cDo not install a damaged or deformed
wheel or tire even if it has been re-
paired. Such wheels or tires could have
structural damage and could fail with-
out warning.
cThe use of retread tires is not
recommended.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Four-wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may dam-
age the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.If excessive tire wear is found, it is recommended
that all four tires be replaced with tires of the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern.
The tire pressure and wheel alignment should
also be checked and corrected as necessary.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Care of wheels
cWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
cClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.cDo not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
cInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
cNISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
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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) .
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6. Make sure theindicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (AT) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See “Automatic transmission
park warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.cWhile going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
cIf the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
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cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section earlier
in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission (if so equipped)
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission (if so equipped)
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cOn four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
cAfter towing 500 miles (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-34
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-52
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-60
Air bag warning labels.............1-67
Air bag warning light...........1-67, 2-18
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation.......4-5, 4-13
Air conditioner service...........4-17
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-2, 4-10
Servicing air conditioner..........4-17
Air flow charts...............4-7, 4-14
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-23
Anchor point locations.............1-27
Antenna.....................4-36
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-33Audible reminders................2-22
Audio system..................4-18
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-29, 4-33
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-27
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-29
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Radio....................4-18
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-36
Autolight switch.................2-28
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-47
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-18
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-14
AUX jack.....................4-34
B
Battery......................8-16
Charge warning light............2-15
Before starting the engine...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Block heater
Engine....................5-39
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-37
Booster seats..................1-46
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-33Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Brake system................5-32
Brake warning light.............2-15
Brake wear indicators........2-22, 8-23
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Brakes......................8-23
Break-in schedule................5-21
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-30
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-14
Bulb replacement................8-30
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-37
Cargo light switch...............2-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning.............4-35
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-29, 4-33
CD player (See audio system).........4-27
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-24
Child restraints..........1-14, 1-21, 1-23
Precautions on child
restraints............1-21, 1-32, 1-46
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-22
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Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-29, 4-33
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-29
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-36
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-37
Rear power windows..............2-47
Rear sliding window..............2-48
Rear window defogger switch.........2-26
Recorders
Event data..................9-38
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-37
Roof rack....................2-44
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-21, 1-32, 1-46
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-37
Seat
Jump seat...................1-5
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-14
Infants and small children.........1-14
Injured Person................1-15
Larger children...............1-15Precautions on seat belt usage......1-11
Pregnant women..............1-15
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-65
Seat belt extenders.............1-20
Seat belt maintenance...........1-20
Seat belts..................1-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-19
Three-point type with retractor.......1-15
Seat belt warning light.............2-18
Seatback pockets................2-42
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-32
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-20
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-24, 3-2, 5-11
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-23
Service manual order form...........9-39
Servicing air conditioner............4-17
Shift lock release................5-15
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-13
Manual transmission............5-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-19
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-64
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-67
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Jump starting.................6-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-11Starting the engine.............5-12
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-32
Tilting steering wheel............3-12
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-36
Stop light....................8-30
Storage.....................2-37
Storage tray...............2-37, 2-39
Sun visors....................3-12
Sunglasses case................2-40
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-48
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-67
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-67, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-60
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-67
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-52
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-52
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-28
Automatic power window switch.....2-47
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-35
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................2-34
Fog light switch...............2-30
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlight control switch..........2-27
Hill descent control switch.........2-33
Ignition switch................5-9
Overdrive switch..............5-16
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window defogger switch.......2-26
10-5
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