1997 Nissan Quest Owners Manual

tions under the heading ‘‘Wheels and tires’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself operations’’ section. 1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface

between the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten

the lug nuts finger tight.

3. With the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts alternately and evenly until they are tight.

5-6

4. Lower the vehicle slowly until

the tire touches the ground. Then, with the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts securely in the sequence as illustrated.

WARNING

c Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose or come off. This could cause an accident.

c Do nut use oil or grease on the wheel studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts to become loose.

As soon as possible, tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench.

Lug nut tightening torque:

72 to 87 ft-lb (98 to 118 Nzm)

Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pres- sure. COLD pressure: After the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more or driven less than 1
mile (1.6 km). COLD tire pressures are shown on the

Z X

tire placard affixed to the driver side center pillar. c Retighten the lug nuts when the ve- hicle has been run for 600 miles (1,000
km) after installing the aluminum wheel.

ACE0016

5. Securely store the jacking equipment in the vehicle. The tool kit is stored behind the jack.

Stowing the spare tire or flat tire 1. To raise the tire to the stowed position, the retainer through the wheel install center and turn the wheel lug wrench clockwise until the tire is raised to its original position underneath the vehicle. The spare tire hex nut ratchets when the tire is raised. It won’t allow you to over-tighten.

2. Check for proper seating against under-

5-7

body supports. If necessary, loosen tire, reposition and retighten.

WARNING

c Always make sure that the spare tire and jacking equipment are properly secured after use. Such items can become dangerous projectiles in an accident or sudden stop.

c The T-type spare tire is designed for emergency use. See specific instruc- tions under the heading ‘‘Wheels and tires’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself op- erations’’ section.

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JUMP STARTING

To start your engine with a booster battery, the instructions and precautions below must be followed.

WARNING

c If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to a battery explosion, resulting in severe injury or death. It could also damage your vehicle.

c Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in the vicinity of the battery. Keep all sparks and flames away from the battery.

c Do not allow battery fluid to come into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a corrosive sulfuric acid solution which can cause severe burns. If the fluid should come into contact with anything, immediately flush the con- tacted area with water.

c Keep battery out of the reach of

children.

c The booster battery must be rated at 12 volts. Use of an improper rated battery can damage your vehicle.

c Whenever working on or near a bat- tery, always wear suitable eye pro- tectors (for example, goggles or in- dustrial and remove rings, metal bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean over when jump starting.

spectacles)

safety

c Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery. It could explode and cause serious injury.

c Your vehicle has an automatic en- gine cooling fan. It could come on at any time. Keep hands and other ob- jects away from it.

5-8

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Always follow the instructions below. Failure to do so could result in damage to the charging system and cause per- sonal injury. 1. If the booster battery is in another ve- hicle, position the two vehicles to bring their batteries close to each other. Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply the parking brake. Move the gear- shift lever to the P (Park) position. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).

CE1071M

3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with an old cloth to reduce explosion hazard.

4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence

as illustrated.

CAUTION

c Always connect positive (+) to posi- tive (+) and negative (−) to body ground (for example, the strut mounting bolt, etc. — not to the battery).

5-9

c Make sure that cables do not touch moving parts in the engine compart- ment and that clamps do not contact any other metal.

5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and

let it run for a few minutes.

6. Keep the engine speed of the other ve- hicle at about 2,000 RPM, and start your engine in the normal manner.

CAUTION

Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start right away, turn the key off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying again.

7. After starting your engine, carefully dis- connect the negative cable and then the positive cable.

8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes as it may be con- taminated with corrosive acid.

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PUSH STARTING

CAUTION

c Automatic transmission models can- not be push started. This may cause transmission damage.

c Three way catalyst equipped models should not be started by pushing since the three way catalyst may be damaged.

c Never try to start the vehicle by tow- ing it, when the engine starts, the forward surge could cause the ve- hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge read- ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow- ing steps:

WARNING

c Do not continue to drive if your ve- hicle overheats. Doing so could cause a vehicle fire.

c To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. When the radiator cap is removed, pressurized hot water will spurt out, possibly causing serious injury.

c Do not open the hood if steam is

coming out.

1. Move the vehicle safely off

the road, apply the parking brake and move the gearshift lever to the P (Park) position. Do not stop the engine.

2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all the windows, move the temperature control dial to warm and fan control knob to 4.

5-10

3. If engine overheating is caused by climb- ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 RPM) until the temperature gauge indication returns to normal.

4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the ra- diator before opening the hood. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before proceeding.

5. Open the hood.

WARNING

If steam or water is coming from the engine, stand clear to prevent getting burned.

6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check to make sure the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not If coolant is leaking, the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.

leak water.

