If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstruc-
tions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and backward.
.Shift back and forth between R(Reverse) and D (Drive) (Continu-
ously Variable Transmission (CVT)
models) or 1st and R (Reverse)
(Manual Transmission (MT) models).
.Apply the accelerator as little as possible to maintain the rocking
motion.
.Release the accelerator pedal be-fore shifting between R and D (CVT
models) or 1st and R (MT models).
.Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH(55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional tow-
ing service to remove the vehicle.
WARNING
.Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
. Do not spin your tires at high
speed. This could cause them to
explode and result in serious in-
jury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.
In case of emergency6-17
7-4Appearance and care
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.
TIRE DRESSING
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
tire dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a
coating to the tires to help reduce dis-
coloration of the rubber. If a tire dressing
is applied to the tires, it may react with
the coating and form a compound. This
compound may come off the tire while
driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take
the following precautions:
.Use a water-based tire dressing. The
coating on the tire dissolves more
easily with an oil-based tire dressing.
. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to
help prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be
difficult to remove).
. Wipe off excess tire dressing using a
dry towel. Make sure the tire dressing
is completely removed from the tire
tread/grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as
recommended by tire dressing manu-
facturer. Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using
a vacuum cleaner or soft bristled brush.
Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a
clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap
solution, then wipe clean with a dry soft
cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in
order to maintain the appearance of the
leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read
the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some fabric protectors contain chemicals
that may stain or bleach the seat materi-
al.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to
clean the meter and gauge lens.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners
(hot steam cleaners) on the seat. This
can damage the seat or occupant
classification sensors. This can also
affect the operation of the air bag
system and result in serious perso-
nal injury.
CAUTION
.
Never use benzine, thinner, or any
similar material.
. For cleaning, use a soft cloth,
dampened with water. Never use
a rough cloth, alcohol, benzine,
thinner or any kind of solvent or
paper towel with a chemical
cleaning agent. They will scratch
or cause discoloration to the lens.
. Do not spray any liquid such as
water on the meter lens. Spraying
liquid may cause the system to
malfunction.
. Small dirt particles can be abra-
sive and damaging to the leather
surfaces and should be removed
promptly. Do not use saddle soap,
car waxes, polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents or
ammonia-based cleaners as they
may damage the leather’s natural
finish.
. Never use fabric protectors un-
less recommended by the manu-
facturer.
. Do not use glass or plastic cleaner
on meter or gauge lens covers. It
CLEANING INTERIOR
may damage the lens cover.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that
could affect the vehicle interior. If you use
an air freshener, take the following pre-
cautions:
.Hanging-type air fresheners can
cause permanent discoloration when
they contact vehicle interior surfaces.
Place the air freshener in a location
that allows it to hang free and not
contact an interior surface.
. Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip
on the vents. These products can
cause immediate damage and disco-
loration when spilled on interior sur-
faces.
Carefully read and follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions before using air fresh-
eners.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference
that may result in a collision, injury
or death: .
NEVER place a floor mat on top of
another floor mat in the driver
front position or install them up-
side down or backwards.
. It is recommended that you use
only genuine NISSAN floor mats
specifically designed for use in
your vehicle model and model
year.
. Properly position the mats in the
floorwell using the floor mat po-
sitioning hooks. See “Floor mat
installation” (P.7-5).
. Make sure the floor mat does not
interfere 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 maintained with regular clean-
ing and replaced if they become exces-
sively worn.
JVA0018X
Floor mat installation
Your vehicle is equipped with floor mat
positioning hook(s). The number and
shape of the floor mat positioning hook
(s) for each seating position varies de-
pending on the vehicle.
When installing genuine NISSAN floor
mats, follow the installation instructions
provided with the floor 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
Appearance and care7-5
7-6Appearance and care
is properly positioned.
