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 they can 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps | Make sure that the headlamps, stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, and other lamps are all operating properly and installed securely. Also check headlamp aim. Clean the headlamps on a regular basis. | "WORK FLOW " |
| Tires | Check the pressure with a gauge often and always prior to a long distance trip. Adjust the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to the specified pressure. Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear. | "PRELIMINARY CHECK " |
| 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 trunk lid. 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 " |
| Tire rotation | Tires should be rotated every 10, 000 km (6, 000 miles). | "WHEELS: 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 age or wear or age. | "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. | "UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION " |
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | - |
| Brake pedal | 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 floor mats away from the pedal. | "INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT - STANDARD PEDAL " |
| Parking brake | Check that the lever 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 " |
| Warning lamps and chimes | Make sure that all warning lamps and chimes are operating properly. | - |
| Windshield defogger | Check that the air comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient quantity when operating the heater or air conditioning. | - |
| Windshield wiper and washer | Check that the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do not streak. | "SYSTEM DESCRIPTION " |
| 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) |
- |
| 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 " |
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. | "SYSTEM INSPECTION " (VQ40DE) "SYSTEM INSPECTION " (VK56DE) |
| Engine drive belts | Make sure that the drive belt are not 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 a level ground and turning off the engine. | "ENGINE OIL: INSPECTION " (VQ40DE) "ENGINE OIL: INSPECTION " (VK56DE) |
| Brake fluid levels | Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid levels are between the "MAX" and "MIN" lines on the reservoirs. | "BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AND LEAKS: CHECKING 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. | - |
| 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. | - |