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WARNING

c Be careful not to allow your hands, hair or clothing to come into contact with, or to get caught in, the running fan, belts, or motor fan.

c The fan motor may start at any time when the coolant temperature is high.

7. After the engine cools down completely, check the coolant level in the reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank, if necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.

1. Turn the key in the ignition to OFF. 2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel. 3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push down the red reset button on the fuel pump shut-off switch.

4. Turn the ignition key ON for a few sec-

onds, then turn it OFF.

5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If no fuel is detected, try to start your vehicle again.

WARNING

If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to start your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Have all the passengers get out of the vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing service.

AFTER AN ACCIDENT

ACE0018

Inertia fuel shut-off switch When the vehicle is involved in a collision, the inertia fuel shutoff switch is designed to automatically stop the flow of fuel to the engine. The impact forces needed to trigger the switch do not have to be great. Parking lot bumping or road impacts (such as driving over potholes) may trigger the switch. Once the inertia fuel shutoff switch is trig- gered, it must be reset before the engine can be started. If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision, take the following steps to correctly reset the switch:

5-11

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TOW TRUCK TOWING

When towing your vehicle, all state (provin- cial in Canada) and local regulations for towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are available from your NISSAN dealer. Local service operators are generally familiar with the applicable laws and procedures for towing. To assure proper towing and to prevent accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recom- mends that you have a service operator tow your vehicle. is advisable to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions.

It

WARNING

c Never ride in a vehicle that is being

towed.

c Never get under your vehicle after it

has been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

c When towing, make sure that the transmission, axles, steering system and powertrain are in working con- dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies must be used.

c Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper when you tow your ve- hicle. It may damage the bumper and cause damage to the transmission. c When towing with the front wheels

on dollies: Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never place the ignition key in the LOCK position. This will result in damage to the steering lock mechanism. Move the gearshift lever to the N (Neutral) position.

c When towing with the rear wheels on release the parking

the ground, brake.

c Attach safety chains for all towing.

5-12

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NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (front) wheels off the ground as illustrated. c Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h) c Distance: Less than 500 miles (800 km)

5-13

ACE0560

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CAUTION

Never tow the vehicle with the rear wheels raised (with the front wheels on the ground) as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transmis- sion. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle with the rear wheels raised, always use towing dollies under the front wheels. c If you have to tow the vehicle with four wheels on ground, observe the following restricted towing speeds and distances: c Speed: Below 30 MPH (50 km/h) c Distance: Less than 40 miles

(65 km)

c Never tow the vehicle from the rear (i.e., backward) with four wheels on the ground as this may cause seri- ous and expensive damage to the transmission.

c Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front or the rear. It may cause body damage.

c Never utilize the rear tie down brack- ets or slots to tow another vehicle as this may cause body damage.

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck vehicle) c Tow chains or cables must only be at- tached to the main structual members of the vehicle.

c Pulling devices should be routed so they do not touch any part of the suspension, steering, brake or cooling systems.

c Always pull the cable straight out from the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull on the vehicle at an angle.

c Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas straps are not recommended for use in vehicle towing or recovery.

c Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.

WARNING

Do not spin your tires at high speed. This could cause them to explode and result in serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could also overheat and be damaged.

5-14

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6 Appearance and interior care

Cleaning exterior and interior.................................6-2

Corrosion protection...............................................6-4

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CLEANING EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

AI1002M

In order to maintain the appearance of your vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it. In the following cases, please wash your vehicle as soon as possible to protect the paint surface: c after a rainfall to prevent possible dam-

age from acid rain.

c after driving on coastal roads. c when contaminants such as soot, bird droppings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on the paint surface.

c when dust or mud builds up on the surface. Whenever possible, store or park your ve- hicle inside a garage or in a covered area. When it is necessary to park outside, park in a shady area or protect the vehicle with a body cover. Be careful not to scratch the paint sur- face when putting on or removing a body cover. Washing Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general purpose dish-washing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.

CAUTION

c Do not use strong household soap, strong chemical detergents, gaso- line or solvents.

c Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or while the vehicle body is hot, as the surface may become waterspotted.

6-2

c Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths such as washing mitts. Care must be taken when removing caked-on dirt or other foreign sub- stances so the paint surface is not scratched or damaged.

Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors, hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to the effects of road salt. There- fore, these areas must be regularly cleaned. Take care that the drain holes in the lower edge of the door are open. Spray water under the body and in the wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away road salt. A damp chamois can be used to dry the vehicle to avoid water spots. Waxing Regular waxing protects the paint surface and helps retain new vehicle appearance. After waxing, polishing is recommended to remove built-up residue and to avoid a ‘‘weathered’’ appearance. Your NISSAN dealer can assist you in

Z X

choosing the proper product. c Wax your vehicle only after a thorough washing. Follow the instructions supplied with the wax.

c Do not use a wax containing any abra- sives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may damage the vehicle finish.

c If the surface does not polish easily, use

a ‘‘road tar’’ remover and wax again.

