8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........8-3
Engine cooling system ..........................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ................8-6
Changing engine coolant ....................8-6
Engine oil .......................................8-7
Checking engine oil level .....................8-7
Changing engine oil and oil filter ..............8-8
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ..............8-11
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) .......................8-11
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...........8-13
Battery......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ............................... 8-16
Variable voltage control system
(if so equipped) ................................. 8-17
Drive belt ....................................... 8-17
Spark plugs .................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs .......................8-18
Air cleaner ..................................... 8-19
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-19Windshield wiper blades
........................8-20
Cleaning .................................... 8-20
Replacing ................................... 8-20
Brakes ......................................... 8-21
Fuses .......................................... 8-22
Engine compartment .......................8-22
Passenger compartment ...................8-24
Battery replacement ........................... 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-26
Lights .......................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................. 8-27
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-28
Daytime Running Light (DRL)
(if so equipped) .............................. 8-29
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-30
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-33
Tire pressure ................................
8-33
Tir
e labeling ................................. 8-38
Types of tires ................................ 8-40
Tire chains .................................. 8-41
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-42
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,
apply 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 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
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
• Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
• The automatic engine cooling fan (if
so equipped) may come on at any
time without warning, even if the ig-
nition switch 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.
• 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 nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
• Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
• Because the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off,
it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for service of the fuel
filter or fuel lines.
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. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
• Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
• Never connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
NOTE:
If the battery is dead the transmission
will not manually shif t to other positions.
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
drain time. Use these specifications for ref-
erence only. Always use the dipstick to de-
termine the proper amount of oil in the
engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakagearound the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required. Turn the engine off
and wait more than 15 minutes. Check
the oil level with the dipstick. Add en-
gine oil if necessary.
Af ter the operation
1. Reinstall plate in reverse order ofremoval.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
• Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
• Check your local regulations. When checking or replacement is required,
it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
CAUTION
• NISSAN recommends using Genuine
NISSAN Matic P ATF. Do not mix with
other fluids.
• Do not use CVT fluid or manual trans-
mission fluid in this transmission.
Damage caused by the use of fluids
other than as recommended is not
covered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
• Using fluids that are not equivalent
to Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF may
also damage the transmission. Dam-
age caused by the use of fluids other
than as recommended is not covered
under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid
is also described on caution labels located
in the engine compartment. Check the power steering fluid level when
the engine is stopped.
The fluid level should be between the COLD
MAX line and the COLD MIN line on the
power steering fluid reservoir at cold fluid
temperatures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) or at
the HOT MAX line on the power steering
fluid reservoir at hot fluid temperatures of
122° - 176°F (50° - 80°C).
If the fluid is cold and is at or below the
COLD MIN line, add Genuine NISSAN PSF-II
or equivalent to the COLD MAX line. If the
fluid is hot and below the HOT MAX line, add
Genuine NISSAN PSF-II or equivalent to the
LDI3077
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
(ATF)
POWER STEERING FLUID (PSF)
Do-it-yourself8-11
CAUTION
• Do not ground accessories directly 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 discharging
the vehicle battery.
NOTE:
If the battery is dead the transmission
will not manually shif t into another
position.
Your vehicle is equipped with a variable
voltage control system. This system mea-
sures the amount of electrical discharge
from the battery and controls voltage gen-
erated by the generator.
The current sensor is located near the bat-
tery along the negative battery cable. If you
add electrical accessories to your vehicle,
be sure to ground them to a suitable body
ground such as the frame or engine block
area.
1. Power steering fluid pump pulley
2. Automatic belt tensioner pulley
3. Water pump pulley
4. Cooling fan pulley
5. Air conditioner compressor pulley
6. Crankshaf t pulley
7. Generator pulley
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position before servicing drive
belt. The engine could rotate unexpect-
edly.
