
If the sunroof does not close
Have your NISSAN dealer check and repair
the sunroof.
The interior light has a three-position switch.
The interior light will operate regardless of
ignition key position.
IWhen the switch is in the ªOFFº position,the interior light will not illuminate, regard-
less of door position.
IWhen the switch is in the center ªqº posi-
tion, the light will illuminate when a door is
opened.
IWhen the switch is in the ªONº position, the
interior light will illuminate, whether any
door is open or closed.
Leaving the interior light switch in the
ªONº position for extended periods of
time will result in a discharged battery.
SIC0564
INTERIOR LIGHT
1-29
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

2 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key ......................................................................... 2-2
Door locks .............................................................. 2-2
Multi-remote control system (If so equipped) ......... 2-4
Battery replacement ................................................ 2-6
Spare tire carrier .................................................... 2-7
Back door locks ....................................................... 2-8
Rear window locks .................................................. 2-8
Hood release .......................................................... 2-9
Glove box lock ..................................................... 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock .................................................. 2-10
Fuel filler cap ....................................................... 2-11
Front seats ........................................................... 2-12
Rear seats ............................................................ 2-15
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) ............................ 2-18Warning labels ...................................................... 2-22
Supplemental air bag warning light ..................... 2-22
Seat belts ............................................................. 2-24
Child restraints for infants and
small children ....................................................... 2-30
Tilting steering wheel ........................................... 2-36
Sun visor ............................................................... 2-37
Outside mirror control .......................................... 2-37
Outside mirrors .................................................... 2-38
Inside mirror ......................................................... 2-38
Luggage net .......................................................... 2-39
Luggage side finisher hook ................................... 2-39
Luggage hooks........................................................ 2-40
Luggage rack ........................................................ 2-41
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Unlocking doors
1. Push the ªº button on the multi-
remote controller.
2. Only the driver side door will unlock. Push
the ª
º button on the multi-remote con-troller again within 5 seconds.
3. All doors will unlock.
4. The interior light will stay on for 30 seconds
when the interior light switch is in the center
ªqº position.The interior light can be turned off without
waiting for 30 seconds by inserting the key into
the ignition or by locking the doors with the
multi-remote controller or by pushing the inte-
rior light button.
Using the panic alarm
If you are near your vehicle and feel threat-
ened, you may activate the alarm to call atten-
tion as follows:
1. Push the ª
º button on the remote
controller forlonger than 1.5 seconds.
2. The theft warning alarm and headlights will
stay on for 30 seconds.
3. The alarm will stop when any of the key
functions are used. For example, when the
ª
º or the ªº button is pushed, or the
ª
º button is pushed for longer than
1.5 seconds on the multi-remote controller,
the panic alarm function will be cancelled.
The remote controller will not function.
IWhen the key is inserted into the key
switch.
IWhen the battery in the remote control-
ler is dead.
IThe distance between the remote con-
SPA0398
2-5
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

ªOFFº (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ªACCº (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not
running.
ªONº Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and
the electrical accessories.
ªSTARTº (4)
This position activates the starter motor, start-
ing the engine.IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
ICheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, at least
whenever you refuel.
ICheck to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ªON (3)º position.The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a microcomputer to
produce maximum power and smooth opera-
tion.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the selector lever
button before shifting the selector lever to
the ªDº, ªRº, ª2º or ª1º position. Be sure the
vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to
shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from ªPº to any
drive position while the ignition switch is
ªONº.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of ªPº
and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to ªLOCKº or if
the key is removed from the switch.
When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch is
in the ªACCº position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
4-6
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ªTire placardº in the Owner's Manual
index.Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ªEn-
gine Cooling Systemº in the ªDo-it-yourself
operationsº section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
ªBatteryº in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº sec-
tion.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. For details, see ªChangingEngine Coolantº in the ªDo- it-yourself opera-
tionsº section.
Tire equipment
1. The SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, Nissan rec-
ommends the use on all four wheels of
MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON tires.
Please consult your Nissan dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some Prov-
inces and States prohibit their use, so,
before installing studded tires, check local,
state and provincial laws.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Snow chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
4-25
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

mission models, move the lever to ªPº).
Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys-
tems (light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated.
IPositive (+) to positive (+) and nega-
tive (þ) to body ground, engine lift
bracket, etc. (not to the battery).
IMake sure that cables do not touch
any moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that clamps do not con-
tact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and let
it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle
at about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in
the normal manner.
Do not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the posi-
tive cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
IAutomatic transmission models can-
not be started by pushing. This may
cause transmission damage.
IThree-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three-way catalyst may be
damaged.
INever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.
PUSH STARTING
5-8
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

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.
IPark the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. For a manual transmission, move
the shift lever to Neutral. For an auto-
matic transmission, move the shift lever
to ªPº (Park).
IBe sure the ignition key is in the ªOFFº
or ªLOCKº position when performing
any replacement or repair.
IDo not work under the engine hood
while it is hot. Always turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
IIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans and
fan belts.
IIt is advisable to remove necktie and any
jewelry, such as rings, watch, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be surethere is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
INever connect or disconnect either the
battery or any transistorized component
connector while the ignition key is on.
IAlways apply the parking brake and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving.
IThe fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
IFailure to follow these or other common
sense guidelines may lead to serious
injury or vehicle damage.
IImproperly disposed motor oil and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the environ-
ment. Always conform to local regula-
tions for disposal of vehicle fluid.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil.This ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section gives
instructions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
Z01.2.1/R50-DX