Machine compounding or aggressive pol- ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. Removing spots Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible from the surface of the paint to avoid lasting damage or staining. Special cleaning prod- ucts are available at your NISSAN dealer or any automotive accessory store. Underbody In areas where road salt is used in winter, the underbody must be cleaned regularly. This prevents dirt and salt from building up and causing underbody and suspension corrosion. Before the winter period and

again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated. Cleaning glass Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor- mal for glass to become coated with a film after the vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth easily remove this film.

CAUTION

When cleaning the inside of the win- dow, do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They could dam- age the rear window defogger.

Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels Wash regularly, especially during winter months in areas where road salt is used. Salt could discolor the wheel if not removed. Chrome parts Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.

6-3

Cleaning interior Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth. Before using any fabric protector, read the manu- facturer’s recommendations. Some fabric protectors contain chemicals that may stain or bleach the seat material.

CAUTION

c Never use benzine, thinner, or any

similar material.

c Leather seats should be regularly coated with a leather wax like saddle soap. Never use car wax.

c Never use fabric protectors unless recommended by the manufacturer.

Front floor mat positioning aid This model floor mat bracket to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor mats, specially designed for your vehicle, incorporate grommets. To in-

includes a front

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WARNING

Do not allow wet belts to roll up in the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or chemical solvents since these may se- verely weaken the seat belt webbing.

stall, simply position the mat using the floor mat bracket hook through the floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the floor pan contour. Periodically check to make certain the mat is properly positioned. Floor mats The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can extend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it easier to clean the interior. No matter what mats are used, be sure they are fitted for your vehicle and are prop- erly positioned in the footwell to prevent interference with pedal operation. Mats should be maintained with regular cleaning and replaced if they become excessively worn. Seat belts The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution. Allow the belts to dry com- pletely before using them.

CORROSION PROTECTION

Most common factors contributing to vehicle corrosion: 1. The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavities, and other areas.

2. Damage to paint and other protective coatings caused by gravel and stone chips or minor traffic accidents.

Environmental factors influence the rate of corrosion: Moisture Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the vehicle body underside can accelerate cor- rosion. Wet floor coverings do not dry com- pletely inside the vehicle, and should be removed for drying to avoid floor panel corrosion. Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated: c in areas of high relative humidity. c especially in those areas where the tem-

peratures stay above freezing.

c where atmospheric pollution exists.

6-4

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CAUTION

c NEVER remove dirt, sand or other debris from the passenger compart- ment by washing it out with a hose. Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner or broom.

c Never allow water or other liquids to come in contact with electronic com- ponents inside the vehicle.

c where road salt is used. Temperature A temperature increase accelerates 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 accelerates the corrosion process. Road salt also accelerates the disintegra- tion of paint surfaces. To protect your vehicle from corro- sion: c Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep

the vehicle clean.

c Always check for minor damage to the paint and repair it as soon as possible. c Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors open to avoid water accumulation. c Check the underbody for accumulation of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water as soon as possible.

6-5

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7 Do-it-yourself operations

Maintenance precautions .......................................7-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................7-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................7-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................7-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................7-5
Engine oil ...............................................................7-5
Checking engine oil level .......................................7-5
Changing engine oil ...............................................7-6
Changing engine oil filter .......................................7-7
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)........................7-8
Temperature conditions for checking ATF.............7-8
Power steering fluid................................................7-9
Brake fluid ............................................................7-10
Window washer fluid ............................................7-10
Battery ..................................................................7-11
Jump starting........................................................7-12

Drive belts ............................................................7-12
Spark plug replacement .......................................7-12
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................7-13
Wiper blades ........................................................7-14
Parking brake check.............................................7-16
Brake pedal ..........................................................7-16
Brake booster.......................................................7-17
Fuses....................................................................7-17
Fusible links..........................................................7-18
Light bulbs............................................................7-19
Headlights ............................................................7-19
Bulb replacement .................................................7-21
Wheels and tires ..................................................7-25
Types of tires........................................................7-26
Tire chains............................................................7-26

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MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

When performing any inspection or mainte- nance work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to the vehicle. The following are general precautions which should be closely observed.