LDI2132WDI0661
VK56VD engine
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEM (if so equipped) DRIVE BELT
Do-it-yourself8-17
secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age. Wheel alignment and balance:
If the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may
be a need for wheel alignment. If the steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility. It is recom-
mended that you have a damaged wind-
shield repaired by a NISSAN dealer, or a
NISSAN Certified Collision Center. To locate
a collision center in your area, refer to
http://collision.nissanusa.com.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not bind or require uneven ef-
fort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) posi-
tion mechanism: On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely
with the shif t lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
Maintenance and schedules9-3
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 Lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
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. In-Cabin Microfilter:
Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Propeller Shaf t(s): Check for damage,
looseness, and grease leakage. (4WD/
AWD/RWD).
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 ev-
ery 7,500 miles (12,000 km) according to the
instructions under “General maintenance”
in this section. When rotating tires, check
for damage and uneven wear. Replace if
necessary.
Transmission Fluid/Oil, Differential Oil,
Transfer Case Oil: Visually inspect for signs
of leakage at specified intervals.
Replace automatic transmission fluid at
specified intervals.
If towing a trailer, using a camper or car-top
carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads:
• Replace the differential oil every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24 months. • Replace the automatic transmission fluid
ever 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24
months.
Off-Road Maintenance: Check the follow-
ing items frequently whenever you drive
off-road through deep sand, mud or water:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Brake lines and hoses
• Differential, transmission and transfer case oil
• Steering linkage
• Propeller shaf t(s) and front drive shaf ts
• Engine air filter
• Clutch housing drain (4WD only)
9-6Maintenance and schedules
STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace, L = Lubricate
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
7. 5
(12) 6 15
(24) 12 22.5
(36) 18 30
(48) 24 37.5
(60) 30 45
(72) 36 52.5
(84) 42 60
(96) 48 67.5
(108) 54 75
(120) 60 82.5
(132) 66 90
(144) 72 97.5
(156) 78 105
(168) 84 112.5
(180) 90 120
(192) 96
Air cleaner filter NOTE (1) R R R R
Automatic transmission fluid NOTE (2)(3) I I I I I I I I
Brake fluid RRRR
Brake lines and cables I I I I I I I I
Brake pads and rotors III IIIII
Drive belts NOTE (4)I* I* I* I* I*
Engine coolant* NOTE (5)(6)
Engine oil & oil filter R RRRRRR RRRRRRRRR
EVAP vapor lines & Fuel lines I*I*I*I*
Exhaust system IIII
Fuel filter NOTE (7)
In-cabin microfilter R R RR R R R R
Intake & exhaust valve clearance NOTE (8)
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery IR RRR
Propeller shaf t & drive shaf t boots
(4WD models) III IIIII
Spark plugs (Iridium–tipped type) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Steering gear & linkage, axle and suspension parts IIII
Steering stopper cap (XD models only) LLLL
Tire rotation NOTE (9)
Transfer fluid & differential gear oil NOTE (10)III IIIII
9-8Maintenance and schedules
NOTE:Maintenance items with “” should be performed more frequently according to “Maintenance under severe driving conditions”
(1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) Request the dealer to inspect the fluid deterioration data using a CONSULT. If the deterioration data is more that 77000, replace the AT fluid.
(3) If using under the severe condition such as towing a trailer, using a car-top carrier or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oilat
every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. NISSAN recommends using GENUINE NISSAN Matic P automatic transmission fluid. Using automatic
transmission fluid that is not equivalent to GENUINE NISSAN Matic P may damage the transmission or impact the transmission durability. Damage caused
by the use of fluid other that as recommended is not covered under the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
(4) Af ter 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
(5) First replacement interval is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months. Af ter first replacement, replace every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 60 mont hs.
(6) Use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with proper mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and 50% demineralized or di stilled
water. Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of non-distilled water may reduce the life expectancy of the factory fill coolant.
(7) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(8) Periodic maintenance is not required. However, if valve noise increased, inspect valve clearance.
(9) Refer to “Tire rotation” under “General maintenance” in this section.
(10) If towing a tailer, using a camper or car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) differential gear oil at ever 20 ,000
miles(32,000 km) or 24 months.
* Maintenance items and intervals with “*” are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such maintenance in
order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
Maintenance and schedules9-9