8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........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 ..........................8-7
Changing engine oil filter .....................8-8
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid (if so equipped) .............................8-9
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ...........8-9
Brake fluid ................................... 8-10
Clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..................8-10
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-10
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ............8-10
Battery......................................... 8-12
Jump starting ............................... 8-13
Variable voltage control system
(if so equipped) ................................. 8-14
Drive belt ....................................... 8-14
Spark plugs .................................... 8-15Replacing spark plugs
....................... 8-15
Air cleaner ...................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ........................8-16
Cleaning .................................... 8-16
Replacing ................................... 8-17
Brakes.......................................... 8-18
Fuses ........................................... 8-18
Engine compartment ....................... 8-19
Passenger compartment ....................8-20
Battery replacement ........................... 8-21
Key fob (if so equipped) ......................8-22
NISSAN Intelligent Key® (if so equipped) ......8-23
Lights .......................................... 8-25
Headlights ................................... 8-25
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-26
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-27
Wheels and tires ................................ 8-31
Tire pressure ................................ 8-31
Tir e
labeling ................................. 8-34
Types of tires ................................ 8-37
Tire chains .................................. 8-38
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-39
2TIN (Tire Identification Number)
for a new tire (example: DOT XX XX
XXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “De- partment Of Transportation”.
The symbol can be placed
above, below or to the lef t or
right of the Tire Identification
Number.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identification mark. 3. Two-digit code: Tire size.
4. Three-digit code: Tire type code
(Optional).
5. Four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built.
For example, the numbers 3103
means the 31st week of 2003. If
these numbers are missing then
look on the other sidewall of the
tire.
3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate
the materials in the tire, which include
steel, nylon, polyester and others.
4Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure.
5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maxi-
mum load in kilograms and pounds
that can be carried by the tire. When
replacing the tires on the vehicle, al-
ways use a tire that has the same
load rating as the factory installed
tire.
6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires
an inner tube (“tube type”) or not
(“tubeless”).
Example
LDI2786
8-36Do-it-yourself
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire
has radial structure.
8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that
are defined throughout this section,
Intended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model
name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on
the other sidewall of the tire, or (2)
the outward facing sidewall of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particu-
lar side that must always face out-
ward when mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
∙ When changing or replacing tires, be sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. A NISSAN dealer may be
able to help you with information
about tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
∙ Replacement tires may have a lower speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
∙ Replacing tires with those not origi- nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the low tire
pressure warning system. ∙ Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Failure to
do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front
and rear axles which can cause the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
to malfunction resulting in personal
injury or death, excessive tire wear
and may damage the transmission
and differential gears.
∙ For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All Season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall.
Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropri-
ate in some areas.
Do-it-yourself8-37
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance
on dry roads. Summer tire performance is
substantially reduced in snow and ice.
Summer tires do not have the tire traction
rating “M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the
use of SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all
four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rat-
ing to the original equipment tires. If you do
not, it can adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed rat-
ings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the
same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit
their use. Check local, state and provincial
laws before installing studded tires. Skid
and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited ac-
cording to location. Check the local laws
before installing tire chains. When installing
tire chains, make sure they are the proper
size for the tires on your vehicle and are
installed according to the chain manufac-
turer’s suggestions.
Use only SAE class “S”
chains. Class “S” chains are used on ve-
hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains
are designed to meet the minimum clear-
ances between the tire and the closest ve-
hicle suspension or body component re-
quired to accommodate the use of a
winter traction device (tire chains or
cables). The minimum clearances are de-
termined using the factory equipped tires.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a
tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage
to the fenders or underbody. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when using
tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and
performance may be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving
with chains in such conditions can cause
damage to the various mechanisms of the
vehicle due to some overstress.
8-38Do-it-yourself
or equivalent with the proper mixture. (For
additional information on the proper mix-
ture for your area, refer to “Engine cooling
system” in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of
this manual.)
