Rolled up on 15k miles earlier in the week, and quickly got tired of looking at the maintenance warning on the screen Having heard about a $277 charge from another member, was not interested in paying the dealer to do it, so did it myself. As above, $70 or so in arts, zero in labor (well, a beer or two...)

1. New wipers from Jason - $25, I think
2. New air filters from Jason - $25
3. New in-cabin filter - $20, I think? Jason, sorry if I got your prices wrong
4. Checked hoses, brake fluid, PS fluid (these are actually checked when they change my oil, but oh well)
5. Checked belts
6. Checked brakes (can't believe there's still so much left)
7. Looked for any leaks etc.
8. Checked all bulbs
9. Done

Treacherous asked for a how-to on the in-cabin filter, so will describe it here (no pics, sorry):

• Take off the molding under the glove box (just pops off, pull the front down)
• Unscrew the one plastic nut holding the lower side molding (to the right of passenger's feet), and pull that out. Can't remember if you pull front or back first, but it's easy
• Take off the long piece of molding along the kick plates.The back (towards the rear) just pulls up, then the front has plastic hooks you work out by sliding backwards
• Finally, pull out the side piece of molding beside the glove box (facing the door) - again, just pops out. Don't scratch these pieces when you put them down
• Now, open glove box (and remove the stuff!). There are...seven screws, I think. Three or four along the top (inside, at front), two at the bottom hinges (right and left, deep), and one way at the back above the back of the glove box itself. Phillips screws each one - easier if you have a magnetic screwdriver
• Now, before taking out the glove box, put a box or something in the footwell for it to sit on. The airbag wires could pull out if you let it hang (bad). Drink beer as necessary
• Right of glove box has two hooks that go into slots, the left just comes out. The entire glove box pulls down from behind the washi alum piece, you have to pull a bit firmly but not too much - more like levering
• The in-cabin filter is at the back, it's the long horizontal white plastic piece. Slots sideways in at the left, hook at the right. Unhook the right, let it open a bit, then pull the flap to the right
• Pull out the old filter, look at all the dirt and shake head. Drink beer
• Put in new filter. There are angles on the back of the flap you removed, that move the filter up. Lift the filter up a bit so it helps the flap go back, then they will keep it in place. Slot in at left, then attach hook - make sure it's slid all the way to the left, or it won't hook and you'll wonder why
• Put everything back. With the glove box, I put the left side in first (by a bit), then moved the right side in to the slots for the hooks. Don't be impatient, it may take several tries - oh, make sure the little metal pieces that the screws go into have remained on the plastic flaps
• Then put screws back in
• Put the molding pieces back in reverse order. Don't force them, none of them require much pushing as long as you're on top of the hooks.
• Of course, since you've been drinking beer, you won't go for a ride; but you can start the engine and breath nice clean air.
• And as always, follow these instructions at your own risk. If you break something, your liability...

Good luck!

 

Great instructions. But I saw a few things that would give me pause before attempting... wires to air bag and washi aluminum trim. Messing either would make for a pretty bad day. I think I will leave that one for the dealer's wrench.

And instead, just drink the beer...

 

Thanks for cabin filter instructions!

Sounds a lot like the way it goes with my Maxima.

 

Yes, it is - did that one too in my 2k3 Maxima.

Nomad, it's very unlikely that you'll do anything to the trim, because it doesn't get touched. You could conceivably pull the air bag wires loose, but it would be hard.

That said, understand your comment, I write checks for stuff I'm not good at too

 

Ahh, 5 years/60,000 mile complimentary scheduled maintenance is a wonderful thing. Although its not exactly "complimentary" as it tacked on $1500 to the price of the car.

 

Yeah -- I was hoping (against hope really) that the G improved on the procedure compared to the Max -- but looks like its all the same (down to the air bag wiring !)
This filter should be located somewhere more accessible .... oh well

 

prices flip flopped a little bit, but close!

 

"Treacherous" in cabin filter change? I didn't find it to be very hard but I also found a good write up. There's also a video DIY

 

Great instructions!

Be careful with the cabin filter DIY. I did it yesterday. I removed the screws and began to "shake" the entire console out. I had a *SNAP!*. The left plastic "tab" at the top snapped off (hanging by a tiny bit, and super glue didn't help). The tabs help to guide the entire console into place. As long as you screw everything back tightly, it's all good.

Also, I took a few minutes to check the PSI of my spare tire. Yikes, only 47psi! It's supposed to be 60. I've never had to use a spare in my life (knock on wood), but it's good to give it some air.