brake fluid NISSAN ALTIMA 2013 L33 / 5.G User Guide

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-9
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Engine oil ........................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level .......................8-10
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-13
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-14
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-14
Brake fluid .................................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-15
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-18
Variable voltage control system .....................8-18
Drive belt ........................................ 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-20Replacing spark plugs
......................... 8-20
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-20
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-21
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-21
Cleaning ..................................... 8-21
Replacing .................................... 8-22
Brakes .......................................... 8-23
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-23
Brake pad wear indicators ......................8-23
Fuses ........................................... 8-23
Engine compartment ........................... 8-24
Passenger compartment .......................8-25
Battery replacement .............................. 8-27
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................8-27
Lights ........................................... 8-28
Headlights .................................... 8-28
Front park

light ................................ 8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped) ......................8-29
Park/turn signal lights .......................... 8-30
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-32
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-35
Tire pressure . . . ............................... 8-35
Tire labeling ................................... 8-39

Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery* Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations that
can lead to potential battery discharge and
potential no-start conditions such as: 1. In-
stallation or extended use of electronic ac-
cessories that consume battery power when
the engine is not running (Phone chargers,
GPS, DVD players, etc.) 2. Vehicle is not
driven regularly and/or only driven short dis-
tances. In these cases, the battery may need
to be charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid levels*
Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MIN and MAX lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See “Ex-
haust gas (carbon monoxide)” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual. 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 if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield-washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

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
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector to
P (Park) .
● Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
● If 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.
● It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle. ●
Your 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.
●
If 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.
● Never 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.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
● On 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
●Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down. ●
Avoid 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.
● Never leave the engine or the CVT re-
lated component harness connector
disconnected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
● Never 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

QR25DE engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air cleaner
6. Fuse block/ Fusible links
7. Battery
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Radiator cap
10. Drive belt location
11. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
LDI2111
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself

VQ35DE engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air cleaner
6. Fuse block/ Fusible links
7. Battery
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Radiator cap
10. Drive belt location
11. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
LDI2112
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7

Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked when the fluid
is cold at fluid temperatures of 0 to 30ºC (32 to
86ºF) . The fluid level can be checked with the
level gauge which is attached to the cap. To
check the fluid level, remove the cap. The fluid
level should be between the MAX
1and MIN2
lines.
If the fluid is below the MIN
2line, add Genuine
NISSAN E-PSF. Remove the cap and fill through
the opening.
CAUTION
● Do not overfill.
● Use of a power steering fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN E-PSF will prevent the
power steering system from operating
properly.
● Power steering fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of the reach of children. For further brake fluid specification information,
refer to “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
WARNING
●
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake systems.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
● Clean the filler cap before removing.
● Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
LDI2126
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself

BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT
3 fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add windshield-washer fluid when the low
windshield-washer fluid warning light comes on.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir and pour the windshield-
washer fluid into the reservoir opening.
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
windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.
WARNING
Anti-freeze is 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 windshield-washer fluid.
This may result in damage to the paint.
● Do not fill the windshield-washer fluid
reservoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl al-
cohol based washer fluid concentrates
may permanently stain the grille if
spilled while filling the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.LDI2125LDI2116
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15

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 18 gal 15 gal 68.0See “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *6 Drain and RefillWith oil filter change QR25DE 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6For QR25DE engine models:
Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
Viscosity SAE 0W-20 *1 *9
For VQ35DE engine models:
Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1, *7
Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *1, *7
VQ35DE 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Without oil filter
change QR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
VQ35DE 4-3/4 qt 4 qt
4.5
Cooling system With reservoir QR25DE 2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 gal 7.9 Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
VQ35DE 2-3/8 gal 2 gal 9.2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 *2
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper level according to the in-
structions in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.*8 Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent.*3
Brake fluid Genuine 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 ——— Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *5
Windshield-washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid
or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” in this section.
*2: Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 will damage the CVT, which is not covered by
the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*3: Use of a power steering fluid other than Genuine NISSAN E-PSF will prevent the power steering system from operating properly.
*4: Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations” in this section.
*6: For further details, see “Engine oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
*7: NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Oil available at a NISSAN dealer. As an alternative to this recommended oil, SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 conventional petroleum oils
may be used and meet all specifications and requirements necessary to maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
*8: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
*9: As an alternative to this recommended oil, SAE 5W-30 conventional petroleum oils may be used and meet all specifications and requirements necessary to maintain the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-32
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system). .1-37
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-44
Airbagwarninglight...........1-52,2-14
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-20
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-24
Air conditioner service ...........4-32
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-21,4-30
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-32
Airflowcharts..................4-25
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-26
Anchor point locations .............1-23
Antenna.....................4-72
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-32
Armrests .....................1-7
Audible reminders ...............2-16
Audio system ..................4-32
Bluetooth®audio.......4-65,4-66,4-67
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-43, 4-48, 4-54
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD)player.................4-41 FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player
..............4-46,4-51
Audio System iPod®Player.............4-60,4-62
Audio system Radio ....................4-32
USB interface ............4-57,4-58
Autolight switch .................2-31
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-44
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-17
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-34
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
AUXjack..............4-44,4-49,4-56
B
Battery ......................8-16
Chargewarninglight............2-11
Before starting the engine ...........5-11
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-19
Block heater Engine ....................5-36
Bluetooth®audio.........4-65,4-66,4-67
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system ...............4-73,4-88,4-99
Boosterseats..................1-33
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-32
Brake fluid ..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-32
Brake system ................5-31 Brake warning light
.............2-11
Brake wear indicators ........2-16,8-23
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-23
Brakes ......................8-23
Break-inschedule ...............5-28
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-11
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-33
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-10
Bulbreplacement................8-32
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-73
CDcareandcleaning .............4-70
CD player (See audio system) . .4-43, 4-48, 4-54
Check tire pressure ...............2-25
Child restraints .......1-17,1-18,1-19,1-21
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-19,1-25,1-30,1-33
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-23
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
C h

imes,audiblereminders...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ......................4-42 (models without navigation system) ....4-42
Clockset ....................4-42
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11

Cold weather driving..............5-35
Compact disc (CD) player ....4-43,4-48,4-54
Compass display .................2-6
Console box ...................2-41
Console light ...................2-47
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). . .5-13 Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-13
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-17
Controlpanelbuttons...............4-4 Brightness/contrast button .........4-11
Enterbutton..................4-4
Setting button .................4-7
Controls Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-21,4-30
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosionprotection ...............7-6
Cruise control ..................5-26
Cupholders...................2-40
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-33
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-29
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9 Dimmer switch for instrument panel
......2-33
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-4
Door locks .....................3-4
Drive belt .....................8-19
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-35
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-29
Emission control information label .......9-12
Emission control system warranty .......9-18
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-11
Block heater .................5-36
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Changing engine oil .............8-11
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-8
Engineoil...................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-6
Engine serial number ............9-11
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine .............5-12
Enterbutton....................4-4 Eventdatarecorders ..............9-20
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)
.........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-26
Eyeglass case ..................2-39
F
Flashers (See

hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat tire .......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)fluid..................8-13
Engine coolant .................8-8
Engine oil ...................8-10
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-11
Foglightswitch .................2-34
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-44
Front seats .....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-29
Fuel-filler door and cap ...........3-30
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever ......3-30
Fuelgauge...................2-5
Fuel octane rating ...............9-4
Fuel recommendation .............9-3
Loose fuel cap warning ........2-25,3-30
Fuses.......................8-23
10-2