MAINTENANCE GI

MODIFICATION NOTICE:
SECTION MA EM

LC

I VG33E engine has been introduced for Australia. EC

I Automatic transmission models equipped with QD32 engine have been introduced.
I However, since the periodic maintenance schedule and maintenance procedures on chassis and body
maintenance have not been changed, except for the air bag system, refer to D22 Service Manual supple- FE
ment-II and supplement-III, 1st Revision.
I Periodic maintenance on the air bag system has been deleted because the reliability of the air bag sys-
tem has been confirmed for the vehicle’s usable life. CL

MT
CONTENTS
AT
PREPARATION................................................................2 Checking Cooling System ...........................................9
Special Service Tools ..................................................2 Checking Fuel Lines ..................................................10
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ............................................3 Changing Fuel Filter ..................................................10 TF
VG33E Engine and Emission Control Changing Air Cleaner Filter .......................................11
Maintenance ................................................................3 Changing Engine Oil..................................................11
Maintenance Under Severe Driving Conditions ..........4 Changing Oil filter ......................................................12 PD
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS.............5 Changing Spark Plugs...............................................13
Fluids and Lubricants ..................................................5 Checking Ignition Wires.............................................14
FA
Checking Vapor Lines................................................15
VG33E CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE .......................16

ENGINE MAINTENANCE ................................................6

Checking Exhaust System.........................................16 RA
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ..........17
Checking Drive Belts ...................................................6 Engine Maintenance ..................................................17
Changing Engine Coolant............................................7 BR

ST

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BT

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MA-1
 PREPARATION

Special Service Tools

Tool number Engine application

Description
Tool name VG33E
KV10115801 Removing and installing oil filter
Oil filter cap wrench

NT362

EG17650301 Adapting radiator cap tester to

Radiator cap tester radiator filler neck
adapter

X
a: 28 (1.10) dia.
b: 31.4 (1.236) dia.
c: 41.3 (1.626) dia.
NT564 Unit: mm (in)

MA-2
 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

The following tables show the normal maintenance schedule. Depending upon weather and atmospheric
conditions, varying road surfaces, individual driving habits and vehicle usage, additional or more frequent
maintenance may be required.
GI
Periodic maintenance beyond the last period shown on the tables requires similar maintenance.

VG33E Engine and Emission Control

Maintenance EM
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R= Replace, A = Adjust, C = Clean, D = Drain water and inspect, E = Check and correct
the engine coolant mixture ratio.
MAINTENANCE OPERATION MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
LC
Months — 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 Reference
Perform at the specified months or mileage page
km x 1,000 1 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
whichever comes first.
(Miles x 1,000) (0.6) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48)
EC
I. Engine common item VG33E
Drive belts I I MA-6
Engine coolant (Use Nissan Genuine Engine Coolant
or equivalent in its quality)
See NOTE (1) E R MA-7 FE
Cooling system I I I I MA-9
Fuel lines I I MA-10
Air cleaner filter (Viscous paper type)★ R R MA-11
CL
Engine oil filter★ R R R R R R R R MA-12
II. Gasoline engine exclusive item MT
Engine oil (Use recommended oil)★ R R R R R R R R MA-11
Fuel filter★ R R MA-10
Spark plugs (Platinum-tipped type) Replace every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) MA-13
AT
Ignition wires I I MA-14
EVAP vapor lines (With carbon canister) I I MA-15
Timing belt Replace every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) EM section
TF
Heated oxygen sensor I I EC section

★: Maintenance items with “★” should be performed more frequently according to “Maintenance Under Severe Driving Con-
ditions”. PD
NOTE: (1) Use Nissan Genuine Engine Coolant, or equivalent in its quality, in order to avoid possible aluminum corrosion
within the engine cooling system caused by the use of non-genuine engine coolant. After first replacement, replace
every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) or 24 months.
FA

RA

BR

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MA-3
 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Under Severe Driving Conditions

The maintenance intervals shown on the preceding pages are for normal operating conditions. If the vehicle
is mainly operated under severe driving conditions as shown below, more frequent maintenance must be per-
formed on the following items as shown in the table.

Severe driving conditions (VG33E engine models)

A — Driving under dusty conditions
B — Driving repeatedly short distances
C — Towing a trailer or caravan
D — Extensive idling
E — Driving in extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high

Maintenance operation: Check = Check and correct or replace as necessary.

