9-2Maintenance and schedules
Some day-to-day and regular mainte-
nance is essential to maintain your vehi-
cle in good mechanical condition, as well
as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make
sure that the scheduled maintenance, as
well as general maintenance, is per-
formed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance. You are a vital
link in the maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those
items which should be checked during
normal day-to-day operation. They are
essential for proper vehicle operation. It is
your responsibility to perform these pro-
cedures 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. However, 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 re-
commended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through tech-
nical bulletins, service tips and training
programs. They are completely qualified
to work on NISSAN vehiclesbeforework
begins.
You can be confident that a NISSAN
dealer’s service department can perform
the service needed to meet the mainte-
nance requirements on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation
of the vehicle, general maintenance
should be performed regularly as pre-
scribed in this section. If you detect any
unusual sounds, vibrations or smells, be
sure to check for the cause and have it
checked promptly. In addition, it is re-
commended you visit a NISSAN dealer if
you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe “Mainte-
nance precautions” (P.8-2) of this manual.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found in the “8. 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 all
doors and the engine hood, operate
properly. Also ensure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch
pins, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
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 Informa-
tion” (US) or “Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the NISSAN Warranty Infor-
mation 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 mainte-
nance, 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.
Automatic transmission P (Park) me-
chanism: On a fairly steep hill, check that
your vehicle is held securely with the shift
lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes. 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.
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 re-
commended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Seats: Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, 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.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, an-
chors, adjuster and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts,
fraying, wear or damage.
Maintenance and schedules9-3
10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants .................................... 10-2Fuel information .................................................................. 10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ........ 10-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ...................................... 10-7
Specifications ........................................................................\
........ 10-8 Engine ........................................................................\
.................. 10-8
Wheels and tires .................................................................. 10-9
Dimensions ........................................................................\
.. 10-10
When traveling or registering in
another country ..................................................................... 10-11
Vehicle identification .......................................................... 10-11 Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) plate ........................................................................\
...... 10-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ............................................................. 10-11
Engine serial number ................................................... 10-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............. 10-12
Emission control information label .................. 10-12
Tire and loading information label ................... 10-13
Air conditioner specification label ..................... 10-13
Installing front license plate ......................................... 10-13 Vehicle loading information ......................................... 10-14
Terms ........................................................................\
............. 10-14
Vehicle load capacity ................................................ 10-15
Securing the load ......................................................... 10-16
Loading tips ...................................................................... 10-17
Measurement of weights ....................................... 10-17
Towing a trailer ...................................................................... 10-18 Maximum load limits ................................................. 10-18
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/
maximum Gross Axle Weight (GAW) .............. 10-20
Towing load/specification ..................................... 10-22
Towing safety ................................................................ 10-23
Flat towing ........................................................................\
. 10-30
Uniform tire quality grading ........................................ 10-31 Treadwear ........................................................................\
.. 10-31
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................................... 10-31
Temperature A, B and C ......................................... 10-31
Emission control system warranty ......................... 10-32
Reporting safety defects ................................................ 10-32
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test ........................................................................\
............... 10-33
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ......................................... 10-34
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ................................................................. 10-35
10-16Technical and consumer information
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For ex-
ample, if the XXX amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb. passengers in your vehi-
cle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs) or (640 − 340 (5 x 70) =
300 kg.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed
the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step
4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to deter-
mine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you do not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. (See
“Measurement of weights” (P.10-17).)
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. See the Tire and Loading
Information label.
SIC4446
SECURING THE LOAD
There are tie down hooks located in the
cargo area as shown. The tie down hooks
can be used to secure cargo with ropes or
other types of straps.
Do not apply a total load of more than
22 lb (10 kg) to a single hook
or 7 lb (3
kg) to a single hookwhen securing
cargo.
WARNING
. Properly secure all cargo with
ropes or straps to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
. The child restraint top tether
strap may be damaged by con-
tact with items in the cargo area.
Secure any items in the cargo
area. Your child could be seriously
injured or killed in a collision if the
top tether strap is damaged.
. Do not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear GAWRs.
If you do, parts of your vehicle
can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could
result in loss of control and cause
personal injury.
LOADING TIPS
.The GVW must not exceed GVWR
or GAWR as specified on the F.M.
V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel.
.Do not load the front and rear
axle to the GAWR. Doing so will
exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
.Properly secure all cargo to
help prevent it from sliding
or shifting. Do not place
cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo
could cause personal injury.
. Do not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or
the maximum front and rear
GAWRs. If you do, parts of
your vehicle can break, tire
damage could occur, or it
can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could
result in loss of control and
cause personal injury.
. Overloading not only can
shorten the life of your ve-
hicle and the tire, but can
cause unsafe vehicle hand-
ling and long braking dis-
tance. This may cause a
premature tire failure, which
could result in a serious accident and personal in-
jury. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered
by the vehicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent
weight shifts that could affect the
balance of your vehicle. When the
vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale
and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine
axle loads. Individual axle loads
should not exceed either of the
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR).