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant
or the use of non-distilled water may re-
duce the recommended service interval
of the coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter:Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity refer
to “Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
Fuel lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the type as originally
equipped.CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads, rotors, drums and linings:
Check for wear, deterioration and fluid
leaks. Replace any deteriorated or dam-
aged parts immediately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation: Tires should be rotated every
5,000 miles (8,000 km) according to the in-
structions under “General maintenance” in
this section. When rotating tires, check for
damage and uneven wear. Replace if nec-
essary. Transmission fluid/oil:
Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals.
If towing a trailer, using a camper or car-top
carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads,
replace the CVT fluid every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) or request the dealer to inspect
the fluid deterioration data using a CON-
SULT. If the deterioration data is more than
210000, replace the CVT fluid.
9-6Maintenance and schedules
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheel typeSizeOffset in (mm)
Aluminum and steel 15 x 5.5J 1.57 (40)
Tire size P185/65R15
Spare tire T125/70D15
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Body Type Sedan
Unit: in (mm)
Overall length 176.8 (4,492)
Overall width 66.7 (1,695)
Overall height 59.3 (1,506)
Track width Front 58.3 (1,480)
Rear 58.5 (1,485)
Wheelbase 102.4 (2,600)
Gross vehicle weight rating lbs. (kg)For additional information,
refer to the “F.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label” on the center pillar
between the driver’s side
front and rear doors.
Gross axle weight rating
Front lbs. (kg)
Rear lbs. (kg)
Technical and consumer information10-9
Specifications.................10-8
Speedometer ..................2-5
SRS warning label ...............1-60
Stability control ................5-32
Standard maintenance ............9-7
Starting Before starting the engine ........5-14
Jumpstarting.............6-9,8-13
Precautions when starting and
driving .....................5-2
Push starting ................6-11
Starting the engine ............5-14
Starting the engine ..............5-14
Starting the engine (models with NISSAN
Intelligent Key® system) ...........5-15
Steering Power steering system ..........5-29
Tilting steering wheel ...........3-31
Steering wheel .................3-31
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-43
Stoplight....................8-27
Storage.....................2-30
Storagetray...................2-31
Sunvisors....................3-32
Supplemental air bag warning labels . . .1-60
Supplemental air bag warning
light.....................1-61, 2-19
Supplemental front impact air bag
system ..................... .1-52
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels . . . .1-60
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-42
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .......1-42Switch
Automatic power window switch . . .2-35
Foglightswitch..............2-28
Hazard warning flasher switch ......6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ....2-25
Headlightcontrolswitch.........2-25
Ignition switch ................5-9
Instrument brightness control .....2-27
Power door lock switch ..........3-7
Rearwindowdefrosterswitch.....2-25
Turn signal switch .............2-27
T
Tachometer ...................2-8
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-9
Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start ...............2-22,5-14
Three-waycatalyst...............5-2
Tilting steering wheel .............3-31
Tire Flattire..................6-2,6-3
Spare tire ...............6-4,8-42
Tire and Loading Information label . .10-12
Tire chains .................8-38
Tire pressure ................8-31
Tirerotation ................8-39
Types of tires ................8-37
Uniform tire quality grading .......10-17
Wheels and tires ...........8-31,10-9
Wheel/tire size ...............10-9
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .....2-16
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . .5-3 Towing
2-wheel drive models ...........6-14
4-wheel drive models ...........6-13
Flattowing.................10-17
Towtrucktowing .............6-12
Trailertowing ...............10-17
Towingatrailer................10-17
Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ...................8-9
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ..........5-9,5-16
Driving with manual
transmission .............5-10,5-21
Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
c ountr
y).....................10-10
Trip computer ..................2-11
Trip odometer ...............2-5,2-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever ..........3-27
Trunklight....................2-37
Turn signal switch ...............2-27
U
Uniform tire quality grading .........10-17
USBinterface..................4-33
V
Vanitymirror..................3-32
Variable voltage control system ......8-14
Vehicle dimensions and weights ......10-9
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF switch ...................2-29
11-6