Explanation Of General Maintenance
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during the normal day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They are essential if the vehicle is to continue operating properly. The owners can perform these checks and inspections themselves or have their NISSAN dealers do them.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.
| Item | Refer to | |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | Check the pressure with a gauge often and always prior to long distance trips. Adjust the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear. | - |
| Wheel nuts | When checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary. | "ADJUSTMENT " |
| Tire rotation | Tires should be rotated every 7, 500 miles (12, 000 km). | "ADJUSTMENT " |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) transmitter components | Replace the TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the tires are replaced due to wear or age. | "SYSTEM DIAGRAM " |
| Wheel alignment and balance | If the vehicle should pull to either side while driving on a straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be needed. For additional information regarding tires, refer to "Important Tire Safety Information" (US) or "Tire Safety Information" (Canada) in the NISSAN Warranty Information Booklet. | "WHEELS: ADJUSTMENT " |
| Windshield | Clean the windshield on a regular basis. Check the windshield at least every six months for cracks or other damage. Repair as necessary. | |
| Windshield wiper blades | Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly. | - |
| Doors and engine hood | Check that all doors and the engine hood operate smoothly as well as the back hatch. Also make sure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the hood from opening when the primary latch is released. When driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently. |
"LOCKS, HINGES AND HOOD LATCH: LUBRICATING LOCKS, HINGES AND HOOD LATCHES " |
| Lamps | Make sure that the head lamps, stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, and other lamps are all operating properly and installed securely. Also check head lamp aim. Clean the head lamps on a regular basis. | "HEADLAMP: AIMING ADJUSTMENT " |
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
| Item | Refer to | |
|---|---|---|
| Warning lamps and chimes | Make sure that all warning lamps and chimes are operating properly. | "COMPONENT FUNCTION CHECK " |
| Windshield wiper and washer | Check that the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do not streak. | - |
| Windshield defroster | Check that the air comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient quantity when operating the heater or air conditioner. | - |
| Steering wheel | Check that it has the specified play. Check for changes in the steering condition, such as excessive play, hard steering or strange noises. Free play: Less than 35 mm (1.38 in) |
"ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION AND SERVICE " |
| Seats | Check seat position controls such as seat adjusters, seat back recliner, etc. to make sure they operate smoothly and that all latches lock securely in every position. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely in all latched positions. Check that the latches lock securely for folding-down rear seat backs. | - |
| Seat belts | Check that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) operate properly and smoothly and are installed securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage. | "SEAT BELT INSPECTION ", "SEAT BELT, BUCKLES, RETRACTORS, ANCHORS AND ADJUSTERS: CHECKING SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES, RETRACTORS, ANCHORS AND ADJUSTERS " |
| Accelerator pedal | Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure the pedal does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal. | - |
| Brakes | Check that the brake does not pull the vehicle to one side when applied. | - |
| Brake pedal and booster | Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure it has the proper distance under it when depressed fully. Check the brake booster function. Be sure to keep the floor mats away from the pedal. | "INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT - STANDARD PEDAL ", "INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT - ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ", "INSPECTION " |
| Parking brake | Check that the parking brake control has the proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill when only the parking brake is applied. | "ON-VEHICLE SERVICE " |
| Automatic transmission "Park" mechanism | Check that the lock release button on the shift selector operates properly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely with the shift selector in the P (Park) position without applying the brakes. | - |
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically (e.g. each time you check the engine oil or refuel).
| Item | Refer to | |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield washer fluid | Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank. | - |
| Engine coolant level | Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. | ENGINE COOLANT (VQ40DE) ENGINE COOLANT (VK56DE) |
| Radiator and hoses | Check the front of the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the hoses have no cracks, deformation, deterioration or loose connections. | - |
| Brake fluid level | Make sure that the brake fluid level is between the "MAX" and "MIN" lines on the reservoirs | BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AND LEAKS |
| Battery | Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" lines. Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under severe conditions require frequent checks of the battery fluid level. | - |
| Engine drive belt | Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily. | "DRIVE BELTS: CHECKING DRIVE BELTS " (VQ40DE) "DRIVE BELTS: CHECKING DRIVE BELTS " (VK56DE) |
| Engine oil level | Check the level on the dipstick after parking the vehicle on level ground and turning off the engine. | PERIODIC MAINTENANCE (VQ40DE) PERIODIC MAINTENANCE (VK56DE) |
| Power steering fluid level and lines | Check the level on the reservoir with the engine off. Check the lines for improper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc. | "POWER STEERING FLUID AND LINES: CHECKING FLUID LEAKAGE " |
| Automatic transmission fluid level | Check the level on the dipstick after putting the shift selector in P (Park) with the engine idling. | "A/T FLUID: CHECKING THE A/T FLUID (ATF) " |
| EXHAUST SYSTEM | Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immediately locate the trouble and correct it. | EXHAUST SYSTEM: CHECKING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM |
| Underbody | The underbody is frequently exposed to corrosive substances such as those used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very important to remove these substances, otherwise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the exhaust system. At the end of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly flushed with plain water, being careful to clean those areas where mud and dirt can easily accumulate. | - |
| Fluid leaks | Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been parked for a while. Water dripping from the air conditioner after use is normal. If you should notice any leaks or gasoline fumes are evident, check for the cause and correct it immediately. | - |