
This could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
PAYLOAD WEIGHT CAPACITYThe payload weight capacity is the maximum
total weight of passengers, optional equipment
(air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc.) and cargo
that your vehicle is designed to carry.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that
you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See ªVehicle
loading informationº earlier in this section for
details.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the tire placard affixed to the glove box lid.
Payload Weight Capacity Unit: lb (kg)
VQ35DE
2WD 4WD
Automatic and
Manual Trans-
missionAutomatic and
Manual Trans-
mission
XE, SE, LE
US 980 (445) 970 (440)
Canada Ð 945 (430)
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale
and weight the front and the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads. Individual
axle loads should not exceed either of the
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR). The total of
the axle loads should not exceed the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). These ratings
are given on the vehicle certification label that
is located on the driver's door lock pillar. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below the ratings.
CAUTION
Overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by your warranty.Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (US only)is
available from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
This guide includes information on trailer tow-
ing ability and the special equipment required
for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed the
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILERTechnical and consumer information
9-17
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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.
9-20
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However, for long steep grades, do not stay in
1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH
(56 km/h).
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 than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. See the
Maintenance Schedule.UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADINGDOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tire must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades.Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified government
test courses. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well
on the government course as a tire graded
100. However, relative tire performance de-
pends on actual driving conditions, and may
vary significantly due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades from highest to lowest are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause tire mate-
rial to degenerate, reducing tire life. Excessive
temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a performance level
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of
performance on laboratory test wheels than
the minimum required by law.Technical and consumer information
9-21
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3,000 rpm and maintain it for 5 consecutive
minutes.
12.Turn the engine off.
13.Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the en-
gine until step 7 is completed.
Dynamometer testing for Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test (US only)Due to legal requirements in some
states/areas, your vehicle may be tested for
emissions on a dynamometer. The transfer
control lever (if so equipped) MUST be in the
2H position for I/M testing on a two wheel
dynamometer.
WARNING
IIf the transfer control lever is not in
the 2H position during the dynamom-
eter I/M testing, the vehicle could
come off the dynamometer and cause
serious personal injury and/or body
damage to the vehicle.ISerious damage will occur to the
4WD system if the transfer control
lever is not in the 2H position.9-24
Technical and consumer information
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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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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
Chimes, Audible reminders............................. 2-15
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .......................... 2-26
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-28
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-3
Clock ............................................................... 2-25
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-27
Fluid ........................................................... 8-18
Clutch housing drain (4x4 only) ...................... 8-40
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-34
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-17
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-39
Compass display .............................................. 2-7
Console box .................................................... 2-30
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic)................................................... 4-8
Heater and semiautomatic air conditioner .. 4-3
Steering wheel audio controls ................... 4-30
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant .......................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-9
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-4
Cover, Tonneau cover .................................... 2-33Cruise 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 ................................. 9-11
Door open warning light ................................. 2-11
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-22
Drive positioner, Automatic ............................. 3-16
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-34
Driving with automatic transmission .. 5-6, 5-10
Driving with manual transmission ...... 5-7, 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 .................. 9-14
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-9
Block heater .............................................. 5-35
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant .......................... 8-10
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-14Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-15
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-13
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-4
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-7
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-9
Engine oil................................................... 8-13
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation..... 9-6
Engine oil viscosity ...................................... 9-6
Engine serial number ................................ 9-13
Engine specifications................................... 9-9
If your vehicle overheats ........................... 6-11
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-13
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-23
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-23
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-16
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-18
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-18
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-9
Engine oil................................................... 8-13
Power steering fluid................................... 8-18
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-20
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10-2

FM-AM radio with cassette player and Compact
Disc (CD) player ............................................. 4-14
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-23
Four wheel drive (4WD) ........................ 5-20, 5-23
4WD shift switch operations ........................... 5-26
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 ..................................................... 9-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-12
Filler lid ...................................................... 3-12
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-19
Fuel octane rating ....................................... 9-4
Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-4
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Fuses .............................................................. 8-27
Fusible links .................................................... 8-28
G
Gas cap .......................................................... 3-12
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 2-5
Odometer..................................................... 2-3
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ....................................... 8-2
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 2-19Glass hatch lock ............................................. 3-11
Glass hatch opener ........................................ 3-11
Glasses case .................................................. 2-28
Glove box........................................................ 2-29
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-29
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-23
Head restraints ................................................. 1-9
Headlights
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-31
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-20
Heated seats................................................... 2-24
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-35
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ....... 4-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Heater operation.......................................... 4-2
Heater operation, Semiautomatic air
conditioner ........................................................ 4-4
Hood, release ................................................... 3-9
Hook, Luggage hook ...................................... 2-32
Horn ................................................................ 2-24
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security ............... 2-16
I
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission models ......... 5-6, 5-10
Key positions ............................................... 5-8
Manual transmission models ............. 5-7, 5-14
Immobilizer system ......................................... 2-17Indicator lights................................................. 2-13
Inside mirror .................................................... 3-15
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................... 9-23
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Interior lights ................................................... 2-38
J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-9
K
Keys .................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ........ 9-14
Label, Emission control information label ....... 9-14
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label................ 9-13
Labels
Air bag warning labels............................... 1-20
Engine serial number ................................ 9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)........... 9-12
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-21
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-30
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-23
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-23
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-20
Headlights Bulb replacement .................... 8-31
Interior lights .............................................. 2-38
Personal lights ........................................... 2-39
Replacement ............................................. 8-30
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10-3

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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10-4