
3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys .............................................3-2
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system keys
(if so equipped)................................3-2
Doors............................................3-3
Locking with key................................3-3
Locking with inside lock knob....................3-4
Locking with power door lock switch
(if so equipped)................................3-4
Rear doors (King Cab models)...................3-5
Automatic Door Locks..........................3-5
Child safety rear door lock
(Crew Cab models only)........................3-6
Remote keyless entry system (if so equipped).........3-6
How to use remote keyless entry system..........3-7
Hood...........................................3-10Fuel-filler door...................................3-10
Fuel-filler cap.................................3-10
Steering wheel...................................3-12
Tilt operation (if so equipped)...................3-12
Sun visors.......................................3-12
Vanity mirrors.................................3-13
Mirrors..........................................3-13
Rearview mirror (if so equipped).................3-13
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
(if so equipped)...............................3-14
Outside mirrors...............................3-14
Truck box........................................3-15
Tailgate.......................................3-15
Tie down hooks (if so equipped)................3-17
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s3Slide the sun visor extension (if so equipped)
in or out as needed.
CAUTION
cDo not store the sun visor before return-
ing the extension to its original
position.
cDo not pull the extension sun visor forc-
edly downward.
VANITY MIRRORS
To access the vanity mirror, pull the sun visor
down and flip open the mirror cover. Some vanity
mirrors are illuminated and turn on when the
mirror cover is open.
REARVIEW MIRROR (if so equipped)
The night positions1reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
Use the day position
s2when driving in daylight
hours.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clarity.
WPD0307WPD0126
MIRRORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-13
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AUTOMATIC ANTI-GLARE
REARVIEW MIRROR (if so equipped)
The inside mirror is designed so that it automati-
cally dims according to the intensity of the head-
lights of the vehicle following you. The automatic
anti-glare feature operates only when the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
The indicator light
s1will illuminate when the
automatic anti-glare feature is operating.
To turn off the automatic anti-glare feature, press
the
button. The indicator light will turn off.To turn on the automatic anti-glare feature, press
the
button again. The indicator light will
turn on.
For information on HomeLinkTUniversal Trans-
ceiver operation, see “HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver” in the “Instrument and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.
For information on the compass and outside tem-
perature display, see “Compass and outside
temperature display” in the “Instrument and con-
trols” section of this manual.
NOTE:
Do not hang any objects over the sensors
s2or apply glass cleaner to the sensors.
Doing so will reduce the sensitivity of the
sensors, resulting in improper operation.
OUTSIDE MIRRORS
WARNING
cObjects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder to properly
judge distances to other objects.
Electric control type (if so equipped)
The outside mirror remote control will operate
only when the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.
Move the small switch
s1to select the right or left
mirror. Adjust each mirror to the desired position
using the large switch
s2.
WPD0333LPD0237
3-14Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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Manual control type (if so equipped)
The outside mirror can be moved in any direction
for a better rear view.
Heated mirrors (if so equipped)
Some outside mirrors can be heated to defrost,
defog, or de-ice for improved visibility. For addi-
tional information, see “Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch” in the “Instrument and
controls” section of this manual.
Foldable outside mirrors
Pull the outside mirror toward the door to fold it.
TAILGATE
Opening the tailgate
Pull the tailgate handle upward and lower the
tailgate. The support cables hold the tailgate
open.
When closing the tailgate, make sure the latches
are securely locked.
Do not drive the vehicle with the tailgate
down, unless equipped with NISSAN’s Bed
Extender (accessory) or equivalent in the
extended position.
WPD0170LPD0259LPD0270
TRUCK BOX
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-15
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cfor maximum cooling when using the air con-
ditioner.
OFF position:
Push the air recirculation button
again to
turn air recirculation off. The indicator light on
the
button will turn off. Outside air is drawn
into the passenger compartment and distributed
through the selected outlet.
Use the off position for normal heater or air con-
ditioner operation.
Air conditioner button (if so
equipped)
The button is provided only on vehicles equipped
with an air conditioner.
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired (1 - 4) position and push the
button to turn on the air conditioner. The indicator
light comes on when the air conditioner is oper-
ating. To turn off the air conditioner, push
the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window defroster switch (if so
equipped)
For more information about the rear window de-
froster switch, see “Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the foot
outlets. Some air also flows from the defrost
outlets.
1. Push the
button to the OFF position
for normal heating. The indicator light on
the
button will go off.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center vent.1. Push the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost outlets to
defrost/defog the windows.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
cTo quickly remove ice or fog from the win-
dows, turn the fan control dial to 4 and the
temperature control lever to the full HOT
position.
4-4Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
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— Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot
outlets.
— Air flows from defroster out-
lets and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from defroster
outlets.
Temperature control dial
The temperature control dial allows you to adjust
the temperature of the outlet air. To lower the
temperature, turn the dial to the left. To increase
the temperature, turn the dial to the right.
Air recirculation button
ON position (Indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Press the
button to the on position when:
cdriving on a dusty road.
cto prevent traffic fumes from entering pas-
senger compartment.
cfor maximum cooling when using the air con-
ditioner.OFF position (Indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger compart-
ment and distributed through the selected outlet.
Use the off position for normal heater or air con-
ditioner operation.
Air conditioner button
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired position and push the
button to
turn on the air conditioner. The indicator light
comes on when the air conditioner is operating.
To turn off the air conditioner, push the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window defroster switch (if so
equipped)
For more information about the rear window de-
froster switch, see “Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the foot
outlets. Some air also flows from the defrost
outlets.
1. Press the
button to the OFF position
for normal heating. The indicator light on
the
button will go off.
2. Press the
air flow control button.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Press the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
2. Press the
air flow control button.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-11
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cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cCheck that all doors are closed.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraint.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON (3)
position. See “Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector cannot be moved out
of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to the OFF position or if the key
is removed from the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector is in any of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift selector to N (Neutral) . De-
press the clutch pedal to the floor while
cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
switch to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.cIf the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
c
If the engine is very hard to start because it
is flooded, depress the accelerator pedal
all the way to the floor and hold it. Crank
the engine for 5-6 seconds. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedal
by 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, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-12Starting and driving
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A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
Pre-towing tips
cBe 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
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.Trailer towing tips
In 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 perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.cWhen 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:CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
Technical and consumer information9-33
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