Maintenance (Except Hybrid): Maintenance Nissan Altima L32

Explanation General Maintenance

General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during the normal day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They are essential if the vehicle is to continue operating properly. The owners can perform checks and inspections themselves or have their NISSAN dealers do them.

Fluids and Lubricants

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS

FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM

1. Fill the radiator from the filler cap above the radiator upper hose and reservoir tank, with water and reinstall the filler cap above the radiator upper hose.
2. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
3. Press the engine accelerator two or three times under no-load.
4. Stop the engine and wait until it cools down.
5. Drain the water.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until clear water begins to drain from the radiator.

DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT

1. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator and remove the radiator filler cap. This is the only step required for a partial cooling system drain.
2. If removing the heater core, remove the upper heater hose from the engine coolant outlet and apply moderate air pressure of 15 psi (103.46 kPa, 1.055 kg-cm 2 ) maximum for 30 seconds into the hose to blow out excess coolant from the core.
3. For a complete cooling system drain, remove the reservoir tank and drain the coolant, and then clean the reservoir tank before installation. Do not allow coolant to spill on the drive belts.
4. When performing a complete cooling system drain (to remove the engine or for engine repair), remove the cylinder block front drain plug and the cylinder block RH drain plug.
5. Check the drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration. If contaminated, flush the engine cooling system. Refer to " «FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM»(ref-272598-S06357281792007112300000) ".

REFILLING ENGINE COOLANT

1. Install the radiator drain plug. If the cooling system was drained completely, install the reservoir tank and the cylinder block drain plugs. The radiator must be completely empty of coolant and water. Apply sealant to the threads of the cylinder block drain plugs. Use Genuine High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to " «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-272588-S21296990532007112300000) ". Radiator drain plug: Refer to " «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-272612-S14575022102007112300000) ". Cylinder block front drain plug: Refer to " «DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-272611-S01580774752007112300000) ". Cylinder block RH drain plug: Refer to " «DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-272611-S01580774752007112300000) ".
2. If disconnected, reattach the upper radiator hose at the engine side.
3. Set the vehicle heater controls to the full HOT and heater ON position. Turn the vehicle ignition ON with the engine OFF as necessary to activate the heater mode.
4. Install the Tool by installing the radiator cap adapter onto the radiator neck opening. Then attach the gauge body assembly with the refill tube and the venturi assembly to the radiator cap adapter. Tool number: KV991J0070 (J-45695) see scheme 18: Inserting Refill Hose Into Coolant Mixture Container
5. Insert the refill hose into the coolant mixture container that is placed at floor level. Make sure the ball valve is in the closed position. Use Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water or demineralized water. Refer to " «SAE VISCOSITY NUMBER»(ref-272598-S09199314612007112300000) ". Engine coolant capacity (with reservoir tank): Refer to " «FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-272598-S34319437582007112300000) ".
6. Install an air hose to the venturi assembly, the air pressure must be within specification. Compressed air supply pressure: 5.7-8.5 kPa (5.6-8.4 kg/cm 2, 80-120 psi) CAUTION: The compressed air supply must be equipped with an air dryer.
7. The vacuum gauge will begin to rise and there will be an audible hissing noise. During this process open the ball valve on the refill hose slightly. Coolant will be visible rising in the refill hose. Once the refill hose is full of coolant, close the ball valve. This will purge any air trapped in the refill hose.
8. Continue to draw the vacuum until the gauge reaches 28 inches of vacuum. The gauge may not reach 28 inches in high altitude locations, refer to the vacuum specifications based on the altitude above sea level. Altitude above sea level Vacuum gauge reading 0-100 m (328 ft): 28 inches of vacuum 300 m (984 ft): 27 inches of vacuum 500 m (1,641 ft): 26 inches of vacuum 1,000 m (3,281 ft): 24-25 inches of vacuum see scheme 19: Checking Vacuum Gauge Reading
9. When the vacuum gauge has reached the specified amount, disconnect the air hose and wait 20 seconds to see if the system loses any vacuum. If the vacuum level drops, perform any necessary repairs to the system and repeat steps 6 - 8 to bring the vacuum to the specified amount. Recheck for any leaks.
10. Place the coolant container (with the refill hose inserted) at the same level as the top of the radiator. Then open the ball valve on the refill hose so the coolant will be drawn up to fill the cooling system. The cooling system is full when the vacuum gauge reads zero. CAUTION: Do not allow the coolant container to get too low when filling, to avoid air from being drawn into the cooling system.
11. Remove the Tool from the radiator neck opening.
12. Fill the cooling system reservoir tank to the specified level and install the radiator cap. Run the engine to warm up the cooling system and top up the system as necessary.

