WARNING
The air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is
running.
Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. On
hot, sunny days, temperatures in a
closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or pos-
sibly fatal injuries to people or ani-
mals.
Do not use the recirculation mode for
long periods as it may cause the
interior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.
Positioning of the heating or air con-
ditioning controls should not be
done while driving, so full attention
may be given to vehicle operation.
Start the engine and operate the controls to
activate the air conditioner.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Cooling and/or dehumidified heating
(AUTO)This mode may be normally used all year round
as the system automatically works to keep a
constant temperature. Air flow distribution and
fan speed are also controlled automatically.
1. Push the AUTO button on. (AUTO will be
displayed.)
2. Turn the temperature set dial to the left or
right to set the desired temperature.
Adjust the temperature set dial to about 75°F
(24°C) for normal operation.
The temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also con-
trolled automatically.
3. You can individually set driver and front pas-
senger side temperature using each tem-
perature control knob. When the DUAL but-
ton is pushed or passenger side temperature
control knobis turned, the DUAL indicator
will come on. To turn off the passenger side
temperature control, push the DUAL button.
Heating (A/C OFF)The air conditioner does not activate. When you
need to heat only, use this mode.
1. Push the A/C button. (A/C OFF will be
displayed and A/C indicator will turn off.)
2. Turn the temperature set dial to the left or
right to set the desired temperature.
The temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also con-
trolled automatically.
Do not set the temperature lower than the
outside air temperature. Otherwise the sys-
tem may not work properly.
Not recommended if windows fog up.Dehumidified defrosting or defogging1. Push the
FRONT defroster button on.
(The indicator light on the button will come
on.)
2. Turn the temperature set dial to the left or
right to set the desired temperature.
To quickly remove ice from the outside of the
windows, turn the fan speed control knobto
right and set to the maximum position.
As soon as possible after the windshield is
4-16
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
clean, push the AUTO button to return to the
auto mode.
When the
front defroster button is
pushed, the air conditioner will automatically
be turned on at outside temperatures above
23°F (−5°C) to defog the windshield, and the
air recirculate mode will automatically be
turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
MANUAL OPERATION
Fan speed controlTurn the fan control button
to manually
control the fan speed.
Push the AUTO button to return to automatic
control of the fan speed.
Air recirculationPush the air recirculation button
to recir-
culate interior air inside the vehicle. The indicator
light on the
button will come on.
The air recirculation
cannot be activated
when the air conditioner is in the front defrosting
mode
.
Fresh airPush the button
to draw outside air into
the passenger compartment. The indicator light
on the
button will come on.
Automatic intake air controlIn the AUTO mode, the intake air will be con-
trolled automatically. To manually control the
intake air, push the air recirculate
or fresh
air
button. To return to the automatic
control mode, push the indicator-illuminated but-
ton for about 2 seconds. The indicator lights
(both air recirculate and fresh air buttons) will
flash twice, and then the intake air will be
controlled automatically.
Air flow controlPushing the MODE manual air flow control
button selects the air outlet to:
: Air flows from center and side ventila-
tors.: Air flows from center and side ventila-
tors and foot outlets.: Air flows mainly from foot outlets.: Air flows from defroster and foot out-
lets.
To turn the system offPush the OFF button.OPERATING TIPSWhen the engine coolant temperature and out-
side air temperature are low, the air flow from the
foot outlets may not operate for a maximum of
150 seconds. However, this is not a malfunction.
After the coolant temperature warms up, the air
flow from the foot outlets will operate normally.
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-17
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON and press
the power on switch to turn on the radio. If you
listen to the radio with the engine not running,
the key should be turned to the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external in-
fluences. Intermittent changes in reception qual-
ity normally are caused by these external
influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.Radio receptionYour radio system is equipped with state-of-the-
art electronic circuits to enhance radio recep-
tion. These circuits are designed to extend re-
ception range, and to enhance the quality of that
reception.
However there are some general characteristics
of FM, AM and satellite radio signals that can
affect radio reception quality in a moving vehicle,
even when the finest equipment is used. These
characteristics are completely normal in a given
reception area, and do not indicate any malfunc-
tion in your radio system.
Remember that a moving vehicle is not the ideal
place to listen to a radio. Because of the move-
ment, reception conditions will constantlychange. Buildings, terrain, signal distance and
interference from other vehicles can work
against ideal reception. Described below are
some of the factors that can affect your radio
reception.
