ANTENNA
The antenna should be placed in the rearward
position
s1for maximum radio reception.The antenna cannot be shortened, but can be
folded down or removed. When you need to
remove the antenna, turn the antenna rod coun-
terclockwise
sB.
To install the antenna rod, turn the antenna rod
clockwise
sAand hand tighten.
CAUTION
cAlways properly tighten the antenna
rod during installation or the antenna
rod may break during vehicle operation.
cBe sure that the antenna is removed
before the vehicle enters an automatic
car wash.
cBe sure to fold down the antenna be-
fore the vehicle enters a garage with a
low ceiling.When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone in
your NISSAN, be sure to observe the following
precautions, otherwise the new equipment may
adversely affect the engine control system and
other electronic parts.
WARNING
cA cellular telephone should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation. Some juris-
dictions prohibit the use of cellular tele-
phones while driving.
cIf you must make a call while your ve-
hicle is in motion, the hands free cellu-
lar phone operational mode (if so
equipped) is highly recommended. Ex-
ercise extreme caution at all times so
full attention may be given to vehicle
operation.
cIf a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop your
vehicle before doing so.
LHA0708
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
4-28Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
(if so equipped)................................5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-5
Ignition switch.....................................5-6
Intelligent Key System (if so equipped)............5-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).........5-8
Automatic transmission..........................5-9
Manual transmission...........................5-10
Key positions.................................5-11
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped)...............................5-11
Before starting the engine.........................5-11
Starting the engine...............................5-12
Driving the vehicle................................5-13
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)..........5-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)...............................5-17
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-20Parking brake....................................5-22
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-23
Precautions on cruise control...................5-23
Cruise control operations.......................5-24
Break-in schedule................................5-25
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-25
Parking/parking on hills............................5-26
Power steering...................................5-27
Brake system....................................5-27
Brake precautions.............................5-27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-28
Cold weather driving..............................5-29
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-29
Anti-freeze....................................5-29
Battery.......................................5-29
Draining of coolant water.......................5-30
Tire equipment................................5-30
Special winter equipment.......................5-30
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-30
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-31
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CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in short-
ened engine life and reduced engine
performance.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
cKeep the wheels in correct alignment. Im-
proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
cUse the recommended viscosity engine oil.
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion” in “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” later in this manual.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-25
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WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
WARNING
cThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
cTire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.– When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
5-28Starting and driving
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) markss1. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
s2, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening.Do not overfill
s3.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
LDI0520SDI1597
ENGINE OIL
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
cUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
High/low beam:
Wattage: 60/55
Bulb no.: H4
Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is not
a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, contact a NISSAN dealer.EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS
Item Wattage (W) Bulb No.*1
Headlight assembly*2
High/low (Halogen) 60/55 H4
Park/Turn 21 7507 LF
Front clearance light 5 WY5W
Front fog light*2 (if so equipped) 35 H8
Front map lights (if so equipped) 8 AL54
Room light 8 AL54
Glove box light*2 (if so equipped) 1.4 —
Luggage compartment light (hatchback) /
Trunk light (sedan)5—
High-mounted stop light
Inside 18 921
Spoiler*2 (if so equipped) LED —
Hatchback*2 (if so equipped) LED —
Rear combination light*2
Turn signal light 21 7507 LF
Stop/Tail 21/5 12499
Backup (reversing) 21 7506 LF
License plate light*2 5 2J8
*1 Always check with the Parts Department at a NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
*2 If replacement is required contact a NISSAN dealer.
8-28Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
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 “Measurement of Weights” later in
this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label.
LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR
or GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to
the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with
ropes or straps to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
cDo not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear GAWRs.
If you do, parts of your vehicle
can break, tire damage could oc-
cur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result
in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.cOverloading not only can shorten
the life of your vehicle and the
tire, but can also cause unsafe
vehicle handling and longer brak-
ing distances. This may cause a
premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident
and personal injury. Failures
caused by overloading are not
covered by the vehicle’s
warranty.
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 determine axle
loads. Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the gross axle weight rat-
ings (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. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move or re-
move items to bring all weights below the
ratings.
Technical and consumer information9-15
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10 Index
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-35
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-42
Side and curtain (See supplemental side
air bag and curtain side-impact air bag
system)...................1-46
Air bag warning labels.............1-49
Air bag warning light...........1-49, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-3
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-14
Anchor point locations.............1-19
Antenna.....................4-28
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-7
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-28
Armrests.....................1-5
Audible reminders................2-13Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-24
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-18
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-16
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-20
Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-27
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-29
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Transmission selector lever lock
release................5-15, 5-19
B
Battery......................8-14
Charge warning light.............2-8
Before starting the engine...........5-11
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-17
Block heater
Engine....................5-31
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-29
Booster seats..................1-30
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-28
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake system................5-27Brake warning light..............2-7
Brake wear indicators........2-13, 8-20
Parking brake operation..........5-22
Self-adjusting brakes............8-20
Brakes......................8-20
Break-in schedule................5-25
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-21
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-7
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-28
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-26
CD changer (See audio system)........4-24
CD player (See audio system).........4-18
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-19
Child restraints..........1-10, 1-15, 1-17
Precautions on child
restraints............1-15, 1-24, 1-30
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-19
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-13
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-17, 4-21
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-13
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