Driving Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Reference
condition item operation interval page

A B C D . Engine oil & oil filter Replace Every 3 months or 5,000 km MA-11, 12
(3,000 miles)

A . . . . Air cleaner filter Viscous paper type Replace More frequently MA-11

A . . . E Fuel filter Replace Every 20,000 km MA-10

(12,000 miles) or 12 months

MA-4
 RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS

Fluids and Lubricants

GI
Capacity (Approximate)

Imp Recommended Fluids/Lubricants

Liter
measure
Engine oil (Refill)
With oil filter
VG33E 3.3 2-7/8 qt
Except for Europe: EM
Gasoline engine: API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ or SL*1
QD32 2WD 7.2 6-3/8 qt
ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II, GF-III or SG+*1
4WD 6.9 6-1/8 qt
Diesel engine: API CC, CD, CE, CF and CF-4*5
Without oil filter JASO DH-1
LC
VG33E 3.0 2-5/8 qt DHD-1
QD32 2WD 6.5 5-3/4 qt
4WD 6.2 5-1/2 qt EC
Cooling system (With reservoir)
Nissan Genuine Engine Coolant, or equivalent in
VG33E 8.2 7-1/4 qt its quality*2
QD32 9.4, 10.2*3, 10.3*4 8-1/4 qt, 9 qt*3, 9-1/8 qt*4 FE
2WD 2.8 4-7/8 pt
FS5R30A
Manual transmission 4WD 5.1 9 pt
API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 only
gear oil
FS5W71C
2WD 2.0 3-1/2 pt CL
4WD 4.9 8-5/8 pt
Automatic transmission
RE4R01A 8.5 7-1/2 qt Genuine Nissan ATF or equivalent*6
fluid
MT
Genuine Nissan ATF or equivalent*6 or API
Transfer fluid TX10A 2.2 2 qt
GL-4*1
Differential gear oil
AT
Standard differential gear: API GL-5*1
Front R180A 1.3 2-1/4 pt
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear: Gear Oil
Hypoid LSD
Rear C200 1.3 2-1/4 pt
(Part No.: KLD31-1400203) or equivalent*7 TF
TM
Power steering fluid — — Type DEXRON III or equivalent
Brake and clutch fluid — — DOT 3 (U.S. FMVSS No. 116)
Propeller shaft grease — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
PD
Multi-purpose grease — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)

*1: For further details, see “SAE Viscosity Number”. FA

*2: Use Nissan Genuine Engine Coolant, or equivalent in its quality, in order to avoid possible aluminum corrosion within the engine cooling system
caused by the use of non-genuine engine coolant.
Note that any repairs for the incidents within the engine cooling system while using non-genuine engine coolant may not be covered by
the warranty even if such incidents occurred during the warranty period. RA
*3: M/T models for Australia or M/T models with air conditioner
*4: A/T models
*5: Never use CG-4 grade oil. However, if JASO DH-1 grade approval is described with CG-4 grade on the oil container, this oil can be used.
*6: Contact a NISSAN dealership for more information regarding suitable fluid, including recommended brand(s) of DEXRONTMIII/MERCONTM Auto- BR
matic Transmission Fluid.
*7: API GL-5, SAE 140 and 10% volume of LSD Friction Modifier (Part No.: 38469-C6000) is an equivalent.

ST

RS

BT

HA

EL

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MA-5
ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E

Checking Drive Belts

SMA205CA

WARNING:
Be sure to perform when the engine is stopped.
1. Inspect for cracks, fraying, wear or oil adhesion. If necessary,
replace with a new one.
2. Inspect drive belt deflection by pushing on the belt midway
between pulleys.

I Inspect drive belt deflection when engine is cold.

I Adjust if belt deflection exceed the limit or if belt tension
is not within specifications.

Belt deflection:
Unit: mm (in)
Used belt deflection
Deflection of new
Deflection after belt
Limit
adjustment
Alternator and water pump 12 (0.47) 6 - 8 (0.24 - 0.31) 5 - 7 (0.20 - 0.28)
9 - 11
Air conditioner compressor 16 (0.63) 7 - 9 (0.28 - 0.35)
(0.35 - 0.43)
11 - 13 9 - 11
Power steering oil pump 17 (0.67)
(0.43 - 0.51) (0.35 - 0.43)
Applied pushing force 98 N (10 kg, 22 lb)

MA-6
 ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E

Changing Engine Coolant

WARNING: GI
I To avoid being scalded, never change the engine coolant
when the engine is hot.
I Wrap a thick cloth around cap and carefully remove the
cap. First, turn the cap a quarter of a turn to release
built-up pressure. Then turn the cap all the way.
EM
— DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT —
1. Move heater “TEMP” control lever all the way to “HOT”.
SMA195D I Make sure that air conditioner switch is “OFF”. LC
2. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator, and remove
radiator filler cap. EC
3. Remove reservoir tank, drain engine coolant, then clean reser-
voir tank.
Install it temporarily. FE
I Be careful not to allow engine coolant to contact drive
belts.
CL

