tires NISSAN CUBE 2009 Owner's Manual

Black plate (244,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.Aluminum alloy wheelsWash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
.Do not use a cleaner that uses
strong acid or alkali contents to
clean the wheels.
.Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The
wheel temperature should be the
same as ambient temperature.
.Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.Wheels for Kro¯
m modelsThe wheels on Kro¯
m models use a different
coating process than typical aluminum alloywheels. These wheels require special cleaning.
CAUTION
.The surfaces of the wheels use a
different coating process than typi-
cal aluminum alloy wheels. Do not
use aluminum alloy wheel cleaners
or abrasive cleaners to clean the
wheels. Using such cleaners could
damage the wheel surfaces.
.Do not use an automatic car wash
for Kro¯
m models. The wheel coating
may be damaged.
.Do not use a brush to wash the
wheels on Kro¯
m models. The wheel
coating may be damaged.CHROME PARTSClean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.TIRE DRESSINGNISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tirewhile driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
.Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
.Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove) .
.Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is
completely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
.Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
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Appearance and care
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Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
Maintenance requirement..................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance................................... 8-2
General maintenance...................................... 8-2
Where to go for service................................... 8-2
General maintenance.......................................... 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items....................... 8-2
Maintenance precautions..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations...................... 8-6
MR18DE engine............................................ 8-6
Engine cooling system......................................... 8-7
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant................................. 8-8
Engine oil......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter............................ 8-9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid........ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid....................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid........................................ 8-12
Battery.......................................................... 8-13
Jump starting.............................................. 8-14
Variable voltage control system (if so equipped)...... 8-14
Drive belt....................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs.................................................... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs................................... 8-16Air cleaner...................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades.................................... 8-17
Cleaning.................................................... 8-17
Replacing................................................... 8-17
Rear window wiper blade................................... 8-18
Brakes........................................................... 8-18
Self-adjusting brakes.................................... 8-18
Brake pad wear warning................................ 8-18
Fuses............................................................ 8-19
Engine compartment..................................... 8-19
Passenger compartment................................ 8-21
Key battery replacement.................................... 8-22
Keyfob....................................................... 8-22
Intelligent Key.............................................. 8-23
Lights............................................................ 8-25
Headlights.................................................. 8-26
Exterior and interior lights............................... 8-27
Wheels and tires.............................................. 8-28
Tire pressure............................................... 8-28
Tire labeling................................................ 8-31
Types of tires.............................................. 8-33
Tire chains.................................................. 8-34
Changing wheels and tires............................. 8-35
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Black plate (251,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If
necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires,
including the spare, to the pressure specified.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive
wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components:Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.For additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brake pedal:Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer to
stop, see a NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism:On a fairly
steep hill, check that the vehicle is held securely
with the selector lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.
Parking brake:Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake needs
adjusted, see a NISSAN dealer.
Seat belts:Check 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
webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliners, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Black plate (276,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SDI2391
Map light
SDI1845
Ceiling light
SDI2392
Cargo light
If you have a flat tire, see “FLAT TIRE” in
the “6. In case of emergency” section.TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When
the low tire pressure warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) .
Also, this system may not detect a sudden drop
in tire pressure (for example a flat tire while
driving) .
For more details, see “Low tire pressure warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section, “TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section and “TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.Tire inflation pressureCheck the pressure of the tires (including
the spare) often and always prior to long
distance trips. The recommended tire
pressure specifications are shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label under
the “Cold Tire Pressure” heading. The TireWHEELS AND TIRES
8-28
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Black plate (277,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
and Loading Information label is affixed to
the driver side center pillar. Tire pressures
should be checked regularly because:.
Most tires naturally lose air over time.
.
Tires can lose air suddenly when driven
over potholes or other objects or if the
vehicle strikes a curb while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold. The tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle has
been parked for 3 or more hours, or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate
speeds.
Incorrect tire pressure, including un-
der inflation, may adversely affect tire
life and vehicle handling.
WARNING
.
Improperly inflated tires can fail
suddenly and cause an accident.
.
The Gross Vehicle Weight rating
(GVWR) is located on the F.M.V.
S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel. The vehicle weight capacity
is indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label. Donot load your vehicle beyond
this capacity. Overloading your
vehicle may result in reduced
tire life, unsafe operating condi-
tions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling
characteristics and could also
lead to a serious accident. Load-
ing beyond the specified capa-
city may also result in failure of
other vehicle components.
.
Before taking a long trip, or
whenever you heavily load your
vehicle, use a tire pressure
gauge to ensure that the tire
pressures are at the specified
level.
.
For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-29
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Black plate (278,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SDI2340
Tire and Loading Information label*1
Seating capacity: The maximum num-
ber of occupants that can be seated
in the vehicle.
*2
Vehicle load limit: See “
VEHICLELOADING INFORMATION” in the “9.
