Page 296 of 388

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 fol-
lowing are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
∙ Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shif t lever
to N (Neutral). For CVT models, move
the shif t lever to P (Park).
∙ Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or LOCK position when perform-
ing any parts replacement or repairs.
∙ If you must work with the engine run- ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts and any other moving parts.
∙ It is advisable to secure or remove any loose clothing and remove any jew-
elry, such as rings, watches, etc. be-
fore working on your vehicle.
∙ Always wear eye protection whenever you work on your vehicle. ∙ If you must run the engine in an en-
closed 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 neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, sup-
port it with safety stands.
∙ Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
∙
Because the fuel lines on gasoline en-
gine models are under high pressure
even when the engine is off, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for service of the fuel filter or fuel lines.
∙ Your vehicle is equipped with an auto- matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even
if the ignition key is in the OFF position
and the engine is not running. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
CAUTION
∙ Do not work under the hood while theengine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down. ∙
Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
∙ Never leave the engine or the trans- mission related component harness
connector disconnected while the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
∙ Never connect or disconnect the bat- tery or any transistorized component
while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
This “Do-it-yourself ” section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A Genuine NISSAN service manual is also
available. For additional information, refer
to “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect warranty coverage. If in doubt
about any servicing, it is recommended
that you have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
Page 299 of 388

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant
level is below the MIN level
2, add coolant
to the MAX level
1. If the reservoir is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiator
when the engine is cold. If there is insuffi-
cient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX
level
1. This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant is
105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing
any other type of coolant or the use of
non-distilled water will reduce the life ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant. For ad-
ditional information, refer to the "Mainte-
nance and schedules" section of this
manual.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
For additional information on the location
of the engine coolant reservoir, refer to “En-
gine compartment check locations” in this
section.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine
coolant. The service procedure can be
found in the NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
∙ To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
∙ Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid es-
caping from the radiator.
∙ Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
∙ Keep coolant out of the reach of chil- dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of prop-
erly. Check your local regulations.
LDI3133
Do-it-yourself8-5
Page 304 of 388

BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If
the fluid level is below the MIN line
B, or the
brake warning light comes on, add Genu-
ine NISSAN Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line
A. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
CLUTCH (if so equipped) FLUID
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. The
brake fluid reservoir is shared with the
clutch hydraulic system for manual trans-
missions. If the level is below the MIN line
B,
or the brake warning light comes on, add
Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid or equivalent
DOT 3 fluid up to the MAX line
A. If fluid
must be added frequently, the system
should be checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir
periodically. Add windshield-washer fluid
when the low windshield-washer fluid
warning light (if so equipped) comes on.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir,
lif t the cap off the reservoir and pour the
windshield-washer fluid into the reservoir
opening.
LDI2790LDI2790LDI2791
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
8-10Do-it-yourself
Page 309 of 388

1. Visually inspect the belt for signs of un-usual wear, cuts, or fraying. If the belt is
in poor condition, have it replaced or
adjusted. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
2. Have the belt checked regularly for condition.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-
tipped
Aspark plugs as frequently as con-
ventional type spark plugs because they
last much longer. Follow the maintenance
log shown in the "Maintenance and sched-
ules" section of this manual. Do not service
platinum-tipped spark plugs by cleaning or
regapping.
∙ Always replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
If replacement is required, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
SDI1895
SPARK PLUGS
Do-it-yourself8-15
Page 312 of 388

Rear window wiper blade
If checking or replacement is required, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust ev-
ery time the brake pedal is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes self-adjust every time
the parking brake is applied.
WARNING
Have your brake system checked if the
brake pedal height does not return to
normal. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound will be heard
when the vehicle is in motion. The noise will
be heard whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.
For additional information re-
garding brake inspections, refer to the ap-
propriate maintenance schedule informa-
tion in the "Maintenance and schedules"
section of this manual.
BRAKES
8-18Do-it-yourself
Page 313 of 388
If any electrical equipment does not oper-
ate, check for an open fuse.
Fuses are used in the passenger compart-
ment. Spare fuses are provided and can be
found in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
When installing a fuse make sure the fuse is
installed in the fuse box securely.ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Fusible links
If any electrical equipment does not oper-
ate and the fuses are in good condition,
check the fusible links
Ain the holder. If
any of the fusible links are melted, replace
only with Genuine NISSAN parts.
For checking and replacing the fusible links,
it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
LDI2385LDI3290LDI3306
FUSES
Do-it-yourself8-19
Page 314 of 388
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
WARNING
Never use a fuse of higher or lower am-
perage 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 oper-
ate, check for an open fuse. NOTE:
The fuse box is located on the driver’s
side of the instrument panel.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are OFF.
2. Remove the fuse box cover
Awith a
suitable tool. Use a cloth to avoid dam-
aging the trim.
3. Locate the fuse that needs to be re- placed.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
B. 5. If the fuse is open
C, replace it with an
equivalent good fuse
D.
6. Push the fuse box cover to install.
If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
NOTE:
Your vehicle may not be equipped with
all fuses listed on the fuse label.
LDI2712LDI2713
8-20Do-it-yourself
Page 316 of 388
CAUTION
Be careful not to allow children to swal-
low the battery or removed parts.
KEY FOB (if so equipped)
Replace the battery in the key fob as fol-
lows:1. Remove the screw
A. 2. Insert a small screwdriver into the slit of
the corner
Band twist it to separate
the upper part from the lower part. Use
a cloth to protect the casing.
3. Replace the battery with a new one. ∙ Do not touch the internal circuit andelectric terminals as doing so could
cause a malfunction.
∙ Make sure that the + side faces the bottom of the case
C.
Recommended battery: CR1620 or equiva-
lent. 4. Close the lid and install the screw se- curely.
5. Operate the buttons to check its op- eration.
If you need assistance for replacement, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
SDI2134A
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
8-22Do-it-yourself