6-20In case of emergency
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
1. Place the ignition switch in the OFFposition.
2. Secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with rope or
a similar device.
3. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Attach the safety chains whenever towing.
Rear wheels on the ground:
1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
2. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Attach safety chains whenever tow- ing.
All four wheels on the ground:
NISSAN recommends that the vehicle be
placed on a flatbed tow truck as illu-
strated.
CAUTION
Never tow CVT model with all four
wheels on the ground. Doing so will
cause serious and expensive da-
mage to the drivetrain.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
2. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.
3. Release the parking brake.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious
personal injury or death when reco-
vering a stuck vehicle:
. Contact a professional towing
service to recover the vehicle if
you have any questions regard-
ing the recovery procedure.
. Tow chains or cables must be
attached only to main structural
members of the vehicle. .
Do not use the vehicle tie-downs
to tow or free a stuck vehicle.
. Only use devices specifically de-
signed for vehicle recovery and
follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions.
. Always pull the recovery device
straight out from the front of the
vehicle. Never pull at an angle.
. Route recovery devices so they
do not touch any part of the
vehicle except the attachment
point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device
designed specifically for vehicle recovery.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the recovery device.Rocking a stuck vehicle
WARNING
. Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
. Do not spin your tires at high
speed. This could cause them to
explode and result in serious in-
jury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.
MOST COMMON FACTORS CON-
TRIBUTING TO VEHICLE CORRO-
SION
.The accumulation of moisture-retain-
ing dirt and debris in body panel
sections, cavities, and other areas.
. Damage to paint and other protective
coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLU-
ENCE THE RATE OF CORROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on
the vehicle body underside can acceler-
ate corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not
dry completely inside the vehicle, and
should be removed for drying to avoid
floor panel corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of
high relative humidity, especially those
areas where the temperatures stay above
freezing where atmospheric pollution ex-
ists, or where road salt is used.
Temperature
A temperature increase will accelerate
the rate of corrosion to those parts which
are not well ventilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in
the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt
use will accelerate the corrosion process.
Road salt will also accelerate the disin-
tegration of paint surfaces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION
.Wash and wax your vehicle often to
keep the vehicle clean.
. Always check for minor damage to the
paint and repair it as soon as possible.
. Keep drain holes at the bottom of the
doors open to avoid water accumula-
tion.
. Check the underbody for accumula-
tion of sand, dirt or salt. If present,
wash with water as soon as possible.
CAUTION
. NEVER remove dirt, sand or other
debris from the passenger com-
partment by washing it out with a
hose. Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
. Never allow water or other liquids
to come in contact with electronic
components inside the vehicle as
this may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface deicing
are extremely corrosive. They accelerate
corrosion and deterioration of underbody
components such as the exhaust system,
fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor
pan and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be
cleaned periodically.
For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some
areas, it is recommended you consult a
NISSAN dealer.
Appearance and care7-7
CORROSION PROTECTION
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ...................................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ........................ 8-3MR20DD engine model ..................................................... 8-4
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level .................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant ................................................ 8-6
Engine oil ........................................................................\
..................... 8-6 Checking engine oil level ................................................. 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter ..................................... 8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ........................................................................\
.................... 8-9
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ....................... 8-9
Window washer fluid .............................................................. 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
........................ 8-11 Jump starting ........................................................................\
. 8-12
Variable voltage control system ................................... 8-13
Drive belt ........................................................................\
.................. 8-13
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
............. 8-14 Replacing spark plugs ..................................................... 8-14
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
............... 8-15
Air duct removal .................................................................. 8-15
Air cleaner filter replacement ................................... 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
........... 8-16
Replacing ........................................................................\
........ 8-16
Rear window wiper blade .................................................. 8-17
Brakes ........................................................................\
........................ 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes ..................................................... 8-17
Brake pad wear warning ............................................ 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................\
........................... 8-18 Engine compartment .................................................... 8-18
Passenger compartment ........................................... 8-20
Key fob battery replacement .......................................... 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement .......................... 8-23
Lights ........................................................................\
.......................... 8-25 Headlights ........................................................................\
...... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights ........................................ 8-27
Wheels and tires ........................................................................\
8-29
Tire pressure ........................................................................\
8-29
Tire labeling ........................................................................\
.. 8-33
Types of tires ....................................................................... 8-35
Tire chains ........................................................................\
...... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ...................................... 8-37
8-2Do-it-yourself
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 following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level sur-
face, apply the parking brake
securely and block the wheels to
prevent the vehicle from moving.
Move the shift lever to the P
(Park) position (CVT model) or
the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position (MT model).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in
the OFF or LOCK position when
performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, cloth-
ing, hair and tools away from
moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
. It is advisable to secure or re-
move any loose clothing and
remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle. .
Always wear eye protection
whenever you work on your ve-
hicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed 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 necessary to work under the
vehicle, support it with safety
stands.
. Because the fuel lines are under
high pressure even when the
engine is off, it is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service of the fuel filter or fuel
lines.
. Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Always turn off
the engine and wait until it cools
down.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, cloth-
ing, hair and tools away from
moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
. Keep smoking materials, flame
and sparks away from fuel and
the battery. .
On gasoline engine models with
the Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI)
system, the fuel filter and fuel
lines should be serviced because
the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine
is turned off. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It
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
working near the fan.
. Avoid direct contact with used
engine oil and coolant. Impro-
perly disposed engine oil, engine
coolant, and/or other vehicle
fluids can hurt the environment.
Always conform to local regula-
tions for disposal of vehicle fluids.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-4Do-it-yourself
WAA0211X
MR20DD ENGINE MODEL
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake and clutch* fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Drive belt7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Battery
9. Fuse/fusible link box
*: For Manual Transmission (MT) Model
The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50%
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) and 50% water to provide
year-round anti-freeze and coolant pro-
tection. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional
engine cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING
.
Never remove the radiator or
coolant reservoir cap when the
engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down.
Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator. See precau-
tions in “If your vehicle overheats”
(P.6-16) of this manual.
. The radiator is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To
prevent engine damage, use only
a genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
. If the engine was stopped soon
when the engine is hot, the cool-
ing fan may operate for approxi-
mately 10 minutes after the
engine was stopped to cool the
components in the engine com-
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-6Do-it-yourself
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine
coolant. The service procedure can be
found in the NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in re-
duced heater performance and engine
overheating.
WARNING
.To avoid being scalded, never
change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
. Never remove the radiator or
coolant reservoir cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid
escaping from the radiator.
. Avoid direct skin contact with
used coolant. If skin contact is
made, wash thoroughly with soap
or hand cleaner as soon as pos-
sible.
. Keep coolant out of the reach of
children and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.SDI1993
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches oper- ating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than
10 minutes for the oil to drain back
into the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the
range
. If the oil level is below,
remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the open- ing.
Do not overfill
.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the se-
verity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not
covered by the warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
WARNING
. Used oil must be disposed of
properly. Never pour or dump oil
into the ground, canals, rivers,
etc. It should be disposed of at
proper waste facilities. NISSAN
recommends having your oil
changed by a NISSAN dealer.
. Be careful not to burn yourself, as
the engine oil may be hot.
ENGINE OIL
.Prolonged and repeated contact
with used engine oil may cause
skin cancer.
. Avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If contacted, wash thor-
oughly with soap or hand cleaner
and plenty of water as soon as
possible.
. Store used engine oil in marked
containers out of the reach of
children.
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches the operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack
stands.
.Place the safety jack stands underthe vehicle jack-up points.
.A suitable adapter should be at-tached to the jack stand saddle.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and
support points are used to avoid
vehicle damage.
JVM0414X
Do-it-yourself8-7
WARNING
.Prolonged and repeated contact
with used engine oil may cause
skin cancer.
. Try to avoid direct skin contact
with used oil. If skin contact is
made, wash thoroughly with soap
or hand cleaner as soon as pos-
sible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach
of children. When checking or replacement is re-
quired, we recommend a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.
CAUTION
.
NISSAN recommends using Gen-
uine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or
equivalent) ONLY in NISSAN CVTs.
Do not mix with other fluids.
. Do not use Automatic transmis-
sion fluid (ATF) or Manual Trans-
mission fluid in a NISSAN CVT, as
it may damage the CVT. Damage
caused by the use of fluids other
than as recommended is not
covered by the NISSAN’s New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
. Using fluids that are not equiva-
lent to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-3 may also damage the CVT.
Damage caused by the use of
fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered by the
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. For additional brake and clutch fluid
information, see “Capacities and recom-
mended fluids/lubricants” (P.10-2) of this
manual.
WARNING
.
Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or con-
taminated fluid may damage the
brake and clutch systems. The
use of improper fluids can da-
mage the brake and clutch sys-
tems, and affect the vehicle’s
stopping ability.
. Clean the filler cap before remov-
ing.
. Brake and clutch fluid is poiso-
nous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of
the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint.
If fluid is spilled, immediately wash
the surface with water.
Do-it-yourself8-9
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDBRAKE AND CLUTCH (if so equipped) FLUID