5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................ 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .......................................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ..................................... 5-3
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions ....... 5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-4
Driving safety precautions ............................................ 5-4
Ignition switch ....................................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission (AT) ........................................ 5-6
Manual transmission (MT) ............................................ 5-7
Key positions ................................................................... 5-8
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ........................ 5-8
Before starting the engine ................................................. 5-9
Starting the engine ............................................................... 5-9
Driving the vehicle ............................................................. 5-10
Automatic transmission ............................................... 5-10
Manual transmission .................................................... 5-14
Parking brake ...................................................................... 5-15
Cruise control ..................................................................... 5-16
Precautions on cruise control ................................... 5-16
Cruise control operations ........................................... 5-17Break-in schedule .............................................................. 5-18
Increasing fuel economy .................................................. 5-18
Using four-wheel drive (4WD) (if so equipped) ........ 5-19
4WD mode switch operations .................................. 5-20
4WD warning light ....................................................... 5-21
Parking/parking on hills .................................................... 5-23
Power steering .................................................................... 5-24
Brake system ....................................................................... 5-24
Braking precautions ..................................................... 5-24
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................. 5-25
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-26
Cold weather driving ......................................................... 5-28
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................................... 5-28
Antifreeze ........................................................................ 5-28
Battery ............................................................................. 5-28
Draining of coolant water ........................................... 5-28
Tire equipment .............................................................. 5-28
Special winter equipment .......................................... 5-29
Driving on snow or ice ................................................ 5-29
Engine block heater ..................................................... 5-30
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
Maintenance items should be checked peri-
odically, for example, each time you check
engine oil.
Check that all windows and lights 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 or N. (P is
preferred.)
The starter is designed so that the starter
does not operate unless the selector lever is
in either one of the above positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to the N position. De-
press the clutch pedal fully to the floor.
The starter is designed so that it does not
operate unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Turn the ignition switch to START (4) to
crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedal.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 the
accelerator 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 isflooded, 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
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
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of2-3minutes before shutting it
off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
5-9
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
tem may not operate properly and the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indi-
cator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
The VDC 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.ANTIFREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 0°C (32°F), check
antifreeze to assure proper winter protection. For
additional information, see “Engine cooling sys-
tem” 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 additional information,
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 plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-
ing 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 a
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
prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of stud-
ded 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 loca-
tion. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains.Use only SAE Class S chains.
Class “S” chains are used on vehicles with
restricted tire to vehicle clearance. Vehicles
that can use Class “S” chains are designed
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-28
Starting and driving
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
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 MAINTENANCEFor 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 MAINTENANCEGeneral 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 toperform 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, a
NISSAN dealer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICEIf maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and tuned by a 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 a 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 a
NISSAN dealer check it promptly. In addition,
you should notify a 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 smoothly. Also make sure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate if necessary. Make sure that
the secondary latch keeps the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE8-2
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-25
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-47
Air bag warning light ....................................... 1-47, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service....................................... 4-14
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-14, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ......... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)................. 4-8
In-cabin microfilter .................................. 4-11, 4-13
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-4
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-28
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-17
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-25
Anti-lock brake warning light .................................... 2-7
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Armrest......................................................................... 1-10
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-12
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-14
Audio system .............................................................. 4-14
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD) ....................... 4-22Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-6, 5-10
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-3
B
Back door ...................................................................... 3-7
Battery .......................................................................... 8-16
Battery replacement
Remote keyless entry system .......................... 8-24
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Booster seats ............................................................ 1-32
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-25
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-14
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-24
Parking brake check............................... 5-15, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Warning light .......................................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-18
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-19
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-7
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-26C
Cabin air filter ................................................. 4-11, 4-13
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-33
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-33
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-21
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-32
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-20
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-21
Installation on rear center or outboard
positions ................................................................ 1-35
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-20
Top tether strap anchor point locations ....... 1-28
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-28
Child safety ................................................................. 1-14
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Chimes
Audible reminders............................................... 2-12
Seat belt warning light and chime .................... 2-9
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-24
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-14
C.M.V.S.S. certification label .................................. 9-10
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-28
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-22
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ............................................................. 4-27, 4-30
Console box................................................................ 2-31
Control panel buttons (models with navigation
system) ........................................................................... 4-2
Controls
Control panel buttons (display with navigation
system)..................................................................... 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .............................................................. 4-8
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-5
Cover, Tonneau cover .............................................. 2-34
Cruise control............................................................. 5-16
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-28
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-19
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............................................. 2-17
