cThe original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When the wear indica-
tors are visible, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
cImproper service of the spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it is
necessary to repair the spare tire, con-
tact a NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to Important Tire Safety In-
formation (US) or Tire Safety Informa-
tion (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in “Wheels/tire size” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
WARNING
cThe use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial) , or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, ground clearance, body-to-
tire clearance, tire chain clearance,
speedometer calibration, headlight aim
and bumper height. Some of these ef-
fects may lead to accidents and could
result in serious personal injury.
cIf the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade ve-
hicle handling characteristics and/or
interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad/shoe wear. Re-
fer to “Wheel/tire size” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section
of this manual for wheel off-set
dimensions.cWhen a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the low tire pressure warn-
ing system will not function. Contact
your NISSAN dealer as soon as pos-
sible for tire replacement and/or sys-
tem resetting (for models with the low
tire pressure warning system) .
cDo not install a deformed wheel or tire
even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warning.
cThe use of retread tires is not
recommended.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to Important Tire Safety In-
formation (US) or Tire Safety Informa-
tion (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-43
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Four-wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may dam-
age the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recommended
that all four tires be replaced with tires of the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern.
The tire pressure and wheel alignment should
also be checked and corrected as necessary.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet .
Care of wheels
cWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
cClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
cDo not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
cInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
cNISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
8-44Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL
The emission control information label is at-
tached as shown.
TIRE PLACARD
The cold tire pressure is shown on the tire plac-
ard. The tire placard is located as shown.
AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATION
LABEL
The air conditioner specification label is affixed as
shown.
WTI0059WTI0060WTI0061
9-12Technical and consumer information
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WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col-
lision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result in
loss of control and cause personal
injury.
LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. Cer-
tification Label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
cLoads should be spread out, and cargo
should be properly secured. Large or heavy
objects should be placed toward the front of
the cargo area to help prevent shifting.
CAUTION
Overloading can shorten the life of the
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
PAYLOAD WEIGHT CAPACITY
The payload weight capacity shown on following
charts indicate the maximum total weight of pas-
sengers, 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 ’’Vehicle Loading
Information’’ earlier in this section for details.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the tire placard .
Cargo area floor tie-down hooks
WIC0342
Technical and consumer information9-15
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TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Check the towing capacity of your bumper hitch
or receiver-type frame mounted hitch. Choose a
proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A genuine
Nissan trailer hitch is available from your NISSAN
dealer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle to help avoid personal
injury or property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION
cSpecial hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches for pickup trucks
and sport utility vehicles are available
at a NISSAN dealer.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.cTo 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.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water
or dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the tire placard.
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains 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 chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer.
9-20Technical and consumer information
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Cover
Tonneau cover................2-30
Cruise control..................5-16
Cup holders...................2-27
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-20
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Door locks....................3-2
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-19
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-20
Cold weather driving............5-27
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-13
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-18
Emission control information label.......9-12
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
..........................2-22
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Brake fluid..................8-16
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants
.........................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-16
Engine coolant................8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Window washer fluid............8-17
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Fog light switch.................2-22
Front seats....................1-2Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-18
Fuel filler cap................3-13
Fuel filler lid.................3-13
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-31
G
Gascap.....................3-13
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-3
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-5
Gear Basket
(see roof rack with gear basket)........3-10
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-27
Glove box lock.................2-27
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-22
Head restraints..................1-7
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
Headlights....................8-33
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
10-2
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Hood release...................3-8
Horn.......................2-23
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-20
I
Ignition switch..................5-7
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-23
Increasing fuel economy............5-18
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside mirror...................3-16
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-35
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-39
J
Jump starting...................6-9
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Emission control information label.....9-12
Engine serial number............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Vehicle identification number
(VIN) plate..................9-10
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-19
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
Children) System................1-39
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-13
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-19, 2-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-36
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-36
Charge warning light............2-11
Fog light switch...............2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlights..................8-33
Interior light.................2-35
Light bulbs..................8-33
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Spotlights (See map light).........2-35
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lights
Map lights..................2-35
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Door locks..................3-2Glove box lock...............2-27
Power door locks...............3-3
Rear door lock................3-9
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low tire pressure warning light........2-11
Low tire pressure warning system........5-3
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-12
Luggage rack..................3-10
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........3-10
Luggage rack
(see roof rack with gear basket)........3-10
Luggage
(See vehicle loading information). . .9-13
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-30
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-13
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-33
Map lights....................2-35
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-21
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-16
Outside mirror control........3-16, 3-17
Outside mirrors...............3-16
Vanity mirror.................3-15
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4
Multi-remote controller battery replacement. .8-32
10-3
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Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-11
Starting the engine..............5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Power steering system...........5-23
Tilting steering wheel............3-15
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-28
Step rail.....................3-13
Stop light....................8-36
Storage.....................2-25
Sunroof.....................2-33
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-19, 2-12
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-19
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-8
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-8
Switch
Automatic power window switch.....2-32
Fog light switch...............2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Ignition switch................5-7
Overdrive switch..............5-13
Power door lock switch...........3-3
Rear window defogger switch.......2-20
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-18T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tie down hooks.................2-29
Tilting steering wheel..............3-15
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire...................6-4
Tire chains..................8-41
Tire placard.................9-12
Tire pressure................8-40
Tire rotation.................8-42
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-44
Types of tires................8-40
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-23
Wheels and tires..............8-40
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-41
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-13
4-wheel drive models............6-14
Flat towing..................6-15
Tow truck towing..............6-13
Towing load/specification chart......9-19
Trailer towing................9-17
Transfer case..................5-19
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-13Selector lever lock release.........5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country).................9-10
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-20, 2-21
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-23
V
Vanity mirror...................3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-9
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-25
Vehicle identification..............9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . .9-10
Vehicle loading information...........9-13
Vehicle recovery.................6-15
Vehicle security system.............2-15
Ventilators.....................4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-19, 2-12
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-10
Battery charge warning light........2-11
Brake warning light.............2-10
Door open warning light..........2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
10-5
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