
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKINGThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range (L & H marks) on the dipstick at
fluid temperatures between 122 and 176ÉF (50
and 80ÉC) after the vehicle has been driven
approximately 5 minutes in urban areas after
the engine is warmed up. The level can be
checked at fluid temperatures between 86 and
122ÉF (30 and 50ÉC) using the COLD range on
the dipstick for reference, after the engine is
warmed up but before driving. However, the
fluid level must be rechecked using the HOT
range.1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the selector
lever through each gear range, ending in P.
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
4. Expand the spring stopper and remove the
dipstick. Wipe it clean with lint-free paper.
5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging pipe
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading.
If the level is on the low side of either range,
add fluid to the charging pipe.
7. When inserting the dipstick, set it so that
the spring stopper presses the upper part of
the dipstick rubber to lock the dipstick.
CAUTION
IDo not overfill.
IUse only Nissan Matic D (Continental
U.S. and Alaska) or Canada Nissan
automatic transmission fluid.
Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalentmay also be used. Outside the conti-
nental US and Alaska contact a
NISSAN dealer for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including
recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
automatic transmission
fluid.
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes).
SDI0488
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
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 toremove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can cause damage the spark
plugs.
Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the con-
ventional type spark plugs since they will last
much longer. Follow the maintenance sched-
ule, but do not reuse them by cleaning or
regapping.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for servicing.
Always replace with recommended
platinum-tipped spark plugs.The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused as it is given a special treatment. We
recommended it be replaced according to the
maintenance intervals. See ªPeriodic mainte-
nanceº shown in a separate maintenance
booklet for maintenance intervals. When re-
placing the filter, wipe the inside of the air
cleaner housing and the cover with a damp
cloth.
WARNING
IOperating the engine with the air
SDI0145A
SDI1022A
SDI1115B
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CAUTION
After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when the
hood is opened.
Make sure the wiper blade contacts the
glass, otherwise the arm may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
If you wax the surface of the hood, be
careful not to let wax get into the washer
nozzle. This may cause clogging or im-
proper windshield washer operation. If wax
gets into the nozzle, remove it with a needle
or small pin.
CHECKING PARKING BRAKEPull the parking brake lever up. If the number
of clicks is out of the range as listed above, see
your NISSAN dealer.
SDI1136
DI1010-C
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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IAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
IRegularly check all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
INever connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Tire pressuresIWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (affixed to the
glove box lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.Safety chainsAlways use a suitable chain between yourvehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations.
When wiring vehicle for towing connection,
connect stop and tail light pickup into the
vehicle electrical circuit at point between
the sensor and stop light switch or light
switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to Federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding ofthe 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 a
slope 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 position. If you move the selector
lever to the P position before 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.
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10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-32
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front airbag
system) ...................................................... 1-16
Side (See supplemental side air bag
system) ...................................................... 1-18
Air bag warning labels .................................... 1-20
Air bag warning light.............................. 1-21, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ...................... 4-2, 4-8
Air conditioner service ................ 4-2, 4-8, 4-10
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ................ 4-10, 9-8
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ....... 4-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-2
Air conditioner operation, Semiautomatic ......... 4-5
Air flow charts ................................................... 4-5
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-4
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap ......................................... 1-41
Antenna........................................................... 4-31
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-32
Anti-lock brake warning light............................. 2-9Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-3
Armrest ............................................................. 1-9
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray) .... 2-26
ATP warning light ........................................... 2-10
Audible reminders ........................................... 2-15
Audio operation precautions ........................... 4-12
Audio system .................................................. 4-11
Steering wheel audio controls ................... 4-30
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-16
Drive positioner ......................................... 3-16
Driving with automatic
transmission ....................................... 5-6, 5-10
Seat positioner, seat ................................. 3-16
Transmission park warning light ............... 2-10
Transmission selector lever lock release .. 5-13
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-4
B
Battery............................................................. 8-21
Battery saver system................................. 2-20
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ............................................................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-22Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-32
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-18
Brake booster ............................................ 8-26
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-18
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-25
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-26
Brake system............................................. 5-32
Parking brake check ........................ 5-16, 8-25
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-16
Warning light ............................................. 2-10
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-19
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-9
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-30
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ........ 2-33
Cargo net ........................................................ 2-33
Cassette player (See audio system) .... 4-16, 4-23,
4-28
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CD care and cleaning ..................................... 4-26
Child restraints ................................................ 1-31
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-42
Installation on rear seat outboard
positions .................................................... 1-35
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Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-40
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ........................................... 2-9, 2-13
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ..................................................... 9-15
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 ............................................... 2-32
Luggage rack .................................................. 2-34
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-21
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle ........................................ 8-3
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-5
Outside the vehicle...................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-31
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 8-4
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-15
Outside mirror control................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-15N
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 ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-14
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-15
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-13
Engine oil................................................... 8-13
Engine oil viscosity ...................................... 9-6
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............................................... 8-25
Parking brake check.................................. 5-16
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-16
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-30Personal lights ................................................ 2-39
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ....................... 4-32
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power outlet .............................................. 2-25
Power steering fluid................................... 8-18
Power steering system .............................. 5-31
Power windows ......................................... 2-35
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-19
Precautions
Audio operation precautions ..................... 4-12
Braking precautions................................... 5-32
Cruise control operations .......................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-17
Driving safety............................................... 5-4
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-5
On child restraints ..................................... 1-31
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-23
On-pavement and offroad driving
precautions .................................................. 5-3
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................................................... 1-10
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ................................................... 6-10
R
Rack, Luggage rack ........................................ 2-34
Radio
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-32
Steering wheel audio controls ................... 4-30
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ......................................................... 9-23
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