WARNING

c 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 gear- shift lever to N (neutral).

c Be sure the ignition key is OFF when replacement or

performing any repair.

c Be sure to turn the ignition key to the OFF or LOCK position. When the ignition key is in the ON or ACC position, the cooling fan may start to operate suddenly even when the en- gine is not running. To avoid injury always disconnect the negative bat- tery cable before working near the fan.

c If you must work with the engine running, keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away from moving fans, belts and any other moving parts.

c It is advisable to remove ties and any jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc. before working on your vehicle.

c If you must run the engine in an enclosed space such as a garage, be sure there is proper ventilation for exhaust gases.

c 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.

c Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks away from fuel and the battery.

c On gasoline engine models with the multiport fuel injection (MFI) system, the fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced by a NISSAN dealer be- cause the fuel lines are under high pressure even when the engine is off.

7-2

CAUTION

c Do not work under the hood while the engine is hot. Turn off the engine and wait until it cools down.

c Never connect or disconnect either the battery or any transistorized component connector while the igni- tion is ON.

c Avoid contact with used engine oil. Improperly disposed motor oil and/ or other vehicle fluids can hurt the environment. Always conform to lo- cal regulations for disposal of ve- hicle fluid.

This ‘‘Do-it-yourself operations’’ section gives instructions regarding only those items which are relatively easy for an owner to perform. You should be aware that incomplete or improper servicing may result in operating difficulties or excessive emissions, and could affect your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any servicing, have it done by your NISSAN dealer.

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

7-3

ADI0570

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ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti- freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so- lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional cooling system addi- tives are not necessary.

CAUTION

When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only an ethylene glycol anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze and 50% distilled water. The use of other types of coolant solutions may damage your cooling sys- tem.

Outside tempera- ture down to

°C

−35

°F

−30

Anti- freeze

Distilled water

50%

50%

WARNING

c Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Wait until the en- gine and radiator cool down. Serious burns could be caused by high pres- sure from the radiator.

escaping

fluid

c The radiator is equipped with a pres- sure an appropriate NISSAN genuine cap or its equiva- lent when replacement is required.

cap. Use

ADI0571

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL With coolant reservoir Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant level in the radiator when the engine is cold. If there is insufficient cool- ant the radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and also add it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.

in the radiator,

fill

7-4

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ENGINE OIL

If the cooling system frequently requires coolant, have it checked by your NISSAN dealer. CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT Your NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant. The service procedure is found in NISSAN’s service manual. Improper servicing can result in reduced heater engine overheating.

performance

and

WARNING

c To avoid danger of being scalded, never change the coolant when the engine is hot.

c Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from the radiator.

ADI0008

ADI0009

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

apply the parking brake.

2. Run the engine until it reaches operating

temperature.

3. Turn the engine off. Wait a few 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 between the H and L marks. If the oil is below the L mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the opening. Do not overfill.

level

6. Recheck the 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 sever- ity of operating conditions.

7-5

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CAUTION

c Oil

level should be checked regu- larly. Operating with an insufficient amount of oil can damage the en- gine, and such damage is not cov- ered by warranty.

If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and replace it at this time. See ‘‘Chang- ing the oil filter’’ later in this section.

WARNING

c Be careful not to burn yourself, as

the engine oil is hot.

c Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer.

c Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.

c Keep used engine oil out of reach of

children.

ADI0057

CHANGING ENGINE OIL 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

apply the parking brake.

2. Run the engine until it reaches operating

temperature, then turn it off.

Waste oil must be disposed of properly. Check your local regulations.

3. Place a large drain pan under the drain

plug.

4. Remove the oil filler cap. 5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and

completely drain the oil.

6. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a wrench.

7-6

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Drain plug tightening torque:

22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm)

Do not use excessive force.

7. Refill the engine with a recommended oil and install the cap securely. See the ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section for refill capacity.

8. Start

the engine. Check for

leakage around the drain plug. Correct as re- quired.

9. Turn the engine off and wait several level with the

minutes. Check the oil dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.

ADI0010

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

apply the parking brake.

4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur- face with a clean rag. Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket remaining on the mounting surface of the engine.

5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter

with clean engine oil.

6. Screw the oil filter in until a slight resis- then tighten additionally

tance is felt, more than 2/3 turn.

7. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required. 8. Turn the engine off and wait several minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if necessary.

2. Turn the engine off. 3. Loosen the oil

filter wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.

filter with an oil

CAUTION

Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil may be hot.

7-7

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF)

ADI0572

ADI0573

ADI0582

WARNING

c When engine is running, keep hands, jewelry and clothing away from any moving parts such as cool- ing fan and drive belt.

c Automatic transmission fluid is poi- sonous and should be stored care- fully in marked containers out of the reach of children.

TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FOR CHECKING ATF c Check the fluid level using the HOT range on the dipstick after the following conditions have been met:

— The engine is warmed up to operating

temperature.

— The vehicle is driven at least 15 minutes. — The automatic transmission fluid is warmed to between 151°F and 171°F (66°C to 77°C).

c The fluid can be checked at fluid tem-

7-8

peratures of 70°F to 95°F (21°C to 35°C) using the COLD range on the dipstick after the engine is warmed up and before driving. However, the fluid should be re-checked using the HOT range.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

set the parking brake.

