
Black plate (214,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
can go and cannot be moved with-
out depressing the foot brake pedal.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission (MT) models:
Move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) gear.
When parking on an uphill grade, place the
shift lever in the 1st gear.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.
.HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
*1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
.HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
*2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
*3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
4.Models with Intelligent Key system:
Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
Models without Intelligent Key system:
Place the ignition switch in the LOCK
position and remove the key.
WARNING
.If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the steering will not work.
Steering will be harder to operate.
.When the electric power steering
warning light illuminates with the
engine running, the power assist for
the steering will cease operation.
You will still have control of the
vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate.
The electric power steering system is designed
to provide power assist while driving to operate
the steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent
overheating of the electric power steering
system and protect it from getting damaged.
While the power assist is reduced, steering
wheel operation will become heavy. When the
temperature of the electric power steering
system goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the electric
power steering system to overheat.ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
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Black plate (216,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Alwaysmaintainasafedistance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
.Tire 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 theTire and Loading Information
label. See “TIRE AND LOADING
INFORMATION LABEL” in the “9.
Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.
— For detailed information, see
“WHEELS AND TIRES” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-your-
self” 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
prevent 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
slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Self-test featureThe ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and 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 does not
indicate a malfunction. If the computer senses
a malfunction, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.Normal operationThe ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
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Black plate (218,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
.Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars and bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN approved
or are extremely deteriorated the
VDC system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the “VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP”
indicator or both indicator lights
may illuminate.
.If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the “VDC OFF”
indicator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate.
.If engine related parts such as
muffler are not standard equipment
or are extremely deteriorated, the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” in-
dicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate..When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked
corners, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the “VDC OFF”
indicator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
.When driving on unstable surfaces
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator
or ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine
after driving onto a stable surface.
.If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly
and “VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP”
indicator 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
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the remote keyless entry keyfob.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F(08C) ,
check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see “EN-
GINE COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Main-
tenance 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, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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Black plate (219,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
TIRE EQUIPMENTSUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. 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.
Consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
.A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
.A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
.Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (328F, 08C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The
vehicle will have much less traction
or “grip” under these conditions. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
.Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheelswill lose even more traction.
.Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
.Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
.Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a
patch of ice is seen ahead, brake
before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
.Do not use cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
.Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)Engine block heaters are used to assist in cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 208F( 78C) or lower.
Starting and driving
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Black plate (220,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
To use the engine block heater1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a
grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-
volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in
for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm the
engine coolant. Use an appropriate timer to
turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and
properly store the cord to keep it away from
moving parts.
WARNING
.Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical sys-
tem or a 2-pronged adapter. You can
be seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.
.Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord beforestarting the engine. Damage to the
cord could result in an electrical
shock and can cause serious injury.
.Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least
10A. Plug the extension cord into a
Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) pro-
tected, grounded 110-VAC outlet.
Failure to use the proper extension
cord or a grounded outlet can result
in a fire or electrical shock and
cause serious personal injury.5-32
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Black plate (225,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
WARNING
.Make sure the parking brake is
securely applied and the Manual
Transmission is shifted into R (Re-
verse) , or the Continuously Variable
Transmission into P (Park) .
.Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
.Never change tires if oncoming
traffic is close to your vehicle. Wait
for professional road assistance.
MCE0001A
Blocking wheelsPlace suitable blocks
*1
at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire to prevent the vehicle from moving when it is
jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the
vehicle may move and result in personal
injury.
SCE0810
Jacking tools
Getting the spare tire and toolsJacking tools:
Slide the driver’s seat forward and the rear seat
in its rear most position, and open the lid located
in the floor behind the driver’s seat.
In case of emergency
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Black plate (226,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SCE0811
Spare tire
Spare tire:
1. Open the back door.
2. Open the bolt cover
*1.
3. Loosen the bolt
*2
counterclockwise ap-
proximately 25 turns using the wheel nut
wrench to lower the spare tire.
4. Stop turning the bolt when the tire is
lowered to the place where the tire basket
*3
can be removed from the hook
*4.
Do not loosen the bolt excessively,
otherwise the basket may fall sud-
denly.
5. Hold the tire basket and remove it from the
hook by pushing the basket upward.
6. Lower the tire basket slowly to the ground,
and then take out the spare tire.
WARNING
Properly stow the spare tire basket
after use. Driving without properly
stowing the spare tire basket can cause
contact with the road and cause sparks
or scatter rocks/road debris resulting in
vehicle damage or serious personal
injury.Spare tire basket bolt tightening torque:
48 to 63 ft-lb (64 to 86 N·m)
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Black plate (227,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SCE0630
Removing wheel cover (if so equipped)
WARNING
Never use your hands to remove the
wheel cover. This may cause personal
injury.
To remove the wheel cover, use the jack rod
*1
as illustrated.
Apply cloth
*2
between the wheel and jack rod
to prevent damaging the wheel and wheel cover.
Use caution not to scratch the wheel cover or
wheel surface.
Jacking up the vehicle and removing the
damaged tire
WARNING
.Never get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by the jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
.Use only the jack provided with your
vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use
the jack provided with your vehicle
on other vehicles. The jack is de-
signed for lifting only your vehicle
during a tire change.
.Use the correct jack-up points.
Never use any other part of the
vehicle for jack support.
.Never jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
.Never use blocks on or under the
jack.
.Do not start or run the engine while
vehicle is on the jack, as it may
cause the vehicle to move.
.Do not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.Carefully read the caution label attached
to the jack body and the following instruc-
tions.
In case of emergency
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