8-14Do-it-yourself
replaced. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
2. Have the belt condition checked reg- ularly.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition
switch are off and that the parking
brake is applied.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
SDI2670
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
If replacement is required, it is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Iridium platinum-tipped spark
plugs
It is not necessary to replace the iridium
platinum-tipped spark plugs as frequently
as the conventional type spark plugs
since they will last much longer. Follow
the maintenance schedule shown in the
“9. Maintenance and schedules” section.
Do not reuse the iridium platinum-tipped
spark plugs by cleaning or regapping.
SPARK PLUGS
8-18Do-it-yourself
WAI0124X
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
WARNING
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage 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
operate, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch is turned off and the headlights are off. 2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link box cov-
er by using a suitable tool and pushing
the tab.
4. Locate the fuse that needs to be replaced.
5. Remove the fuse using the fuse puller located in the passenger compart-
ment fuse box.
SDI1753
6. If the fuse is open, replace it with a
new fuse.
7. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and re-
paired. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Fusible links
If any electrical equipment does not
operate and the fuses are in good condi-
tion, check the fusible links. If any of these
fusible links are melted, replace only with
genuine NISSAN parts.
For checking and replacing the fusible
links, it is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer.
FUSES
9-2Maintenance and schedules
Some day-to-day and regular mainte-
nance is essential to maintain your vehi-
cle good mechanical condition, as well as
its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make
sure that the scheduled maintenance, as
well as general maintenance, is per-
formed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance care. You are a
vital link in the maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those
items which should be checked during
normal day-to-day operation. They are
essential for proper vehicle operation. It is
your responsibility to perform these pro-
cedures regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks
requires minimal mechanical skill and
only a few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, a NISSAN dealer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed in this
section are required to be serviced at
regular intervals. However, under severe
driving conditions, additional or more
frequent maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced. It is re-
commended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through tech-
nical bulletins, service tips, and training
programs. They are completely qualified
to work on NISSAN vehiclesbeforework
begins.
If your vehicle is involved in a collision, it is
recommended that you ask your NISSAN
dealer where the nearest NISSAN Certified
Collision Center is located, or go to http://
collision.nissanusa.com.
You can be confident that a NISSAN
dealer’s service department performs
the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation
of the vehicle, general maintenance
should be performed regularly as pre-
scribed in this section. If you detect any
unusual sounds, vibrations or smells, be
sure to check for the cause or have it
checked promptly. In addition, it is re-
commended that you visit a NISSAN deal-
er if you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, see “Maintenance precau-
tions” (P.8-2).
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL MAIN-
TENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found in the “8. Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that all
doors and the engine hood operate
properly. Also ensure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch
pins, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-4Maintenance and schedules
Seats:Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliners, etc.
to ensure they operate smoothly and that
all latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints/headrests
move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in
all latched positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive
free play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure
that all warning lights and chimes are
operating properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets prop-
erly and in sufficient quantity when oper-
ating the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washers operate
properly and that the wipers do not
streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example,
each time you check the engine oil or
refuel).
Battery*: This vehicle is equipped with a
sealed maintenance free battery. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for service.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1.
Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume
battery power when the engine is
not running (Phone chargers, GPS,
DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/
or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the
brake fluid level is between the MAX and
MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belt*: Make sure that the
drive belt is not frayed, worn, cracked or
oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. (See “Pre-
cautions when starting and driving” (P.5-
5) for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks
or if gasoline fumes are evident, check for
the cause and have it corrected immedi-
ately.
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,
deformation, 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
substances, otherwise rust will 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 accumulate. For additional informa-
tion, see “Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2).
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 op-
eration. Refer to “General maintenance”
(P.9-2).
Items marked with “*” are recommended
by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation.
You are not required to perform main-
tenance on these items in order to
maintain the warranties which come with
your vehicle. Other maintenance items
and intervals are required.
When applicable, additional information
can be found in the “8. Do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
NOTE:
NISSAN does not advocate the use of
non-OEM approved aftermarket flush-
ing systems and strongly advises
against performing these services on a
NISSAN product. Many of the aftermar-
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
“Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants” (P.10-3) of this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAIN-
TENANCE
Drive belt*:
Check engine drive belt for wear, fraying
or cracking and for proper tension. Re-
place any damaged drive belt.
Engine air filter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driv-
ing for prolonged periods in dusty condi-
tions, check/replace the filter more
frequently.
Engine coolant*:
Replace coolant at the specified interval.
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equiva-
lent with the proper mixture. (Refer to
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-4) to deter-
mine the proper mixture for your area.)
NOTE:
Mixing any other type of coolant or the
use of non-distilled water may reduce
the recommended service interval of
the coolant.
Maintenance and schedules9-5
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
9-6Maintenance and schedules
Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil and oil filter at the
specified intervals. For recommended oil
grade and viscosity refer to “Capacities
and recommended fluids/lubricants”
(P.10-3).
Engine valve clearance*:
Inspect only if valve noise increases.
Adjust valve clearance if necessary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor
lines*:
Check vapor lines for leaks or looseness.
Tighten connections or replace parts as
necessary.
Fuel filter
Periodic maintenance is not required (in-
tank type filter).
Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connec-
tions for leaks, looseness, or deterioration.
