2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ..................................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges ............................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ......................................... 2-3
Tachometer ........................................................................ 2-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............................. 2-4
Fuel gauge ......................................................................... 2-5
Compass and outside temperature display (if so
equipped) ................................................................................. 2-6
Outside temperature display ......................................... 2-6
Compass display .............................................................. 2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ............ 2-9
Checking bulbs................................................................. 2-9
Warning lights ................................................................... 2-9
Indicator lights ................................................................ 2-14
Audible reminders.......................................................... 2-16
Security systems.................................................................. 2-16
Vehicle security system................................................ 2-16
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system ............................ 2-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch ............................ 2-19
Rear window wiper and washer switch ........................ 2-19
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger switch ...... 2-20
Headlight and turn signal switch..................................... 2-21
Headlight switch ............................................................ 2-21
Turn signal switch ......................................................... 2-24Fog light switch (if so equipped) .................................... 2-24
Front fog light switch.................................................... 2-24
Hazard warning flasher switch ......................................... 2-25
Horn ........................................................................................ 2-25
Heated seats (if so equipped) ......................................... 2-26
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped).................................................................... 2-27
Clock ...................................................................................... 2-27
Adjusting the time ......................................................... 2-27
Power outlet (if so equipped) .......................................... 2-28
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (if so equipped) ............. 2-29
Storage .................................................................................. 2-29
Tray.................................................................................... 2-29
Coin box (if so equipped) ........................................... 2-30
Sunglasses holder ......................................................... 2-30
Cup holders .................................................................... 2-31
Glove box ........................................................................ 2-32
Console box .................................................................... 2-33
Luggage hooks............................................................... 2-34
Cargo net......................................................................... 2-36
Tonneau cover .............................................................. 2-36
Luggage rack (if so equipped)................................... 2-37
Windows................................................................................ 2-38
Power windows.............................................................. 2-38
03.1.28/R50-D/V5
1. Speedometer
2. Warning/indicator lights
3. Tachometer
4. Fuel gauge5. Odometer/trip odometer
6. Reset knobfor trip odometer
7. Engine coolant temperature gauge
SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER
SpeedometerThe speedometer indicates vehicle speed.Odometer/twin trip odometerThe odometer/twin trip odometer are displayed
when the ignition key is in the ON position.
The odometer records the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.
The twin trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips.
SIC2018
SIC1440
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls
2-3
03.1.28/R50-D/V5
Changing the display:
Push the reset knobto change the display as
follows:
TRIP A→TRIP B→TRIP A
Resetting the trip odometer:
Push the reset knobfor more than 1 second to
reset the trip odometer to zero.
TACHOMETERThe tachometer indicates engine speed in revo-
lutions per minute (r/min).
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating
the engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-
perature.
The engine coolant temperature will vary with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range,
stop
SIC1588
SIC0173
2-4
Instruments and controls
03.1.28/R50-D/V5
dehumidifying functions will be added to the
heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.CoolingThis mode is used to cool and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
position.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
For quick cooling when the outside tempera-
ture is high, push the air recirculation button
to the on position. Be sure to return the air
recirculation button to the off position for
normal cooling.
Dehumidified heatingThis mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
position.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Dehumidified defoggingThis mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
position.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Operating tipsKeep windows and sun roof closed while theair conditioner is in operation.
After parking in the sun, drive for two or three
minutes with the windows open to vent hot air
from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This will allow the air
conditioner to cool the interior more quickly.
The air conditioning system should be
operated for about ten minutes at least
once a month. This helps prevent dam-
age to the system due to lack of lubri-
cation.
If the coolant temperature gauge exceeds the
hot position, turn the air conditioner off. For
additional information, see “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section.
AIR FLOW CHARTSThe following charts show the button and dial
positions formaximum and quickheating,
cooling or defrosting.The air recirculation
switch should always be in the off position
for heating and defrosting.Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-5
03.1.28/R50-D/V5
: Air flow mainly from foot outlets.: Air flow from defroster and foot outlets.