The total of the axle loads should
not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These ratings
are given on the vehicle certifica-
tion label. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items
to bring all weights below the
ratings.
Technical and consumer information10-17
10-24Technical and consumer information
JVT0458X
To install the trailer hitch cover:
1. Insert the upper clips to the recesses
, and then push in the cover to its
original position.
2. Install the 2 bolts
.
Bolt tightening torque:
2.2 to 3.3 ft-lb (3 to 4.4 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have spe-
cific weight ratings. Your vehicle may
be capable of towing a trailer heavier
than the weight rating of the hitch components. Never exceed the
weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Doing so can cause serious
personal injury or property damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
.
The required hitch ball size is stamped
on most trailer couplers. Most hitch
balls also have the size printed on top
of the ball.
. Choose the proper class hitch ball
based on the trailer weight.
. The diameter of the threaded shank of
the hitch ball must be matched to the
ball mount hole diameter. The hitch
ball shank should be no more than
1/16″ smaller than the hole in the ball
mount.
. The threaded shank of the hitch ball
must be long enough to be properly
secured to the ball mount. There
should be at least 2 threads showing
beyond the lock washer and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball
mount and the ball mount is inserted into
the hitch receiver. Choose a proper class
ball mount based on the trailer weight.
Additionally, the ball mount should be
chosen to keep the trailer tongue level
with the ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and
gross weight directly on the ball mount
and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars
attach to the ball mount and to the trailer
to distribute the tongue weight (hitch
weight) of your trailer. Many vehicles
cannot carry the full tongue weight of a
given trailer, and need some of the
tongue weight transferred through the
frame and pushing down on the front
wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class
IV) is recommended if you plan to tow
trailers with a maximum weight over
5,000 lbs (2,267 kg). Check with the trailer
trailer lights while using the ve-
hicle tail light, stoplight and turn
signal circuits as a signal source.
The module/converter must draw
no more than 15 milliamps from
the stop and tail lamp circuits.
Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power require-
ments may damage the vehicle’s
electrical system. See a reputable
trailer retailer to obtain the prop-
er equipment and to have it
installed.
. Do not connect electrical devices
that draw more than 40 amps to
the vehicle. The fusible link may
melt.
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact a NISSAN
dealer or reputable trailer retailer.
Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used. However, most
states require a separate braking system
on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount. Make sure the trailer
meets the local regulations and the
regulations where you plan to tow. Several types of braking systems are
available.
Surge Brakes -
The surge brake actuator
is mounted on the trailer tongue with a
hydraulic line running to each trailer
wheel. Surge brakes are activated by the
trailer pushing against the hitch ball
when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic
surge brakes are common on rental
trailers and some boat trailers. In this
type of system, there is no hydraulic or
electric connection for brake operation
between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic
signal sent from a trailer brake controller
(special brake sensing module).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes
are properly installed and demonstrate
proper brake function testing.WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
. Be certain your vehicle maintains a
level position when a loaded or un-
loaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive
the vehicle if it has an abnormal nose-
up or nose-down condition; check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn
suspension or other possible causes
of either condition.
. Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
. Keep the cargo load as low as possible
in the trailer to keep the trailer center
of gravity low.
. Load the trailer so approximately 60%
of the trailer load is in the front half
and 40% is in the back half. Also make
sure the load is balanced side to side.
. Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light op-
eration, and trailer wheel lug nuts
every time you attach a trailer to the
vehicle.
. Be certain your rearview mirrors con-
form to all federal, state or local
regulations. If not, install any mirrors
required for towing before driving the
vehicle.
. Determine the overall height of the
vehicle and trailer so the required
clearance is known.
Technical and consumer information10-27
10-28Technical and consumer information
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understand-
ing of the vehicle’s behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free from traffic.
Steering stability, and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
.Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a
pin or lock to prevent the coupler from
inadvertently becoming unlatched.
. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
. Always drive your vehicle at a moder-
ate speed. Some states or provinces
have specific speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
. When backing up, hold the bottom of
the steering wheel with one hand.
Move your hand in the direction in
which you want the trailer to go. Make
small corrections and back up slowly.
If possible, have someone guide you
when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking
brake, transmission damage could
occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer
wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until
the blocks absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO
position and the Automatic Transmis-
sion (AT) park warning light is turned
off.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 2. Start the engine.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and
trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
. While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce
your speed and shift to a lower gear.
Avoid long or repeated use of the
brakes when descending a hill, as this
reduces their effectiveness and could
cause overheating. Shifting to a lower
gear instead provides “engine braking”
and reduces the need to brake as
frequently.
. If the engine coolant temperature
rises to a high temperature, see “If
your vehicle overheats” (P.6-14).
. Trailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
. Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s
first 500 miles (800 km).
. Have your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the
recommended maintenance schedule
shown in the "9. Maintenance and