9-4Maintenance and schedules
belt system (for example, buckles, an-
chors, adjuster 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 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 washer 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*: Check the fluid level in each cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe condition 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 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 belts*: Make sure that no
belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
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-
4) 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.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
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.10-2) of this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAIN-
TENANCE
Drive belts*:
Check engine drive belts for wear, fraying
or cracking and for proper tension. Re-
place any damaged drive belts.
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.
Engine oil and oil filter:
Maintenance and schedules9-5
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
To help ensure smooth, safe and eco-
nomical driving, NISSAN provides two
maintenance schedules that may be
used, depending upon the conditions in
which you usually drive. These schedules
contain both distance and time intervals,
up to 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months. For most people, the odometer
reading will indicate when service is
needed. However, if you drive very little,
your vehicle should be serviced at the
regular time intervals shown in the sche-
dule.
After 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
FOR SEVERE OPERATING CONDI-
TIONS
Additional maintenance items for se-
vere operating conditions;should be
performed on vehicles that are driven
under especially demanding conditions.
Additional maintenance items should be
performed if you primarily operate your
vehicle under the following conditions:
. Repeated short trips of less than 5
miles (8 km).
. Repeated short trips of less than 10
miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures remaining below freezing. .
Operating in hot weather in stop-and-
go “rush hour” traffic.
. Extensive idling and/or low speed
driving for long distances, such as
police, taxi or door-to-door delivery
use.
. Driving in dusty conditions.
. Driving on rough, muddy or salt
spread roads.
. Towing a trailer, or using a camper or
car-top carrier.
If your vehicle is mainly operated under
the severe conditions, follow the severe
maintenance intervals shown in the
maintenance schedule.
NOTE:
For vehicles operated in Canada, both
standard and severe maintenance
items should be performed at every
interval.
Maintenance and schedules9-7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants .................................... 10-2Fuel information .................................................................. 10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ........ 10-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
oil recommendations ....................................................... 10-7
Specifications ........................................................................\
........ 10-8 Engine ........................................................................\
.................. 10-8
Wheels and tires .................................................................. 10-9
Dimensions ........................................................................\
.. 10-10
When traveling or registering in
another country ..................................................................... 10-11
Vehicle identification .......................................................... 10-11 Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) plate ........................................................................\
...... 10-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ............................................................. 10-11
Engine serial number ................................................... 10-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............. 10-12
Emission control information label .................. 10-12
Tire and loading information label ................... 10-13
Air conditioner specification label ..................... 10-13
Installing front license plate ......................................... 10-15 Vehicle loading information ......................................... 10-15
Terms ........................................................................\
............. 10-15
Vehicle load capacity ................................................ 10-17
Securing the load ......................................................... 10-18
Loading tips ...................................................................... 10-18
Measurement of weights ....................................... 10-19
Towing a trailer ...................................................................... 10-19 Maximum load limits ................................................. 10-19
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/
maximum Gross Axle Weight (GAW) .............. 10-21
Towing load/specification ..................................... 10-23
Towing safety ................................................................ 10-24
Flat towing ........................................................................\
. 10-35
Uniform tire quality grading ........................................ 10-36 Treadwear ........................................................................\
.. 10-36
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................................... 10-36
Temperature A, B and C ......................................... 10-36
Emission control system warranty ......................... 10-37
Reporting safety defects ................................................ 10-37
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test ........................................................................\
............... 10-38
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ......................................... 10-39
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ................................................................. 10-40
10-4Technical and consumer information
FUEL INFORMATION
VK56VD engine
NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not
available, you may use unleaded regular
gasoline with an octane rating of at least
87 AKI number (Research octane number
91), but you may notice a decrease in
performance.
CAUTION
.Using a fuel other than that spe-
cified could adversely affect the
emission control system, and
may also affect warranty cover-
age.
. Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because
this will damage the three-way
catalyst.
. Do not use E-15 or E-85 fuel in
your vehicle. Your vehicle is not
designed to run on E-15 or E-85
fuel. Using E-15 or E-85 fuel in a
vehicle not specifically designed
for E-15 or E-85 fuel can adversely affect the emission control de-
vices and systems of the vehicle.