3. Make sure the floor mat does not interfere with pedal operation. With
the ignition in the OFF position and
the shift lever in the P (Park) position
(Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models) or the shift lever in the
N (Neutral) position (Manual Transmis-
sion (MT) models), fully apply and
release all pedals. The floor mat must
not interfere with pedal operation or
prevent the pedal from returning to its
normal position. It is recommended
you see a NISSAN dealer for details
about installing the floor mats in your
vehicle.
JVA0031X
Positioning hook(s)
The illustration shows the location of the
floor mat positioning hook(s).
SEAT BELTS
The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping
them with a sponge dampened in a mild
soap solution. Allow the belts to dry
completely in the shade before using
them.
See “Seat belts” (P.1-10).
WARNING
Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up
in the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or chemical solvents to clean
the seat belts, since these materials
may severely weaken the seat belt
webbing.
CLEANING THE SEAT TRACKS
CAUTION
Periodically clean the seat tracks to
prevent reduction of ability to move
the seats.
Clean periodically with a high-powered
vacuum cleaner. Dirt and debris may
reduce the ability to adjust the seat. A
wet cleansing agent may be used if
necessary.
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ...................................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ........................ 8-3MR20DD engine model ..................................................... 8-4
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level .................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant ................................................ 8-6
Engine oil ........................................................................\
..................... 8-6 Checking engine oil level ................................................. 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter ..................................... 8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ........................................................................\
.................... 8-9
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ....................... 8-9
Window washer fluid .............................................................. 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
........................ 8-11 Jump starting ........................................................................\
. 8-12
Variable voltage control system ................................... 8-13
Drive belt ........................................................................\
.................. 8-13
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
............. 8-14 Replacing spark plugs ..................................................... 8-14
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
............... 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
........... 8-16
Replacing ........................................................................\
........ 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 ........................................... 8-20
Key fob battery replacement .......................................... 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement .......................... 8-23
Lights ........................................................................\
.......................... 8-25 Headlights ........................................................................\
...... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights ........................................ 8-27
Wheels and tires ........................................................................\
8-29
Tire pressure ........................................................................\
8-29
Tire labeling ........................................................................\
.. 8-33
Types of tires ....................................................................... 8-35
Tire chains ........................................................................\
...... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ...................................... 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.
Move the shift lever to the P
(Park) position (CVT model) or
the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position (MT model).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in
the OFF or LOCK position when
performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
. 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.
. 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.
. Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Always turn off
the engine and wait until it cools
down.
. 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.
. Keep smoking materials, flame
and sparks away from fuel and
the battery. .
On gasoline engine models with
the Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI)
system, the fuel filter and fuel
lines should be serviced because
the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine
is turned off. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without
warning, even if the ignition
switch 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.
. Avoid direct contact with used
engine oil and coolant. Impro-
perly disposed engine oil, engine
coolant, and/or other vehicle
fluids can hurt the environment.
Always conform to local regula-
tions for disposal of vehicle fluids.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used
engine oil and coolant. Impro-
perly disposed engine oil, and
engine coolant and/or other ve-
hicle fluids can damage the en-
vironment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of
vehicle fluid.
. Never leave the engine or the CVT
related component harnesses
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.
. 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.
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.10-19).)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operat-
ing difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.
If in
doubt about any servicing, it is recom-
mended you have it done by a NISSAN
dealer.
JVM0610X
Remove the air duct if necessary.
To remove the air duct
:
1. Remove the clips
with a suitable
tool.
2. Loosen the bolt
with a suitable tool.
3. Pull the air duct upward and then sideways.
To install the air duct, perform the in-
stallation procedure in reverse order.
Do-it-yourself8-3
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS
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 pro-
tection. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional
engine cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING
.
Never remove the radiator or
coolant reservoir cap when the
engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down.
Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator. See precau-
tions in “If your vehicle overheats”
(P.6-11) of this manual.
. The radiator is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To
prevent engine damage, use only
a genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
. If the engine was stopped soon
when the engine is hot, the cool-
ing fan may operate for approxi-
mately 10 minutes after the
engine was stopped to cool the
components in the engine com-
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM