CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
From the released position, firmly push the park-
ing brake down. If the number of clicks is out of
the range listed, see a NISSAN dealer.
c6–7 clicks under depressing force of 44 lb
(196 N) .
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
With the engine running, check the distanceA
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown, see a
NISSAN dealer.
Distance A: Under depressing force of 110
lb (490 N)
Automatic
TransmissionManual
Transmission
4 1/4 in (110 mm) 4 in (100 mm)
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every time
the brake pedal is applied. The rear drum-type
brakes on two-wheel drive vehicles self-adjust
every time the parking brake is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes on four-wheel drive vehicles
self-adjust every time the brake pedal is applied.
If the brake pedal goes down farther than normal,
it may be due to lack of adjustment of the rear
drum brakes. Apply the parking brake several
times.
WARNING
If the brake pedal height does not return
to normal, see a NISSAN dealer and have
it checked.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
WDI0293WDI0197
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL
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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.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.
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
US
measureImp measure Liter Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fuel
KA24DE (4 cylinder) 18–3/4 15–5/8 71.0 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
VG33E (6 cylinder) 19–3/8 gal 16–1/8 gal 73.5
VG33ER (6 cylinder with supercharger) 19–3/8 gal 16–1/8 gal 73.5 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil
Drain and Refill
KA24DE With oil filter 3–3/4 qt 3–1/8 qt 3.5 • API Certification Mark *2
• API grade SG/SH, Energy conservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2
• ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III Without oil filter 3–1/2 qt 2–7/8 qt 3.3
VG33E/VG33ER With oil filter 3–1/2 qt 2–7/8 qt 3.3
Without oil filter 3–1/8 qt 2–5/8 qt 3.0
Cooling system (with heater and reservoir tank)
KA24DE M/T 4X2 7–3/4 qt 6–3/8 qt 7.3
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-freeze Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VG33E/VG33ER A/T & M/T 11–5/8 qt 9–5/8 qt 10.95
Manual transmission gear oil
KA24DE 4X2 4–1/4 pt 3–1/2 pt 2.0
Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid HQ Multi 75W-85 or equivalent VG33E/VG33ER 4X2 5–7/8 pt 4–7/8 pt 2.8
4X4 10–3/4 pt 9 pt 5.1
Final drive gear oil
KA24DE 4X2 M/T 2–3/4 pt 2–1/4 pt 1.3
API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*1 or 80W-90 LS*1 for Limited Slip Differential (LSD) applications*2 VG33E/VG33ER 4X4 Front 3–3/4 pt 3–1/8 pt 1.75
Rear 5–7/8 pt 4–7/8 pt 2.8
Transfer fluid2–3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 or Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or
Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid.*3
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the in-
structions in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid.*3
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*6
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent Dot 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.32 – 1.54 (0.60 – 0.70) HFC-134a (R-134a)*5
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*5
Winshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-freeze or equivalent
*1: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0 ° (32° F) .
*2: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*3: Dexron™ III/Mercon™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealer for more informationregarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of Dexron™ III/Mercon™ Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*6: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , Dexron™ III/Mercon™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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Vehicle Load Weight Capacity
2WD 4WD
KA24DE VG33E
Manual
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission
XE XE SE XE SE
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1,235 560 1,080 490 1,080 490 981 445 981 445
California 1,235 560 1,080 490 1,080 490 981 445 981 445
Canada N/A N/A 1,001 454 1,001 454 970 440 970 440
Vehicle Load Weight Capacity VG33ER
2WD 4WD
lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 992 450 926 420
California 992 450 926 420
Canada 1,001 454 882 400
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When
the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weigh
the front and the rear wheels separately to deter-
mine 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 certifica-
tion label. If weight ratings are exceeded, move or
remove items to bring all weights below the rat-
ings.
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
Unit: lbs (kg)
Engine KA24DE (4 cyl) VG33E/VG33ER (V6)
Model 2WD 2WD 4WD
Transmission M/T M/T A/T M/T A/T
Maxiumum Trailer Weight*1 3,500 (1,588) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
Maximum Tongue Load 350 (159) 350 (159) 500 (227) 350 (159) 500 (227)
Gross Combined Weight
Rating7,700 (3,492) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309)
Recommended
Equipment*2Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device
*1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000lb (1,361 kg) .
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Sway control devices are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional trailer/hitch outlet for a prop-
erly designed sway control device for your trailer.
M/T = Manual Transmission
A/T = Automatic Transmission
2WD = 2-wheel drive
4WD = 4-wheel drive
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3. Route the trailer tow harness so that it does
not block access to the spare tire winch
socket.
4. Connect the tow harness connector (SAE
J1239) to your trailer.
5. Confirm proper vehicle and trailer stop/turn
lamp operation.
6. When towing is completed, disconnect the
tow harness from the trailer and the vehicle.
Store the tow harness in the glove box.
Reinstall the connector cap to the vehicle
harness.
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to
your NISSAN, contact a NISSAN dealer.
Always confirm proper vehicle and trailer
stop/turn lamp operation every time the
trailer light circuits are connected for use.
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 the
wheels 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.
Technical and consumer information9-21
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cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer mustalso pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cOn four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
cAfter towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause dam-
age to internal transmission parts.
9-22Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-8
Air bag warning light...........1-19, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter............8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system (See vehicle security system) .2-15
Anchor point locations.............1-42
Antenna.....................4-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-24
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Audible reminders................2-15
Audio system..................4-10
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-14
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12
Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-28
Auto-lock free-running hubs..........5-20Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-38
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Transmission selector lever lock release .5-13
B
Battery......................8-18
Charge warning light............2-11
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system). . . .3-8, 8-32
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-20
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-24
Brake booster................8-30
Brake fluid..................8-16
Brake light (See stop light).........8-36
Brake pedal.................8-29
Brake system................5-23
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-15, 8-29
Parking brake check............8-29
Parking brake operation..........5-16
Self-adjusting brakes............8-29
Break-in schedule................5-18
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-22
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-36C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-29
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-27
CD player (See audio system).........4-14
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-14
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-41
Child restraints.......1-23, 1-24, 1-30, 1-39
Precautions on child restraints.......1-30
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-42
Child safety rear door lock............3-4
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-15
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-13, 4-18
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-17
Cold weather driving..............5-27
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-14
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-28
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
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