Note. The following procedures are used to check the liquid level every 400 km or weekly. Other fluid level checks can be described later in the Sections on specific maintenance procedures. Regardless of the scheduled check intervals, do not allow fluid to leak under the vehicle, as such leaks indicate a malfunction that should be corrected immediately.
Fluids are an integral part of the lubrication, cooling, braking and windshield washer systems. Due to the gradual consumption and/or contamination of fluids during normal vehicle operation, they should be replaced periodically. See the Section Types and Volumes of Lubricants and Fluids Used in Specifications, before adding fluid to any of the listed components.
Note: Whenever checking the fluid level, the vehicle must be on a level surface.
Engine oil
The engine oil level is checked using a dipstick located on the side of the engine. The dipstick passes through a metal tube down to the bottom of the engine oil pan.
The engine oil level is measured before starting the engine or at least 15 minutes after it is turned off.
Note: If you start measuring the engine oil level immediately after turning off the engine, some oil will remain in the upper part of the engine, which will significantly affect the accuracy of the dipstick readings.
1. Remove the dipstick and wipe the blade dry with a clean rag or paper towel. Insert the dipstick all the way back and remove it again. The height of the oil-wetted section of the blade will correspond to the oil level in the engine. This level should be in the grooved area on the dipstick (see illustration).
The oil level should be kept between the two marks, preferably at or close to the upper one - if not, add oil up to the upper mark.
2. It takes one liter of oil to raise the oil level from the minimum mark on the dipstick to the maximum. Do not allow the level to fall below the minimum mark, as oil starvation can cause engine damage. On the other hand, overfilling the engine with oil (topping up above the maximum mark) may cause spark plugs to become oily, oil leaks or seals to fail.
3. To add oil, unscrew the filler cap located on the cylinder head cover. After adding oil, wait a few minutes for the oil level to stabilize, then remove the dipstick and check the level again. Add more oil if necessary. Close the filler cap and tighten it by hand.
The oil filler cap is located in the cylinder head cover - make sure the area around the filler cap is clean each time before opening it.
Topping up engine oil.
3. Checking the oil level is an important preventive procedure. A constant drop in the oil level indicates either leaks through damaged seals or loose connections, or its burning out (internal leaks through worn piston rings or through valve guides). In addition, you should pay attention to the condition of the oil itself. If the oil is milky or if drops of water can be seen in its composition, this indicates a possible leak in the cylinder head gasket or a crack in the head or cylinder block. In this case, the engine should be repaired immediately. Each time you measure the oil level, before wiping the dipstick blade, run your thumb and forefinger over it. If you find dirt or metal particles stuck to the dipstick, the oil should be replaced (see section Changing engine oil and oil filter).
Engine cooler
Warning! Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with your skin or the painted surfaces of your vehicle. If this does happen, wash off the antifreeze immediately with plenty of water. Antifreeze is extremely toxic if ingested. Never leave it unattended in an open container or spilled on the floor; children or animals may be attracted to its sweet smell and may drink it. Arrange with local authorities for disposal of used antifreeze.
All vehicles covered in this Manual are equipped with a compensating positive pressure cooling system. White plastic expansion tank (or coolant reservoir) is located in the engine compartment and is connected to the radiator by a hose. As the engine warms up during operation, the expanding coolant fills the tank. When the engine cools down, the coolant automatically flows back into the cooling system, which ensures that its level is maintained at a constant value.
Check the coolant level in the reservoir regularly. Add a 40%/60% mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water.
1. Remove the lid and add coolant.
Adding antifreeze mixture.
Caution! Do not remove the expansion tank filler cap or the radiator cap to check the coolant level until the engine has cooled down completely! The level in the reservoir fluctuates depending on the engine temperature. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be above the "LOW" mark on the reservoir. As the engine warms up, the coolant level should be above the "LOW" mark on the reservoir. engine the level should be close to the "FULL" mark. If it is not, let the engine cool down and then remove the cap from the reservoir.
2. Run the vehicle and measure the coolant level again. If only a small amount of coolant needs to be added to the required level, clean water can be used. However, frequent additions of water will dilute the antifreeze. To ensure the correct ratio of antifreeze to water, always add the correct mixture to the required level.
3. If the coolant level drops regularly, there may be a leak in the system. Inspect the radiator, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs and water pump (see section Draining, flushing and filling the cooling system). If no leaks are found, have the expansion tank cap and radiator checked for leaks at a NISSAN dealer service department.
4. If you need to remove the cover, wait until the engine has cooled down completely, then wrap a thick rag around the cover and unscrew it to the first stop. If steam or coolant starts escaping from under the cover, allow the engine to cool down a little more before removing the cover.
5. It is also necessary to check the condition of the cooler. It should be relatively clean. If the liquid is brown or rusty, it must be drained, the system flushed and filled with a new mixture. Even if the cooler looks normal, the corrosion inhibitors in its composition lose their effectiveness over time, so it should be replaced at certain intervals.
Brake fluid
Brake fluid can cause eye damage and damage the painted surfaces of your vehicle, so be extremely careful when handling it. Do not use brake fluid that has been open for a long time or that is more than one year old. Brake fluid tends to absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use only the recommended type of brake fluid. Mixing different types of fluid (such as DOT 3 or 4 and DOT 5) may result in failure of the braking system.
The brake master cylinder is located in the rear left corner of the engine compartment.
The brake fluid level is checked visually, using the marks on the plastic reservoir mounted on the master cylinder. The fluid level should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks. If the level is below the acceptable level, first wipe the top of the reservoir and the cap with a clean rag to prevent dirt from getting into the system after removing the cap. Top up to the required level with the recommended fluid, but do not overfill.
The brake fluid level should remain above the "MIN" mark on the translucent reservoir - remove the cap and top up the fluid.
1. While the reservoir cap is removed, check the fluid and master cylinder reservoir for contamination. If there are rust particles, dirt or water droplets, the system should be drained and new fluid should be added.
2. After filling the reservoir to the required level, make sure the lid is installed evenly to avoid liquid leakage and/or dirt ingress.
3. The fluid level in the master cylinder will drop slightly as the brake pads wear. There is no need to add more fluid as long as the level remains near the "MIN" mark; it will rise after replacing the linings. A very low level may indicate worn brake pads. Check them for wear (see section Checking the brake system).
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4. If the brake fluid level drops continuously, immediately check the entire system for leaks. Inspect the brake lines, hoses and fittings, together with the calipers, wheel cylinders and master cylinder (see section Checking the brake system).
5. If, when checking the fluid level, one or both reservoirs are found to be empty or nearly empty, the brake system must be checked for leaks and bled (see Chapter Wheel rotation).
Windshield washer fluid
The windshield washer fluid is located in a plastic reservoir in the engine compartment.
Adding fluid to the windshield washer reservoir
In temperate climates, the system can be filled with plain water, but the reservoir should be filled no more than two-thirds full to allow for expansion when the water freezes. In cold climates, use a special windshield washer antifreeze that lowers the freezing point of the fluid, which can be purchased at any auto accessory store. It is usually sold in concentrated or ready-mixed form. If you buy concentrated antifreeze, mix it with water according to the manufacturer's instructions on the package.
Warning! Do not use antifreeze in the cooling system - it will damage the painted surfaces of the car.