FUEL FILLER CAPThe fuel filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting
type. Tighten the cap clockwise until ratcheting
clicks are heard.IGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seri-
ously injured if it is misused or mis-
handled. Always stop the engine and
do not smoke or allow open flames orsparks near the vehicle when refuel-
ing.
IFuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap one-half turn, and wait for any
hissing sound to stop to prevent fuel
from spraying out and possible per-
sonal injury. Then remove the cap.
IDo not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling
may cause fuel over-flow, resulting in
fuel spray and possibly a fire.
IUse only a genuine NISSAN fuel filler
cap as a replacement. It has a built-in
safety valve needed for proper opera-
tion of the fuel system and emission
control system. An incorrect cap can
result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury.
INever pour fuel into the throttle body
to attempt to start your vehicle.
IIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.
ITighten until cap clicks, failure to
tighten fuel cap properly may cause
the
malfunction indicator light
(MIL) to illuminate. If this occurs, se-
curely close the fuel filler cap. After
driven for a while, the light should
remain off. If the light remains on,
have the vehicle inspected by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
For additional information, see the
ªMalfunction indicator light (MIL)º in
the ª2. Instruments and controlsº
section.
SPA0341
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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IDirt and other foreign matter on the
power antenna rod may interrupt its
operation. Clean the rod periodically
with a damp cloth. This type of clean-
ing is especially important during the
winter seasons in areas where road
salt and other chemicals may be
spread on road surfaces and
splashed onto the antenna rod.
If equipped with a genuine NISSAN cellular
phone, your NISSAN features a non-
directional microphone in the steering column
cover, so it is not necessary to look at or speak
directly into the microphone when calling. To
do so could detract from the driving operation
and cause an accident. See the car phone
manual for operation.
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone. In addition,
the same model has the phone antenna built
into the rear glass window.
When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone
in your NISSAN, be sure to observe the follow-
ing cautions, otherwise the new equipment
may adversely affect the MFI (Multiport Fuel
Injection) system and other electronic parts.IKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Electronic Control Unit
(including radio).
IKeep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the Multiport Fuel
Injection harness. Do not route the
antenna wire next to any harness.
IAdjust the antenna standing-wave ra-tio as recommended by the manufac-
turer.
IConnect the ground wire from the
radio chassis to the body.
IFor details, consult your NISSAN
dealer.CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
4-26
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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of the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device, installed in the exhaust system. In the
converter, exhaust gases are burned at high
temperatures to help reduce pollutants.IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system.
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials, such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
IDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the three way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat. Do not
keep driving if the engine misfires, or
if noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warming
it up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONSUtility vehicles have higher ground clearance
than passenger cars and a narrower track to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of offroad applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of
gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of
higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the
same speeds as conventional two-wheel drive
vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily under
offroad conditions. If at all possible, avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with
other vehicles of this type, failure to operate
this vehicle correctly may result in loss of
control or vehicle rollover.
Be sure to read the driving safety precautions
later in this section.
Starting and driving
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Schedule 1Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km´1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (3)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter
(Use Part No. 15208 31U00 or equivalent.)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)NOTE: (1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
HMaintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
Maintenance
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Schedule 2Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km´1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (1)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (2)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use Part No. 15208 31U00 or equivalent.)RRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
NOTE: (1) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
HMaintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
Maintenance
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life
and performance. Nissan recommends the
use of a low friction oil (energy conserving oil)
in order to improve fuel economy and con-
serve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as
they could cause engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATIONMARK on the front of the container should be
used. This type of oil supersedes the existing
API SG, SH and SJ and Energy Conserving II
categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK, use an API grade
SG/SH, Energy Conserving II or API grade SJ,
Energy Conserving oil. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination with
other categories (for example, SG/CC or
SG/CD) may also be used if one with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be found. An
ILSAC grade GF-II oil can also be used.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may beused in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils must
however, meet the API quality and SAE vis-
cosity ratings specified for your vehicle. Do not
mix mineral based and synthetic type oils in
the engine at the same time.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant that the engine oil viscosity be selected
based on the temperatures at which the ve-
hicle will be operated before the next oil
change. The chart recommended SAE viscos-
ity number shows the recommended oil vis-
cosities for the expected ambient tempera-
tures. Choosing an oil viscosity other than that
recommended could cause serious engine
damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine Nissan oil filter. When replac-
STI0077
10-6
Technical and consumer information
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