Black plate (296,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
LOADING TIPS.
The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
.
Do not load the front and rear axle to
the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING
.
Properly secure all cargo with
ropes or straps to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the
seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
.
Do 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 occur, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
.
Overloading not only can short-
en the life of your vehicle andthe tire, but can cause unsafe
vehicle handling and longer
braking 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 WEIGHTSSecure 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 exceed
either of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(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 remove
items to bring all weights below the ratings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
.Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 miles (800 km) .
Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
.For the first 500 miles (800 km) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over
50 MPH (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing
capability and the special equipment requiredTOWING A TRAILER
9-16
Technical and consumer information
Black plate (302,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle
battery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/con-
verter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtain
the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or
reputable trailer dealer.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips.Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded 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.
.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
.Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
.Load 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.
.Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
.Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
.Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tipsIn 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
performance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
.Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
.Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
.Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
.Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have
specific speed limits for vehicles that are
towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
.When 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
9-22
Technical and consumer information
Black plate (303,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
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 oc-
cur.
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
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.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.
.When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
.If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
.Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
.Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) .
.Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule in the NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide..When 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.
.Crosswinds 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
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually)
reduce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
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
vehicle.
— 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
balanced as described earlier in this section.
Technical and consumer information
9-23
Black plate (307,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
A vehicle equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
should never be tested using a two wheel
dynamometer (such as the dynamometers used
by some states for emissions testing) , or similar
equipment. Make sure you inform test facility
personnel that your vehicle is equipped with
AWD before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may result in
transmission damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states/areas
or provinces, your vehicle may be required to be
in what is called the “ready condition” for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the “ready condition” can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s inspection/
maintenance test readiness condition. Turn the
ignition switch to the ON position without
starting the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and
then blinks for 10 seconds, the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not
blink after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is“ready”.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready”
condition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the “ready condi-
tion”. If you cannot or do not want to perform the
driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it
for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle
until the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle points between the C and H (normal
operating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3
minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission
selector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is
acceptable between steps. Do not stop the
engine until step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information
9-27
Black plate (1,1)
10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).................. 5-27
Advanced air bag system......................... 1-44
Aiming control, Headlights........................ 2-27
Air bag system
Advanced air bag system..................... 1-44
Front passenger air bag and status light.... 1-45
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system.................. 1-48
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system......... 1-48
Air bag warning labels............................. 1-51
Air bag warning light....................... 1-51, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter.......................... 8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation........................ 4-2
Air conditioner service........................... 4-5
Air conditioner specification label............ 9-10
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations............... 4-5, 9-6
In-cabin microfilter............................... 4-5
Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system)..................... 2-20
Alcohol, drugs and driving.......................... 5-7
All-wheel drive (AWD)............................. 5-22
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light............. 2-12
Antenna............................................. 4-24
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................. 5-27
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light . . . 2-12
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care........................ 7-2
Interior appearance care........................ 7-4Audible reminders................................. 2-18
Audio operation precautions........................ 4-6
Audio system......................................... 4-6
Steering wheel audio controls................ 4-23
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD)............... 4-20
Automatic door locks................................ 3-5
Average fuel consumption........................... 2-7
Average speed....................................... 2-8
Avoiding collision and rollover...................... 5-5
B
Back door (See lift gate).......................... 3-21
Battery.............................................. 8-13
Battery replacement, Intelligent Key.......... 8-22
Battery replacement, Keyfob.................. 8-21
Battery saver system.......................... 2-26
Keyfob battery replacement................... 8-21
Before starting the engine........................ 5-12
Belts (See drive belts)............................. 8-14
Bluetooth
®Hands-Free Phone System.......... 4-25
Booster seats...................................... 1-34
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).............. 5-27
Brake fluid...................................... 8-11
Brake system................................... 5-26
Parking brake operation....................... 5-18
Warning light................................... 2-12
Break-in schedule.................................. 5-21
Brightness control, Instrument panel............. 2-28
Bulb check/instrument panel...................... 2-11
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-24C
Cabin air filter........................................ 4-5
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants..... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................ 4-24
Cargo cover........................................ 2-37
Cargo light......................................... 2-46
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-2
CD care and cleaning............................. 4-22
Ceiling light......................................... 2-45
Child restraints..................................... 1-19
Booster seats .................................. 1-34
Installation using LATCH...................... 1-24
Installation using the seat belts............... 1-28
LATCH system................................. 1-21
Precautions on child restraints................ 1-19
Top tether strap................................ 1-22
Child safety......................................... 1-11
Child safety rear door lock.......................... 3-6
Chimes, Audible reminders....................... 2-18
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ....................... 8-19
Cleaning exterior and interior................. 7-2, 7-4
Clock............................................... 2-31
Coat hooks......................................... 2-38
Cold weather driving.............................. 5-30
Command
(See Bluetooth
®Hands-Free Phone System) . . . 4-31
Compact Disc (CD) changer
(See audio system) ................................ 4-20
Compact Disc (CD) player
(See audio system) ................................ 4-15
Compass............................................. 2-8
Console box........................................ 2-35
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 3