1996 NISSAN QUEST automatic transmission

WARNING
cIf you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
orABSAnti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases, but the brakes
continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driv-
ing, contact your NISSAN dealer for re-
pair.
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for
two seconds each time the ignition key is
turned ON. This shows the light is function-
ing properly.
If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on
for 2 seconds, have your NISSAN dealer
check the transmission and repair it if nec-
essary.
The automatic transmission is equipped
with an electronic Fail-Safe mode. This sys-
tem allows the vehicle to be driven even in
the event of damage to the electrical cir-
cuits. If this occurs, the gears automatically
engage and lock into 3rd gear.
NOTE: See the ``Fail-safe'' section in the
``Starting and driving'' section before visiting
your NISSAN dealer.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal lever is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Cruise indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the CRUISE indicator blinks, have the sys-
tem checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Key reminder chime
The chime sounds if the driver side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds when the driver side door is
opened if the headlight control switch is
1-8
ZX

4 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ................. 4-2
Avoiding collision and rollover.............................. 4-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ....................... 4-3
Ignition switch ....................................................... 4-4
Before starting the engine .................................... 4-4
Driving with an automatic transmission ............... 4-5
Starting the engine ............................................... 4-8
Parking brake operation ....................................... 4-8Cruise control ....................................................... 4-9
Break-in schedule............................................... 4-11
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 4-11
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 4-12
Precautions when driving ................................... 4-13
Anti-lock brake system ....................................... 4-13
Cold weather driving cautions ............................ 4-15
ZX

cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON position.The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by a microcom-
puter to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the rec-
ommended operating procedures for this
transmission. Follow these procedures for
maximum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before shifting the selec-
tor lever to the R, N, D, 2 or 1 position. Be
sure the vehicle is fully stopped before
attempting to shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to ACC, LOCK,
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 ACC position.1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
shift into a driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot
brake, then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
cAvoid revving up the engine while the
vehicle is stopped. This could cause
unexpected vehicle movement.
Driving precautions
To help prevent transmission damage:
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to: R, D, 2 or
1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed.
cNever shift to P or R while the vehicle
is moving.
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an up-
hill grade, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal. The
foot brakes should be used for this
purpose.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINEDRIVING WITH AN
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
4-5
ZX

position, the O/D OFF light blinks for ap-
proximately 8 seconds after coming on for 2
seconds. While the vehicle can be driven
under these circumstances please note that
the gears in the automatic transmission will
be locked in 3rd gear.
NOTE: If the vehicle is driven under ex-
treme conditions, such as excessive wheel
spinning and subsequent hard braking, the
Fail-safe system may be activated. This will
occur even if all electrical circuits are func-
tioning properly. In this case, turn the igni-
tion key OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then
turn the key back to the ON position. The
vehicle should return to its normal operating
condition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition have your NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair if
necessary.
Overdrive switch
Each time your vehicle is started, the trans-
mission is automatically ``reset'' to overdrive
ON.
ON:For normal driving the Overdrive
switch is engaged. The transmis-
sion is upshifted into Overdrive as
the vehicle speed increases.
The overdrive does not engage until the
engine has warmed up.
OFF:For driving up and down long
slopeswhere engine ``braking''
would be advantageous, push theoverdrive switch. The O/D OFF light
illuminates. When cruising at a low
speed or climbing a gentle slope,
you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts
between 3rd and overdrive repeat-
edly. In this case, press the over-
drive switch. The O/D OFF indicator
light comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, press the
overdrive switch again. The O/D OFF indi-
cator light goes out.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the O/D OFF
light illuminated. This reduces the fuel
economy.
ASD0561
4-7
ZX

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Move the gearshift lever
to the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the engine.
WARNING
cMake sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the automatic
transmission is shifted into P.
cNever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is dangerous.
cNever change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.cRaise the hood to warn other traffic,
and to signal professional road as-
sistance personnel that you need
assistance.
c
Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
Getting the tools and spare tire
Remove the jack and the tool kit from the
jack storage compartment in the luggage
area. Remove the lug wrench from the tool
kit.
ACE0015
FLAT TIRE
5-2
ZX

CAUTION
Automatic transmission models cannot
be push started. This may cause trans-
mission damage.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge read-
ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow-
ing steps:
WARNING
To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
gearshift lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open
all the windows, move the temperature
control dial to warm and fan control knob
to 4.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.4. Open the hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check to make sure the
cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses
and radiator should not leak water.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair
or clothing to come into contact with,
or to get caught in, the running fan,
belts, or motor fan.
The fan motor may start at any time
when the coolant temperature is high.
If coolant is leaking, the water pump
belt is missing or loose, or the cooling
fan does not run, stop the engine.
IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
5-9
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7 Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 7-2
Engine compartment check locations .................. 7-3
Engine cooling system ......................................... 7-4
Engine oil ............................................................ 7-5
Automatic transmission fluid ................................ 7-8
Power steering fluid.............................................. 7-9
Brake fluid .......................................................... 7-10
Window washer fluid .......................................... 7-10
Battery ................................................................ 7-11
Drive belts .......................................................... 7-12Spark plug replacement ..................................... 7-12
Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 7-13
Wiper blades ...................................................... 7-14
Parking brake check........................................... 7-16
Brake pedal ........................................................ 7-16
Brake booster ..................................................... 7-17
Fuses .................................................................. 7-17
Fusible links........................................................ 7-18
Light bulbs .......................................................... 7-19
Wheels and tires ................................................ 7-24
ZX

WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep hands
and clothing away from any moving
parts such as cooling fan and drive
belt.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING
cCheck the fluid level using the HOT
range on the dipstick after the following
conditions have been met:
Ð The engine is warmed up to operating
temperature.
Ð The vehicle is driven at least 15 minutes.
Ð The automatic transmission fluid is
warmed to between 150ÉF and 170ÉF
(66ÉC to 77ÉC).
cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tem-peratures of 70ÉF to 95ÉF (21ÉC to 35ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick
after the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the gear-
shift lever through each gear range, end-
ing in P (Park) after you have moved it
through all ranges.
ADI0582ADI0572ADI0573
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
7-8
ZB13-DX