Damage caused by such fuel is
not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
. Do not use fuel that contains the
octane booster methylcyclopen-
tadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). Using fuel containing
MMT may adversely affect vehicle
performance and vehicle emis-
sions. Not all fuel dispensers are
labeled to indicate MMT content,
so you may have to consult your
gasoline retailer for more details.
Note that Federal and California
laws prohibit the use of MMT in
reformulated gasoline.
. U.S. government regulations re-
quire ethanol dispensing pumps
to be identified by a small,
square, orange and black label
with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for
that region.
Gasoline specifications
NISSAN recommends using gasoline that
meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter
(WWFC) specifications where it is avail-
able. Many of the automobile manufac-
turers developed this specification to
improve emission system and vehicle
performance. Ask your service station
manager if the gasoline meets the
World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) specifi-
cations.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing
reformulated gasolines. These gasolines
are specially designed to reduce vehicle
emissions. NISSAN supports efforts to-
wards cleaner air and suggests that you
use reformulated gasoline when avail-
able.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline contain-
ing oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE
and methanol with or without advertising
their presence. NISSAN does not recom-
mend the use of fuels of which the
oxygenate content and the fuel compat-
ibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily
determined. If in doubt, ask your service
station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline,
10-6Technical and consumer information
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above
can cause persistent, heavy spark
knock. (Spark knock is a metallic rap-
ping noise.) If severe, this can lead to
engine damage. If you detect a persis-
tent 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 mis-
use of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in
knocking, after-run or overheating. This
in turn may cause excessive fuel con-
sumption or damage to the engine. 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
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
JVT0342X
API certification markAPI service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance,
see “Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants” (P.10-2). NISSAN recommends
the use of an energy conserving oil in
order to improve fuel economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) certifi-
cation or International Lubricant Standar-dization and Approval Committee (ILSAC)
certification and SAE viscosity standard.
These oils have the API certification mark
on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
oil additives. The use of an oil additive is
not necessary when the proper oil type is
used and maintenance intervals are fol-
lowed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or
has been previously used should not be
used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of
this, it is important that the engine oil
viscosity be selected based on the tem-
peratures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that
recommended could cause serious en-
gine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use the genuine oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in
change intervals.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for
your engine are based on the use of the
specified quality oils and filters. Oil and
filter other than the specified quality, or
oil and filter change intervals longer than
recommended could reduce engine life.
Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and
filter quality and/or viscosity is not cov-
ered by the new NISSAN vehicle limited
warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do nothave to change the oil before the first
recommended change interval. Oil and
filter change intervals depend upon how
you use your vehicle.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RE-
FRIGERANT AND OIL RECOMMEN-
DATIONS
The air conditioner system in your
NISSAN vehicle must be charged with
the refrigerant HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf)
and NISSAN A/C System Oil VC100YF
(PAG) or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil
will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require
the replacement of all air conditioner
system components.
The refrigerant HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) in
your NISSAN vehicle does not harm the
earth’s ozone layer. Although this refrig-
erant does not affect the earth’s atmo-
sphere, certain government regulations
require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air condi-
tioner system service. Air conditioner
system should only be serviced by trained
and certified technicians to ensure proper and safe operation (SAE J2845). A NISSAN
dealer has the trained technicians and
equipment needed to recover and recycle
your air conditioner system refrigerant.
Only new and SAEJ2842 certified eva-
porator(s) shall be used as replacement
parts.
A damaged or leaking air conditioning
evaporator shall never be repaired or
replaced with one removed from a used
or salvaged vehicle. To replace a da-
maged or leaking evaporator, use only
new and SAE J2842 certified evaporator
(s). It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
Technical and consumer information10-7
10-14Technical and consumer information
Air conditioner specification label symbols:
Symbol NameReferenceGraphic
Caution ISO 7000 0434
Air Conditioning System
(MAC)ISO 2575 D01
MAC System Lubricant Type
(PAG–POE)
Requires Registered Techni-
cian to Service MAC System
Flammable Refrigerant