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 and oil filter ..............8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ............................................ 8-10
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) .......................8-11
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-11
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...........8-12
Battery......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ............................... 8-14
Drive belt ....................................... 8-15
Spark plugs .................................... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-15
Air cleaner ..................................... 8-16In-cabin microfilter
.......................... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades ........................8-17
Cleaning .................................... 8-17
Replacing ................................... 8-17
Brakes ......................................... 8-19
Fuses .......................................... 8-19
Engine compartment .......................8-20
Passenger compartment ...................8-21
Battery replacement ........................... 8-23
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-23
Lights .......................................... 8-25
Headlights .................................. 8-25
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-25
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-25
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-27
Tire pressure ................................ 8-27
Tire labeling ................................. 8-30
Types of tires ................................
8-33
Tir
e chains .................................. 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-35
1. Crankshaf t pulley
2. Drive belt automatic tensioner pulley
3. Generator pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor pulley
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is placed in
the OFF or LOCK position before servic-
ing drive belt. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly. 1. Visually inspect the belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If
the belt is in poor condition or is loose,
have it replaced or adjusted. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
2. Have the belt checked regularly for con- dition and tension in accordance with
the maintenance schedule found in the
"Maintenance and schedules" section of
this manual.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace iridium-
tipped
OAspark 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
iridium-tipped spark plugs by cleaning or
regapping.
• Always replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
LDI2131
3.5L 6 cylinder (VQ35DE engine model)
SDI1895
DRIVE BELT SPARK PLUGS
Do-it-yourself8-15
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. The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned
and reused. Replace it according to the
maintenance log shown in the "Mainte-
nance and schedules" section of this
manual.
To remove the air cleaner filter:
1. Unlatch the retaining clips
OA.
2. Move the air cleaner cover upwards.
3. Remove the air cleaner filter. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner filter housing
and the cover with a damp cloth, then
replace air cleaner filter.
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 care-
ful 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.
LDI2553
AIR CLEANER
8-16Do-it-yourself
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, see “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” (P. 10-2).
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:
Drive belt*:Check engine drive belt for
wear, fraying or cracking and for proper
tension. Replace any damaged drive belt.
Engine air filter: Replace at specified inter-
vals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, check/replace the filter
more frequently.
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, see “Engine cooling sys-
tem” (P. 8-4).
NOTE:
Mixing any other type of coolant or the
use of non-distilled water may reduce
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 see
“Recommended fluids/lubricants and ca-
pacities” (P. 10-2).
Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if
valve noise increase. Adjust valve clearance
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 same type as origi-
nally 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
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.
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. (AWD)
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
9-6Maintenance and schedules
105,000 miles/(168,000 km)/
84 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• CVT transmission fluid
• Engine drive belt *
• Propeller shaf t (AWD models)
• Differential gear oil (AWD models)
• Transfer case oil (AWD models)
• Drive shaf t boots
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace spark plugs (1)(2)
• Replace engine coolant * (3)
• Tire rotation
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
Severe maintenance:
Not Applicable. Proceed to next interval
(1) Replace spark plug when the plug gap
exceeds 0.053 in (1.35 mm) even if within
specified replacement mileage.
(2) Performed based on the number of
miles only.
(3) 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 months.
* Maintenance items and intervals with “*”
are recommended by NISSAN for reliable
vehicle operation. The owner need not per-
form such maintenance in order to main-
tain the emission warranty or manufac-
turer recall liability. Other maintenance
items and intervals are required.
105,000 miles/(168,000 km)/
126 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Not Applicable. Proceed to next interval
Severe maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Exhaust system
• Propeller shaf t (AWD models)
• Steering gear & linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
• Drive shaf t boots
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/
hood lif t supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belt and hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Differential gear oil
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
9-28Maintenance and schedules
Remote Engine Start..........3-18,5-17Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .10-31Roof rack....................2-58
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock.........3-7Child seat belts.....1-27, 1-34, 1-40, 1-45Reporting safety defects (US only). . .10-31Seat
Memory seat................3-37Seat adjustmentFront manual seat adjustment......1-3Front power seat adjustment.......1-4Seat beltChild safety.................1-25Infants and small children.....1-25,1-26Injured person................1-16Larger children...............1-26Precautions on seat belt usage.....1-13Pregnant women..............1-16Rear center seat belt...........1-20Seat belt extenders............1-24Seat belt maintenance..........1-24Seat belts................1-13,7-6Shoulder belt height adjustment. . . .1-23Three-point type with retractor.....1-17Seat belt extenders..............1-24Seat belt warning light.........1-16,2-10Seatback pockets...............2-53SeatsAdjustment..................1-2
Armrests................... .1-6Front seats..................1-2Heated seats............2-42, 2-44Manual front seat adjustment......1-3Rear seat...................1-6Security indicator light............2-10Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), engine start..........2-31, 5-16Security systems
Vehicle security system.........2-30Self-adjusting brakes.............8-19Service manual order form........10-33Servicing air conditioner...........4-31Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-23Spark plug replacement...........8-15Spark plugs...................8-15Specifications................ .10-9Speedometer................. .2-4Spotlights (See map light)..........2-65SRS warning label...............1-70Standard maintenance............9-8Starting
Before starting the engine........5-16Jump starting............6-10,8-14Precautions when starting and
driving................. .5-4, 5-11Push starting................6-12Starting the engine............5-17Starting the engine..............5-17Startup display.................2-18Steering
Heated steering wheel..........2-46Power steering fluid............8-11Power steering system.........5-118
Steering wheel................ .3-31Stop light....................8-25Storage.................... .2-52Storage tray..................2-53Sun visors................... .3-33Sunglasses case...............2-55Sunglasses holder..............2-55Sunroof..................2-62, 7-5Sunroof (see Moonroof )...........2-62Supplemental air bag warning labels. . .1-70Supplemental air bag warning
light.....................1-70,2-11Supplemental front impact air bag
system..................... .1-57Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.....1-70Precautions on supplemental restraint
system................... .1-49Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).......1-49Switch
Autolight switch..............2-36Automatic power window switch. . . .2-61Fog light switch...............2-41Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Headlight and turn signal switch. . . .2-35Headlight control switch.........2-35Instrument brightness control.....2-40Power door lock switch..........3-6Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch................... .2-34Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-33Turn signal switch.............2-41
11-6