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-8
Display controls (See control panel buttons),
With navigation system .............................................. 4-2
Door open warning light ............................................ 2-8
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-28
Driving with automatic transmission .............. 5-10
Driving with manual transmission ................... 5-14On-pavement and offroad driving ..................... 5-4
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Safety precautions ................................................ 5-4
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-18
Emission control information label ........................ 9-10
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-23
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Break-in schedule............................................... 5-18
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-12
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-5
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-30
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-10
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-7
If your vehicle overheats ...................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-24
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2F
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-18
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-12
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-21
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-15
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer ................................. 4-19
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ................................................................ 4-25, 4-29
Fog light switch ......................................................... 2-20
Four-wheel drive (4WD).......................................... 5-19
Four-wheel drive (4WD), 4WD mode switch
operations.................................................................... 5-20
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-2
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-18
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-3
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-3
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-6
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
10-2
Fuses ............................................................................ 8-22
Fusible links ................................................................ 8-23
G
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-10
Gauge ............................................................................. 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-5
Fuel gauge .............................................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................................ 2-4
Speedometer .......................................................... 2-4
Tachometer ............................................................. 2-5
General maintenance .................................................. 8-2
Glove box .................................................................... 2-30
Glove box lock ........................................................... 2-30
H
Hazard warning flasher switch............................... 2-21
Head restraints ............................................................. 1-9
Headlights
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-27
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-18
Heated seats .............................................................. 2-22
Heater, Engine block heater ................................... 5-30
Hood release ................................................................ 3-7
Hook, Luggage hook ................................................ 2-33
Horn .............................................................................. 2-22
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security .................... 2-14
I
Ignition switch ............................................................... 5-6Automatic transmission models ............. 5-6, 5-10
Key positions .......................................................... 5-8
Manual transmission models .................. 5-7, 5-14
Immobilizer system .................................................... 2-14
In-cabin microfilter ......................................... 4-11, 4-13
Indicator lights............................................................ 2-10
Instrument brightness control ................................ 2-19
Instrument panel........................................................... 2-2
Interior light replacement......................................... 8-30
Interior lights ............................................................... 2-39
J
Jump starting................................................................. 6-7
K
Keyless entry (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-5
Keys................................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ............ 9-11
Label, C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-10
Label, Emission control information label............ 9-10
Labels
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-47
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) .................. 9-9
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) system....................................................... 1-26Light
Air bag warning light ......................................... 1-47
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-26
Fog light switch................................................... 2-20
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-18
Headlights Bulbreplacement .......................... 8-27
Interior lights ........................................................ 2-39
Luggage room light ............................................ 2-41
Map light ............................................................... 2-41
Replacement ........................................................ 8-26
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ..................................................... 2-7, 2-10
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ... 8-30
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................................. 9-11
Lock
Back door lock....................................................... 3-7
Door locks ............................................................... 3-3
Glove box lock..................................................... 2-30
Luggage floor board ................................................. 2-32
Luggage hooks .......................................................... 2-33
Luggage room light................................................... 2-41
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-16
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance information (display) .................... 4-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-19
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
10-3
Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-10
Manual front seat adjustment ................................... 1-2
Map light...................................................................... 2-40
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-19
Mirror
Inside rearview mirror ........................................ 3-11
Outside rearview mirrors .................................. 3-12
Vanity mirror ......................................................... 3-13
N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-33
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ................... 2-14
Engine start............................................................. 5-8
O
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Outside rearview mirrors ......................................... 3-12
Overdrive switch........................................................ 5-13
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-25P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-15
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-23
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-32
Power
Front seat adjustment .......................................... 1-4
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-25
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-14
Power steering system ...................................... 5-24
Power windows................................................... 2-35
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-45
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-14
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-24
Child restraints .................................................... 1-20
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-16
Driving safety .......................................................... 5-4
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
On-pavement and offroad driving ..................... 5-4
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-11
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-37
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-32FM-AM radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer .......................... 4-19
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ............................................... 4-25, 4-29
Rear center seat belt................................................ 1-19
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock.......... 3-4
Rear power point....................................................... 2-25
Rear seat adjustment .................................................. 1-6
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-17
Rear window wiper and washer switch .............. 2-16
Registering your vehicle in another country.......... 9-9
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-5
Rollover........................................................................... 5-3
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-14
Towing safety....................................................... 9-18
Seat belt warning chime ............................................ 2-9
Seat belt warning light ............................................. 1-11
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................. 1-4
Rear seat adjustment ........................................... 1-6
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-14
Injured persons.................................................... 1-15
Larger children .................................................... 1-14
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-45
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-11
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-15
Rear center seat belt ......................................... 1-19
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
10-4