
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes,
increases wear on the brakes and pads, and
reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.
If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.Braking will be harder.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
so the wheels will not lock when braking abruptly
or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent
each wheel from locking and sliding. By prevent-
ing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to minimize
swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 5 to 10 km/h (3 to 6 MPH) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds willvary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the ABS operation
may indicate that road conditions are hazardous
and extra care is required while driving.
Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the
meter. The brake system will then behave nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
Starting and driving
5-25
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0

MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONSWhen performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
the N(Neutral) position. For an auto-
matic transmission, move the selec-
tor lever to the P (Park) position.
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
Your vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-nect the negative battery cable be-
fore working near the fan.
If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the
battery.On gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) Sys-
tem, the fuel filter or fuel lines should
be serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
Never connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion key is on.
Never leave any engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
ness connectors disconnected while
the ignition key is on.
Avoid direct contact with used engine
oil and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0

the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.Trailer brakesIf 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
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tipsBe 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 con-
dition; check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle
tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer
wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer
to the vehicle.
Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn 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 per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and back
up slowly. If possible, have someone guide
you when you are backing up.
Always 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 automatic
transmission, first block the wheels and apply
the parking brake, and then move the selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the selector lever to the P (Park) position
before blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.
When 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 overload-
ing and/or overheating.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
9-20
Technical and consumer information
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0

Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-5
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-19
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-19
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment..................... 1-18
Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-15
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-22
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Security system, Vehicle security system ........... 2-13
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-14
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-13
Servicing air conditioner .......................................... 4-14
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................ 5-6, 5-10
Manual transmission ................................. 5-7, 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................................. 1-18
SNOW mode switch ................................................ 2-23
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-18
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .......................................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-14
Power steering system ...................................... 5-24
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-10Storage ........................................................................ 2-26
Sun shade ................................................................... 2-38
Sunroof ........................................................................ 2-38
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-47
Supplemental air bag warning light............. 1-47, 2-9
Supplemental restraint system............................... 1-37
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.................................................................... 1-37
Switch
Fog light switch................................................... 2-20
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-21
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-18
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-6
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models .......................................................... 5-6, 5-10
Ignition switch manual transmission
models .......................................................... 5-7, 5-14
Overdrive switch ................................................. 5-13
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................................................................... 2-17
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-20
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-23
T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-5
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................................................... 2-5
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start................................................................. 2-14
Three way catalyst ....................................................... 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-10Tire
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-22
Tires
Tire and loading information label ...... 8-35, 9-11
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-40
Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-34
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-41
Types of tires ....................................................... 8-39
Wheel/tire size ....................................................... 9-8
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-34
Tonneau cover ........................................................... 2-34
Top tether strap child restraints ............................ 1-28
Towing
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-10
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-15
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-15
Towing safety....................................................... 9-18
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-6, 5-10
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-14
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................................ 9-9
Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-20
U
Underbody cleaning .................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 9-22
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
10-5