Page 425 of 500

CAUTION
.Do not ground accessories di-
rectly to the battery terminal.
Doing so will bypass the variable
voltage control system and the
vehicle battery may not charge
completely.
. Use electrical accessories with
the engine running to avoid dis-
charging the vehicle battery.
The variable voltage control system mea-
sures the amount of electrical discharge
from the battery and controls voltage
generated by the generator.
SDI1881
1. Alternator
2. Drive belt auto-tensioner
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
5. Water pump
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position before servi-
cing drive belts. The engine could
rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect the belt for signs of unusual wear, cuts, fraying or loosen-
ess. If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have it replaced or adjusted. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
2. Have the belt condition checked reg- ularly.
Do-it-yourself8-13
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL SYSTEMDRIVE BELT
Page 426 of 500
8-14Do-it-yourself
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition
switch are off and that the parking
brake is applied.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
SDI2670
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
If replacement is required, it is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Iridium platinum-tipped spark
plugs
It is not necessary to replace the iridium
platinum-tipped spark plugs as frequently
as the conventional type spark plugs
since they will last much longer. Follow
the maintenance schedule shown in the
“9. Maintenance and schedules” section.
Do not reuse the iridium platinum-tipped
spark plugs by cleaning or regapping.Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.
SPARK PLUGS
Page 427 of 500
JVM0378XExample
To remove the filter, unlatch the retaining
clips, and pull the coverupward.
The air cleaner filter should not be
cleaned and reused. Replace it according
to the maintenance schedule shown in
the “9. Maintenance and schedules” sec-
tion. When replacing the filter, wipe the
inside of the air cleaner housing and the
cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
. Operating the engine with the air
cleaner filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner filter not only cleans the
intake air, it also stops flame if
the engine backfires. If the air
cleaner filter is not installed and
the engine backfires, you could
be burned. Never drive with the
air cleaner filter off. Be cautious
working on the engine when the
air cleaner filter is off.
. Never pour fuel into the throttle
body or attempt to start the
engine with the air cleaner re-
moved. Doing so could result in
serious injury.
Do-it-yourself8-15
AIR CLEANER
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8-16Do-it-yourself
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using
the windshield washer or if a wiper blade
chatters when running, wax or other
material may be on the blade or wind-
shield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when rinsing with clear water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild
detergent. Then rinse the blade with clear
water. If your windshield is still not clear
after cleaning the blades and using the
wiper, replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can
damage the windshield and impair
driver vision.
SDI2359
REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.
1. Lift the wiper arm away from thewindshield.
2. Push and hold the release tab
, and
move the wiper blade down the wiper
arm
.
3. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until a click sounds.
4. Rotate the wiper blade so that the dimple is in the groove.
CAUTION
.After wiper blade replacement,
return the wiper arm to its origi-
nal position; otherwise it may be
damaged when the hood is
opened.
. Make sure the wiper blades con-
tact the glass; otherwise the arm
may be damaged from wind
pressure.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Page 429 of 500

SDI2693
Be careful not to clog the washer nozzle. This may cause improper windshield
washer operation. If the nozzle is clogged,
remove any objects with a needle or small
pin
. Be careful not to damage the
nozzle. It is recommended you contact a NISSAN
dealer if checking or replacement is
required.
If the brakes do not operate properly, it is
recommended you have the brakes
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjust-
ing brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
Have your brake system checked if
the brake pedal height does not
return to normal. It is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires
replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in
motion. This scraping sound will first
occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake
pad, the sound will always be heard even
if the brake pedal is not depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the wear warning sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
Do-it-yourself8-17
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADE BRAKES
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8-18Do-it-yourself
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is
normal and does not affect the function
or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals
should be followed.For additional infor-
mation, see the maintenance schedule
shown in the “9. Maintenance and sche-
dules” section.
JVM0386X
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
WARNING
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified
on the fuse box cover. This could
damage the electrical system or
electronic control units or cause a
fire.
If any electrical equipment does not
operate, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are turned off. 2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link box cov-
er by using a suitable tool and pushing
the tab.
4. Locate the fuse that needs to be replaced.
5. Remove the fuse using the fuse puller located in the passenger compart-
ment fuse box.
FUSES
Page 431 of 500
SDI1753Type A
SDI1754Type B
6. If the fuse is open, replace it with a
new fuse.
7. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and re-
paired. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
JVM0444X
The holderalso contains the fuses.
It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for checking and/or replacing.
Fusible links
If any electrical equipment does not
operate and the fuses are in good condi-
tion, check the fusible links. If any of these
fusible links are melted, replace only with
genuine NISSAN parts.
For checking and replacing the fusible
links, it is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer.
Do-it-yourself8-19
Page 432 of 500
8-20Do-it-yourself
JVM0387X
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
WARNING
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified
on the fuse box cover. This could
damage the electrical system or
electronic control units or cause a
fire.
If any electrical equipment does not
operate, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are turned off. 2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
.
SDI1754
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a
new fuse.
5. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and re-
paired. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.