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Maintenance (Coupe): Maintenance Nissan Altima L33

Procedures 9 illustrations ~964 words

Explanation of 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

DescriptionCapacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
MetricUS measureImp measure
Fuel75.6 l20 gal16 5/8 galUnleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)
Engine oil Drain and refillWith oil filter change4.6 l4 7/8 qt4 qtEngine oil with API Certification Mark (1) Viscosity SAE 5W-30 (1)
Without oil filter change4.3 l4 1/2 qt3 3/4 qt
Dry engine (engine overhaul)5.4 l5 3/4 qt4 3/4 qt
Cooling system (with reservoir tank at MAX level)7.7 l8 1/8 qt6 3/4 qtPre-Diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
CVT fluid7.3 l7 3/4 qt6 3/8 qtGenuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 (2)
Power steering fluid (PSF)1.0 l2 1/8 pt1 3/4 ptGenuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent (3)
Brake fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid (4) or equivalent DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose greaseNLGI No. 2 (lithium soap base)
Windshield washer fluid4.5 l4 3/4 qt4 qtGenuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid or equivalent
Air conditioner system refrigerant0.55 ± 0.025 kg1.21 ± 0.055 lb1.21 ± 0.055 lbHFC-134a (R-134a) (5)
Air conditioner system oil150 m l5.03 fl oz5.3 fl ozA/C System Oil Type S (DH-PS) (5)
(1) For additional information, see " ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION ". (2) Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2, using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty. (3) DEXRON™ VI type ATF may also be used. (4) Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer. (5) For additional information, see appropriate "Air conditioner specification label".
(1)For additional information, see " ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION ".
(2)Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2, using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
(3)DEXRON™ VI type ATF may also be used.
(4)Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.
(5)For additional information, see appropriate "Air conditioner specification label".

FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM

  1. Fill the radiator from the filler neck above the radiator upper hose and reservoir tank with clean water and reinstall the radiator filler cap.
  2. Run the engine until it reaches 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 " «ENGINE COOLANT: CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT»(ref-592017-S21551769532014010800000) ".
  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 61

Scheme 61: CHECKING CVT FLUID
Scheme 61: CHECKING CVT FLUID

Scheme 62

Scheme 62
Scheme 62

Scheme 63

Scheme 63
Scheme 63

Scheme 64

Scheme 64
Scheme 64
  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.
  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.
  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.
  8. Place the shift selector 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.

CVT FLUID CONDITION

Check CVT fluid condition.

Scheme 65

Scheme 65: CVT FLUID CONDITION
Scheme 65: 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-592018-S00206217232014010800000) " and " «CLEANING»(ref-592030-S02899202222014010800000) ". Fluid status Conceivable cause Required operation Varnished (viscous varnish state) CVT fluid become degraded due to high temperatures. Replace the CVT fluid and check the CVT main unit and the vehicle for malfunctions (wire harnesses, cooler pipes, etc.) Milky white or cloudy Water in the fluid Replace the CVT fluid and check for places where water is getting in. Large amount of metal powder mixed in Unusual wear of sliding parts within CVT Replace the CVT fluid and check for improper operation of the CVT.

Scheme 66

Scheme 66: CVT FLUID: Changing CVT Fluid
Scheme 66: CVT FLUID: Changing CVT Fluid
  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 specified NISSAN CVT fluid in the 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)]. NOTE: About 30 to 50% extra fluid will be required for this procedure.
  4. Check fluid level and condition. Refer to " «CVT FLUID: INSPECTION»(ref-592017-S36724544372014010800000) ". CVT fluid: Refer to " «GENERAL SPECIFICATION»(ref-592030-S30307363392014010800000) " Fluid capacity: Refer to " «GENERAL SPECIFICATION»(ref-592030-S30307363392014010800000) " CAUTION: Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Never 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 after changing CVT fluid. Refer to " «CONSULT FUNCTION»(ref-592030-S26251026862014010800000) (TRANSMISSION)".

DRAINING

CAUTIONBe careful not to splash brake fluid on painted areas; it may cause paint damage. If brake fluid is splashed on painted areas, wash it away with water immediately. Before working, disconnect connectors of ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) or battery cable from the negative terminal.

Scheme 67

Scheme 67
Scheme 67
  1. Connect a vinyl tube to bleed valve.
  2. Depress brake pedal, loosen bleed valve, and gradually remove brake fluid.

REFILLING

CAUTIONRefill with new brake fluid "DOT 3". Never reuse drained brake fluid. Before working, disconnect connectors of ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) or battery cable from the negative terminal.

Scheme 68

Scheme 68
Scheme 68
  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-592040-S35998408152014010800000) ".

FLUID LEAKAGE

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

Scheme 69

Scheme 69: FLUID LEAKAGE
Scheme 69: FLUID LEAKAGE
  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. 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-592021-S40451691392014010800000) .
  6. Check steering gear boots for accumulation of fluid indicating from steering gear.

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