Tighten connections or replace 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 deterio-
rated or damaged parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors:
Check for wear, deterioration and fluid
leaks. Replace any deteriorated or da-
maged parts immediately.
Exhaust system:
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler
and hangers for leaks, cracks, deteriora-
tion, and damage. Tighten connections or
replace parts as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driv-
ing for prolonged periods in dusty condi-
tions, replace the filter more frequently.
Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, looseness, and grease
leakage. (AWD)
Steering gear and linkage, axle and
suspension parts, drive shaft boots:
Check for damage, looseness, and leak-
age of oil or grease. Under severe driving
conditions, inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation:
Rotate tires at the specified interval.Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil
and transfer case oil:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage at
specified intervals.
If using a car-top carrier, or towing a
trailer, or using a camper, or driving on
rough or muddy roads:
.
Replace the differential oil and trans-
fer case oil every 20,000 miles (32,000
km) or 24 months.
. Replace the CVT fluid every 60,000
miles (96,000 km) or request the deal-
er to inspect the fluid deterioration
data using a CONSULT. If the dete-
rioration data is more than 210,000,
replace the CVT fluid.
.If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable
amount of appropriate cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors. If not prop-
erly formulated with appropriate
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors,
such methanol blends may cause
fuel system damage and/or vehicle
performance problems. At this time,
sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are
suitable for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as en-
gine stalling and difficult hot-starting are
experienced after using oxygenate-blend
fuels, immediately change to a non-oxy-
genate fuel or a fuel with a low blend of
MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxyge-
nates can cause paint damage.
E-15 fuel
E-15 fuel is a mixture of approximately
15% fuel ethanol and 85% unleaded gaso-
line. E-15 can only be used in vehicles
designed to run on E- 15 fuel. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol
dispensing pumps to be identified with
small, square, orange and black label with
the common abbreviation or the appro- priate percentage for that region.
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately
85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gaso-
line. E-85 can only be used in a Flexible
Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do not use E-85 fuel in
your vehicle. U.S. government regulations
require fuel ethanol dispensing pumps to
be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
Fuel containing MMT
MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manga-
nese tricarbonyl, is an octane boosting
additive. NISSAN does not recommend
the use of fuel containing MMT. Such fuel
may adversely affect vehicle perfor-
mance, including the emissions control
system. Note that while some fuel pumps
label MMT content, not all do, so you may
have to consult your gasoline retailer for
more details.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any aftermarket fuel additives (for exam-
ple, fuel injector cleaner, octane booster,
intake valve deposit removers, etc.) which
are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or
deposit removal may contain active sol-
vent or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can
cause persistent, heavy “spark knock”.
(Spark knock is a metallic rapping
noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine
damage. If you detect a persistent
heavy spark knock even when using
gasoline of the stated octane rating, or
if you hear steady spark knock while
holding a steady speed on level roads, it
is recommended you have a NISSAN
dealer correct the condition. Failure to
correct the condition is misuse of the
vehicle, for which NISSAN is not respon-
sible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in
spark knock, after-run and/or overheat-
ing, which may cause excessive fuel
consumption or engine damage. If any
of the above symptoms are encountered,
have your vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
not a cause for concern, because you
Technical and consumer information10-5
.Have your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the
recommended maintenance schedule
shown in the "9. Maintenance and
schedules" section.
. When making a turn, your trailer
wheels will be closer to the inside of
the turn than your vehicle wheels. To
compensate for this, make a larger
than normal turning radius during the
turn.
. Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When
being passed by larger vehicles, be
prepared for possible changes in
crosswinds that could affect vehicle
handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to
sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast
and steer as straight ahead as the
road conditions allow. This combina-
tion will help stabilize the vehicle.
.Do not correct trailer sway bysteering or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side
of the road in a safe area. 3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is
balanced as described earlier in this
section.
. Be careful when passing other vehi-
cles. Passing while towing a trailer
requires considerably more distance
than normal passing. Remember the
length of the trailer must also pass the
other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.
. Downshift the transmission to a lower
gear for engine braking when driving
down steep or long hills. This will help
slow the vehicle without applying the
brakes.
. Avoid holding the brake pedal down
too long or too frequently. This could
cause the brakes to overheat, result-
ing in reduced braking efficiency.
. Increase your following distance to
allow for greater stopping distances
while towing a trailer. Anticipate stops
and brake gradually.
. NISSAN recommends that the cruise
control not be used while towing a
trailer.
. While towing a trailer, do not use the
following systems (if so equipped):
— Lane Departure Warning (LDW) sys-
tem — Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI)
system
— Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system
— Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (I-BSI) system
— Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) sys- tem
— ProPILOT Assist system (Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), ProPILOT As-
sist with Navi-link and Steering
Assist)
— Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection
system
— Intelligent Forward Collision Warn- ing (I-FCW) system
— Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) sys- tem
. Some states or provinces have speci-
fic regulations and speed limits for
vehicles that are towing trailers. Obey
the local speed limits.
. Check your hitch, trailer wiring har-
ness connections, and trailer wheel
lug nuts after 50 miles (80 km) of
travel and at every break.
. When launching a boat, do not allow
the water level to go over the exhaust
tail pipe or rear bumper.
. Make sure you disconnect the trailer
lights before backing the trailer into
Technical and consumer information10-25