check oil NISSAN CUBE 2011 3.G Owners Manual

Black plate (12,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
SSI0564
MR18DE ENGINE*1. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-9)
2. Brake and clutch (*1) fluid reservoir (P.8-11)
3. Air cleaner (P.8-16)
4. Battery (P.8-13)— Jump starting (P.6-9) 5. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-12)
6. Engine drive belt location (P.8-15)
7. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-9)
8. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-8)
9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-7)
— Vehicle overheat (P.6-11)
10. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-20) * Shown with the resonator removed. For removal
instructions, see “ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
*1: for Manual Transmission (MT) modelsENGINE COMPARTMENT0-10
Illustrated table of contents

Black plate (83,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
Low fuel warning light
High beam indicator light
Low tire pressure warning light
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light*
Overdrive off indicator light*
P position selecting warning light*
Security indicator light
Charge warning light
Seat belt warning light
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light
Door open warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Low beam indicator light
Electric power steering warning light
Front passenger air bag status light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise indicator light*
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Intelligent Key system warning light*
Engine start operation indicator light**: if so equipped
CHECKING BULBSWith all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,
or
,
,
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go off (if so equipped):
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
If any light does not come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system checked by
a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
2-11

Black plate (85,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
Electric power steering warning
light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the electric power steering warning light illumi-
nates. After starting the engine, the electric
power steering warning light turns off. This
indicates the electric power steering system is
operational.
If the electric power steering warning light
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the electric power steering system is
not functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the electric power steering system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the power
assist to the steering will cease operation but
you will still have control of the vehicle. At this
time, greater steering efforts are required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
See “ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYS-
TEM” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Engine oil pressure warning light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or illuminates during normal driving,pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediately
and call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Key system warning light
(if so equipped)
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
This light illuminates or blinks as follows:
. The light blinks in yellow when the door is
closed with the Intelligent Key left outside
the vehicle and the ignition switch in the
ACC or ON position. Make sure that the Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle.
. The light blinks in green when the Intelligent
Key battery is running out of power. Replace
the battery with a new one. (See “KEY
BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.)
. The light illuminates in yellow when it warns
of a malfunction with the electrical steering
lock system (if so equipped) or the Intelli-
gent Key system.
If the warning light illuminates in yellow while the
engine is stopped, it may be impossible to free
the steering lock (if so equipped) or to start the
engine. If the light comes on while the engine is
running, you can drive the vehicle. However in
these cases, contact a NISSAN dealer for repair
as soon as possible.
Low fuel warning light
This light illuminates when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches the 0
(empty) position.
There will be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel gauge
reaches the 0 position.
Instruments and controls
2-13

Black plate (226,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
chime sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the brake
pedal, the ignition switch position will change to
ACC.
NOTE:
. When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the engine is
started by the above procedures, the
Intelligent Key system warning light
may blink in yellow even if the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle. This is
not a malfunction. To stop the warning
light from blinking, touch the ignition
switch with the Intelligent Key again.
. If the Intelligent Key system warning
light in the meter is blinking in green,
replace the battery as soon as possible.
(See “KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-your-
self” section.) .
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head restraints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. (See “WA RNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
MODELS WITHOUT INTELLIGENT KEY
SYSTEM1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed so that it does not
operate unless the selector lever is in either
of the above positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) models:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Depress the clutch pedal fully to
the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by turning the ignition
switch to START. Release the switch when
the engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
— If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold
it and then crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-12
Starting and driving

Black plate (267,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
SAI0045
Kro¯
m models
CAUTION
Do not use an automatic car wash for
Kro ¯
m models. The rear spoiler and the
wheel coating may be damaged.WAXINGRegular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing
is recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
reapplying wax.
A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing the proper product.
.
Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on a
base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTSRemove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting damage
or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive
accessory stores.UNDERBODYIn areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the underseal
must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASSUse glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass
to become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could da-
mage the electrical conductors, radio
antenna elements or rear window
defroster elements.WHEELSWash the wheels when washing the vehicle to
maintain their appearance.
. Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
. NISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
Appearance and care
7-3

Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
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 ......................................................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-9
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) ...... 8-15
Drive belt ....................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs .................................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ................................... 8-16 Air cleaner
...................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades .................................... 8-17
Cleaning .................................................... 8-17
Replacing ................................................... 8-18
Rear window wiper blade ................................... 8-19
Brakes ........................................................... 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes .................................... 8-19
Brake pad wear warning ................................ 8-19
Fuses ............................................................ 8-20
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-21
Key battery replacement .................................... 8-23
Keyfob ....................................................... 8-23
Intelligent Key .............................................. 8-24
Lights ............................................................ 8-26
Headlights .................................................. 8-27
Exterior and interior lights ............................... 8-28
Wheels and tires .............................................. 8-30
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-32
Types of tires .............................................. 8-34
Tire chains .................................................. 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ............................. 8-36

Black plate (276,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washers operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.Under the hood and vehicleThe 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.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe condition require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid level*: Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belt*: Make sure that the drive
belt is not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface and turning off the
engine. 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
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND
DRIVING” in the “5. St arting and driving”
section for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .)
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
immediately.
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, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the end
of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “CLEANING
EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Black plate (278,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
affect your warranty coverage.If in doubt
about any servicing, we recommend that
it be done by a NISSAN dealer.
SSI0564
MR18DE ENGINE*1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake and clutch (*1) fluid reservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Battery
5. Window washer fluid reservoir 6. Engine drive belt location
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Fuse/fusible link holder
*1: for Manual Transmission (MT) modelsENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6
Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Black plate (281,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
SDI2386
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe 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. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
*1. If the
oil level is below
*2, remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the
opening.
Do not overfill
*3.
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.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not cov-
ered by the warranty.CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTERChange the engine oil and filter according to the
maintenance log shown in the NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide.Vehicle set-up1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches the operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. 4. Raise and support the vehicle using a
suitable floor jack and safety jack stands.
— Place the safety jack stands under thevehicle jack-up points.
— A suitable adapter should be attached to the jack stand saddle.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and sup-
port points are used to avoid vehicle
damage.
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-9

Black plate (282,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
SDI1978
1. Oil filler cap
2. Oil drain plug
3. Oil filterEngine oil and filter1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench andcompletely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot. —
Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
— Check your local regulations.
(Perform steps 4 to 8 only when the engine
oil filter change is needed.)
4. Remove the engine under cover under the oil filter location by removing the bolts and
small plastic clips.
5. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket
material remaining on the mounting
surface of the engine. Failure to do so
could lead to engine damage.
7. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
8. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m) 9. 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.
10. Refill the engine with the recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install the
oil filler cap securely.
See “CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section for drain
and refill capacity. The drain and refill
capacity depends 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.
11. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
12. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation1. Install the engine undercover into position asthe following steps.
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself