
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
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If your vehicle is overheating indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading, or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
WARNING
IDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the radia-
tor cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
IDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the gearshift
lever to the neutral position (automatic
transmission to P (Park)).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-tioner temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing
a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a
fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the
temperature gauge indication returns to
normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the cooling fan belt is missing or loose or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.
WARNING
IBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in, the
cooling fan, or drive belt.
IThe engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
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7 Appearance and careCleaning exterior ....................................................... 7-2
Washing................................................................ 7-2
Waxing.................................................................. 7-2
Removing spots.................................................... 7-3
Underbody ............................................................ 7-3
Glass .................................................................... 7-3
Aluminum alloy wheels ......................................... 7-3
Chrome parts........................................................ 7-3Cleaning interior ........................................................ 7-3
Floor mats ............................................................ 7-4
Seat belts ............................................................. 7-4
Corrosion protection .................................................. 7-4
Most common factors contributing to vehicle
corrosion ............................................................... 7-4
To protect your vehicle from corrosion ................ 7-5
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FLOOR MATSThe use of Genuine Nissan floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and make
it easier to clean the interior.No matter what
mats are used, be sure they are fitted for
your vehicle and are properly positioned in
the footwell to prevent interference with
pedal operation.Mats should be maintained
with regular cleaning and replaced if they
become excessively worn.
Floor mat positioning aid
(Driver side only)This model includes a front floor mat bracket to
act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor
mats have been specially designed for your
vehicle model. The driver side floor mat has a
grommet hole incorporated in it. Simply posi-
tion the mat by placing the floor mat bracket
through the floor mat grommet hole while
centering the mat in the floorpan contour.
Periodically check to make certain the mats
are properly positioned.SEAT BELTSThe seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them
with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solu-
tion. Allow the belts to dry completely before
using them.
WARNING
Do not allow wet belts to roll up in the
retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or
chemical solvents since these may se-
verely weaken the seat belt webbing.
MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION1. The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt
and debris in body panel sections, cavities,
and other areas.
2. Damage to paint and other protective coat-
ings caused by gravel and stone chips or
minor traffic accidents.MoistureThe accumulation of sand, dirt and water on
the underside of the body will accelerate cor-
rosion. Floor sections which have snow and
ice trapped under the floor matting will not dry.Relative humidityCorrosion will be accelerated:
Iin areas of high relative humidity
Iespecially in areas where the temperatures
stay above freezing
Iwhere atmospheric pollution exists
Iwhere road salt is used
SAI0009
CORROSION PROTECTION
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ........................................ 8-2
General maintenance ................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .......... 8-2
Interior maintenance............................................. 8-3
Maintenance precautions .......................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-7
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................... 8-10
Engine oil ................................................................ 8-13
Checking engine oil level ................................... 8-13
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-14
Changing engine oil filter ................................... 8-15
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-16
Temperature conditions for checking ................. 8-17
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-18
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-18
Brake fluid .......................................................... 8-18
Clutch fluid.......................................................... 8-19
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-20
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................... 8-20
Battery ..................................................................... 8-21
Jump starting ...................................................... 8-21
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-22Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-23
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-23
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-23
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-24
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-24
Replacing............................................................ 8-24
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-25
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-25
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-26
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-26
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-27
Checking clutch pedal ........................................ 8-27
Fuses....................................................................... 8-27
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-27
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-28
Keyfob battery replacement ............................... 8-29
Lights ....................................................................... 8-30
Headlights........................................................... 8-31
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-34
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-34
Types of tires...................................................... 8-35
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-37
Clutch housing drain............................... 8-40Z
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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.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº in the
Warranty Information Booklet (US) or ªTire
Safety Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regu-
lar basis. Check the windshield at least every
six months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.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 opening
when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicleLights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular basis. Make
sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights,
turn signal lights, and other lights are all oper-
ating 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-
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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
uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from
the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:
Make sure the pedal operates smoothly and
check that it has the proper free travel.
Brakes:
Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to
one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
make sure it has the proper distance under it
when depressed fully. Check the brake
booster function. Be certain to keep floormats
away from the pedal.
Parking brake*:
Check that the lever has the proper travel and
confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a
fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied.Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:
On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle is
held securely with the selector lever in the P
position without applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking the vehicle on a
level spot and turning off the engine. (Be sure
to wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain
back into the sump.)
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level
is between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold and the
engine is turned off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.Automatic transmission fluid level*:
Check the level after putting the selector lever
in P (Park) with the engine idling.
Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is
cold.
Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the radiator and clean off
any dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have
accumulated. Make sure the hoses have no
cracks, deformation, rot or loose connections.
Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked
or oily.
Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
Exhaust system:
Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks
or holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems
unusual or there is a smell of exhaust fumes,
immediately locate the trouble and correct it.
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See ªPrecautions when starting and drivingº in
the ª5. Starting and drivingº section for exhaust
gas (carbon monoxide).
Underbody:
The underbody is frequently exposed to corro-
sive substances such as those used on icy
roads or to control dust. It is very important to
remove these substances, otherwise rust will
form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and
around the exhaust system. At the end of
winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see ªCleaning
exteriorº in the ª7. Appearance and careº sec-
tion.
Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil, water or
other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been
parked for a while. Water dripping from the air
conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are
evident, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately.When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
WARNING
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to the P
(Park) position.
IBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any replacement or repair.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
belts and any other moving parts.
IIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
IYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
IOn gasoline engine models with theMAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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