To turn the system offPush the OFF button.OPERATING TIPSWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for 0 to
126 seconds. This is not a malfunction. After
the coolant temperature warms up, air flow
from the foot outlets will operate normally.
The sensor on the instrument panel helps main-
tain a constant temperature. Do not put anything
on or around this sensor.The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant designed
with the environment in mind.
This refrigerant will not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
However, special charging equipment and lubri-
cant are required when servicing your NISSAN
air conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to your air
conditioning system. See “Capacities and rec-
ommended fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section for air con-
ditioning system refrigerant and lubricant recom-
mendation.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service your
environmentally friendly air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equip-
ment.
SAA0158
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
4-12
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
03.1.28/R50-D/V5
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
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions ......... 5-4
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................................... 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............................. 5-5
Driving safety precautions.............................................. 5-5
Ignition switch ......................................................................... 5-7
Automatic transmission................................................... 5-7
Manual transmission ........................................................ 5-9
Key positions ..................................................................... 5-9
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system............................... 5-9
Before starting the engine ................................................ 5-10
Starting the engine ............................................................. 5-10
Driving the vehicle ............................................................... 5-11
Automatic transmission ................................................ 5-11
Manual transmission ..................................................... 5-15
Parking brake........................................................................ 5-17
Cruise control (if so equipped)........................................ 5-18
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-18
Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-18Break-in schedule ............................................................... 5-20
Increasing fuel economy .................................................... 5-20
Using part time four wheel drive (4WD) ....................... 5-21
Transfer case shifting procedures............................. 5-23
Using all-mode four wheel drive (4WD) ....................... 5-25
Transfer case shifting procedures............................. 5-25
Parking/parking on hills...................................................... 5-32
Power steering ..................................................................... 5-33
Brake system ........................................................................ 5-34
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-34
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................... 5-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
(if so equipped).................................................................... 5-36
Cold weather driving .......................................................... 5-37
Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-37
Anti-freeze ....................................................................... 5-37
Battery .............................................................................. 5-37
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-37
Tire equipment................................................................ 5-37
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-38
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-38
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-39
03.1.28/R50-D/V5
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant,
brake and clutch fluid, window washer fluid
as frequently as possible, at least whenever
you refuel.
Check to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.
Visually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also check tires for proper infla-
tion.
Lock all doors.
Position seat and adjust head restraints.
Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
Check the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park position) or
N (Neutral position). (P preferred)
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of P and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the selector lever is in one of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral posi-
tion), and depress the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.
If the engine is very hard to start in extremely
cold weather or when restarting, depress theaccelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/5
to the floor) and hold it then crank the engine.
Release the key and the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.
If the engine is very hard to start because it is
flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and hold it. Crank the engine
for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank the en-
ginewith your foot off the accelerator
pedalby turning the ignition key to START.
Release the key when the engine starts. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Always allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-10
Starting and driving
03.1.28/R50-D/V5
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
when it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies
in speed.
on winding or hilly roads.
on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.)
in very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N(Neutral) without depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control
is set. Should this occur, depress the
clutch pedal and turn the main switchoff immediately. Failure to do so may
cause engine damage.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROLIf the engine coolant temperature becomes
excessively high, the cruise control system
will automatically be canceled.
If the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator light
in the instrument panel then blinks to warn
the driver.
If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
The SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control main switch is turned on while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/
SET, or CANCEL switch (located on the
steering wheel). To properly set the cruise
control system, perform the preceding steps
in the order indicated.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONSThe cruise control allows driving at a fixed speed
between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the main
switch on. The CRUISE indicator light on the
meter panel will come on.
To set at cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
SET/COAST switch and release it. (The SET
light will come on.) Take your foot off the accel-
SSD0236A
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)5-18
Starting and driving
03.1.28/R50-D/V5