2. Start the engine, then move the gearshift lever through the range of gears, ending in P (Park).

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time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot weather, or if it is being used to pull a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot be read. You should wait until the fluid has cooled down (about 30 minutes).

3. Check the fluid level with the engine

idling.

4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean

with lint-free paper.

5. Reinsert the dipstick into the charging

pipe as far as it goes.

6. Remove the dipstick and note the read- ing. If the level is at the low side of either range, add fluid to the charging pipe.

CAUTION

Transmission

DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Nissan Matic ‘D’ (Continen- tal U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Automatic Fluid (Canada). Dexron® III/Mercon® or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, recommended brand(s) of Dexron® III/Mercon® or Dexron® IIE/Mercon® Automatic Trans- mission Fluid.

including

NOTE: If the vehicle has been driven for a long

7-9

POWER STEERING FLUID

ADI0017

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. The fluid level should be checked by looking at the MAX and MIN lines at fluid tempera- tures of 32°F to 86°F (0°C to 30°C). If the fluid is below the MIN line, add auto- matic transmission fluid type F up to the MAX line.

CAUTION

c Do not overfill. c The recommended fluid is type F automatic transmission fluid or equivalent.

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BRAKE FLUID

WINDOW WASHER FLUID

ADI0018

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is below the MIN line or the brake warning light comes on, add DOT 3 fluid up to the MAX line. fluid must be added frequently, the system should be thoroughly checked by your NISSAN dealer. For further brake fluid specification information, refer to the ‘‘Technical and Consumer Information’’ section in this manual.

If

WARNING Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or contaminated fluid may damage the brake system. The use of improper flu- ids can damage the brake system and affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.

CAUTION

Do not spill the fluid on painted sur- faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is spilled, wash with water.

ADI0019

Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning light comes on. To check the fluid level, look down the fill tube of the washer fluid reser- voir in the engine compartment. To add fluid, remove the reservoir cap and refill the reservoir. This reservoir serves both the front and rear washer systems.

CAUTION

Do not substitute engine anti-freeze coolant for window washer solution. This may result in damage to the paint.

7-10

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BATTERY

c Keep the battery surface clean and dry. Any corrosion should be washed off with a solution of baking soda and water.

c Make certain the terminal connections

are clean and securely tightened.

c If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or longer, disconnect the negative (−) battery terminal cable to prevent dis- charge.

WARNING

c Do not expose the battery to flames or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas generated by battery action is explo- sive. Do not allow battery fluid to contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or painted surfaces. After touching a battery or battery cap, do not touch or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash your hands. If the acid contacts your eyes, skin or clothing, immediately flush with water for at least 15 min- utes and seek medical attention

c When working on or near a battery, always wear suitable eye protection and remove all jewelry.

c Keep the battery out of the reach of

children.

ADI0037

it

Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be between the MAX and MIN lines. If is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled water to bring the level to the indi- cator in each filler opening. Do not overfill. 1. Remove the cell plugs using a suitable

tool.

2. Add distilled water up to the MAX level. 3. Tighten cell plugs.

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DRIVE BELTS

SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT

JUMP STARTING If jump starting is necessary, see the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section. If the engine does not start by jump starting, the battery may have to be replaced. Contact your NISSAN dealer.

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WARNING

WARNING

Be sure the ignition key is OFF. The engine could rotate unexpectedly.

Be sure the engine and ignition switch are off and that the parking brake is engaged securely.

1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is loose or in poor condition, have it replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN dealer.

2. Have the belts checked regularly for con- dition and tension in accordance with the maintenance schedule in this manual.

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CAUTION

Be sure to use the correct socket to remove the plugs. An incorrect socket can cause damage.

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information’’ section.) Adjust quired.

it as re-

4. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the spark plug socket and install them. Turn each plug several full turns by hand, then tighten with a spark plug socket to the correct torque. Do not overtighten. Spark plug tightening torque:

14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 Nzm)

5. Holding the boot, re-connect each high tension cable to its proper spark plug by pushing it on until you feel a snap.

AIR CLEANER HOUSING FILTER

ADI0579

The filter should not be cleaned and reused. Replace it according to the maintenance intervals shown in the ‘‘Maintenance sched- ule’’ section. When replacing the filter, un- clip the four clamps and remove the filter. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing and the cover with a damp cloth when replacing filter.

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DI1017M

1. Disconnect the spark plug cables from

the spark plugs.

When disconnecting, always hold the boots, not the cables. 2. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug socket. The plug socket has a rub- ber seal that holds the spark plug so it does not fall when it is pulled out. Make sure each spark plug is snugly fitted into the plug socket.

