SSD1176
Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch
When the O/D OFF switch is pushed with the
shift lever in the D (Drive) position, the
indicator light in the instrument panel illuminates.
Use the overdrive off mode when you need
improved engine braking.
To turn off the overdrive off mode, push the O/D
OFF switch again. The
indicator light will
turn off.
Each time the engine is started, or when the shift
lever is shifted to any position other than the D
(Drive) position, the overdrive off mode will be
automatically turned off.
Accelerator downshift — In D position —
For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into a lower gear, depending
on the vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-
comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperature with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel spin-
ning and subsequent hard braking, the
fail-safe system may be activated. This will
occur even if all electrical circuits are
functioning properly. In this case, place
the ignition switch in the OFF position and
wait for 10 seconds. Then place the igni-
tion switch back in the ON position. The
vehicle should return to its normal operat- ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have the
transmission checked and repaired, if
necessary. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode or fail-safe operation
occurs, vehicle speed may be gradually
reduced. The reduced speed may be
lower than other traffic, which could
increase the chance of a collision. Be
especially careful when driving. If ne-
cessary, pull to the side of the road at a
safe place and allow the transmission
to return to normal operation, or have it
repaired if necessary.
Starting and driving5-15
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ........................................................ 8-2
Engine compartment check locations .................................. 8-3VQ35DE 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
Power steering fluid .................................................................. 8-8
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
........... 8-9
Window washer fluid ............................................................ 8-10
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 ..................................................... 8-14
Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-14
Replacing ........................................................................\
. 8-15
Washer nozzle ................................................................ 8-16
Rear window wiper blade ................................................... 8-17
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-17
Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-17
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-18 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-18
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-19
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-20
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-22
Headlights ........................................................................\
8-22
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-24
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-27
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-27
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-31
Types of tires ................................................................... 8-33
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-33
Changing wheels and tires .......................................... 8-35
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 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.6-12) 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.
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 manufacture’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
13. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
2. 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.
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 under
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
. 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 under NISSAN’s New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
SDI2699
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked when the fluid
is cold at fluid temperatures of 32 to 868F(0to
308C) . The fluid level can be checked with the
level gauge which is attached to the cap. To
check the fluid level, remove the cap. The fluid
level should be between the MAX
*1and MIN
*2lines.
If the fluid is below the MIN
*2line, add
Genuine NISSAN E-PSF. Remove the cap and
fill through the opening.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID
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.
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:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage at specified
intervals.
If towing a trailer, using a camper or car-top
carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads:
.
Replace the CVT fluid every 60,000 (96,000
km) miles or request the dealer to inspect
the fluid deterioration data using a CON-
SULT. If the deterioration data is more than
210000, 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
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 75.6 L 20 gal 16-5/8 gal.
See “Fuel information” (P.10-3).
Engine oil With oil filter change 4.6 L 4-7/8 qt 4 qt
.Genuine “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.10-5) .
Drain and refill
For additional information, see “Engine oil” (P.8-
5) for changing engine oil.
Without oil filter change 4.3 L 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt
Engine coolant With reservoir11.3 L12 qt 10 qt
.
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or
equivalent
Reservoir 0.75 L 3/4 qt 5/8 qt
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid —— —.
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3
. NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or
equivalent) ONLY in NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix with other fluids. Using
fluids that are not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
damage the CVT. Damage caused by the use of fluids other than as
recommended is not covered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions
in the “8. Do-it yourself” section..
Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent
. Use of a power steering fluid other than Genuine NISSAN E-PSF will
prevent the power steering system from operating properly.
Brake fluid .
Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
*or equivalent DOT 3
*: Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.
Multi-purpose grease —— —.
NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— —.
HFC-134a (R-134a)
. For additional information, see “Vehicle identification” (P.10-8) for air
conditioner specification label.
Air conditioning system lubricants —— —.
NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid 4.5 L 1-1/4 gal1 gal.
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FLUIDS/LUBRICANTS
10-16Technical and consumer information
guide includes information on trailer towing
capability and the special equipment required
for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “Towing Load/Specifica-
tion” chart. The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight.
.When towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) should not exceed the value specified in
the following “Towing Load/Specification” chart.
STI0541
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have to
be reduced on very steep grades or for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery boat
ramps) .
Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside temperatures on graded roads can
affect engine performance and cause overheat-
ing. The transmission high fluid temperature
protection mode, which helps reduce the
chance of transmission damage, could activate
and automatically decrease engine power.
Vehicle speed may decrease under high load.
Plan your trip carefully to account for trailer and
vehicle load, weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The
reduced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful
when driving. If the vehicle cannot
maintain a safe driving speed, pull to
the side of the road in a safe area.
Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See
“If your vehicle
overheats” (P.6-12) of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from impro-
per towing procedures are not covered
.Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule shown in the “9.
Maintenance and schedules” section.
. When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
. Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually)
reduce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the
vehicle.
.Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying the brakes. 2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply
the brakes and pull to the side of the road in
a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described earlier in this section.
. Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
. Down shift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
. Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
. Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
. Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits. .
Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness
connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every
break.
. When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
. When launching a boat, don’t allow the
water level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
. Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “9.
Maintenance and schedules” section.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
. Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
Technical and consumer information10-23