Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economi-
cal transportation. Your vehicle is the product of
a successful worldwide company that manufac-
tures cars and trucks in over 20 countries and
distributes them in 150 nations.
Nissan vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and Nissan affiliates
worldwide, collectively growing to become the
fourth largest automaker in the world. In addition
to cars and trucks, Nissan also makes textile
machinery, forklift trucks, marine engines, boats
and other products.
Nissan has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960, continuing with the production of some
cars and trucks at one of the world's mostmodern manufacturing facilities in Smyrna, Ten-
nessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design Interna-
tional in San Diego, California, and engineering
at Nissan Research and Development in Farm-
ington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers
employ about 50,000 Americans.
Nissan is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc. and its
200 dealers and suppliers employ approximately
4,000 people. These include company employ-
ees and the staffs of Nissan dealers all across
Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for
companies that supply Nissan and Nissan deal-
ers with materials and services ranging from the
operation of port facilities and transportation ser-
vices, to the supply of lubricants, parts and
accessories.Nissan pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. Nissan also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your Nissan to
your dealer for maintenance, the service techni-
cian will perform his work according to the quality
standards that have been established by the
factory.
Safety has also been built into your Nissan. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the belts every time
you drive the vehicle.
The Nissan story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
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Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake, fasten seat belts,
and turn the ignition key to ON without
starting the engine. The following lights
come on and stay on until the engine is
started:
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
ABS or
If any light fails to come on, it mayindicate a burned-out bulb or an open
circuit in the electrical system. Have the
system repaired promptly.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN
dealer or other authorized repair shop.Run-
ning the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine.The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the charging system. Turn the engine
off and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing, or if the light re-
mains on, see your NISSAN dealer imme-
diately.
AIC0583
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
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CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches E. There should be a small
reserve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is
NOT securely fastened when the ignition
key is turned to ON or START, the chime
sounds four times and the light illuminates.
Refer to ``Seat belts'' in the ``Pre-driving
checks and adjustments'' section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System is opera-
tional.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag system needs servic-
ing and your vehicle should be taken to your
nearest authorized NISSAN dealer as soon
as practical:
1. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on for 7 seconds and then
go off as described above.
2. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System may not
function properly. For additional details, see
``Supplemental restraint system'' in the ``Pre-
driving checks and adjustments'' section.
Low washer fluid warning
light
This light comes on when the washer res-
ervoir fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid
as necessary. See the ``Do-it-yourself op-
erations'' section.
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
The light comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and also warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake not
applied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
fluid as necessary. See ``Brake fluid'' in
the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, check
the warning system.
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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
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turned on (ignition switch is turned OFF).
Turn the headlight control switch to OFF
when you leave the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion whether
or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the warning sound is heard.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(emission system)
If this light comes on or blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate a po-
tential emission control problem. Al-
though the vehicle is still driveable, see
your NISSAN dealer for service as soon
as possible. Continued operation with-
out having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system which may
affect your warranty coverage.The theft warning system provides audio
and visual alarm signals if parts of the
vehicle are disturbed.
How to activate the theft warning
system
1. Close all windows.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close all doors and the hood. Lock all
doors by pressing the
button on the
multi-remote controller. At this time, the
parking lights blink and the horn chirps to
indicate all doors are locked.The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
4. Confirm that the SECURITY indicator
light, located under the hazard warning
switch, illuminates.
cThe SECURITY light stays on for about
30 seconds and then begins to flash
once every three seconds. The system is
now activated.
The theft warning system is NOT activated if
one of the following occurs:
cA door is unlocked or opened, the hood is
opened, or the ignition key is turned to
the ACC or ON position during the 30
seconds in which the SECURITY light
stays on.
cThe SECURITY light blinks at a steady
1/2 second on - 1/2 second off rate
because a door or the hood is open and
the key is not in the ACC or ON position.
When the ignition key is turned to the
ACC or ON position, the SECURITY light
turns off.Theft warning system operation
The theft warning system emits the follow-
ing alarm:
IC0005
THEFT WARNING
(If so equipped)
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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
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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
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tuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate road conditions are hazardous
and extra care is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydrau-
lic solenoids controlled by a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed
in forward or reverse. When the ``self-test''
occurs, you may hear a ``clunk'' noise
and/or feel a ``pulsation'' in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any
malfunction, it switches the anti-lock brake
system OFF and turns on the ANTI-LOCK
brake warning light in the dashboard. The
brake system then operates normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check,
or while driving, take your vehicle to your
NISSAN dealer for repair at your earliest
convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
``Tire placard'' in the Owner's
Manual index.
cRefer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
of this manual.
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