1. Fill the radiator from the filler neck above the radiator upper hose and reservoir tank with clean water and reinstall radiator filler cap.
2. Run the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
3. Rev the engine two or three times under no-load.
4. Stop the engine and wait until it cools down.
5. Drain the water from the system. Refer to " «DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT»(ref-272598-S15329337012007112300000) ".
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until clear water begins to drain from the radiator.

CHECKING CVT FLUID

Fluid level should be checked with the fluid warmed up to 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F). The fluid level check procedure is as follows

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

1. Check for fluid leakage.
2. With the engine warmed up, drive the vehicle in an urban area. When ambient temperature is 20°C (68°F), it takes about 10 minutes for the CVT fluid to warm up to 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F).
3. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
4. Apply parking brake firmly.
5. With engine at idle, while depressing brake pedal, move shift selector throughout the entire shift range. see scheme 32: Identifying Fluid Leakage
6. Pull out the CVT fluid level gauge from the CVT fluid charging pipe after pressing the tab on the CVT fluid level gauge to release the lock. see scheme 33: Identifying CVT Fluid Level Gauge And CVT Fluid Charging Pipe
7. Wipe fluid off the CVT fluid level gauge. Insert the CVT fluid level gauge rotating 180° from the originally installed position, then securely push the CVT fluid level gauge until it meets the top end of the CVT fluid charging pipe. CAUTION: When wiping away the CVT fluid level gauge, always use lint-free paper, not a cloth rag. (Scheme 12): Identifying CVT Fluid Level Gauge And CVT Fluid Charging Pipe
8. Place the selector lever in "P" or "N" and make sure the fluid level is within the specified range. CAUTION: When reinstalling CVT fluid level gauge, insert it into the CVT fluid charging pipe and rotate it to the original installation position until it is securely locked. (Scheme 13): Identifying CVT Fluid Level Gauge

CVT FLUID CONDITION

Check CVT fluid condition.

Scheme 16

1. If CVT fluid is very dark or smells burned, check operation of CVT. Flush cooling system after repair of CVT.
2. If CVT fluid contains frictional material (clutches, brakes, etc.), replace radiator and flush cooler line using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repair of CVT. Refer to " «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-272612-S14575022102007112300000) " and " «CLEANING»(ref-272594-S39332154172007112300000) ". (Scheme 14): Checking CVT Fluid

FLUID STATUS CHART

Scheme 17

1. Warm up CVT fluid by driving the vehicle for 10 minutes. <=: Vehicle front Radiator (2) CVT fluid cooler hose (inlet side) (3) Transaxle assembly (4)
2. Drain CVT fluid from CVT fluid cooler hose (outlet side) (1) and refill with new CVT fluid at CVT fluid charging pipe with the engine running at idle speed.
3. Refill until new CVT fluid comes out from CVT fluid cooler hose (outlet side) (1). About 30 to 50% extra fluid will be required for this procedure. (Scheme 15): Draining CVT Fluid From CVT Fluid Cooler Hose CVT fluid: Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 Fluid capacity: Approx. 10.2 l (10-6/8 US qt, 9 lmp qt) CAUTION: Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Do not mix with other fluid. Using CVT fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will deteriorate in driveability and CVT durability, and may damage the CVT, which is not covered by the warranty. When filling CVT fluid, take care not to scatter heat generating parts such as exhaust. Delete CVT fluid deterioration date with CONSULT-III after changing CVT fluid. Refer to " «CONSULT-III FUNCTION (TRANSMISSION)»(ref-272594-S00312701482007112300000) ".
4. Check fluid level and condition. Refer to " «INSPECTION»(ref-272594-S17365967492007112300000) ".

Fluid level should be checked with the fluid warmed up to 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F). The fluid level check procedure is as follows

1. Check for fluid leakage.
2. With the engine warmed up, drive the vehicle in an urban area. When ambient temperature is 20°C (68°F), it takes about 10 minutes for the CVT fluid to warm up to 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F).
3. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
4. Apply parking brake firmly.
5. With engine at idle, while depressing brake pedal, move shift selector throughout the entire shift range. (Scheme 16): Identifying Fluid Leakage
6. Pull out the CVT fluid level gauge from the CVT fluid charging pipe after pressing the tab on the CVT fluid level gauge to release the lock. (Scheme 17): Identifying CVT Fluid Level Gauge And CVT Fluid Charging Pipe
7. Wipe fluid off the CVT fluid level gauge. Insert the CVT fluid level gauge rotating 180° from the originally installed position, then securely push the CVT fluid level gauge until it meets the top end of the CVT fluid charging pipe. CAUTION: When wiping away the CVT fluid level gauge, always use lint-free paper, not a cloth rag. see scheme 40: Identifying CVT Fluid Level Gauge And CVT Fluid Charging Pipe
8. Place the selector lever in "P" or "N" and make sure the fluid level is within the specified range. CAUTION: When reinstalling CVT fluid level gauge, insert it into the CVT fluid charging pipe and rotate it to the original installation position until it is securely locked. see scheme 41: Identifying CVT Fluid Level Gauge

Check CVT fluid condition.