MT
LMA048

4. Remove cylinder block drain plug on both sides and air relief
plug on heater hose. AT

TF

PD

FA
SMA207CB

RA

BR

ST

RS
SMA208CA

5. Check drained engine coolant for contaminants such as rust, BT

corrosion or discoloration.
If contaminated, flush engine cooling system.
Refer to “—FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM—”, MA-8. HA

EL

IDX
SMA860C

MA-7
 ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E
Changing Engine Coolant (Cont’d)
— REFILLING ENGINE COOLANT —
1. Install reservoir tank and cylinder block drain plugs, then close
radiator drain plug.
I Apply sealant to the thread of cylinder block drain plug.
Cylinder block drain plug:
: 34 - 44 N⋅m (3.5 - 4.5 kg-m, 25 - 32 ft-lb)
Radiator drain plug:
: 0.78 - 1.56 N⋅m (0.08 - 0.15 kg-m, 7 - 13 in-lb)

2. Fill radiator slowly with engine coolant until engine coolant spills
from the air relief plug hole on heater hose, then install air relief
plug.
Air relief plug
: 7 - 8 N⋅m (0.7 - 0.8 kg-m, 61 - 69 in-lb)
3. Fill radiator and reservoir tank to specified level as soon as
engine coolant spills out without bubbles.
I Use Nissan Genuine Engine Coolant or equivalent mixed
with water (distilled or demineralized).
I Pour coolant through coolant filler neck slowly to allow air
in system to escape.
SMA182B
Refer to “RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS”, MA-5.
Engine coolant capacity (With reservoir tank)
(Approximate):
8.2 (7-1/4 Imp qt)
Reservoir tank capacity (for MAX level):
0.8 (3/4 Imp qt)
4. Warm up engine to normal operating temperature with radiator
cap installed.
5. Run engine at 2,500 rpm for 10 seconds and return to idle
speed.
I Repeat two or three times.
Watch engine coolant temperature gauge so as not to overheat
SMA412B the engine.
6. Stop engine and cool it down.
I Cool down using a fan to reduce the time.
I If necessary, refill radiator up to filler neck with engine coolant.
7. Refill reservoir tank to Max line with engine coolant.
8. Repeat step 4 through step 7 two or more times until engine
coolant level no longer drops.
9. Check cooling system for leaks with engine running.
10. Warm up engine, and check for sound of engine coolant flow
while running engine from idle up to 3,000 rpm with heater
temperature control set at several positions between COOL
and HOT.
I Sound may be noticeable at heater water cock.
11. If sound is heard, bleed air from cooling system by repeating
steps 4 through 7 until engine coolant level no longer drops.
I Clean excess engine coolant from engine.

— FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM —

1. Open air relief plug on heater hose.
2. Fill radiator with water until water spills from the air relief hole
on heater hose, then close air relief plug. Fill radiator and res-
ervoir tank with water and reinstall radiator cap.
3. Run engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
4. Rev engine two or three times under no-load.
5. Stop engine and wait until it cools down.

MA-8
 ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E
Changing Engine Coolant (Cont’d)
6. Drain water.
7. Repeat steps 1 through 6 until clear water begins to drain from
radiator.
GI

EM

LC
Checking Cooling System
WARNING: EC
Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot; serious
burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator.
FE
Wrap a thick cloth around the cap and carefully remove the
cap by turning it a quarter turn to allow built-up pressure to
escape. Then continue turning the cap until it can be removed
CL
safety.
MT
CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM HOSES
Check hoses for improper attachment, leaks, cracks, damage,
loose connections, chafing and deterioration. AT
CHECKING RADIATOR
Check radiator for mud or clogging. If necessary, clean radiator as TF
follows.
I Be careful not to bend or damage the radiator fins.
I When radiator is cleaned without removal, remove all surround-
PD
ing parts such as cooling fan, radiator shroud and horns. Then
tape the harness and connectors to prevent water from enter-
ing.
FA
1. Apply water by hose to the back side of the radiator core ver-
tically downward. RA
2. Apply water again to all radiator core surfaces once per minute.
3. Stop washing if any stains no longer flow out from the radiator.
4. Blow air into the back side of radiator core vertically downward. BR
I Use compressed air lower than 490 kPa (4.9 bar, 5 kg/cm2, 71
psi) and keep distance more than 30 cm (11.8 in).
5. Blow air again into all the radiator core surfaces once per ST
minute until no water sprays out.

