
6. Start the engine, and warm it up until the
radiator fan operates. Then race the engine
two or three times under no load. Watch the
coolant temperature gauge for signs of
overheating.
7. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level.
8. Check the radiator drain plug and the drain
plug on the engine block for any sign of
leakage.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
SDI0973
SDI0115
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself
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WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or
looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or
loose, have it replaced or adjusted by your
NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
SDI0141
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS
Do-it-yourself
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CLEANINGIf your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form when
rinsing with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter-
gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If
your windshield is still not clear after cleaning
the blades and using the wiper, replace the
blades.
REPLACEMENT1. Pull the wiper arm.
2. Push the lock pin, then remove the wiper
blade.
3. Insert the new wiper blade to the wiper arm
until a click sounds.
CAUTION
After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position.
Otherwise it may be damaged when the
engine hood is opened.
Make sure the wiper blade contacts the
glass, otherwise the arm may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
DI1018M
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
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During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition,
you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see ªMaintenance precautionsº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge pe-
riodically when at a service station, including
the spare, and adjust to the specified pressure
if necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*:When checking the tires, make
sure no nuts are missing, and check for anyloose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well
as the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if nec-
essary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the pri-
mary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as whenperforming periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights*:Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance
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TIRES AND WHEELSRoad wheelType Size Offset in (mm)
Steel 15 x 6JJ 1.57 (40)
Aluminum16 x 6.5JJ 1.57 (40)
17 x 7JJ (option) 1.75 (45)
TireConventionalP205/65R15 92H
P215/55R16 91H
P225/50R17 93V (option)
SpareConventional*1
T125/70D16*2
T125/90D16*3
T135/90D16*4
*1: For option
*2: For standard
*3: For models equipped with 15²and 16²size tires (option)
*4: For models equipped with 17²size tire (option)
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Sedan
Overall length in (mm) 190.4 (4,838)
Overall width in (mm) 70.3 (1,785)
Overall height in (mm) 56.5 (1,435)
Front tread in (mm)60.2 (1,530)*1
59.8 (1,520)*2
Rear tread in (mm)59.4 (1,510)*1
59.1 (1,500)*2
Wheelbase in (mm) 108.3 (2,750)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb (kg)
See the F.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label on the driver's side
lock pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
*1: For models with road wheel size - 15 x 6JJ, 16 x 6.5JJ
*2: For models with aluminum wheel size - 17 x 7JJ
Technical and consumer information
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trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
IBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability, and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on aslope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P (Park) position. If you move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position be-
fore blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often thanat intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
ICrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed
by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
IBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
ITo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transmission) or over-
drive (automatic transmission).10-18
Technical and consumer information
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11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-19
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front airbag
system) ...................................................... 1-14
Side (See supplemental side air bag
system) ...................................................... 1-16
Air bag warning labels .................................... 1-19
Air bag warning light................................ 1-19, 2-8
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 4-3
Air conditioner service ....................... 4-3, 4-11
Air conditioner specification label .... 4-3, 10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ...................... 4-3
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-3
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................... 10-6
Air flow charts ................................................... 4-6
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-4
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 4-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player....................................................... 4-12
AM-FM radio with compact disc player .......... 4-12
Ambient temperature switch (AMB), Air
conditioner ...................................................... 4-11Anchor point locations
Top tether strap ......................................... 1-36
Antenna
Manual ....................................................... 4-25
Power ........................................................ 4-25
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light............................. 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-9
Audible reminders ........................................... 2-11
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................................................... 5-10
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery............................................................. 8-13
Battery saver system................................. 2-17
Battery replacement, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-7
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-15Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-19
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Brake booster ............................................ 8-19
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-18
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-18
Parking brake check ........................ 5-13, 8-18
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-13
System....................................................... 5-18
Warning light ............................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-7
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-23
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................................. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-25
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-25
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ........ 2-25
Cargo net ........................................................ 2-25
Cassette player (See audio system) .............. 4-16
Cassette tape operation ................................. 4-12
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CD care and cleaning ..................................... 4-24
Child restraints ................................................ 1-28
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-37
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-28
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Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-36
With top tether strap.................................. 1-36
Child safety ..................................................... 1-23
Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Chimes ............................................................ 2-11
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-21
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-29
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-19
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-21
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-22
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-12
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-33
Console box .................................................... 2-25
Controls
Audio controls............................................ 4-12
Audio controls (rear).................................. 4-12
Audio controls (steering wheel)................. 4-12
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater and semiautomatic air
conditioner ................................................... 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-13
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-23D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-18
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-15
Dimensions and weights ................................. 10-9
Door open warning light ................................... 2-8
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-21
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-11
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-16
Emission control information label ................ 10-11
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Block heater .............................................. 5-22
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Engine serial number .............................. 10-11
Engine specifications................................. 10-7
If your engine overheats ........................... 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-16
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-19
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-12
Folding rear seat............................................... 1-6
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................... 1-14
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-12
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