
FLOOR MATS (if so equipped)
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference that
may result in a collision, injury or death:
●NEVER place a floor mat on top of an-
other floor mat in the driver front posi-
tion or install them upside down or
backwards.
● Use only Genuine NISSAN floor mats, or
equivalent floor mats, that are specifi-
cally designed for use in your vehicle
model and model year. ●
Properly position the mats in the floor-
well using the floor mat positioning
hook. For additional information, refer
to Floor mat installation in this
section.
● Make sure the floor mat does not inter-
fere with pedal operation.
● Periodically check the floor mats to
make sure they are properly installed.
● After cleaning the vehicle interior,
check the floor mats to make sure they
are properly installed.
The use of Genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it
easier to clean the interior. Mats should be main-
tained with regular cleaning and replaced if they
become excessively worn.Floor mat installation
Your vehicle is equipped with floor mat position-
ing hook(s) . The number and shape of the floor
mat positioning hooks for each seating position
varies depending on the vehicle. When installing Genuine NISSAN floor mats,
follow the installation instructions provided with
the mat and the following:
1. Position the floor mat in the floorwell so that the floor mat grommet holes are aligned with
the hook(s) .
2. Secure the grommet holes into the hook(s) and ensure that the floor mat is properly
positioned.
3. Make sure the floor mat does not interfere with pedal operation. With the ignition in the
OFF position, the selector lever in the P
(Park) position (Automatic Transmission
models) or the shift lever in the N (Neutral)
position (Manual Transmission models) fully
apply and release all pedals. The floor mat
must not interfere with pedal operation or
prevent the pedal from returning to its nor-
mal position.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for details about installing the floor mats in your
vehicle.
LAI2002
Appearance and care7-5

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply 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 key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
● If you must work with the engine run-
ning, 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 whenever
you work on your vehicle. ●
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, 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.
● If you must run the engine in an en-
closed 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 neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
● On gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced. It
is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
● Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down. ●
Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
● Never leave the engine or the transmis-
sion related component harness con-
nector disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Do-it-yourself” section gives instructions
regarding only those items which are relatively
easy for an owner to perform.
A Genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. For additional information, refer to “Owner’s
Manual/Service Manual order information” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage. If in doubt about any servicing, it
is recommended that you have it done by a
NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself

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.1. Visually inspect the belt for signs of unusual
wear, 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.
VQ35DE engine
LDI2131SDI1895
DRIVE BELT SPARK PLUGS
8-14Do-it-yourself

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.
The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
log shown in theMaintenance and schedules
section of this manual.
To remove the air cleaner filter:
1. Unlatch the retaining clips
A.
2. Move the air cleaner cover upwards.
3. Remove the air cleaner filter. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner filter housing and the cover
with a damp cloth, then replace air cleaner
filter. NOTE:
After installing a new air cleaner filter,
make sure the air cleaner cover is seated in
the housing and latch the clips.
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.
LDI2553
AIR CLEANER
Do-it-yourself8-15

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
WARNING
Never use a fuse of higher or lower amper-
age rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the electri-
cal 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 OFF.
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.
LDI2636LDI0456
Do-it-yourself8-19

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.
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
WARNING
Never use a fuse of higher or lower amper-
age rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the electri-
cal system or electronic control units or
cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse. NOTE:
The fuse box is located on the driver’s side
of the instrument panel.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are OFF.
2. Pull down on fuse box cover
Ato remove.
3. Locate the fuse that needs to be replaced.
LDI2560LDI2901
8-20Do-it-yourself

Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Recommended fluids/lubricants
and capacities” in this section. NISSAN recom-
mends the use of an energy conserving oil in
order to improve fuel economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
LTI2051
10-6Technical and consumer information

ENGINE
ModelVQ35DE
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement 6-cylinder, V-block, Slanted at 60°
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.780 x 3.189 (96 x 81)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 213.45 (3,498)
Firing order 1–2–3–4–5–6
Idle speed
No adjustment is necessary.
CVT (in N (Neutral) position)
Ignition timing (degree B.T.D.C. at idle speed)
CO%atidle
Spark plug
FXE22HR-11
Spark plug gap (Nominal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain
This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.
SPECIFICATIONS
10-8Technical and consumer information