
KEY OPERATIONTo open the trunk lid, turn the key clockwise.
To close, lower and push the trunk lid down
securely.
OPENER OPERATIONTo open the fuel filler lid, push the opener
switch. To lock, close the fuel filler lid securely.
SPA0992
SPA0986
FUEL FILLER LID
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FUEL FILLER CAPThe fuel filler cap is a ratcheting type. Tighten
the cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are
heard.
Put the fuel filler cap on the cap holder while
refueling.
WARNING
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 or
sparks 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 tankafter the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically.
Continued refueling may cause fuel
overflow, resulting in fuel spray and
possibly a fire.
IUse only a genuine fuel filler cap as a
replacement. It has a built-in safety
valve needed for proper operation 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.
CAUTION
IIf fuel is spilled on the car body, flush
it away with water to avoid paint dam-
age.
ITighten until the fuel filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL) to illu-
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Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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minate. If the
lamp illuminates
because the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and
continue to drive the vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after a few
driving trips. If the
lamp does
not turn off after a few driving trips,
have the vehicle inspected by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
IFor additional information, see the
ªMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)º in
the ª2. Instruments and controlsº
section.
TILT OPERATIONPull the lock lever and while holding down,
adjust the steering wheel up or down to the
desired position.
Push the lock lever back into place to lock the
steering wheel in place.
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. You could lose control of your
vehicle and cause an accident.
CAUTION
Store the main sun visor after storing
the extension sun visor.
SPA0234
SPA0991
STEERING WHEEL SUN VISORS
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from a station transmitter, the signals will tend
to fade and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference
from buildings, large hills or due to antenna
position, usually in conjunction with increased
distance from the station transmitter, static or
flutter can be heard. This can be reduced by
adjusting the treble control counterclockwise
to reduce treble response.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and re-
flected signals reach the receiver at the same
time. The signals may cancel each other,
resulting in momentary flutter or loss of sound.AM RADIO RECEPTIONAM signals, because of their low frequency,
can bend around objects and skip along the
ground. In addition, the signals can be
bounced off the ionosphere and bent back to
earth. Because of these characteristics. AM
signals are also subject to interference as they
travel from transmitter to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for sev-
eral seconds during ionospheric turbulence
even in areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electricalpower lines, electric signs and even traffic
lights.
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .............................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover................................... 5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-4
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-4
Manual transmission ................................................. 5-5
Key positions ............................................................. 5-6
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ......................... 5-6
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-7
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-7
Driving the vehicle ..................................................... 5-8
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-8
Manual transmission ............................................... 5-11
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-13
Cruise control .......................................................... 5-14
Precautions on cruise control.................................. 5-14Cruise control operations ........................................ 5-14
Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-16
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-17
Power steering ........................................................ 5-18
Brake system .......................................................... 5-18
Braking precautions ................................................ 5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................................ 5-19
Traction control system (if so equipped)................. 5-20
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-21
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................................... 5-21
Anti-freeze ............................................................... 5-21
Battery ..................................................................... 5-21
Draining of coolant water ........................................ 5-21
Tire equipment ........................................................ 5-21
Special winter equipment ........................................ 5-21
Driving on snow or ice ............................................ 5-22
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ...................... 5-22
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WARNING
IDo not leave children, impaired
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
IClosely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously
injured. Keep the car locked with the
trunk closed when not in use, and
prevent children's access to car keys.EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-
oxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous. It
can cause unconsciousness or death.
IIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
IDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
IDo not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.
IKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, follow these precau-
tions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation switch
OFF and the fan control at 4 (high)
to circulate the air.
IIf electrical wiring or other cable con-nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
IIf a special body or other equipment
is added for recreational or other us-
age, follow the manufacturer's rec-
ommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
(Some recreational vehicle appli-
ances such as stoves, refrigerator,
heaters, etc. may also generate car-
bon monoxide.)
IThe exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING5-2
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DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgment. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in the accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. But, you
must choose not to drive under the influence of
alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol related accidents.
Although the local laws vary on what is con-
sidered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that
alcohol affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs too (over the counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs). Don't drive ifyour ability to operate your vehicle is impaired
by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical
condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONOn automatic transmission models, the igni-
tion lock is designed so that the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the selector
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved toward
LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
SSD0083
IGNITION SWITCH
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LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch,
the selector lever cannot be moved from P
(Park) position.The selector lever can be
moved if the ignition switch is in the ACC
position. This allows the vehicle to be
moved if the battery is discharged. The
selector lever can also be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK
and ACC, although it does not show on the
lock cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counter-
clockwise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the keyand turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONThe switch includes an anti-theft steering lock
device.
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
The ignition key can only be removed when
the switch is in this position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, first turn
the key to OFF and turn the key to LOCK while
pushing the key in.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
SSD0082C
Starting and driving
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