3. Check the gap on each new spark plug with a feeler gauge. (The spark plug gap is shown in the ‘‘Technical and consumer

WIPER BLADES

WARNING

Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner off.

DI1018M

cleaning the blades and using the wipers, replace the blades. REPLACEMENT 1. Lift the wiper arm away from the wind-

shield.

2. Push the lock pin, then remove the wiper

blade.

3. Insert the new wiper blade to the wiper

arm until it clicks into place.

CLEANING If your windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax or other mate- rial may be on the blade or windshield. Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear water. Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter- gent. Then, rinse the blade with clear water. If your windshield is still not clear after

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CAUTION

c After wiper blade replacement, re- turn the wiper arm to its original position.

c Otherwise it may be damaged when

the engine hood is opened.

c Make sure the wiper blade contacts the glass, otherwise the arm may be damaged from wind pressure.

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Rear wiper blade replacement 1. Lift the wiper arm away from the wind-

shield.

2. Push in the lock pin with a suitable tool,

then pull up on the blade.

3. Insert a new wiper blade onto the wiper arm and press down until the blade clicks into place.

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PARKING BRAKE CHECK

BRAKE PEDAL

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ADI0027

From the released position, push the park- ing brake foot lever down. If the number of clicks is out of the range listed above, see your NISSAN dealer.

With the engine running, check the distance between the upper surface of the pedal and the floor. If it is out of the range shown above, see your NISSAN dealer. Self-adjusting brakes Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting brakes. The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the brake pedal is applied. The rear drum-type brakes also self-adjust every time the brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal goes down farther than normal, see your NISSAN dealer

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WARNING

See your NISSAN dealer and have it checked if the brake pedal height does not return to normal.

Brake pad wear indicators The disc pads on your vehicle have audible wear indicators. When a brake pad requires replacement, it makes a high pitched scrap- ing or screeching sound when the vehicle is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator sound is heard. Under some driving or climate conditions, occasional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to moderate stops is nor- mal and does not affect the function or performance of the brake system. The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do not have audible wear indicators. Should you ever hear an unusually loud noise from the rear drum brakes, have them inspected as soon as possible by your NISSAN dealer.

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Proper brake inspection intervals should be followed. For more information regard- ing brake inspections, see the appropriate maintenance schedule information in the ‘‘Maintenance schedule’’ section of this manual.

BRAKE BOOSTER

FUSES

Check the brake booster function as fol- lows: 1. With the engine off, press and release times. When the brake pedal several brake pedal movement (distance of travel) remains the same from one pedal application to the next, continue on to the next step.

2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the engine. The pedal height should drop a little.

3. With the brake pedal depressed, turn the engine off. Keep the pedal depressed for about 30 seconds; the pedal height should not change.

4. Run the engine for one minute without depressing the brake pedal, then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several times. The pedal travel distance will de- crease gradually with each depression as the vacuum is released from the booster.

If the brakes do not operate properly, see your NISSAN dealer.

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Engine compartment (headlight fuses)

CAUTION

Never use a fuse of a higher amperage rating than that specified on the fuse box cover. This could damage the elec- trical system or cause a fire.

If a headlight does not come on, check for an open fuse: The left headlight (driver’s side) fuse is located in the right-hand fuse box, found in

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the right-front corner of the engine compart- ment. The right headlight (passenger side) fuse is located in the left-hand fuse box, near the radiator cap.

FUSIBLE LINKS

If the electrical equipment does not operate and fuses are in good condition, check the fusible links. If any of these fusible links are melted, replace only with genuine NISSAN parts. If the new fusible link melts again, have the system checked and repaired by your NISSAN dealer.

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1. Turn the headlight switch to the OFF

position.

2. Open the engine hood. 3. Remove the appropriate fuse box cover. 4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller attached to the passenger compartment fuse box cover.

5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new

fuse.

6. If a new fuse opens again, have the electrical system checked and repaired by your NISSAN dealer.

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LIGHT BULBS

Passenger compartment CAUTION

Never use a fuse of a higher amperage rating than that specified on the fuse box cover. This could damage the elec- trical system or cause a fire.

If the electrical equipment does not operate, check for an open fuse: 1. Remove the key from the ignition. 2. Open the fuse box cover. Refer to the fuse label on the fuse box cover to locate

ADI0580

AEL076-A

the fuse in question.

3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. 4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new

fuse.

5. If a new fuse opens again, have the electrical system checked and repaired by your NISSAN dealer.

HEADLIGHTS The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which uses a replaceable headlight (halo- gen) bulb. A bulb can be replaced from inside the engine compartment without re- moving the headlight assembly.

