Black plate (204,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 4
.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 key is turned to the ON position.
(See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section.) 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. 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.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by 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
starts.
. 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 engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by turning the igni-
tion switch to START. Release the
ignition switch 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 ignition switch
off and wait 10 seconds before cranking
again, otherwise the starter could be
damaged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the
engine while warming it up. Drive at
moderate speed for a short distance first,
especially in cold weather. In cold weather,
keep the engine running for a minimum of 2 -
3 minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-12
Starting and driving
Black plate (213,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 4
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and econo-
my of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and
reduced engine performance.
. Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
. Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged. .
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
. Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
. Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
. Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
. Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
. Air conditioner operation lowers fuel econ-
omy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
. When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag. .
Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
(See “ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section.)BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving
5-21
Black plate (222,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 4
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(0 8C) ,
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.
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.All-Wheel Drive (AWD) modelIf you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern
on all four wheels.
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 (32 8F, 0 8C 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 wheels
COLD WEATHER DRIVING5-30
Starting and driving
Black plate (235,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 4
CAUTION
.Do not continue to drive if your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle
fire.
. To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
. Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed. 3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no steam
or coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time. 6. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle repaired
at a NISSAN dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
6-11
Black plate (245,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 4
SAI0047
Kro¯
m models
CAUTION
Do not use an automatic car wash for
Kro ¯
m models. The wheel coating may
be damaged.WAXINGRegular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing
is recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
reapplying wax. A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing the
proper product.
.
Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on a
base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTSRemove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting damage
or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive
accessory stores.UNDERBODYIn areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the underseal
must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASSUse glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass
to become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could da-
mage the electrical conductors, radio
antenna elements or rear window
defroster elements.WHEELSWash the wheels when washing the vehicle to
maintain their appearance.
. Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
. NISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
Appearance and care
7-3
Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 4
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
QR25DE 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 fluid ...................................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid ........................................ 8-12
Battery .......................................................... 8-13
Jump starting .............................................. 8-14
Drive belts ...................................................... 8-14
Spark plugs .................................................... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ................................... 8-15 Air cleaner
...................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades .................................... 8-16
Cleaning .................................................... 8-16
Replacing ................................................... 8-17
Rear window wiper blade ................................... 8-18
Brakes ........................................................... 8-18
Self-adjusting brakes .................................... 8-18
Brake pad wear indicators .............................. 8-18
Fuses ............................................................ 8-19
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-19
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-20
Battery replacement .......................................... 8-21
Keyfob ....................................................... 8-21
Intelligent Key battery .................................... 8-22
Lights ............................................................ 8-24
Headlights .................................................. 8-25
Exterior and interior lights ............................... 8-26
Wheels and tires .............................................. 8-29
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-29
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-33
Types of tires .............................................. 8-35
Tire chains .................................................. 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ............................. 8-37
Black plate (256,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 4
done by a NISSAN dealer.
SDI2127
QR25DE ENGINE1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Engine coolant reservoir
5. Window washer fluid reservoir6. Drive belt location
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Battery
10. Fuse/fusible link holderENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Black plate (262,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 4
SDI2131
Type A
SDI2132
Type B
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add window washer fluid when the low
window washer fluid warning light illuminates (if
so equipped) .
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 water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for the mixture ratio.
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