CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten the seat belts and place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. The following lights (if
so equipped) will come on:
,or,,
The following lights (if so equipped) come
on briefly and then go off:
,or,,,,,
If any light does not come on or operates
in a way other than described, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb and/or a
system malfunction. It is recommended
you have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Some indicators and warnings are also
displayed on the vehicle information dis-
play. (See “Vehicle information display”
(P.2-19).)
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking Sys-
tem (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminates and then
turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while
the engine is running, or while driving, it
may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-
lock function is turned off. The brake
system then operates normally, but with-
out anti-lock assistance. (See “Brake sys-
tem” (P.5-27).)
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light comes on for 2
seconds. If the light comes on at any
other time, it may indicate the transmis-
sion is not functioning properly. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
to check and repair the transmission.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake
not applied, stop the vehicle and perform
the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
fluid as necessary. (See “Brake and
clutch fluid” (P.8-9).)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is
recommended you have this service
performed by a NISSAN dealer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and
the brake fluid level is sufficient, if both
the brake warning light and the Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) warning light illu-
minate, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the brake
Instruments and controls2-11
.Make sure the area around the vehicle
is clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible,
or at least whenever you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appear-
ance and condition. Also check tires
for proper inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head re-
straints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to
the ON position. (See “Warning lights,
indicator lights and audible remin-
ders” (P.2-10).)1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the shift lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the shift lever is in either of the
above positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Depress the clutch pedal fully
to the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
when operating the ignition switch.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position. Depress the brake pedal (AT
model) or the clutch pedal (MT model)
and push the ignition switch to start
the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push
and release the ignition switch while
depressing the brake pedal or the
clutch pedal with the ignition switch
in any position.
.If the engine is very hard to start inextremely cold weather or when
restarting, depress the accelerator
pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while holding, crank
the engine. Release the accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
.If the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it. Push the ignition
switch to the ON position to start
cranking the engine. After 5 or 6
seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After
cranking the engine, release the
accelerator pedal. Crank the engine
with your foot off the accelerator
pedal by depressing the brake
pedal and pushing the push-button
ignition switch to start the engine.
If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the
engine does not start, push the
ignition switch to OFF and wait 10
seconds before cranking again,
otherwise the starter could be da-
maged.
Starting and driving5-11
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ....................................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ......................... 8-3VQ37VHR engine model .................................................... 8-3
Engine cooling system .............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level ..................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant ................................................. 8-5
Engine oil ........................................................................\
...................... 8-6 Checking engine oil level .................................................. 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter ...................................... 8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .............................. 8-8
Power steering fluid .................................................................... 8-8
Brake and clutch fluid ................................................................ 8-9 Brake fluid ........................................................................\
............. 8-9
Clutch fluid (Manual transmission models) ..... 8-10
Window washer fluid ............................................................... 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
........................... 8-11
Jump starting ........................................................................\
... 8-13
Variable voltage control system ..................................... 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
.................. 8-14
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
............... 8-14
Replacing spark plugs ....................................................... 8-15
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
................. 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ....................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
............. 8-16
Replacing ........................................................................\
.......... 8-16
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 Coupe ........................................................................\
................. 8-22
Roadster ........................................................................\
........... 8-23
Headlights ........................................................................\
....... 8-23
Exterior and interior lights ......................................... 8-24
Wheels and tires ........................................................................\
. 8-26
Tire pressure ........................................................................\
. 8-26
Tire labeling ........................................................................\
.. 8-30
Types of tires ........................................................................\
8-32
Tire chains ........................................................................\
....... 8-33
Changing wheels and tires ....................................... 8-33
Emergency tire puncture repair kit (if
so equipped) ........................................................................\
.. 8-37
8-2Do-it-yourself
When performing any inspection or main-
tenance 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 sur-
face, apply the parking brake
securely and block the wheels to
prevent the vehicle from moving.
For manual transmission models,
move the shift lever to N (Neutral).
For automatic transmission mod-
els, move the shift lever to P
(Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in
the OFF or LOCK position when
performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized
component while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or auto-
matic transmission related com-
ponent harnesses disconnected
while the ignition switch is in the
ON position. .
If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, cloth-
ing, hair and tools away from
moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
. It is advisable to secure or re-
move any loose clothing and
remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection
whenever you work on your ve-
hicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed 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 necessary to work under the
vehicle, support it with safety
stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame
and sparks away from fuel tank
and the battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without
warning, even if the ignition key is
in the OFF position and the en-
gine is not running. To avoid injury, always disconnect the ne-
gative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
. Because the fuel lines are under
high pressure even when the
engine is off, it is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service of the fuel filter or fuel
lines.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used
engine oil and coolant. Impro-
perly disposed engine oil, coolant,
and/or other vehicle fluids can
damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives in-
structions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service
Manual order information” (P.10-26).)
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-8Do-it-yourself
d. Install the bolts that hold the un-dercover in place. Be careful not to
strip the bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. 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 pos-
sible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach
of children. When checking or replacement is re-
quired, we recommend a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.
CAUTION
.
It is recommended that you use
only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
. Using automatic transmission
fluid other than Genuine NISSAN
Matic S ATF may cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic
transmission durability, and may
damage the automatic transmis-
sion. Damage caused by the use
of fluid other than as recom-
mended is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
SDI1765A
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked with the
engine off using the HOT range (
: HOT
MAX.,: HOT MIN.) at fluid temperatures
of 122 to 176°F (50 to 80°C) or using the
COLD range (
: COLD MAX.,: COLD MIN.)
at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86°F (0 to
30°C).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add
Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the open-
ing.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF)POWER STEERING FLUID
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at of miles, kilo-
meters or months, whichever
comes first.Miles × 1,000
(km × 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54 50
(80) 60 55
(88) 66 60
(96) 72
Brake lines and cables II II I I
Brake pads and rotors$ II I I I I
Brake fluid$ RR R
Automatic transmission fluid See NOTE (1)
Manual transmission gear oil
and differential gear oil See NOTE (2)
II II I I
Steering gear and linkage,
axle and suspension parts$ II I
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Exhaust system$ II I
In-cabin microfilter RR R R
Intelligent Key battery RR R R
Maintenance and schedules9-11
9-12Maintenance and schedules
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at of miles, kilo-
meters or months, which-
ever comes first.Miles × 1,000
(km × 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
65
(104) 78 70
(112) 84 75
(120) 90 80
(128) 96 85
(136) 102 90
(144) 108 95
(152) 114 100
(160) 120 105
(168) 126 110
(176) 132 115
(184) 138 120
(192) 144
Brake lines & cables II II I I
Brake pads & rotors$ II II I I
Brake fluid$ RR R
Automatic transmission fluid See NOTE (1)
Manual transmission gear oil
& differential gear oil See NOTE (2)
II II I I
Steering gear & linkage, axle
& suspension parts$ II I
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Exhaust system$ III
In-cabin microfilter RRR R
Intelligent Key battery RRR R
NOTE:
Maintenance items with “$” should be
performed more frequently according
to “Maintenance under severe driving
conditions” (P.9-13).
(1) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(2) If using a car-top carrier, or driving
on rough or muddy roads, change (not
just inspect) oil at every 20,000 miles
(32,000 km) or 24 months. (3) Refer to “Tire rotation” under “Gen-
eral maintenance” (P.9-2).
10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ...................................... 10-2Fuel information .................................................................... 10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .......... 10-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ....................................... 10-8
Specifications ........................................................................\
.......... 10-9 Engine ........................................................................\
.................... 10-9
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 10-10
Dimensions ........................................................................\
....... 10-11
When traveling or registering in
another country ........................................................................\
. 10-12
Vehicle identification .............................................................. 10-12 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ....... 10-12
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ................................................................. 10-12
Engine serial number ....................................................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................. 10-13
Emission control information label ...................... 10-13
Tire and Loading Information label ..................... 10-14
Air conditioner specification label ......................... 10-14
Installing front license plate ............................................. 10-15 Except for NISMO models ............................................ 10-15
For NISMO models ............................................................. 10-17 Removing air deflectors (except for
NISMO models) ........................................................................\
.... 10-18
Vehicle loading information ............................................. 10-19
Terms ........................................................................\
................. 10-19
Vehicle load capacity .................................................. 10-20
Loading tips ........................................................................\
.. 10-21
Measurement of weights ........................................... 10-21
Towing a trailer ........................................................................\
. 10-22
Flat towing ........................................................................\
............ 10-22 Automatic transmission ............................................. 10-22
Manual transmission .................................................... 10-22
Uniform tire quality grading ........................................... 10-23 Treadwear ........................................................................\
..... 10-23
Traction AA, A, B and C .............................................. 10-23
Temperature A, B and C ............................................ 10-23
Emission control system warranty ............................ 10-24
Reporting safety defects ................................................... 10-24
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test ........................................................................\
.................. 10-25
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................................ 10-25
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information .................................................................... 10-26