Technical and consumer information”
section.
*3
Original size: The size of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle at
the factory.
*4
Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires to
this pressure when the tires are cold.
Tires are considered COLD after the
vehicle has been parked for 3 or
more hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) at moderate speeds. The
recommended cold tire inflation is set
by the manufacturer to provide the
best balance of tire wear, vehicle
handling, driveability, tire noise, etc.,
up to the vehicle’s GVWR.
*5
Tire size — see “
TIRE LABELING”
later in this section.
*6
Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
8-30
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Black plate (279,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SDI1949
Checking the tire pressure1.
Remove the valve stem cap from the
tire.
2.
Press the pressure gauge squarely onto
the valve stem. Do not press too hard or
force the valve stem sideways, or air will
escape. If the hissing sound of air
escaping from the tire is heard while
checking the pressure, reposition the
gauge to eliminate this leakage.
3.
Remove the gauge.
4.
Read the tire pressure on the gauge
stem and compare it to the specifica-tion shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
5.
Add air to the tire as needed. If too
much air is added, press the core of the
valve stem briefly with the tip of the
gauge stem to release pressure. Re-
check the pressure and add or release
air as needed.
6.
Install the valve stem cap.
7.
Check the pressure of all other tires,
including the spare.
SIZECOLD TIRE
INFLATION
PRESSURE
FRONT
ORIGINAL
TIREP195/60R15
87H230 kPa,
33 PSI
P195/55R16
86V230 kPa,
33 PSI
REAR
ORIGINAL
TIREP195/60R15
87H230 kPa,
33 PSI
P195/55R16
86V230 kPa,
33 PSI
SPARE
TIRET125/70D15420 kPa,
60 PSI
SDI1575
Example
TIRE LABELINGFederal law requires tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the side-
wall of all tires. This information identifies
and describes the fundamental character-
istics of the tire and also provides the tire
identification number (TIN) for safety stan-
dard certification. The TIN can be used to
identify the tire in case of a recall.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Black plate (280,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SDI1606
Example
*1
Tire size (example: P215/60R16
94H)
1.
P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed
for passenger vehicles. (Not all tires
have this information.)
2.
Three-digit number (215): This number
gives the width in millimeters of the tire
from sidewall edge to sidewall edge.
3.
Two-digit number (60): This number,
known as the aspect ratio, gives the
tire’s ratio of height to width.
4.
R: The “R” stands for radial.
5.
Two-digit number (16): This number is
the wheel or rim diameter in inches.
6.
Two- or three-digit number (94): This
number is the tire’s load index. It is a
measurement of how much weight each
tire can support. You may not find this
information on all tires because it is not
required by law.
7.
H: Tire speed rating. You should not
drive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.
SDI1607
Example
*2
TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX
XXXX)
1.
DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department
of Transportation”. The symbol can be
placed above, below or to the left or
right of the Tire Identification Number.
2.
Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identifi-
cation mark
3.
Two-digit code: Tire size
4.
Three-digit code: Tire type code (Op-
tional)
8-32
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Black plate (281,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
5.
Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
6.
Four numbers represent the week and
year the tire was built. For example, the
numbers 3103 means the 31st week of
2003. If these numbers are missing,
then look on the other sidewall of the
tire.
*3
Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must indicate
the materials in the tire, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
*4
Maximum permissible inflation pres-
sure
This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure.
*5
Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that
can be carried by the tire. When
replacing the tires on the vehicle,
always use a tire that has the same
load rating as the factory installedtire.
*6
Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an
inner tube (“tube type”) or not
(“tubeless”) .
*7
The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire
has radial structure.
*8
Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other tire-related terminology:
In addition to the many terms that are
defined throughout this section, Intended
Outboard Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that
contains a whitewall, bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand and/or model
name molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other sidewall of
the tire, or (2) the outward facing sidewall
of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular
side that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
.When changing or replacing tires,
be sure all four tires are of the same
type (Example: Summer, All Season
or Snow) and construction. A
NISSAN dealer may be able to help
you with information about tire type,
size, speed rating and availability.
.Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
.Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
.For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the
Warranty Information Booklet.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-33
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Black plate (282,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
All season tiresNISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S (Mud and Snow) on the tire
sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction
than All Season tires and may be more appro-
priate in some areas.Summer tiresNISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on dry
roads. Summer tire performance is substantially
reduced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M&S on the tire
sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.Snow tiresIf snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires. Skid and traction cap-
abilities of studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINSUse of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before instal-
ling tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
Class S chains.Class “S” chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component required
to accommodate the use of a winter traction
device (tire chains or cables) . The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory
equipped tire size. Other types may damageyour vehicle. Use chain tensioners when re-
commended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully
loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In
addition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
tire chains in such conditions can cause damage
to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
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