8-4Do-it-yourself
JVC1070X
MR20DD ENGINE MODEL
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake and clutch* fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Drive belt7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Battery
9. Fuse/fusible link box
*: For Manual Transmission (MT) Model
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 anti-freeze 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.6-11) of this manual.
.The radiator is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To pre-
vent engine damage, use only a
genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
.If the engine was stopped soon
when the engine is hot, the cooling
fan may operate for approximately
10 minutes after the engine was
stopped to cool the components in
the engine compartment. When the
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
cooling fan is operating, be sure
that hands or other items do not get
caught in it.
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 -348F
(-378C) . 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 manufacture’s
instructions to maintain minimum
antifreeze protection to -348F
(-378C) . 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.
JVM0438X
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold.If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
*2, open the reservoir cap and
add coolant up to the MAX level
*1. If the
reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
*1.
Tighten the cap securely after adding engine
coolant.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
Do-it-yourself8-5
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
.NISSAN recommends using Genu-
ine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or
equivalent) ONLY in NISSAN CVTs.
Do not mix with other fluids.
.Do not use Automatic transmission
fluid (ATF) or Manual Transmission
fluid in a NISSAN CVT, as it may
damage the CVT. Damage caused by
the use of fluids other than as
recommended is not covered by
the NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
.Using fluids that are not equivalent
to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3
may also damage the CVT. Damage
caused by the use of fluids other
than as recommended is not cov-
ered by the NISSAN’s New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.For additional brake and clutch fluid information,
see “Capacities and recommended fluids/lubri-
cants” (P.10-2) of this manual.WARNING
.Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake
and clutch systems. The use of
improper fluids can damage the
brake and clutch systems, and affect
the vehicle’s stopping ability.
.Clean the filler cap before removing.
.Brake and clutch fluid is poisonous
and should be stored carefully in
marked containers out of the reach
of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.
Do-it-yourself8-9
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDBRAKE AND CLUTCH (if so
equipped) FLUID
8-36Do-it-yourself
Warranty Information Booklet.
.Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Failure to
do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the
front and rear axles which can cause
the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system to malfunction resulting in
personal injury or death, excessive
tire wear and may damage the
transmission, transfer case and dif-
ferential gears.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S (Mud and Snow) on the tire
sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction
than All Season tires and may be more appro-
priate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on dry
roads. Summer tire performance is substantially
reduced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M&S on the tire
sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires. Skid and traction cap-
abilities of studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before instal-
ling tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
Class S chains.Class “S” chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component required
to accommodate the use of a winter traction
device (tire chains or cables) . The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory
equipped tire size. Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when re-
commended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully
loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In
addition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
loss of vehicle control in some
driving conditions and cause an
accident and personal injury.
.If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same off-set dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different off-set
could cause premature tire wear,
degrade vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interfer-
ence can lead to decreased braking
efficiency and/or early brake pad/
shoe wear. See“Wheels and tires”
(P.10-7) of this manual for wheel off-
set dimensions.
.Since the spare tire is not equipped
with the TPMS, when a spare tire is
mounted or a wheel is replaced, the
TPMS will not function and the low
tire pressure warning light will flash
for approximately 1 minute. The
light will remain on after 1 minute.
Have your tires replaced and/or
TPMS system reset as soon as
possible. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for these
services..Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
.The TPMS sensor may be damaged
if it is not handled correctly. Be
careful when handling the TPMS
sensor.
.When replacing the TPMS sensor,
the ID registration may be required.
It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for ID registration.
.Do not use a valve stem cap that is
not specified by NISSAN. The valve
stem cap may become stuck.
.Be sure that the valve stem caps are
correctly fitted. Otherwise the valve
may be clogged up with dirt and
cause a malfunction or loss of
pressure.
.Do not install a damaged or de-
formed wheel or tire even if it has
been repaired. Such wheels or tires
could have structural damage and
could fail without warning.
.The use of retread tire is not re-
commended..For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to“Important Tire
Safety Information”(US) or“Tire
Safety Information”(Canada) in the
Warranty Information Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
.Always use tires of the same size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial) , and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Failure to do so
may result in a circumference differ-
ence between tires on the front and
rear axles which will cause exces-
sive tire wear and may damage the
transmission, transfer case and rear
differential gears.
.Only use spare tires specified for
each AWD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as
Do-it-yourself8-39
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,
hard steering or strange noises.
Maintenance and schedules9-3
9-6Maintenance and schedules
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.
Exhaust system:
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler and
hangers for leaks, cracks, deterioration, and
damage. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving for
prolonged periods in dusty conditions, replace
the filter more frequently.
Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, looseness, and grease
leakage. (AWD)
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaft boots:
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
(8,000 km) according to the instructions under
“Explanation of general maintenance items”
(P.9-2) . When rotating tires, check for damage
and uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil and
transfer case oil:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage at specified
intervals.
If using a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or
muddy roads:
.Replace the Manual Transmission gear oil
every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24
months.
.Replace the CVT fluid every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) or request the dealer to inspect
the fluid deterioration data using a CON-
SULT. If the deterioration data is more than
210,000, replace the CVT fluid.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
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles61,000
(km61,000)
MonthsMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8)
610
(16)
1215
(24)
1820
(32)
2425
(40)
3030
(48)
3635
(56)
4240
(64)
4845
(72)
5450
(80)
6055
(88)
6660
(96)
72
Brake lines and cables I I I I I I
Brake pads and rotors$II I I I I
Brake fluid$RR R
CVT fluid See NOTE (1)
II I I II
Manual Transmission gear oil See NOTE (2) I I I I I I
Transfer fluid and differential gear
oilSee NOTE (2) I I I I I I
Steering gear and linkage, axle
and suspension parts$II I
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Propeller shaft (AWD) and drive
shaft boots$II I I I I
Exhaust system$II I
In-cabin microfilter R R R R
Intelligent Key battery R R R R
Maintenance and schedules9-11