Checking Engine Oil Level
1. Park your Nissan Kicks on a level surface and firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. In most situations, approximately five minutes of operation is sufficient to properly warm the engine.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Wait at least 10 minutes to allow the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan and stabilize for an accurate reading.
5. Remove the engine oil dipstick and wipe it thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth.
6. Fully reinsert the dipstick into its tube until it is seated correctly.
7. Remove the dipstick again and inspect the oil level. The oil level should remain within the acceptable operating range B.
8. If the oil level is below mark A, remove the oil filler cap and add the recommended engine oil through the filler opening. Add oil gradually and avoid exceeding mark C.
When adding engine oil to your Nissan Kicks, do not remove the dipstick during the filling process.
9. After adding oil, recheck the level using the dipstick to verify that it is within the specified range.
It is normal for a vehicle to require a small amount of oil between scheduled maintenance intervals or during the engine break-in period. Oil consumption may vary depending on driving habits, operating conditions, climate, and the type of engine oil being used.
Engine oil consumption may increase during frequent acceleration and deceleration, especially when the engine regularly operates at higher RPM levels. New engines may also consume more oil during their initial operating period. If oil consumption exceeds approximately 0.5 liter per 600 miles (1,000 km) after the first 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of driving, consult a NISSAN dealer for inspection.
CAUTION
Engine oil level should be inspected on a regular basis.
Operating the Nissan Kicks engine with insufficient oil can result in serious engine damage. Damage caused by low oil levels may not be covered under warranty.
Changing Engine Oil and Oil Filter
For detailed procedures regarding engine oil and oil filter replacement, refer to the maintenance instructions provided in this section. Following the recommended service intervals helps maintain engine performance, reliability, and long-term durability.
Vehicle Set-Up
1. Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface and securely apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait approximately 15 minutes to allow the oil to settle back into the oil pan.
4. Carefully raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and approved safety jack stands.
- Position the safety stands at the designated Nissan Kicks jack-up points.
- An appropriate adapter should be used on the jack stand saddle to help protect the vehicle structure and ensure proper support.
CAUTION
Always use the specified lifting and support locations. Incorrect placement of a jack or safety stand may damage the vehicle body, suspension components, or underbody structure.
- Oil filler cap
- Oil drain plug
- Oil filter
The illustrations above identify the primary engine oil service points on the Nissan Kicks, including the oil filler cap, oil drain plug, and oil filter. Familiarity with these components can help simplify routine maintenance procedures and ensure that engine oil service is performed correctly.
- Under-engine cover
Removing the Under-Engine Cover
1. Remove fastener A and carefully detach the under-engine cover to gain access to the engine oil drain and filter service points.
Engine Oil and Filter Replacement
1. Position a suitably sized drain pan beneath the oil drain plug and engine oil filter before beginning service on your Nissan Kicks.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap to allow the oil to drain more efficiently.
3. Using an appropriate wrench, loosen and remove the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Allow the engine oil to drain completely from the engine.
CAUTION
Use caution when draining engine oil, as it may still be hot enough to cause burns.
WARNING
- Extended and repeated exposure to used engine oil has been associated with skin-related health risks, including skin cancer.
- Avoid prolonged contact with used oil whenever possible. If oil comes into contact with your skin, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap or a suitable hand cleaner as soon as possible.
- Keep used engine oil and related service materials out of the reach of children.
4. Loosen the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise with a suitable oil filter wrench.
Once loosened, remove the filter completely by hand.
5. Thoroughly clean the oil filter mounting surface using a clean cloth before installing the new filter.
CAUTION
Make certain that all remnants of the old gasket are removed from the sealing surface. Failure to completely clean the mounting area may result in oil leakage and potential engine damage.
- The engine oil dipstick should remain fully inserted during the refill process to help prevent oil from splashing or escaping through the dipstick tube.
6. Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the gasket of the new oil filter before installation.
7. Install the new oil filter by turning it clockwise until the gasket contacts the sealing surface and slight resistance is felt. Then tighten the filter an additional two-thirds of a turn or more as specified.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb (14.7 to 20.6 N·m)
8. Clean the drain plug and install it with a new sealing washer. Tighten the drain plug securely using a wrench, but avoid excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29.4 to 39.2 N·m)
9. Refill the Nissan Kicks engine with the recommended grade and quantity of engine oil through the filler opening, then securely reinstall the oil filler cap.
For detailed oil capacity information, refer to the "Recommended Fluids/Lubricants and Capacities" section. Actual refill volume may vary depending on oil temperature, draining duration, and service conditions. Always verify the final oil level using the dipstick rather than relying solely on capacity specifications.
10. Start the engine and inspect the area around the oil filter and drain plug for signs of leakage.
If any leakage is detected, correct the issue immediately. Turn the engine off and wait at least 15 minutes before checking the oil level again. Add oil if required to bring the level within the specified range.
After Completing the Service
1. Reinstall the under-engine cover by following the removal procedure in reverse order.
2. Carefully lower the Nissan Kicks back to the ground and ensure all lifting equipment has been removed safely.
3. Reset the engine oil maintenance reminder, oil filter maintenance reminder, and oil control system indicators if applicable.
- Dispose of used engine oil and the oil filter in accordance with environmental regulations.
- Always follow local disposal requirements when handling automotive fluids and maintenance waste.
Performing engine oil and filter maintenance at the recommended intervals helps keep the Nissan Kicks engine operating efficiently, supports long-term reliability, and contributes to consistent performance under a variety of driving conditions.