KEY OPERATIONTo open the glass hatch, turn the key fully
clockwise and pull the opener handle. To close,
lower and push the glass hatch down securely.
Other key operationsTurning the key clockwise locks all doors
including the back door.
Turning the key counterclockwise unlocks the
back door.
Turning the key counterclockwise again
within 5 seconds unlock all doors.
WARNING
Do not drive with the glass hatch open.
This could allow dangerous exhaustgases to be drawn into the vehicle. See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section
for exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Do not open the glass hatch unless the
wiper is in the stowed position.
SPA0338D
SPA1377
3-12
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
MEMORY STORAGE FUNCTIONTwo positions for the driver’s seat can be stored
in the automatic drive positioner memory. Follow
these procedures to use the memory system.
1. Set the shift selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition ON.
3. Adjust the driver’s seat to the desired posi-
tions by manually operating each adjusting
switch. For additional information, see
“Seats” in the “1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systems” section.During this step, do not turn the ignition to
any positions other than ON.
4. Push the SET switch and, within 5 seconds,
push the memory switch (1 or 2) fully for at
least 1 second.
The indicator light for the pushed memory
switch will come on and stay on for approxi-
mately 5 seconds after pushing the switch.
After the indicator light goes off, the selected
positions are stored in the selected memory
(1 or 2).
If memory is stored in the same memory switch,
the previous memory will be deleted.
Confirming memory storageTurn the ignition ON and push the SET
switch. If the main memory has not been
stored, the indicator light will come on for
approximately 0.5 seconds. When the
memory has stored the position, the indicator
light will stay on for approximately 5 seconds.
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if the
fuse blows, the memory will be canceled. In
such a case, reset the desired positions
using the following procedures.
1. Open and close the driver’s door more than
two times with the ignition key in the LOCK
position.
2. Reset the desired position using the previous
procedure.Selecting the memorized position1. Set the automatic transmission selector lever
to the P (Park) position.
2. Turn the ignition ON.
3. Push the memory switch (1 or 2) fully for at
least 1 second.
The driver’s seat will move to the memorized
position with the indicator light flashing, and
then the light will stay on for approximately 5
seconds.
SPA1164
3-18
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
ENTRY/EXIT FUNCTIONThis system is designed so that the driver’s seat
will automatically move when the automatic
transmission selector lever is in the P (Park)
position. This allows the driver to get into and out
of the driver’s seat more easily.
The driver’s seat will slide backward:
When the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
When the driver’s door is opened with the
key turned to LOCK.
When the key is turned from ACC to LOCK
with the driver’s door open while the auto-
matic transmission selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
The driver’s seat will return to the previous
position:
When the key is inserted into the ignition
switch.
When the driver’s door is closed with the key
turned to LOCK.
When the key is turned from ACC to ON
while the automatic transmission selector le-
ver is in the P (Park) position.
SYSTEM OPERATIONThe automatic drive positioner system will not
work or will stop operating under the following
conditions:
when the vehicle speed is above 4 MPH (7
km/h).
when any two or more of the memory
switches are simultaneously pushed while
the automatic drive positioner is operating.
when the adjusting switch for the driver’s
seat is turned on while the automatic drive
positioner is operating.
when the memory switch (1 or 2) is not
pushed for at least 1 second.
when the seat has been already moved to the
memorized position.
when no seat position is stored in the
memory switch.
CANCEL SWITCHWhen the CANCEL side of the switch is
pushed, the automatic drive positioner system
will not function.
When the AUTO side of the switch is pushed,
the system will function.
SPA1165
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
3-19
04.3.9/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 ........................................................ 5-8
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 ..................................................... 5-16
Parking brake........................................................................ 5-17
Cruise control (if so equipped)........................................ 5-18
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-18
Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-19Break-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
04.3.9/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 1/3
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. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-10
Starting and driving
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
If the tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle
dynamic control system may not op-
erate properly or the vehicle dynamic
control off indicator light may come
on.
The vehicle dynamic control system
is not a substitute for winter tires or
tire chains on a snow covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For details, see “Battery” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain valves located under the radiator and on
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. See “Engine cooling system” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for
Changing Engine Coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Please consult your
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some Provinces
and States prohibit their use, so, before
installing studded tires, check local, state and
provincial laws.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. TIRE CHAINS may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use of
tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before install-
ing tire chains. When installing tire chains,
make sure they are of proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed according to
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
5-37
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with longer
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your
NISSAN’s good mechanical condition, as well
as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
Scheduled maintenance:
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “Service and Mainte-
nance Guide”. You must refer to that guide to
ensure that necessary maintenance is performed
on your NISSAN at regular intervals.
General maintenance:
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-to-
day operation. They are essential for proper
vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.Performing general maintenance checks require
minimal mechanical skill and only a few general
automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
your NISSAN dealer.
Where to go for service:
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and tuned by NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership training programs. They
are completely qualified to work on NISSAN
vehiclesbeforethey work on your vehicle,
rather than after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that your NISSAN dealer’s
service department performs the best job to
meet the maintenance requirements of your ve-
hicle — in a reliable and economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer check it promptly. In addi-
tion, you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the “Maintenance precau-
tions” later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that all doors and the engine hood oper-
ate properly. Also ensure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE8-2
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
LOADING TIPSThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Certifi-
cation Label located on the driver’s door
center pillar.
Do not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
Loads 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 sliding or
shifting.
WARNING
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.
Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.This could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
Overloading not only could shorten
the life of your vehicle and the tires,
but also could lead to hazardous ve-
hicle handling and long braking dis-
tance. This may cause a premature
tire malfunction, which could result in
a serious accident and personal in-
jury. Malfunctions caused by over-
loading are not covered by your
NISSAN warranty.
VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITYThe vehicle load capacity is the maximum total
weight of passengers, 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.
Vehicle Load Weight Capacity Unit: lb(kg)
VQ35DE
2WD 4WD
Automatic and
Manual Trans-
missionAutomatic and
Manual Trans-
mission
XE, SE, LE
US 980 (445) 970 (440)
Canada — 945 (430)
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When
the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weight
the front and the rear wheels separately to
determine axle loads. Individual axle loads
should not exceed either of the gross axle weight
ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on the
driver’s door lock pillar. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to bring all
weights below the ratings.Technical and consumer information
9-17
04.3.9/R50-D/V5