engine coolant NISSAN VERSA HATCHBACK 2008 1.G User Guide

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. For manual transmission
models, move the shift lever to N (Neu-
tral) . For Automatic Transmission (AT)
or CVT models, move the selector lever
to P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cYour vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition key is in the OFF position
and the engine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
cNever leave the engine or the transmis-
sion related component harness con-
nector disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “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 “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/02/08Ðdebbie
X

1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake and clutch (*1) fluid reservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Battery
5. Fuse/Fusible link box
6. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
dipstick (*2)
7. Radiator cap
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Drive belt location
11. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
*1: For Manual Transmission (M/T) model
*2: For Automatic Transmission (AT) model
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
WDI0631
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/03/08Ðcathy
X

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant to provide year-round anti-
freeze and coolant protection. The anti-freeze
solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors.
Additional engine cooling system additives are
not necessary.
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in “If your
vehicle overheats” found in the “In case
of emergency” section of this manual.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure
to use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or equivalent
with the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-
freeze and 50% demineralized or distilled
water. The use of other types of coolant
solutions or coolant colors, such as or-
ange, may damage the engine cooling
system.
Outside temperature
down toGenuine
NISSAN
Long Life
Antifreeze/
Coolant or
equivalentDemineral-
ized or dis-
tilled water
°C °F
-35 -30 50% 50%
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold.If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
s2, add coolant to the MAX level
s1. If the reservoir is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If
there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the
radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
s1.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
SDI1860
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/02/08Ðdebbie
X

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle 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. Re-
insert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) markss1. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
s2, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening.Do not overfill
s3.
6. Recheck oil level with the 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.
LDI0520SDI1597
ENGINE OIL
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/02/08Ðdebbie
X

WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
To check the fluid level, use your finger to plug the
center hole of the cap/tube assembly, then re-
move it from the reservoir. If there is no fluid in the
tube, add fluid.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
cDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
cDo not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
cPre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.cKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames or
electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener-
ated by the battery is explosive. 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 minutes
and seek medical attention.
cDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid in
the battery is low. Low battery fluid can
cause a higher load on the battery
which can generate heat, reduce bat-
tery life, and in some cases lead to an
explosion.
SDI1866
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/02/08Ðdebbie
X

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50.0 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91) *1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 4-1/8 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.9
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2
•Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *2
Without oil filter change 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
With reservoir 1-3/4 gal 1-1/2 gal 6.8 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid—— — Genuine NISSAN CVT fluid NS-2 *3
Manual transmission gear oil — — — ELF XT4447 M+ 75W-80 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-80
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.*8Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF or equivalent (if available)
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *4 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a) *5
Air conditioning system oil
M/T and AT — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent *6
CVT — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *6
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3:Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. 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.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: Never mix different types of fluids.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations.”
*7: For further details, see “Engine oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
*8: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/02/08Ðdebbie
X

C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-29
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-18
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . .5-17
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-12
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-17
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-27
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-23
Cup holders...................2-25
Curtain side-impact air bag system
(See supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag system)..........1-46
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-20
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-19
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-21
Door locks....................3-4
Door open warning light.............2-8
Drive belt....................8-17Driving
Cold weather driving............5-29
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-17
Driving with manual transmission.....5-20
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-25
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-17
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-11
Block heater.................5-31
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-8
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-12
Event data recorders..............9-19
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-25F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-22
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-13
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-12
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-21
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-42
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-25
Fuel gauge..................2-5
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-26
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-26
Fuses......................8-21
Fusible links...................8-23
10-2
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/03/08Ðdebbie
X

HATCHBACK
1. Engine coolant 8-7
2. Window washer fluid 8-14
3. Engine oil 8-8
4. Passenger supplemental air bag 1-35
5. Driver supplemental air bag 1-35
6. Fuel recommendation 9-3
7. Spare tire 6-2
8. Seat belts 1-7
9. Door locks 3-4
10. Seats 1-2
11. Meters and gauges 2-3
12. Fuel-filler door release 3-26,
Hood release 3-21
13. Audio system 4-10,
Heater and air conditioner 4-3
14. Battery 8-14
WGS0033
QUICK REFERENCE
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/03/08Ðdebbie
X

SEDAN
1. Engine coolant 8-7
2. Window washer fluid 8-14
3. Engine oil 8-8
4. Passenger supplemental air bag 1-35
5. Driver supplemental air bag 1-35
6. Fuel recommendation 9-3
7. Spare tire 6-2
8. Seat belts 1-7
9. Door locks 3-4
10. Seats 1-2
11. Meters and gauges 2-3
12. Fuel-filler door release 3-26,
Hood release 3-21
13. Audio system 4-10,
Heater and air conditioner 4-3
14. Battery 8-14
WGS0034
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/03/08Ðdebbie
X