CAUTION

c High pressure halogen gas is sealed inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may break if the glass envelope is scratched or the bulb is dropped.

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CAUTION

DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB. c Use the same number and wattage

as originally installed: Wattage 65/45
Bulb no. 9004

c Aiming is not necessary after replac- ing the bulb. When aiming adjust- ment is necessary, contact your NISSAN dealer.

c Do not leave the bulb out of the headlight reflector for a long period of time as dust, moisture and smoke may enter the headlight body and affect the performance of the head- light.

c When handling the bulb, do not

touch the glass envelope.

Removing the headlight bulb 1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable. 2. Disconnect the electrical connector from

the rear end of the bulb.

3. Turn the bulb retaining ring counterclock- it is free from the headlight

wise until reflector, then remove it.

4. Remove the headlight bulb by pulling it straight out. Do not shake or rotate the bulb when removing it.

Replacing the headlight bulb 1. Insert the bulb into the headlight reflector with the flat side of the plastic base facing upward.

2. Install the bulb retaining ring and turn it

clockwise until it stops.

3. Push the electrical connector into the bulb plastic base until it snaps and stops.

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BULB REPLACEMENT

Item

Wattage (W)

Bulb No.

Headlight (semi-sealed beam)

High/Low

Front combination light:

Front side marker light

Parking/Cornering

Front turn signal light

Rear combination light:

Turn signal

Stop/Tail

Back-up light

Rear side marker light

License plate light

High-mounted stop light

Interior lights

Personal reading light

Luggage compartment light

Steplight

Spotlight

65/45

3.8

8.25/27

27

27

27

27

3.8

3.8

12.8

12

9.8

12

3.8

10

9004

194

3157

3475

1156NA

1157

3156

194

194

912

211-2

208

211-2

194

—

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ADI0044

Replacement procedures All lights (except for headlights) are either type A, B, C or D. When replacing a bulb, first remove the lens and/or cover.

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7-23

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7-24

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WHEELS AND TIRES

DI1033M

If you have a flat tire, see the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section. Maximum inflation pressure Do not exceed the maximum inflation pres- sure shown on the side wall of the tire. Tire inflation pressure Periodically check the tire pressure (includ- ing spare). Incorrect tire pressure may ad- versely affect tire life and vehicle handling. Tire pressure should be checked when tires are COLD. Tires are considered COLD after the vehicle has been parked for three or

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more hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km). COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed to the glove box door.

WARNING

c The vehicle capacity weight is indi- cated on the tire placard. Do not load your vehicle beyond this capacity. Overloading your vehicle may result in reduced tire life, unsafe operating con- ditions due to premature tire failure, or unfavorable handling characteristics and could also lead to a serious acci- dent. Loading beyond the specified ca- pacity may also result in failure of other vehicle components.

c Before taking a long trip, or whenever you have loaded your vehicle heavily, use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that the tire pressure is at the speci- fied level.

c Do not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (140 km/h) unless it is equipped with high speed capability tires. Driving faster than 85 MPH (140
km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury.

Types of tires

CAUTION

When changing or replacing tires, be sure all four tires are of the same type (i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and con- struction. Your NISSAN dealer may be able to help you with information about tire type, size, speed rating and availabil- ity. Replacement tires may have a lower speed rating than the factory equipped tires, and may not match the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the tire.

All Season tires NISSAN specifies All Season tires to pro- vide good performance all year, including snowy and icy road conditions. All Season Tires are identified by ‘‘ALL SEASON’’ and/or ‘‘M&S’’ on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction than All Season tires and may be more appropriate in some areas. Snow tires If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and load rating

7-26

to the original equipment tires. If you do not, it can adversely affect the safety and han- dling of your vehicle. Generally, snow tires have lower speed ratings than factory equipped tires and may not match the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the tire. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some states and provinces prohibit their use. Check lo- cal, state and provincial laws before install- ing studded tires. Skid and traction capabili- ties of studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non- studded snow tires. Tire chains Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord- ing to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer’s sug- gestions. Use only SAE Class ‘‘S’’ chains. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight

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fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibil- ity of whipping action damage to the fenders or undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Do not exceed maximum speed suggested by the chain manufacturer. Otherwise, your ve- hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle han- dling and performance may be adversely affected. Never install tire chains on T-type and small size spare tires. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.

WARNING

c After rotating the tires, adjust the tire

pressure.

c Retighten the lug nuts after

the wheels have been run for the first 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire, etc.).

c Do not include the T-type spare tire or any other small size spare tire in the tire rotation.

ADI0656

Tire rotation NISSAN recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Tighten wheel nuts to 72 to 87 ft-lb (98 to 118 Nzm). See ‘‘Flat tire’’ in the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section for tire replacing procedures.

