
Black plate (200,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
chime sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the brake
pedal, the ignition switch position will change to
ACC.
NOTE:
.When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the engine is
started by the above procedures, the
Intelligent Key system warning light
may blink in yellow even if the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle. This is
not a malfunction. To stop the warning
light from blinking, touch the ignition
switch with the Intelligent Key again.
.If the Intelligent Key system warning
light in the meter is blinking in green,
replace the battery as soon as possible.
(See “KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-your-
self” section.).Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
.Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
.Check that all windows and lights are clean.
.Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
.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
the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
MODELS WITHOUT INTELLIGENT KEY
SYSTEM1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed so that it does not
operate unless the selector lever is in either
of the above positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) models:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Depress the clutch pedal fully to
the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
switch to START. Release the switch 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 restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold
it and then crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-12
Starting and 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
5-31
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Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
Maintenance requirement..................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance................................... 8-2
General maintenance...................................... 8-2
Where to go for service................................... 8-2
General maintenance.......................................... 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items....................... 8-2
Maintenance precautions..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations...................... 8-6
MR18DE engine............................................ 8-6
Engine cooling system......................................... 8-7
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant................................. 8-8
Engine oil......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter............................ 8-9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid........ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid....................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid........................................ 8-12
Battery.......................................................... 8-13
Jump starting.............................................. 8-14
Variable voltage control system (if so equipped)...... 8-14
Drive belt....................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs.................................................... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs................................... 8-16Air cleaner...................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades.................................... 8-17
Cleaning.................................................... 8-17
Replacing................................................... 8-17
Rear window wiper blade................................... 8-18
Brakes........................................................... 8-18
Self-adjusting brakes.................................... 8-18
Brake pad wear warning................................ 8-18
Fuses............................................................ 8-19
Engine compartment..................................... 8-19
Passenger compartment................................ 8-21
Key battery replacement.................................... 8-22
Keyfob....................................................... 8-22
Intelligent Key.............................................. 8-23
Lights............................................................ 8-25
Headlights.................................................. 8-26
Exterior and interior lights............................... 8-27
Wheels and tires.............................................. 8-28
Tire pressure............................................... 8-28
Tire labeling................................................ 8-31
Types of tires.............................................. 8-33
Tire chains.................................................. 8-34
Changing wheels and tires............................. 8-35
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Black plate (252,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washers operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*:Check the fluid level in each cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe condition require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid level*:Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*:Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belt*:Make sure that the drive
belt is not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan.Exhaust system:Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. (See
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND
DRIVING” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .)
Fluid leaks:Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected
immediately.
Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the end
of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “CLEANING
EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance and care”section.
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Black plate (254,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
affect your warranty coverage.If in doubt
about any servicing, we recommend that
it be done by a NISSAN dealer.
SSI0564
MR18DE ENGINE1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake and clutch (*1) fluid reservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Battery
5. Window washer fluid reservoir6. Engine drive belt location
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Fuse/fusible link holder
*1: for Manual Transmission (MT) modelsENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Black plate (260,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SDI2388
Type A
SDI2429
Type B
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap and pour the window washer fluid into the
reservoir opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for the mixture ratio.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally.
Type A
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light illuminates.
Type B
To check the fluid level, use your finger to plug
the center hole
*1
of the cap/tube assembly,
then remove it from the reservoir. If there is no
fluid in the tube, add fluid.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
window washer fluid.
Recommended fluid:
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concen-
trate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
CAUTION
.Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the
paint.
.Do not fill the window washer
reservoir tank with washer fluid
concentrates at full strength. Some
methyl alcohol based washer fluid
concentrates may permanently stain
the grille if spilled while filling the
window washer reservoir tank.
.Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer’s
recommended levels before pouring
the fluid into the window washer
reservoir tank. Do not use the
window washer reservoir tank to
mix the washer fluid concentrate
and water.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID8-12
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Black plate (288,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50 See “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt 4.1
.Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2
.Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Without oil filter change 4 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.8
Cooling system
With reservoirCVT model 7-1/2 qt 6-1/4 qt 7.1
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water MT model 7-1/4 qt 6 qt 6.8
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2*3
Manual Transmission (MT) gear oil — — —Genuine NISSAN gear oil (ELF XT4447 M+) 75W-80, Genuine NISSAN gear oil
(Chevron Texaco ETL8997B) 75W-80 or equivalent*4
Brake fluidRefill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
*3:Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
*4: If Genuine NISSAN gear oil is not available, API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-80 may be used as a temporary replacement. Replace with Genuine NISSAN gearoil as soon as it is available.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.
*6: For additional information, see “VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information
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Black plate (2,1)
10-2Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants........................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-8
Checking engine coolant level.................. 8-8
Corrosion protection................................. 7-6
Cover, Cargo cover................................ 2-34
Cruise control...................................... 5-21
Cup holders........................................ 2-31
CVT, Driving with CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission)........ 5-7, 5-14
D
Daytime running light system..................... 2-25
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch............................ 2-23
Dimensions and weights............................ 9-8
Door open warning light........................... 2-11
Drive belt........................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving.......................... 5-30
Driving with CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission).... 5-7, 5-14
Driving with manual transmission........ 5-8, 5-18
Precautions when starting and driving......... 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ..................................... 5-23
Electric power steering system................... 5-26
Electric power steering warning light............ 2-12
Emission control information label................ 9-10
Emission control system warranty................ 9-20
Engine
Before starting the engine.................... 5-12Break-in schedule.............................. 5-23
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level.................. 8-8
Checking engine oil level........................ 8-8
Coolant temperature gauge..................... 2-6
Engine block heater........................... 5-31
Engine compartment check locations.......... 8-6
Engine cooling system.......................... 8-7
Engine oil......................................... 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation....... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity.............................. 9-5
Engine serial number............................ 9-9
Engine specifications............................ 9-7
If your vehicle overheats....................... 6-11
Starting the engine............................ 5-12
Event Data Recorders (EDR)..................... 9-22
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label............ 9-9
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter...................... 8-16
Changing engine oil and filter................... 8-9
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . . . 2-27
Flat tire................................................ 6-2
Flat towing.......................................... 9-18
Floor mat cleaning................................... 7-5
Fluid
Brake and clutch fluid......................... 8-11
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants......................................... 9-2Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid............................................. 8-11
Engine coolant ................................... 8-7
Engine oil......................................... 8-8
Window washer fluid .......................... 8-12
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player............................................... 4-17
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player............................................... 4-21
Fog light switch.................................... 2-27
Front manual seat adjustment....................... 1-3
Front passenger air bag and status light........ 1-47
Front seat, Front seat adjustment.................. 1-3
Front-seat active head restraints................... 1-7
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants......................................... 9-2
Distance to empty............................... 2-8
Fuel economy.................................. 5-23
Fuel octane rating................................ 9-3
Fuel recommendation............................ 9-3
Fuel-filler cap................................... 3-24
Fuel-filler door.................................. 3-24
Gauge ............................................ 2-7
Fuses............................................... 8-19
Fusible links........................................ 8-20
G
Gas cap ............................................ 3-24
Gauge ................................................ 2-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge............. 2-6
Fuel gauge....................................... 2-7
Odometer......................................... 2-5
Speedometer..................................... 2-5
Model "MASTER" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
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