FM RADIO RECEPTIONRange: FM range is normally limited to 25 to 30
miles (40 to 48 km), with monaural (single
channel) FM having slightly more range than
stereo FM. External influences may sometimes
interfere with FM station reception even if the FM
station is within 25 miles (40 km). The strength
of the FM signal is directly related to the distance
between the transmitter and receiver. FM signals
follow a line-of-sight path, exhibiting many of the
same characteristics as light. For example they
will reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away from
SAA0306
AUDIO SYSTEM
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-19
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
ANTENNA
Placing the antennaYou can adjust the antenna to three different
positions manually.
Removing the antennaYou can remove the antenna if necessary.
Hold the bottom of the antenna and remove by
turning counterclockwise.
CAUTION
Be sure that antenna is removed be-
fore the vehicle enters an automatic
car wash.
Be sure to fold down the antenna
before the vehicle enters a garage
with a low ceiling.When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone in
your NISSAN, be sure to observe the following
cautions, otherwise the new equipment may
adversely affect the Engine control system and
other electronic parts.
WARNING
A cellular telephone should not be
used while driving so full attention
may be given to vehicle operation.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the use
of cellular telephones while driving.
If you must make a call while your
vehicle is in motion, the hands free
cellular phone operational mode (if
so equipped) is highly recommended.
Exercise extreme caution at all times
so full attention may be given to
vehicle operation.
If a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off
the road to a safe location and stop
your vehicle before doing so.
SAA0532
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-31
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
CAUTION
Keep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM).
Keep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the Multiport Fuel
Injection harness. Do not route the
antenna wire next to any harness.
Adjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the manu-
facturer.
Connect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
For details, consult a NISSAN dealer.4-32
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................. 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst ........................................................... 5-3
Low tire pressure warning system (if so
equipped) ........................................................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................................... 5-4
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions
(AWD) ................................................................................. 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............................. 5-5
Driving safety precautions.............................................. 5-5
Ignition switch ......................................................................... 5-8
Key positions ..................................................................... 5-8
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ............................. 5-9
Before starting the engine ................................................... 5-9
Starting the engine ............................................................. 5-10
Driving the vehicle ............................................................... 5-10
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)............. 5-10
Parking brake........................................................................ 5-14
Cruise control (if so equipped)........................................ 5-14
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-14
Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-15
Break-in schedule ............................................................... 5-16
Increasing fuel economy .................................................... 5-17
Using all wheel drive (AWD) (if so equipped)............. 5-17AWD lock switch operations...................................... 5-18
AWD warning light ........................................................ 5-19
Parking/parking on hills...................................................... 5-20
Power steering ..................................................................... 5-21
Brake system ........................................................................ 5-21
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-21
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................... 5-22
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system (if so
equipped) .............................................................................. 5-23
Cold weather driving .......................................................... 5-24
Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-24
Anti-freeze ....................................................................... 5-24
Battery .............................................................................. 5-24
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-24
Tire equipment................................................................ 5-25
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-25
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-25
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-26
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
WARNING
Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves
or others through inadvertent opera-
tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
Properly 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.EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-
oxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous.
It can cause unconsciousness or death.
If you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
Do not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
Do not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.
Keep the back door closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive with the
back door open, follow these precau-
tions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation switch
OFF and the fan control at 4 (high)
to circulate the air.
If electrical wiring or other cable con-nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the back door or
the body, follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
If a special body or other equipment
is added for recreational or other
usage, follow the manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
(Some recreational vehicle appli-
ances such as stoves, refrigerator,
heaters, etc. may also generate car-
bon monoxide.)
The exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING5-2
Starting and driving
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the converter are burned at high tem-
peratures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.
Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst’s ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by a NISSAN
dealer.
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)This vehicle is equipped with the low tire pres-
sure warning system, which displays pressure of
all tires (except the spare tire) on the display
screen by sending a signal from a sensor that is
installed in each wheel.
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). Also, this system may
not detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example, a flat tire while driving).
Frequently check the tire pressure information
display on the display screen and adjust pres-
sure of each tire properly. (The order of the tire
pressure figures displayed on the screen does
not correspond with the actual order of the tire
position.) See “Tire pressure information” in the
“4. Display screen, heater, air conditioner and
audio systems” section for tire pressure monitor.LOW TIRE PRESSURE warningIf the vehicle is being driven with a low tire
pressure (lower than 27 psi, 190 kPa), the low
tire pressure warning light comes on, and the
chime sounds for about 10 seconds.
Starting and driving
5-3
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0