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 ..............8-7
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .............8-13
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) ......................8-13
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...........8-15
Battery......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ............................... 8-18
Variable voltage control system
(if so equipped) ................................. 8-19
Drive belt ....................................... 8-19
Spark plugs .................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs .......................8-20
Air cleaner ..................................... 8-21
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-21Windshield wiper blades
........................8-22
Cleaning .................................... 8-22
Replacing ................................... 8-22
Brakes ......................................... 8-23
Fuses .......................................... 8-24
Engine compartment .......................8-24
Passenger compartment ...................8-25
Battery replacement ........................... 8-27
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-27
Lights .......................................... 8-29
Headlights .................................. 8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-29
Daytime Running Light (DRL)
(if so equipped) .............................. 8-30
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-32
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-35
Tire pressure ................................
8-35
Tir
e labeling ................................. 8-39
Types of tires ................................ 8-41
Tire chains .................................. 8-42
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-43
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 ignition 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 ve-
hicle fluids can damage the environ-
ment. Always conform to local regula-
tions 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, see
“Owner's Manual/Service Manual order in-
formation” (P. 10-60).
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
5.6L 8 cylinder (VK56VD engine model)
(non-XD model)
1. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
2. Fuse box3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Power steering fluid reservoir
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir7. Air cleaner
8. Fuse/Fusible link box
9. Drive belt location
10. Radiator cap
11. Battery
12. Engine coolant reservoir
LDI3292
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Do-it-yourself8-3
5.6L 8 cylinder (VK56VD engine model)
(XD model)
1. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
2. Fuse box3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Power steering fluid reservoir
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir7. Air cleaner
8. Fuse/Fusible link box
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Drive belt location
11. Battery
12. Radiator cap
LDI3293
8-4Do-it-yourself
WARNING
• Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the
vehicle's stopping ability.
• Clean the filler cap before removing.
• Brake fluid is poisonous and should
be stored carefully in marked con-
tainers out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, immediately wash the sur-
face with water.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
brake fluid is below the MIN line
OB, the
brake warning light will illuminate. Add
brake fluid up to the MAX line
OA. For addi-
tional information on recommended type
of brake fluid, see “Recommended fluids/
lubricants and capacities” (P. 10-2).
If the brake fluid must be added frequently,
the brake system should be thoroughly
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
LDI3088
Brake fluid reservoir (Type A) (if so equipped)
LDI3532
Brake fluid reservoir (Type B) (if so equipped)
BRAKE FLUID
8-14Do-it-yourself
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
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Seats: Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints/headrests
move up and down smoothly and the locks
(if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly. Windshield wiper and washer*:
Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
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* (for maintenance free batter-
ies): For vehicles equipped with a sealed
maintenance free battery. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service.
Battery* (for serviceable batteries):
Check the fluid level in each cell. The fluid
should be at the bottom of the filler open-
ing. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe conditions require
frequent checks of the battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery 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 MIN and MAX lines
on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level af ter
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait more than 10 minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
9-4Maintenance and schedules
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 in-
tervals. 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. 8-6)).
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 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: Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance sched-
ule. 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.
9-6Maintenance and schedules
5.6L 8 CYLINDER (VK56VD engine
model)
The following shows the maintenance
schedule.
Choose the maintenance schedule
needed based on your vehicle driving con-
ditions.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time interval.
5,000 miles/(8,000 km)/6 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
• Steering gear & linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
• Propeller shaf t
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Exhaust system
• 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 Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Lubricate steering stopper cap (XD mod-
els only)
9-8Maintenance and schedules