1. If CVT fluid is very dark or smells burned, check operation of CVT. Flush cooling system after repair of CVT.
2. If CVT fluid contains frictional material (clutches, brakes, etc.), replace radiator and flush cooler line using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repair of CVT. Refer to " «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-272599-S16441922292007112300000) " and " «CLEANING»(ref-272627-S18459206472007112300000)." see scheme 42: Checking CVT Fluid

FLUID STATUS CHART

CVT FLUID: Changing

1. Remove drain plug, and then drain CVT fluid from oil pan.
2. Install drain plug to oil pan. CAUTION: Do not reuse drain plug gasket. : 34.3 N.m (3.5 kg-m, 25 ft-lb)
3. Fill CVT fluid from CVT fluid charging pipe to the specified level.
4. With the engine warmed up, drive the vehicle in an urban area. When ambient temperature is 20°C (68°F), it takes about 10 minutes for the CVT fluid to warm up to 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F).
5. Check CVT fluid level and condition.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 if CVT fluid has been contaminated. CVT fluid: Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 Fluid capacity: Approx. 8.3 l (7-1/4 lmp qt) CAUTION: Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Do not mix with other fluid. Using CVT fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will deteriorate in driveability and CVT durability, and may damage the CVT, which is not covered by the warranty. When filling CVT fluid, take care not to scatter heat generating parts such as exhaust. Sufficiently shake the container of CVT fluid before using. Delete CVT fluid deterioration date with CONSULT-III after changing CVT fluid.

M/T OIL: Draining

1. Start engine and let it run to warm up transaxle oil.
2. Stop engine and remove the drain plug to drain the oil.
3. Install the drain plug with a new gasket to the transaxle case. Tighten the drain plug to the specified torque. Refer to " «EXPLODED VIEW»(ref-272605-S35498858442007112300000) ". CAUTION: Do not reuse gasket.

Scheme 18

1. Remove the plug and fill transaxle with new oil. Oil grade and capacity: Refer to " «FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-272598-S34319437582007112300000) ".
2. After refilling oil, measure oil level to check if it is within the specification using suitable gauge as shown. CAUTION: Do not start engine while checking oil level. see scheme 43: Measuring Oil Level Oil level "L": 55.0-61.0 mm (2.17-2.40 in)
3. Install the plug with a new O-ring to the clutch housing. CAUTION: Do not reuse O-ring.
4. Tighten plug to the specified torque. Refer to " «ADJUSTMENT»(ref-272605-S35335994952007112300000) ".

DRAINING

Scheme 19

1. Connect a vinyl tube to bleed valve.
2. Depress brake pedal, loosen bleed valve, and gradually remove brake fluid. see scheme 49: Depressing Brake Pedal

REFILLING

Scheme 20

1. Make sure there is no foreign material in the reservoir tank, and refill with new brake fluid.
2. Loosen bleed valve, depress brake pedal slowly to full stroke and then release it. Repeat the procedure every 2 or 3 seconds until the new brake fluid comes out, then close the bleed valve while depressing the pedal. Repeat the same work for each wheel.
3. Bleed air. Refer to " «BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM»(ref-272589-S28786506582007112300000) ". see scheme 50: Refilling Brake Fluid

FLUID LEAKAGE

Check hydraulic connections for fluid leakage, cracks, damage, looseness, or wear.

Scheme 21

1. Run engine until the fluid temperature reaches 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F) in reservoir tank, and keep engine speed idle.
2. Turn steering wheel several times from full left stop to full right stop.
3. Hold steering wheel at each lock position for five seconds and carefully, check for fluid leakage. see scheme 59: Identifying Fluid Leakage CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more than 10 seconds. (There is the possibility that oil pump may be damaged.)
4. If fluid leakage at connections is noticed, then loosen flare nut and then retighten. Do not overtighten connector as this can damage O-ring, washer and connector.
5. If fluid leakage from oil pump is noticed, check oil pump. Refer to «POWER STEERING OIL PUMP»(ref-272617-S12305849222007112300000).
6. Check steering gear boots for accumulation of fluid indicating from steering gear.