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DI1035M

Tire wear and damage

WARNING

c Tires should be periodically in- spected for wear, cracking, bulging, or objects caught in the tread. If excessive wear, cracks, bulging, or deep cuts are found, the tire should be replaced. c The original

tires have a built-in tread wear indicator. When the wear indicator is visible, the tire should be replaced.

c Improper service for a T-type spare tire may result in serious personal injury. If it is necessary to repair the T-type spare tire, contact your NISSAN dealer.

Changing tires and wheels When replacing a tire, use the same size, speed rating and load carrying capacity as originally equipped. Recommended types and sizes are shown in ‘‘Wheels and tires’’ in the ‘‘Technical and consumer informa- tion’’ section.

WARNING

c The use of tires other than those recommended or the mixed use of tires of different brands, construc- tion (bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread patterns can adversely affect the ride, braking, handling, ground clearance, body-to-tire clearance, snow chain clearance, speedometer calibration, aim and bumper height. Some of these ef- fects may lead to accidents and could result in serious personal injury.

headlight

7-28

c If the wheels are changed for any reason, always replace with wheels which have the same offset dimen- sion. Wheels of a different offset could cause early tire wear, possibly degraded vehicle handling charac- teristics and/or interference with the brake discs/drums. Such interfer- ence can lead to decreased braking efficiency and/or early brake pad/ shoe wear.

c Do not install a deformed wheel or tire even if it has been repaired. Such wheels or tires could have structural damage and could fail without warn- ing.

Wheel balance Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han- dling and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they should be balanced as required. Wheel balance service should be performed with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balanc- ing the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to transmission damage.

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CAUTION

c Do not use tire chains on a T-type spare tire. Tire chains will not fit properly on the T-type spare tire and may cause damage to the vehicle.

c Because the T-type spare tire is smaller than the original tire, ground clearance is reduced. To avoid dam- age to the vehicle do not drive over obstacles. Also do not drive the ve- hicle through an automatic car wash since it may get caught.

Care of wheels c Wash the wheels when washing the ve-

hicle to maintain their appearance.

c Clean the inner side of the wheels when the wheel is changed or the underside of the vehicle is washed.

c Do not use abrasive cleaners when

washing the wheels.

c Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire bead. c NISSAN recommends waxing the road wheels to protect against road salt in areas where it is used during winter.

Spare tire (T-type spare tire) Observe the following precautions if the T-type spare tire must be used, otherwise your vehicle could be damaged or involved in an accident.

WARNING

c The T-type spare tire should be used only for emergency. It should be re- placed by the standard tire at the first opportunity.

c Drive carefully while the T-type spare tire is installed. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking while driving.

c Periodically check tire inflation pres- sure, and always keep it at 60 psi (420 kP, 4.2 bar).

c Do not drive your vehicle at speeds

faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).

c When driving on roads covered with snow or ice, the T-type spare tire should be used on the rear wheel and the original tire used on the front wheels (drive wheels). Use tire chains only on the front two original tires.

c Tire tread of the T-type spare tire will wear at a faster rate than the original tire. Replace the T-type spare tire as soon as the tread wear indicators appear.

c Do not use the T-type spare tire on

other vehicles.

c Do not use more than one T-type

spare tire at the same time.

c Do not tow a trailer while the T-type

spare tire is installed.

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8 Maintenance schedule

General maintenance.............................................8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................................8-2
Inside the vehicle ...................................................8-3
Under the hood and vehicle...................................8-4

Periodic maintenance schedules ...........................8-5
Schedule 1 .............................................................8-5
Schedule 2 .............................................................8-5
Explanation of maintenance items.......................8-10

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Your new NISSAN has been designed to have minimum maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to save you both time and money. However, some day- to-day and regular maintenance is essential to maintain your NISSAN’s good mechani- cal condition, as well as its emission and engine performance. It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified maintenance, as well as gen- eral maintenance, is performed. As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper maintenance care. You are a vital link in the maintenance chain. General maintenance General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during normal day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They are essential if your vehicle is to continue to operate properly. It is your responsibility to perform these procedures regularly as pre- scribed. These checks or inspections can be done by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, your NISSAN dealer.

Periodic maintenance The maintenance items listed in this section must be serviced at regular intervals. However, under severe driving conditions, additional or more frequent maintenance is required. Where to go for service If maintenance service is required or your vehicle appears to malfunction, have the systems checked and tuned by an autho- rized NISSAN dealer. NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe- cialists and are kept up to date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership training programs. They are completely qualified to work on NISSAN’s vehicles be- fore they work on your vehicle, rather than after they have worked on it. You can be confident that your NISSAN dealer’s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance require- ments on your vehicle — in a reliable and economic way.

8-2