5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).......................... 5-2
Three way catalyst ............................................... 5-3
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions ..... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover .............................. 5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ....................... 5-4
Driving safety precautions .................................... 5-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-6
Automatic transmission ........................................ 5-6
Manual transmission ............................................ 5-7
Key positions ........................................................ 5-8
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system ...................... 5-8
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-9
Driving the vehicle ................................................... 5-10
Automatic transmission ...................................... 5-10
Manual transmission .......................................... 5-14
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-16
Cruise control (if so equipped) ................................ 5-17
Precautions on cruise control ............................. 5-17
Cruise control operations ................................... 5-17Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-19
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-19
Using part time four wheel drive (4WD) ................. 5-20
Transfer case shifting procedures ...................... 5-21
Using all-mode four wheel drive (4WD) .................. 5-23
Transfer case shifting procedures ...................... 5-23
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-30
Power steering ........................................................ 5-31
Brake system .......................................................... 5-32
Braking precautions............................................ 5-32
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ............................ 5-32
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-34
Freeing a frozen door lock ................................. 5-34
Anti-freeze .......................................................... 5-34
Battery ................................................................ 5-34
Draining of coolant water ................................... 5-34
Tire equipment ................................................... 5-34
Special winter equipment ................................... 5-35
Driving on snow or ice ....................................... 5-35
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................. 5-35
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IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
ICheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, at least
whenever you refuel.
ICheck to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park position)
or N (Neutral position). (P preferred)
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of P and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the selector lever is in one of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral po-
sition), and depress the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather ÐUse the accelerator pedal to help start the
engine.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Always allow the engine to idle for at least
30 seconds after starting. Drive at moder-
ate speed for a short distance first, espe-
cially in cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
5-9
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ªEn-
gine cooling systemº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº
section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
ªBatteryº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. See ªEngine cooling systemº in
the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section for Changing
Engine Coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some Prov-
inces and States prohibit their use, so,
before installing studded tires, check local,
state and provincial laws.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. TIRE CHAINS may be used if desired.
Make sure they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installed ac-
cording to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions. Use of tire chains may be prohib-
ited according to location. Check the local
laws before installing tire chains. When
installing tire chains, make sure they are of
proper size for the tires on your vehicle andare installed according to the chain manu-
facturer's suggestions.Use only SAE
Class S chains.Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when
recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of
the tire chain must be secured or removed
to prevent the possibility of whipping action
damage to the fenders or underbody. If
possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle
when using tire chains. In addition, drive at
a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains
in such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress. When driving on clear
paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.
4. For four wheel drive:
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING5-34
Starting and driving
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Wheel nuts*:
When checking the tires, make sure no nuts
are missing, and check for any loose nuts.
Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:
Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km). However, the timing for tire rota-
tion may vary according to your driving habits
and road surface conditions.
Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle should pull 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 properly. Also ensure that all latches
lock securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers
and links if necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from openingwhen the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicleLights*:
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.INTERIOR MAINTENANCEThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
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 sufficient quantity when
operating the heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering conditions,
such as excessive freeplay, hard steering or
strange noises.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
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 so equipped) hold securely in
all latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system
(e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters and retrac-
tors) operate properly and smoothly, and are
installed securely. Check the belt webbing for
cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
make sure the pedal does not catch or require
Maintenance
9-3
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Child restraints ................................................ 1-31
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-42
Installation on rear seat outboard
positions .................................................... 1-35
Installation on rear seat center position .... 1-33
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-41
With top tether strap.................................. 1-40
Child safety ..................................................... 1-24
Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray....... 2-26
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-25
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-3
Clock ............................................................... 2-25
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-24
Fluid ........................................................... 8-15
Housing drain (4x4 only) ........................... 8-37
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-34
Compact Disc (CD) autochanger operation ... 4-24
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-17
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-11
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-36
Compass display .............................................. 2-7
Console box .................................................... 2-29
Controls
Audio controls............................................ 4-11
Audio controls (rear).................................. 4-11
Audio controls (steering wheel)................. 4-11
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic)................................................... 4-8Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-7
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-6
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-4
Cruise control.................................................. 5-17
Cup holders .................................................... 2-28
D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-21
Defogger switch, Glass hatch and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-19
Dimensions and weights ............................... 10-11
Door open warning light ................................. 2-11
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-19
Drive positioner, Automatic ............................. 3-16
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-34
Driving with automatic transmission.......... 5-10
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-14
On-pavement and offroad driving ............... 5-3
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Safety precautions....................................... 5-4
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-19
Electric sunroof ............................................... 2-36
Emission control information label ................ 10-14
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-21Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-9
Block heater .............................................. 5-35
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-7
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-6
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-4
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-6
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-6
Engine serial number .............................. 10-13
Engine specifications................................. 10-9
If your engine overheats ........................... 6-11
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-13
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-20
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-23
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-15
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-15
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11-2
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-6
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Power steering fluid................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-17
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-22
4WD shift switch operations ........................... 5-26
Four wheel drive (4WD) ........................ 5-20, 5-23
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................... 1-16
Front fog light switch ...................................... 2-23
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-12
Filler lid ...................................................... 3-12
Filler lid and cap ........................................ 3-12
Filler lid opener lever................................. 3-12
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-19
Fuel octane rating ..................................... 10-4
Fuel recommendation................................ 10-4
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Fuses .............................................................. 8-24
Fusible links .................................................... 8-25
G
Garage door opener, Integrated HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ..................................... 2-40
Gas cap .......................................................... 3-12