RS

CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS BT

To check for leakage, apply pressure to the cooling system with a
tester. HA
Testing pressure:
157 kPa (1.5 bar, 1.6 kg/cm2, 23 psi)
WARNING: EL
Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious
burns could occur from high pressure coolant escaping from
the radiator. IDX
CAUTION:
SMA990A Higher than the specified pressure may cause radiator dam-
age.
MA-9
 ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E
Checking Cooling System (Cont’d)
CHECKING RADIATOR CAP
1. Pull the negative pressure valve to open it and check that it
close completely when released.
I Check that there is no dirt or damage on the valve seat of the
radiator cap negative-pressure valve.
I Check that there are no abnormalities in the opening and clos-
ing conditions of the negative-pressure valve.

SMA967B

2. Check radiator cap relief pressure.

Standard:
78 - 98 kPa (0.78 - 0.98 bar, 0.8 - 1.0 kg/cm2, 11 -
14 psi)
Limit:
59 kPa (0.59 bar, 0.6 kg/cm2, 9 psi)
I When connecting the radiator cap to the tester, apply engine
coolant to the cap seal part.
I Replace the radiator cap if there is an abnormality in the nega-
tive-pressure valve, or if the open-valve pressure is outside of
the standard values.
SLC755AC

Checking Fuel Lines

Inspect fuel lines and tank for improper attachment and for leaks,
cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing and deterioration. If
necessary, repair or replace malfunctioning parts.

SMA215C

CAUTION:
Tighten high-pressure rubber hose clamp so that clamp end is
3 mm (0.12 in) from hose end.
Tightening torque specifications are the same for all rubber
hose clamps.
Ensure that screw does not contact adjacent parts.

SMA804AD

Changing Fuel Filter

WARNING:
Before removing fuel filter, release fuel pressure from fuel line
to eliminate danger.

MA-10
 ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E
Changing Fuel Filter (Cont’d)
1. Remove fuse for fuel pump (Without CONSULT-II).
2. Start engine.
3. Perform “FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE” in “WORK SUPPORT”
GI
mode to release fuel pressure to zero (With CONSULT-II).
4. After engine stalls, crank engine two or three times to make
sure that fuel pressure is released.
5. Turn ignition switch OFF (and install fuse for fuel pump when
CONSULT-II is not used). EM

SEF462Z LC
6. Loosen fuel hose clamps.
7. Replace fuel filter. EC
I Be careful not to spill fuel over engine compartment. Place
a shop towel to absorb fuel.
I Use a high-pressure type fuel filter. Do not use a synthetic FE
resinous fuel filter.
I When tightening fuel hose clamps, refer to “Checking Fuel
Lines”, MA-10. CL
8. Check for fuel leaks in the following manner.
a. Turn ignition switch ON (do not start engine), then check con-
nections for leaks by applying fuel pressure to fuel piping. MT
SMA922CA
b. Start engine and let it idle and make sure there are no fuel leaks
at fuel system connections.
AT

TF

PD

FA

Changing Air Cleaner Filter RA

The viscous paper type filter does not need cleaning between
renewals.
BR

ST

RS
SMA211C

Changing Engine Oil BT

WARNING:
I Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil is hot. HA
I Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may
cause skin cancer; try to avoid direct skin contact with
used engine oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly EL
with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.
1. Warm up engine, put vehicle horizontally and check for engine
oil leakage from engine components. IDX
2. Stop engine and wait for 15 minutes.
SMA200D 3. Remove drain plug and oil filler cap.
4. Drain engine oil.
MA-11
 ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E
Changing Engine Oil (Cont’d)
I Install drain plug and refill with new engine oil.
Oil capacity (Refill) (Approximate):
With oil filter change
3.3 (2-7/8 Imp qt)
Without oil filter change
3.0 (2-5/8 Imp qt)
CAUTION:
I Be sure to clean drain plug and install with new washer.
Oil pan drain plug:
: 29 - 39 N⋅m (3.0 - 4.0 kg-m, 22 - 29 ft-lb)
I Use recommended engine oil. Refer to MA-5.
I Since the refill capacity changes depending on the oil tem-
perature and drain time, use these value as a reference and
be certain to check the dipstick when changing the oil.

5. Check oil level.

6. Start engine and check area around drain plug and oil filter for
oil leakage.
7. Run engine for a few minutes, then it off. After several minutes,
check oil level.

