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 ............................... 8-19
Variable voltage control system (if so
equipped) ...................................... 8-19
Drive belt ....................................... 8-20
Spark plugs .................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs .......................8-20Air cleaner
..................................... 8-21
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ........................8-22
Cleaning .................................... 8-22
Replacing ................................... 8-22
Brakes ......................................... 8-23
Fuses .......................................... 8-24
Engine compartment .......................8-24
Passenger compartment ...................8-26
Battery replacement ........................... 8-27
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-27
Lights .......................................... 8-29
Headlights .................................. 8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-29
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-30
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-33
Tire pressure ................................ 8-33
Tire labeling .................................
8-37
T
ypes of tires ................................ 8-41
Tire chains .................................. 8-42
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-43
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.
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.
To remove the filter from the air cleaner,
push the tabs and pull the cover upward.
The viscous paper type filter element
should not be cleaned and reused. Replace
the air filter according to the maintenance
log shown in the “Maintenance and sched-
ules” section of this manual.
When replacing the air filter, wipe the inside
of the air cleaner housing and the cover
with a damp cloth.NOTE:
Af ter installing a new air cleaner filter,
make sure the air cleaner cover is seated
in the housing and latch the tabs.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry
of airborne dust and pollen particles and
reduces some objectionable outside
odors. The filter is located behind the glove
box. For additional information on change
intervals, see “Maintenance schedules"
(P. 9-7).
LDI2960
5.6L 8 cylinder (VK56VD engine model)
AIR CLEANER
Do-it-yourself8-21
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:
Engine 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
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.
(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 Gear
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
15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
12 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Automatic transmission fluid (1)
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• Differential gear oil
• Propeller shaf t
• Transfer case oil (4WD models)
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• 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)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not Applicable. Proceed to next interval
(1) Request the dealer to inspect the fluid
deterioration data using a CONSULT. If the
deterioration data is more than 77000,
replace the AT fluid.
15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
18 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 & 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
9-10Maintenance and schedules
30,000 miles/(48,000 km)/
24 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Automatic transmission fluid (1)
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• Fuel tank vapor vent system *
• Fuel lines/connections *
• Exhaust system
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle and suspension parts
• Differential gear oil
• Propeller shaf t
• Transfer case oil (4WD models)
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• 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
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test • Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace engine air filter (2)
• Replace brake fluid
• Replace In-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
• Lubricate steering stopper cap (XD mod-
els only)
Severe use maintenance:
Essentials:
• Replace automatic transmission fluid
(1) Request the dealer to inspect the fluid
deterioration data using a CONSULT. If the
deterioration data is more than 77000,
replace the AT fluid.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions,
more frequent maintenance may be
required.
* 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.
30,000 miles/(48,000 km)/
36 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 & 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
Maintenance and schedules9-13
45,000 miles/(72,000 km)/
36 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Automatic transmission fluid (1)
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• Propeller shaf t
• Differential gear oil
• Transfer case oil (4WD models)
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• 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)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Replace Intelligent Key battery
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not Applicable. Proceed to next interval
(1) Request the dealer to inspect the fluid
deterioration data using a CONSULT. If the
deterioration data is more than 77000,
replace the AT fluid.
45,000 miles/(72,000 km)/
54 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 & 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
9-16Maintenance and schedules
60,000 miles/(96,000 km)/
48 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Automatic transmission fluid (1)
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• Engine drive belt *
• Fuel tank vapor vent system *
• Fuel lines/connections *
• Exhaust system
• Propeller shaf t
• Axle & suspension parts
• Steering gear & linkage
• Differential gear oil
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Transfer case oil (4WD models)
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Hose inspection • Suspension components (shocks, sub-
frame, tie rods)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essentials:
• Replace engine air filter (2)
• Replace brake fluid
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
• Lubricate steering stopper cap (XD mod- els only)
Severe use maintenance:
Essentials:
• Replace automatic transmission fluid
• Replace transfer case oil (4WD models)
(1) Request the dealer to inspect the fluid
deterioration data using a CONSULT. If the
deterioration data is more than 77000,
replace the AT fluid.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions,
more frequent maintenance may be
required. * 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.
Maintenance and schedules9-19
Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace brake fluid
• Lubricate steering stopper cap (XD mod-els only)75,000 miles/(120,000 km)/
60 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Automatic transmission fluid (1)
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• Engine drive belt *
• Propeller shaf t
• Differential gear oil
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Transfer case oil (4WD models)
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Hose inspection
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not Applicable. Proceed to next interval
(1) Request the dealer to inspect the fluid
deterioration data using a CONSULT. If the
deterioration data is more than 77000,
replace the AT 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.
9-22Maintenance and schedules