hous-
ing and cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
● Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or oth-
ers to be burned. The air cleaner not
only cleans the air, it stops the 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.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry of air-
borne dust and pollen particles and reduces
some objectionable outside odors. The filter is
located behind the glove box. For additional in-
formation, refer to the “Maintenance and sched-
ules” section of this manual for change intervals.
If replacement is required, it is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield-washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is
clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blades with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the blades
and using the wiper, replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
LDI2756
AIR CLEANER WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
8-16Do-it-yourself
If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear 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 nor-
mal. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.
For additional information regard-
ing brake inspections, refer to the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the “Main-
tenance and schedules” section of this manual.”
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
Fuses are used in the passenger and engine
compartment. Spare fuses are provided and can
be found in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
When installing a fuse make sure the fuse is
installed in the fuse box securely.
LDI2385
BRAKES FUSES
8-18Do-it-yourself
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
WARNING
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or electronic control
units or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not come on,
check for an open fuse. 1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are in the OFF position.
2. Open the engine hood. 3. Remove the fuse box cover by pushing the
tab and lifting the cover up.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. The fuse puller is located in the center of the fuse
block in the passenger compartment.
5. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service..
Fusible links
If the electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace with only Genuine NISSAN parts.
LDI2636LDI0456
Do-it-yourself8-19
HEADLIGHTS
For additional information on headlight bulb re-
placement, refer to the instructions outlined in
this section.
Replacing the halogen headlight bulb
(if so equipped)
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb.
They can be replaced from inside the engine
compartment without removing the headlight as-
sembly.
If headlight bulb replacement is required, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
CAUTION
●Aiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, it is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
● Do not leave the headlight assembly
open without a bulb installed for a long
period of time. Dust, moisture, smoke,
etc. entering the headlight body may
affect bulb performance. Remove the
bulb from the headlight assembly just
before a replacement bulb is installed. ●
Only touch the base when handling the
bulb. Never touch the glass envelope.
Touching the glass could significantly
affect bulb life and/or headlight
performance.
● High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
● Use the same number and wattage as
shown in the chart.
Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is not
a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Replacing the LED headlight bulb (if
so equipped)
If LED headlight bulb replacement is required, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
FRONT PARK/TURN SIGNAL/SIDE
MARKER LIGHT
If park, turn signal or side marker light bulb re-
placement is required. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
FOG LIGHTS
For additional information on fog light bulb re-
placement, refer to the instructions outlined in
this section.
Replacing the fog light bulb
If fog light bulb replacement is required, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
CAUTION
● High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
● When handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
● Use the same number and wattage as
originally installed as shown in the
chart.
LIGHTS
Do-it-yourself8-23
Some day-to-day and regular maintenance is es-
sential to maintain your vehicle good mechanical
condition, as well as its emissions and engine
performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives proper
maintenance. You are a vital link in the mainte-
nance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items which
should be checked during normal day-to-day op-
eration. They are essential for proper vehicle op-
eration. It is your responsibility to perform these
procedures regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks requires
minimal mechanical skill and only a few general
automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, a
NISSAN dealer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed in this section are
required to be serviced at regular intervals. How-
ever under severe driving conditions, additional
or more frequent maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up-to-date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips and training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on NISSAN vehiclesbefore
work begins.
You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer’s
service department can perform the service
needed to meet the maintenance requirements
on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smells, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer if
you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the “Maintenance precau-
tions” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with“*”isfound in the “Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that the doors
and engine hood operate properly. Also ensure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, latch pins, rollers and links if necessary.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance and schedules