SMA196D

Changing Oil filter

1. Remove oil filter with SST (KV10115801).
WARNING:
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine and engine oil
are hot.
CAUTION:
I Use genuine NISSAN oil filter or equivalent.
I When removing, prepare a shop cloth to absorb any
engine oil leakage or spillage.
I Do not allow engine oil to adhere to the drive belts.
I Completely wipe off any engine oil that adhere to the
engine and the vehicle.

MA-12
 ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E
Changing Oil filter (Cont’d)
2. Before installing a new oil filter, clean the oil filter mounting
surface on cylinder block, and coat the oil filter rubber seal with
a little engine oil.
GI

EM

SMA010 LC
3. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten
additionally more than 2/3 turn. EC
4. Add engine oil.
Refer to MA-11, “Changing Engine Oil”.
FE

CL

MT
SMA229B

Changing Spark Plugs AT

1. Disconnect ignition wires from spark plugs at boot. Do not pull
on the wire.
TF

PD

FA
SMA063C

2. Remove spark plugs with spark plug wrench (commercial ser- RA

vice tool).
Spark plug (Platinum-tipped type):
Symbol Make BR
Standard type PFR5G-11 NGK
Hot type PFR4G-11 NGK ST
Cold type PFR6G-11 NGK

I Use standard type spark plug for normal condition. RS

SEM294A The hot type spark plug is suitable when fouling occurs with the
standard type spark plug under conditions such as:
I frequent engine starts BT
I low ambient temperatures
The cold type spark plug is suitable when spark knock occurs with
the standard type spark plug under conditions such as: HA
I extended highway driving
I frequent high engine revolution
Gap (Nominal): 1.1 mm (0.043 in)
EL

IDX

MA-13
 ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E
Changing Spark Plugs (Cont’d)
CAUTION:
I Do not drop or shock spark plug.
I Do not use a wire brush for cleaning.
I If plug tip is covered with carbon, spark plug cleaner may
be used.
Cleaner air pressure:
Less than 588 kPa (5.88 bar, 6 kg/cm2, 85 psi)
Cleaning time:
Less than 20 seconds

SMA773C

I Checking and adjusting plug gap is not required between

change intervals.

SMA806C

3. Install spark plugs. Reconnect ignition wires according to Nos.

indicated on them.
When installing spark plugs to No. 2 and 4 cylinders, securely
fit each ignition wire mounting hole onto the ignition wire fix-
ing pin.
Spark plug:
: 20 - 29 N⋅m (2.0 - 3.0 kg-m, 14 - 22 ft-lb)

SMA127D

Checking Ignition Wires

1. Inspect wires for cracks, damage, burned terminals and for
improper fit.
2. Measure the resistance of wires and check for intermittent
breaks by shaking them.
Resistance: Less than 30 kΩ
If NG, replace ignition wires with a new one.

SMA197D

SMA198D

MA-14
 ENGINE MAINTENANCE VG33E

Checking Vapor Lines

1. Visually inspect vapor lines for improper attachment and for GI
cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing and deterioration.
2. Inspect vacuum relief valve of fuel tank filler cap for clogging,
sticking, etc.
Refer to EC section, “EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM”.
EM

SMA199D LC

EC

FE

CL

MT

AT

TF

PD

FA

RA

BR

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MA-15
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE VG33E

Checking Exhaust System

Check exhaust pipes, muffler and mounting for proper attachment,
leaks, cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing and deteriora-
tion.

SMA211A

MA-16
 SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) VG33E

Engine Maintenance
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT Oil capacity (Refill) (Approximate) GI
Unit:  (Imp qt)
Drive belt deflection
Unit: mm (in) With oil filter change 3.3 (2-7/8)

Used belt deflection Without oil filter change 3.0 (2-5/8)

Deflection of
Limit
Deflection after new belt EM
adjustment Coolant capacity (Approximate)
Alternator and 6-8 5-7 Unit:  (Imp qt)
12 (0.47)
water pump (0.24 - 0.31) (0.20 - 0.28)
Without reservoir tank 8.2 (7-1/4) LC
Air conditioner 9 - 11 7-9
16 (0.63) Reservoir tank 0.8 (3/4)
compressor (0.35 - 0.43) (0.28 - 0.35)

Power steering
17 (0.67)
11 - 13 9 - 11 EC
oil pump (0.43 - 0.51) (0.35 - 0.43)
Spark plug (Platinum-tipped type)
Applied pushing
98 N (10 kg, 22 lb)
force Standard type PFR5G-11 FE
Hot type PFR4G-11

Cold type PFR6G-11

CL
Gap (Nominal) mm (in) 1.1 (0.043)

MT

AT

TF

PD

FA

RA

BR

ST

RS

BT

HA

EL

IDX

MA-17