INSIDE MIRROR
The night positions1reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
Use the day position
s2when driving in daylight
hours.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clarity.
1. AUTO position
2. OFF position
3. AUTO indicator light
4. Sensor (on back of mirror)
5. Sensor
AUTOMATIC ANTI-GLARE INSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)
The inside mirror is designed so that it automati-
cally changes reflection according to the intensity
of the headlights of the vehicle following you.
When the inside mirror switch is in the AUTO
position, excessive glare from the headlights of
the vehicle behind you will be reduced. TheAUTO indicator light will be on. When the switch
on the inside mirror is in the OFF position, the
inside mirror will operate normally.
Do not hang any object on the sensor or
apply glass cleaner. Doing so will reduce
the sensitivity of the sensor, resulting in
improper operation.
WPD0126WPD0142
MIRRORS
3-16Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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OUTSIDE MIRRORS
WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder to properly
judge distances to other objects.
Electric control type (if so equipped)
The outside mirror remote control only operates
when the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.
Rotate the control lever to select the right or left
mirror. Adjust the mirror to the desired position by
moving the control lever.
Manual control type
The outside mirror can be moved in any direction
for a better rear view.
WPD0143LPD0029
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-17
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cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible, or at
least whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position or if
the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector lever is in any of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) . Depress
the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking
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.cIf the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
cIf 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 5-6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the enginewith your
foot off the accelerator pedalby turn-
ing 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, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Drive at moderate speed
for a short distance first, especially in cold
weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
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Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The 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. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup into
the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways 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 an
automatic transmission, first block thewheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating. However, for
long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd
gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
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.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
9-16Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint system)......1-8
Air bag warning light...........1-20, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service...........4-13
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-12
Servicing air conditioner..........4-13
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-13
Anchor point locations.............1-38
Antenna.....................4-29
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-17
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-13
Audio system..................4-14
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-22
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-17
Radio....................4-14
Autolight switch.................2-20Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-34
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Automatic transmission position
indicator light................2-11
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock release . .5-9
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-16
B
Battery......................8-17
Charge warning light............2-10
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system). . . .3-9, 8-29
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-18
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-17
Brake booster................8-26
Brake fluid..................8-15
Brake light (See stop light).........8-31
Brake pedal.................8-25
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-13, 8-26
Parking brake check............8-25
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Self-adjusting brakes............8-26
Break-in schedule................5-14Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-21
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-31
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-30
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-28
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light)........2-12
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-38
Child restraints.......1-24, 1-25, 1-30, 1-37
Precautions on child restraints.......1-30
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-38
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-13
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-18, 4-22
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-15
Cold weather driving..............5-20
Console box...................2-29
Controls
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-12
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H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-23
Head restraints..................1-7
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-18
Heated seats..................2-24
Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-12
Heater operation............4-4, 4-12
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-38
Hood release..................3-10
Horn.......................2-24
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-15, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-21
Increasing fuel economy............5-14
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-16
Inside mirror...................3-16
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-36
Interior trunk lid release.............3-12
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-37
J
Jump starting...................6-6K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-20
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-37
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-20, 2-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-31
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-31
Charge warning light............2-10
Fog light switch...............2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-18
Interior light.................2-36
Light bulbs..................8-30
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-11
Spotlights (See map light).........2-37
Trunk light..................2-38
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9Lights
Map lights..................2-37
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-13
Glove box lock...............2-29
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-11
Low fuel warning light.............2-10
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-11
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-29
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-12
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-37
Map pocket...................2-27
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-21
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-16
Inside mirror.................3-16
Vanity mirror.................3-15
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
10-3
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Shift lock release.................5-9
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-8
Manual transmission............5-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-28
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-4
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-37
SRS warning label...............1-20
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Jump starting.................6-6
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-8
Starting the engine..............5-6
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-14
Power steering system...........5-16
Tilting steering wheel............3-14
Stop light....................8-31
Storage.....................2-27
Sunglasses case................2-27
Sunglasses holder...............2-27
Sunroof.....................2-34
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-20, 2-11
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-20
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-8
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-8
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-20
Automatic power window switch.....2-34
Fog light switch...............2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-23Headlight and turn signal switch......2-18
Ignition switch................5-4
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window defogger switch.......2-17
Traction control system (TCS) off
switch....................2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-16
T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Theft (Nissan vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-15, 3-2, 5-5
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-14
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-42
Tire chains..................8-40
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-38
Tire rotation.................8-40
Types of tires................8-39
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-18
Wheels and tires..............8-38
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-38
Towing
Flat towing..................9-17
Tow truck towing...............6-9
Towing load/specification chart......9-15Trailer towing................9-14
Traction control system (TCS) off switch . . .2-25
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-38
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-10
Selector lever lock release..........5-9
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-11
Trunk light....................2-38
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-18, 2-22
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-18
V
Vanity mirror...................3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-11
Vehicle security system.............2-13
10-5
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