15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
18 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Intelligent Key battery
Essential:
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts
90,000 miles/(144,000 km)/
108 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• Drive belts*
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Differential gear oil
• Transfer fluid
Essential:
• Replace air cleaner filter (1)
• Replace automatic transmission fluid (6)
• Replace engine oil & oil filter (5)
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Replace Intelligent Key battery
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts
Essential:
• Replace brake fluid
* 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.
(1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions,
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired.
(5) If the oil replacement indicator is dis-
played, change the engine oil and filter
within two weeks or less than 500 miles
(800 km).
(6) Performed based off the number of
miles only.
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and stopping distance will
be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshif t to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance
and could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
• While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshif ting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
• If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be lon-
ger and the vehicle may pull to one side
during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or rotors are replaced, in order
to assure the best brake performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by a
NISSAN dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
• The ABS is a sophisticated device, but
it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if
you are using tire chains. Always
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-175
to a non-slipping drive wheel. Theindicator light flashes if this occurs. All
other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to
on when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully. •
Do not modif y the vehicle's suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
both the
and theindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may
illuminate. •
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindi-
cator lights may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the engine
af ter driving onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
5-178Starting and driving
•Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
both the
and theindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may
illuminate. •
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindi-
cator lights may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the engine
af ter driving onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road. The chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following
functions:
• Intelligent Trace Control
• Active Ride Control (if so equipped)
INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL
(I-TC)
This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels to aid tracing at corners
and help smooth vehicle response.
When the VDC system is turned off, the I-TC
is also turned off.
The amount of brake control is changed
based on Drive Mode Selector.
When the I-TC is not functioning properly,
the master warning light illuminates, and
the warning message “Chassis Control
System Error” will also appear in the vehicle
information display.
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-180Starting and driving
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 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 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. 8-5).
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
capacities” (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 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.
9-6Maintenance and schedules
3.5L 6 CYLINDER (VQ35DD engine
model)
The following shows the maintenance
schedule.
Choose the maintenance schedule
needed based on your vehicle driving
conditions.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/144
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time interval.
NOTE:
For information regarding automatic
transmission fluid, see “Additional infor-
mation” (P. 9-22).
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 use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-pension parts
10,000 miles/(16,000 km)/
12 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Differential gear oil
• Transfer fluid
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & oil filter (5)
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-pension parts
Maintenance and schedules9-9
Essential:
• Replace brake fluid
(5) If the oil replacement indicator is dis-
played, change the engine oil and filter
within two weeks or less than 500 miles
(800 km).15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
18 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Intelligent Key battery
Essential:
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Replace automatic transmission fluid
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-pension parts
20,000 miles/(32,000 km)/
24 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• EVAP vapor lines & fuel lines*
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-pension parts
• Differential gear oil
• Transfer fluid
Essential:
• Replace brake fluid
• Replace engine oil & oil filter (5)
• Tire rotation
9-10Maintenance and schedules
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-pension parts
Essential:
• Replace brake fluid
• Replace differential gear oil
• Replace transfer fluid
* 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.
(5) If the oil replacement indicator is dis-
played, change the engine oil and filter
within two weeks or less than 500 miles
(800 km).25,000 miles/(40,000 km)/
30 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval.
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus- pension parts
30,000 miles/(48,000 km)/
36 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Differential gear oil
• Transfer fluid
Essential:
• Replace air cleaner filter (1)
• Replace engine oil & oil filter (5)
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Replace Intelligent Key battery
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-pension parts
Maintenance and schedules9-11