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 2-5
Odometer..................................................... 2-3
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ....................................... 9-2
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 2-19
Glass hatch lock ............................................. 3-11
Glass hatch opener ........................................ 3-11
Glasses case .................................................. 2-27
Glove box........................................................ 2-29
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-29
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-23
Head restraints ................................................. 1-9
Headlamps, (Bulb replacement) ..................... 8-28
Headlights
(Bulb replacement) .................................... 8-28
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-19
Heated seats................................................... 2-24
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-35
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) (if so
equipped)..................................................... 4-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Heater operation.......................................... 4-2
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .................. 2-40
Hood, release ................................................... 3-9
Hook, Luggage hook ...................................... 2-31
Horn ................................................................ 2-24
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security ............... 2-16I
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission models .................. 5-6
Key positions ............................................... 5-8
Manual transmission models....................... 5-7
Immobilizer system ......................................... 2-16
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/indicator
lights and chimes) ........................................... 2-13
Inside mirror .................................................... 3-15
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................. 10-22
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Integrated HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver ..................................................... 2-40
J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-9
K
Keyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-5
Keys .................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ...... 10-14
Label, Emission control information label ..... 10-14
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label.............. 10-13
Labels
Air bag warning labels............................... 1-20
Air conditioner specification label ........ 4-2, 4-8
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11-3
Engine serial number .............................. 10-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)......... 10-12
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-21
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-26
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-23
Headlamps (Bulb replacement)................. 8-28
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-20
Headlights (Bulb replacement) .................. 8-28
Personal lights ........................................... 2-39
Replacement ............................................. 8-26
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-40
Warning/indicator lights and
chimes ................................................ 2-9, 2-13
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-15
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-2
Glass hatch lock ........................................ 3-11
Glove box lock........................................... 2-29
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Rear door lock ........................................... 3-10
Rear door opener ...................................... 3-10
Low fuel warning light ..................................... 2-12
Luggage hooks ............................................... 2-31
Luggage rack .................................................. 2-34
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-18
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 9-10
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle ........................................ 9-2Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
Outside the vehicle...................................... 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ................ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-31
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 9-4
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-14
Outside mirror............................................ 3-15
Outside mirror control................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-15
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-5
N
Net, Cargo net ................................................ 2-33
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-19
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System ................ 2-15
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start ................................................................... 5-8
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-10
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-6Outside mirror ................................................. 3-15
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-15
Outside temperature display ............................. 2-6
Overdrive switch ............................................. 5-13
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-11
P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-22
Parking brake check.................................. 5-16
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-16
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-30
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal lights ................................................ 2-39
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power outlet .............................................. 2-25
Power steering fluid................................... 8-15
Power steering system .............................. 5-31
Power windows ......................................... 2-35
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-19
Precautions
Braking precautions................................... 5-32
Cruise control operations .......................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-17
Driving safety............................................... 5-4
Maintenance precautions ..................... 8-2, 9-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-31
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-23
On supplemental restraint system ............ 1-10
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11-4
On-pavement and offroad driving
precautions .................................................. 5-3
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ................................................... 6-11
R
Rack, Luggage rack ........................................ 2-34
Radio, Car phone or CB radio ........................ 4-27
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ....................................................... 10-22
Rear door ........................................................ 3-10
Rear door lock ................................................ 3-10
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Rear door opener ........................................... 3-10
Rear power point ............................................ 2-25
Rear seat adjustment ....................................... 1-6
Rear window wiper and washer switch .......... 2-18
Registering your vehicle in another
country .......................................................... 10-12
Remote keyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)............... 10-21
Rollover ............................................................. 5-4
S
Safety
Child seat belts.......................................... 1-24
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......... 10-21
Towing safety .......................................... 10-18
Seat
Belt extenders ........................................... 1-30
Belt hook ................................................... 1-28Belt maintenance....................................... 1-31
Belt warning light ....................................... 1-22
Belt warning light and chime ..................... 2-12
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment .................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ...................... 1-4
Rear seat adjustment .................................. 1-6
Seat belt(s)
Child safety................................................ 1-24
Infants and small children ......................... 1-24
Injured persons.......................................... 1-25
Larger children .......................................... 1-25
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ................. 1-19
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 1-23
Pregnant women ....................................... 1-25
Seat belt cleaning........................................ 7-4
Seat belts .................................................. 1-22
Three-point type with retractor .................. 1-25
Two-point type without retractor (rear center
lap belt)...................................................... 1-29
Seat(s), Seats ................................................... 1-2
Seats, Heated seats ....................................... 2-24
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ..................................... 2-16
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ........................................................... 2-15
Servicing air conditioner................... 4-2, 4-8, 4-10
Shift lock release ............................................ 5-13
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................. 5-10
Manual transmission ................................. 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................... 1-28Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag system) .................................................... 1-18
Spare tire carrier ............................................. 3-10
Spark plugs ..................................................... 8-19
Speedometer .................................................... 2-3
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-9
Jump starting ............................................... 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ............................................. 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 8-15
Power steering system .............................. 5-31
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 3-14
Storage ........................................................... 2-27
Sun shade....................................................... 2-38
Sun visors ....................................................... 3-14
Sunroof, Electric sunroof ................................ 2-36
Supplemental air bag warning labels ............. 1-20
Supplemental air bag warning light ....... 1-21, 2-12
Supplemental front air bag system ................. 1-16
Supplemental restraint system ....................... 1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................................................... 1-10
Supplemental side air bag system ................. 1-18
Switch
4WD shift switch operations...................... 5-26
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-23
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-19
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-23
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-19
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
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11-5