NISSAN MURANO 2003 1.G Owners Manual

This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating difficul-
ties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage.If in doubt about any
servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.8-6
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Radiator filler cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Fuse/fusible link holder
10. Battery
SDI1492
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
cooling system additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a genuine NISSAN
anti-freeze coolant or equivalent with
the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-
freeze and 50% demineralized
water/distilled water. The use of other
types of coolant solutions may damage
your engine cooling system.Outside temperature
down to
Anti-
freezeDeminer-
alized
water/
distilled
water °C °F
−35 −30 50% 50%
WARNING

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait
until the engine and radiator cool
down.

See “If your vehicle overheats” in the
“6. In case of emergency” section.

The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVELCheck 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, add the coolant to
the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
SDI1493
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM8-8
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTContact your NISSAN dealer if replacement is
required.

Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by your NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.

Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING

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

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

Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Rein-
sert 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 level is below the L mark,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening.Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of
oil can damage the engine, and such
damage is not covered by warranty.
SDI0534
ENGINE OIL
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8-9


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CHANGING ENGINE OIL1. 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 andwait more than 10
minutes.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
5. Remove the oil filler cap.6. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See later in “Engine oil”
for changing engine oil filter.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.

Waste oil must be disposed of properly.

Check your local regulations.
7. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a
wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N⋅m)
Do not use excessive force.
8. Refill engine with recommended oil and in-
stall the cap securely.
CAUTION
Never pull out the oil level gauge while
filling engine oil.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section for drain and refill
capacity. The drain and refill capacity de-
pends on the oil temperature and drain time.
Use these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine the
proper amount of oil in the engine.
9. Start the engine.
Check for leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
10.Turn the engine off andwait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dip-
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.
11.Dispose of waste oil properly.
WARNING

Prolonged and repeated contact with
SDI0974
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.

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.

Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
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 in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten additionally more than 2/3
turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb (15 to 20 N⋅m)
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 neces-
sary.
SDI0975
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Contact your NISSAN dealer if checking or
replacement is required.
CAUTION

Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2. Do not mix with other fluids.

Using transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will
damage the CVT transmission, which
is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
The specified CVT fluid is also described on
caution labels located in the engine compart-
ment.Check the fluid level in the reservoir tank.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range at fluid temperatures of 122 to 176°F (50
to 80°C) or using the COLD range at fluid
temperatures of 32 to 86°F (0 to 30°C).
CAUTION

Do not overfill.

Use Genuine Nissan PSF or equiva-
lent.Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line or the brake warning light
comes on, addDOT 3fluid up to the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or con-
taminated fluid may damage the brake
system. The use of improper fluids can
damage the brake system and affect the
SDI1443
SDI1502
CVT FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID8-12
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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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.
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning light
comes on. Add a washer solvent to the water for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manu-
facturer’s instructions for the mixture ratio.
WARNING
Anti-freeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
SDI1494
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Keep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a solu-
tion of baking soda and water.

Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.

If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the (—) negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharging it.
WARNING

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.

Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the battery is low. Low battery fluid
can cause a higher load on the bat-tery which can generate heat, reduce
battery life, and in some cases lead
to an explosion.

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

Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.

Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX and MIN lines.
If the side of the battery is not visible, the
electrolyte level can be checked through each
filler opening as illustrated.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
1. Remove the cell plugs.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX level.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
DI0137M
BATTERY8-14
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JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “6. 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.
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN
dealer.2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension.
SDI1480
SDI0141
DRIVE BELTS
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