∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-ating temperature more quickly
while driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool
∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible.
∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C sys-
tem. ∙ Keep your engine tuned up.
∙ Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
∙ Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
∙ Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
∙ Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. For additional information, refer to
“Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual. If any malfunction occurs in the AWD sys-
tem while the engine is running, messages
are displayed in the meter.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so
equipped)
5-164Starting and driving
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. Move the shif t le-
ver to P (Park).
∙ Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or LOCK position when performing 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. ∙
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, al-
ways disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
∙ 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.
∙ On gasoline engine models, the fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced. It
is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
∙ Do not work under the hood while the
engine 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
NOTE:
The air cleaner filter should not be
cleaned and reused.
Replace the air cleaner filter according to
the maintenance log shown in the ”Mainte-
nance and schedules” section of this
manual.
To remove the air cleaner filter:∙ Unlatch the clips and move the air cleaner cover upward.
∙ Remove the air cleaner filter. ∙ Wipe the inside of the air cleaner filter
housing and the cover with a damp
cloth.
The viscous paper type filter element (if so
equipped) should not be cleaned and re-
used. The dry paper type filter element (if so
equipped) may be cleaned and reused. Re-
place the air filter according to the mainte-
nance log shown in the “Maintenance and
schedules” section of this manual.
NOTE:
Af ter installing a new air cleaner filter,
make sure the air cleaner cover is seated
in the housing and latch the clips.
WARNING
∙ Operating the engine with the air cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops the
flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t
there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with the
air cleaner removed, and be careful
when working on the engine with the
air cleaner removed. ∙ Never pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry
of airborne dust and pollen particles and
reduces some objectionable outside
odors. The filter is located behind the glove
box. For additional information, refer to the
"Maintenance and schedules" section of
this manual for change intervals.
If replacement is required, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
LDI3273
AIR CLEANER
8-18Do-it-yourself
fuel fumes are evident, check for the cause
and have it corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust may form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the
exhaust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, refer to
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that
there is adequate fluid in the reservoir. The following descriptions are provided to
give you a better understanding of the
scheduled maintenance items that should
be regularly checked or replaced. The
maintenance schedule indicates at which
mileage/time intervals each item requires
service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance,
your vehicle requires that some items be
checked during normal day-to-day opera-
tion. For additional information, refer to
“General maintenance” in this section.
Items marked with
“*”are recommended
by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation.
You are not required to perform mainte-
nance on these items in order to maintain
the warranties which come with your
NISSAN. Other maintenance items and in-
tervals are required.
When applicable, additional information
can be found in the “Do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual. NOTE:
NISSAN does not advocate the use of
non-OEM approved af termarket flush-
ing systems and strongly advises
against performing these services on a
NISSAN product. Many of the af termar-
ket flushing systems use non-OEM ap-
proved chemicals or solvents, the use of
which has not been validated by NISSAN.
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, refer to “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:
Drive belts*:
Check engine drive belts for
wear, fraying or cracking and for proper
tension. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Engine air filter: Replace at specified inter-
vals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, check/replace the filter
more frequently.
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Maintenance and schedules9-5
Engine coolant*:Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replac-
ing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
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.
Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if
valve noise increases. Adjust valve clear-
ance if necessary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor
lines*: Check vapor lines for leaks or loose-
ness. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Fuel filter: Periodic maintenance is not re-
quired. (in-tank type filter) 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 and rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts immedi-
ately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Propeller shaf t(s): Check for damage,
looseness, and grease leakage. (AWD) In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
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: PR25DD Engine model; Tires
should be rotated every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) according to the instructions
under “Explanation of general mainte-
nance items” in this section. When rotating
tires, check for damage and uneven wear.
Replace if necessary.
KR20DDET Engine model; Tires should be
rotated every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) ac-
cording to the instructions under “Explana-
tion of general maintenance items” in this
section. When rotating tires, check for
damage and uneven wear. Replace if nec-
essary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil,
and transfer case oil: Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals.
Replace at specified intervals.
9-6Maintenance and schedules
STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = ReplaceMAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months,
whichever comes first.Miles x 1,000(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54 50
(80) 60 55
(88) 66 60
(96) 72 65
(104) 78 70
(112) 84 75
(120) 90 80
(128) 96 85
(136) 102 90
(144) 108 95
(152) 114 100
(160) 120 105
(168) 126 110
(176) 132 115
(184) 138 120
(192) 144
Air cleaner filter NOTE (1) RRRR
Brake fluid RRRRRR
B ra kel in esa ndc ab le s IIIIIIIIIIII
Brake pads and rotors IIIIIIIIIIII
C VTf lu id NO TE( 2) IIIIIIIIIIII
Drive belt NOTE (3) I* I* I* I* I* I* I* I* I*
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil and oil filter NOTE (6)RRRRRRRRRRRR
EVAP vapor lines and fuel lines I*I*I*I*I*I*
Exhaust system IIIIII
Fuel filter NOTE (7)
Propeller shaf t & drive shaf t boots
(AWD models) IIIIIIIIIIII
I n -c a b in m ic ro filt e r RRRRRRRR
Intake & exhaust valve clearance* NOTE (8)
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery IRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Iridium-tipped type) NOTE (9) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Steering gear & linkage, axle & sus-
pension parts IIIIII
Tire rotation NOTE (10)
Transfer fluid & differential gear oil NOTE (11) IIIIIIIIIIII
Maintenance and schedules9-11
STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = ReplaceMAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
3.75 (6)6 7. 5
(12) 12 11.25
(18)18 15
(24) 24 18.75
(30)30 22.5
(36) 36 26.25
(42)42 30
(48) 48 33.75
(54)54 37.5
(60) 60 41.25
(66)66 45
(72) 72
Air cleaner filter NOTE (1) R
Brake fluid RRR
B ra ke li n es an d ca b le s I IIIII
Brake pads and rotors I IIIII
C VT flu id NO TE (2 ) I IIIII
Drive belt NOTE (3) I*I*I*
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil and oil filter NOTE (6)RRRRRR
EVAP vapor lines and fuel lines I*I*I*
Exhaust system III
Front drive shaf t boots I IIIII
Fuel filter NOTE (7)
In-cabin microfilter RRRR
Intake & exhaust valve clearance* NOTE (8)
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery IR RR
Spark plugs (Iridium-tipped type) NOTE (9) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Steering gear & linkage, axle &
suspension parts III
Tire rotation NOTE (10)
Maintenance and schedules9-15
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = ReplaceMAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
48.75 (78)78 52.5
(84) 84 56.25
(90)90 60
(96) 96 63.75
(102) 102 67.5
(108) 108 71.25
(114) 114 75
(120) 120 78.75
(126) 126 82.5
(138) 138 86.25
(138) 138 90
(144) 144
Air cleaner filter NOTE (1)R R
Brake fluid RRR
B ra ke li n es an d ca b le s IIIIII
Brake pads and rotors IIIIII
C VT flu id NO TE (2 ) IIIIII
Drive belt NOTE (3)I*I*I*I*I*I*
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil and oil filter NOTE (6)RRRRRR
EVAP vapor lines and fuel lines I*I*I*
Exhaust system III
Front drive shaf t boots IIIIII
Fuel filter NOTE (7)
In-cabin microfilter RRRR
Intake & exhaust valve clearance* NOTE (8)
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery RRRR
Spark plugs (Iridium-tipped type) NOTE (9)Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Steering gear & linkage, axle &
suspension parts III
Tire rotation NOTE (10)
9-16Maintenance and schedules