IThe supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemen-
tal restraint system and/or the pre-tensioner
seat belt may not function properly. For addi-
tional information, see ªSupplemental restraint
systemº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and supple-
mental air bag systemsº section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal front air bag system, supplemental
side air bag system (if so equipped)
and/or pre-tensioner seat belt may not
operate in an accident.
Tire carrier open warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the tire carrier is not
closed securely while the ignition key is ON.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the main switch is
turned on.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate the cruise control system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by
your NISSAN dealer.
4WD indicator light
(
model)
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
4WD shift indicator light
(
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift
indicator light will illuminate the position se-
lected by the 4WD shift switch.The 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to the
other.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on, and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the Malfunction indicator lamp comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The Malfunction indicator lamp may also come
on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the ve-
hicle has at least 3 US gallons (14 liters) of fuel
in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
Operation
The Malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
Instruments and controls
2-13
Z
00.1.10/R50-D/V5
X
CAUTION
IMake sure the luggage board closes
securely.IDo not drive with the board removed.
IProperly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
INever allow anyone to ride in the
luggage area or on the rear seat when
it is in the fold-down position.
IIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured
or killed.
IDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
LUGGAGE HOOKSThe luggage hooks can be used to secure
cargo with ropes or other types of straps.
WARNING
IProperly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
IUse the suitable ropes and hooks to
secure cargo.
INever allow anyone to ride in the
luggage area. It is extremely danger-
ous to ride in a cargo area inside of a
vehicle. In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed.
IDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
IBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.
SPA0346A
Instruments and controls
2-31
Z
00.1.10/R50-D/V5
X
Sun shadeOpen/close the sun shade by sliding it
backward/forward.
The shade will open automatically when the
sunroof is opened. However, it must be closed
manually.
WARNING
IIn an accident you could be thrown
from the vehicle through an open
sunroof. Always use seat belts and
child restraints.
IDo not allow anyone to stand up or
extend any portion of their body out
of the opening while the vehicle is in
motion or while the sunroof is clos-
ing.
CAUTION
IRemove water drops, snow, ice or
sand from the sunroof before
opening.IDo not place any heavy object on the
sunroof or surrounding area.
If the sunroof does not closeHave your NISSAN dealer check and repair
the sunroof.
The lights have a three-position switch.
When the switch is in the centerqposition, the
lights will illuminate when a door or the back
door is opened.
SIC0564A
INTERIOR LIGHTS (if so
equipped)
2-38
Instruments and controls
Z
00.1.10/R50-D/V5
X
You can only drive your vehicle using the
master keys which are registered to the Nissan
Vehicle Immobilizer System components in
your vehicle. These keys have a transponder
chip in the key head.
The keys can be used for the door, back door
or glove box locks.
Never leave these keys in the vehicle.
Record the key number on the key number
plate supplied with your keys and keep it in a
safe place (such as your wallet), not in the
vehicle. NISSAN does not record any key
number so it is very important to keep track of
your key number plate.A key number is only necessary when you
have lost all keys and do not have one to
duplicate from. If you still have a key, this key
can be duplicated by your NISSAN dealer.
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System keys:
The key number is necessary when you need
extra Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
keys. As many as 5 Nissan Vehicle Immobi-
lizer System keys can be used with one ve-
hicle. New keys must be registered to the
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System compo-
nents in your vehicle by your NISSAN dealer.
At this time, you should bring all Nissan Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System keys that you have to
your NISSAN dealer for registration. This is
because the registration process will erase all
memory of the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System components.
WARNING
IAlways have the doors locked while
driving. Along with the use of seat
belts, this provides greater safety in
the event of an accident by helping to
prevent persons from being thrown
from the vehicle. This also helps keep
children and others from unintention-
ally opening the doors, and will help
keep out intruders.
IBefore opening any door, always look
for and avoid oncoming traffic.
IDo not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls.
Unattended children could become
involved in serious accidents.
SPA0942
KEYSDOORS3-2
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Z
00.1.10/R50-D/V5
X
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden steer-
ing maneuvers, because these driving prac-
tices could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.As with any vehicle, a loss of con-
trol could result in a collision with other
vehicles or objects, or cause the vehicle to
rollover, particularly if the loss of control
causes the vehicle to slide sideways.Be
attentive at all times, and avoid driving when
tired. Never drive when under the influence of
alcohol or drugs (including prescription or
over-the-counter drugs which may cause
drowsiness). Always wear your seat belt as
outlined in the ª1. Seats, restraints and supple-
mental air bag systemsº section of this
manual, and also instruct your passengers to
do so. Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury
in collisions and rollovers.In a rollover crash,an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat
belt.
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 judgement. Driving af-
ter 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 if
your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired
by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical
condition.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONSYour NISSAN is designed for both normal and
offroad use. However, avoid driving in deep
water or mud as your NISSAN is mainly de-
signed for leisure use, unlike a conventional
offroad vehicle.
Remember that two wheel drive models are
less capable than four wheel drive models for
rough road driving and extrication when stuck
in deep snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
IDrive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle
should be seated with their seat belt
5-4
Starting and driving
Z
00.1.10/R50-D/V5
X
have their seat belts fastened.
IAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
IDo not drive beyond the performance
of the tires, even with 4WD engaged.
Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
IIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four wheel
drive vehicle has a higher center of
gravity than a two wheel drive ve-
hicle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as con-
ventional two wheel drive vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly could result in loss of controland/or a roll over accident.
IAlways use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Install tire chains on
the rear wheels when driving on slip-
pery roads and drive carefully.
IBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See ªBrake systemº later in this sec-
tion for wet brakes.
IAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
IWhenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. See ªPeriodic
maintenanceº in the ª9. Mainte-
nanceº section of this manual.
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),
the key cannot be moved toward LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
SSD0083
IGNITION SWITCH
5-6
Starting and driving
Z
00.1.10/R50-D/V5
X
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
Z
00.1.10/R50-D/V5
X
Part time 4WD models:
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(park) position will not function and
the transfer shift lever is in the N
position. Failure to engage the trans-
fer shift lever in H or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
resulting in serious personal injury or
property damage.
All-mode 4WD models:
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(park) position will not function and
the transfer case is in neutral. Make
sure that the 4WD shift indicator light
(and transfer 4LO position indicator)
light remains illuminated before stop-
ping the engine. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle could unexpectedly move even
if the automatic transmission is in the
P (park) position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle rolling into the
street when parked on a sloping drive way,it is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
IHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
q1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
q2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
q3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
Make sure the ATP light is off before stop-
ping the engine.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns or at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
much harder to operate.POWER STEERING
Starting and driving
5-31
Z
00.1.10/R50-D/V5
X