AWD LOCK SWITCH OPERATIONSThe AWD system is used to select AUTO, LOCK depending on the driving conditions.
AWD system electronically controls the coupling.
Push the AWD LOCK switch to move between each mode AUTO and LOCK, depending on driving
conditions.AWD LOCK
switchWheel drivenAWD LOCK
indicator
lightUse conditions
AUTO (OFF)Distribution of torque to the front and
rear wheels changes automatically,
depending on road conditions en-
countered [100:0]↔[50:50].
This results in improved driving stabil-
ity.Goes off. For driving on paved or slippery roads
LOCK (ON) *1 ALL wheel drive AWD LOCK For driving on rough roads
*1 LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically, when the vehicle is accelerated or the vehicle speed is
over approximately 19 MPH (30 km/h). The AWD LOCK indicator light does not go off.If the AWD LOCK switch is operated while accelerating or decelerating, or if the key switch is
turned off while in the AUTO or LOCK position, you may feel a jerk. This is normal.
The oil temperature of power train parts will increase if the vehicle is continuously operated under
conditions where the difference in rotation between the front and rear wheels is large (wheel slip)
such as when driving the vehicle on rough roads through sand, mud or freeing a stuck vehicle. In
these cases, the AWD warning light blinks rapidly and the AWD mode changes to 2WD to protect
the power train parts. If you stop driving with the engine idling and wait until the warning light stops
blinking, the AWD returns to the AUTO mode.
WARNING
Do not start engine while in the
AUTO or LOCK mode in the following
cases:
When on free roller or jacking up the
front tire with the rear tires on the
ground.
When driving straight, shift the AWD
lock switch to AUTO or LOCK. Do not
operate the AWD lock switch when
making a turn or reversing.
Do not operate the AWD lock switch
(AUTO and LOCK) with the front
wheel spinning.
Engine idling speed is high while
warming up the engine. Be especially
careful when starting or driving on
slippery surfaces with the AWD lock
switch set in OFF (AUTO).
When turning the vehicle in LOCK
mode on paved roads, you may feel a
braking effect. This is a normal con-
dition of the AWD model.
5-18
Starting and driving
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
AWD WARNING LIGHTThe AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the key
switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the
engine is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
when the key switch is ON, the warning light will
remain illuminated.
High-temperature power-train oil due to continu-
ous operation of the vehicle to free a stuck
vehicle makes the warning light blink rapidly
(about twice per second). The driving mode may
change to 2 wheel drive. AUTO mode may
change to LOCK mode before the warning light
blinks. This is normal. If the warning light blinks
rapidly during operation, stop the vehicle with
the engine idling in a safe place immediately.
Then if the light goes off after a while, you can
continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning light
blink slowly (about once per two seconds). Pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the engine.
Check that all tire sizes are the same, tire
pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine on the free
roller with the front wheels raised.
If the warning light comes on whiledriving, AUTO mode will be changed
to 2 wheel drive mode. Reduce the
vehicle speed and have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon
as possible.
When the warning light comes on,
the 2 wheel drive may be engaged
even if the driving mode is in AUTO or
LOCK. Be especially careful when
driving.
Never drive on dry hard surface roads
in the LOCK mode, as this will over-
load the power-train and may cause a
serious malfunction.
If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon
as possible.
The power-train may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking rapidly.
SSD0314A
Starting and driving
5-19
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
Use the correct jack up points; never
use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.
Never jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
Never use blocks on or under the
jack.
Do not start or run engine while ve-
hicle is on the jack, as it may cause
the vehicle to move. This is especially
true for vehicles with limited slip dif-
ferential carriers.
Do not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.
Installing the spare tire1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten the
wheel nuts finger tight.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel
nuts alternately and evenly until they are tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire touches
the ground. Then, with the wheel nut wrench,
tighten the wheel nuts securely in the se-
quence as illustrated.
WARNING
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.
As soon as possible tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N⋅m)
Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure:
After vehicle has been parked for three
hours or more or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire
placard affixed to the center pillar.
SCE0039
6-6
In case of emergency
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
REMOVING SPOTSRemove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects,
and tree sap as quickly as possible from the
surface of the paint to avoid lasting damage or
staining. Special cleaning products are available
at your NISSAN dealer or any automotive acces-
sory store.UNDERBODYIn areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and caus-
ing underbody and suspension corrosion. Be-
fore the winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.GLASSUse glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film
from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to
become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dow, do not use sharp-edged tools,abrasive cleaners or chlorine based dis-
infectant cleaners. They could damage
the electrical conductors, radio antenna
elements or rear window defogger ele-
ments.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELSWash regularly, especially during winter months
in areas where road salt is used. Salt could
discolor the wheel if not removed.CHROME PARTSClean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior
trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum
cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the vinyl and leather
surfaces with a clean, soft cloth dampened in
mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a dry
soft cloth. Before using any fabric protector,
read the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some fabric protectors contain chemicals that
may stain or bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to clean
the meter and gauge lens.
CAUTION
Never use gasoline, thinner, or any
similar material.
The leather seats should be regularly
coated with a leather wax like saddle
soap. Never use car wax.
Never use fabric protectors unless
recommended by the manufacturer.
Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may
damage the lens cover.CLEANING INTERIOR
Appearance and care
7-3
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements .................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ............................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ................ 8-2
Maintenance precautions ..................................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ............................. 8-7
Engine cooling system.......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................................................. 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil ...................................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter ............................................ 8-11
CVT fluid ................................................................................ 8-12
Power steering fluid ............................................................ 8-12
Brake fluid ............................................................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid.......................................................... 8-13
Battery .................................................................................... 8-14
Jump starting .................................................................. 8-15
Drive belts ............................................................................. 8-15
Spark plugs ........................................................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs.................................................. 8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................................. 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ................................................... 8-17
Cleaning ........................................................................... 8-17Replacing ......................................................................... 8-18
Rear window wiper blade ................................................. 8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal ........................................ 8-19
Checking parking brake ............................................... 8-19
Checking brake pedal .................................................. 8-20
Brake booster ................................................................. 8-20
Fuses ...................................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-22
Keyfobbattery replacement .............................................. 8-22
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-24
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights............................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 8-27
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-27
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-28
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-29
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-30
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism:On a fairly
steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely
with the selector lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.
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, deterioration
or loose connections.
Brake fluid level*:Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
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.
Engine drive belts*:Make sure that no belt isfrayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level on the
dipstick after parking the vehicle on a level spot
and turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level in the reservoir tank with the engine off.
Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
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. (See “Precautions when starting
and driving” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise 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 “Cleaning
exterior” in the “7. Appearance and care” 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 corrected imme-
diately.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
Be sure the ignition key is OFF or
LOCK when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
Your 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 be-
fore working near the fan.
If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
Never 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.
Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-
tery.
On gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) Sys-
tem, the fuel filter or fuel lines shouldbe serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
Never connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion key is on.
Never leave the engine or the CVT
related component harness connec-
tor disconnected while the ignition
key is on.
Avoid direct contact with used engine
oil and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Radiator filler cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Fuse/fusible link holder
10. Battery
SDI1492
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0