engine 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 (13,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
Warninglight Name
Page
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light 2-11Brake warning light
2-12Charge warning light2-12Door open warning light 2-12Electric power steering warning
light 2-13Engine oil pressure warning
light2-13Intelligent Key system warning
light*2-13Low fuel warning light
2-13Low tire pressure warning light 2-14Low washer fluid warning light* 2-15 Warning
light Name
Page
P position selecting warning
light* 2-15Seat belt warning light 2-15Supplemental air bag warning
light
2-15
Indicator light Name
PageFront passenger air bag status
light 2-16Cruise indicator light*
2-16Engine start operation indicator
light* 2-16High beam indicator light 2-16Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)2-16Overdrive off indicator light* 2-17Security indicator light* 2-17Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light2-17Indicator
light Name
Page
Low beam indicator light 2-17Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights 2-17Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light
2-17
*: if so equipped
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents
0-11

Black plate (81,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
Current fuel consumptionThe current fuel consumption mode shows the
current fuel consumption.Distance to empty (dte — mls or km)The distance to empty (dte) mode provides you
with an estimation of the distance that can be
driven before refueling. The dte is constantly
being calculated, based on the amount of fuel in
the fuel tank and the actual fuel consumption.
The display is updated every 30 seconds.
The dte mode includes a low range warning
feature. When the fuel level is low, the dte mode
is automatically selected and the dte display will
blink. Push the trip computer mode switch
*A
to return to the mode that was selected before
the warning occurred.
When the fuel level drops even lower, the dte
display will change to “----”.
.If the amount of fuel added is small, the
display just before the ignition switch is
turned off may continue to be displayed.
. When driving uphill or rounding curves, the
fuel in the tank shifts, which may momenta-
rily change the display.
Average fuel consumption (mpg or l
(liter)/100 km)The average fuel consumption mode shows the
average fuel consumption since the last reset.
Resetting is done by pushing the trip computer
mode switch
*A
for approximately 1 second.
The display is updated every 30 seconds. At
about the first 1/3 mile (500 m) after a reset, the
display shows “---”.
Average speed (mph or km/h)The average speed mode shows the average
vehicle speed since the last reset. Resetting is
done by pushing the trip computer mode switch*A
for approximately 1 second.
The display is updated every 30 seconds. The
first 30 seconds after a reset, the display shows
“---”.
Elapsed time (Canada only)The elapsed time mode shows the time since
the last reset. The displayed time can be reset
by pushing the trip computer mode switch
*A
for approximately 1 second.Resetting displaysWhen the average fuel consumption, average
speed, elapsed time or TRIP B is displayed,
push the trip computer mode switch
*A
for
longer than 3 seconds. The average fuel consumption, average speed, elapsed time and
trip odometer (TRIP B only) displays will be reset
at the same time.
Maintenance information (Canada only)When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, maintenance information (the wrench
symbol
and distance to change a main-
tenance item) comes on for about 5 seconds
and then turns off.
The wrench symbol
appears when the set
distance comes for changing an item, such as
engine oil.
To set the distance to change an item:
1. Place the ignition switch in the ON position.
Push the trip computer mode switch
*A
for
3 seconds while the wrench symbol
and maintenance information are displayed.
The symbol and distance display will start
flashing and the display shows the current
interval.
2. Push the switch
*A
to increase the interval
distance.
Each step increases the interval distance by
500 miles (1,000 km) . The interval distance
can be set up to 18,000 miles (30,000 km)
after the display returns to 0 (zero) .
3. If no further action is made, the display
Instruments and controls
2-9

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 (237,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and econo-
my of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and
reduced engine performance.
. Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possible. .
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
. Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
. Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
. Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
. Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
. Air conditioner operation lowers fuel econ-
omy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
. When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag. .
Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
(See “ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section.)BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving
5-23

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 (277,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are general
precautions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and block the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. Move the
selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion or the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. If you must work with the engine
running, 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 when- ever you work on your vehicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed 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
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
. The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause 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 direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly
disposed engine oil, and 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
related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, 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.
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
available. (See “OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION” in the “9.
Technical and consumer information” section.)
Youshouldbeawarethatincompleteor
improper servicing may result in operating
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5