the ON position, the system does not activate the
warning light for the front passenger.
For additional information, refer to “Seat belts” in
the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
WARNING
●Never remove the ignition key or place
the ignition switch in the LOCK position
while driving. The steering wheel will
lock. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to the LOCK position and removed until
the shift lever is placed in the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition switch,
make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) posi-
tion.
If the shift lever is not returned to the P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be moved to
the LOCK position. To remove the key from the ignition switch:
1. Shift the shift lever to the P (Park) position with the ignition switch in the ON position.
2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
If the shift lever is shifted to the P (Park) position
after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF
position or when the ignition switch cannot be
turned to the LOCK position, proceed as follows
to remove the key. 1. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) posi- tion.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward the ON position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi- tion.
4. Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition switch is turned to OFF
position
1or if the key is removed from the
switch.
WARNING
●Be sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
● Do not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
● Do not use the shift lever in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure
the parking brake is fully engaged.
● Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.
To engage:Pull the parking brake lever up
A.
To release: 1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral) posi-
tion.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position. 3. While pulling up on the parking brake lever
slightly, push the button
Band lower the
lever completely .
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
WARNING
●If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. When the temperature of the power steer-
ing system goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the power
steering system to overheat. You may hear a sound when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.
If the electric power steering warning light
PS
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
For additional information, refer to “Power steer-
ing warning light” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section. The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-19
WARNING
●While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Adjust the parking brake shoes whenever the
effect of the parking brake is weakened or when-
ever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors
are replaced, in order to assure the best brake
performance. This procedure can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear
a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above5-10km/h
(3 - 6 MPH) . The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action
is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
the VDC System helps to perform the following
functions:
● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-21
●When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light may illumi-
nate. This is not a malfunction. Restart
the engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer 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 key fob (if so
equipped) .
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, refer to “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For additional information, refer to “Bat-
tery” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For additional information, refer to “Changing
engine coolant” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some states
and provinces prohibit their use. Check lo-
cal, state and provincial laws before install-
ing 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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-24Starting and driving
Child restraints.......1-16,1-17,1-18,1-20
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System ..............1-20
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-18,1-25,1-31,1-36
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-22
Child safety rear door lock ............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-12
Cleaningexteriorandinterior...........7-2
Clock.......................4-33 (models without navigation system) ....4-33
Clockset.....................4-33
Clock set/adjustment ..............4-33
Clutch Clutch fluid ..................8-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Cold weather driving ...............5-24
Compact disc (CD) player ........4-34,4-38
Controls Audiocontrols(steeringwheel).......4-44
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-7, 4-15
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Corrosionprotection ...............7-5
Cruisecontrol..................5-15
Cupholders................2-22,2-23
Curtain side-impact air bag system
(See supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag system) ...........1-52 D
Daytime light system ...............2-18
Defroster switch Rear window defroster switch .......2-16
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-18
Door locks .....................3-3
Door open warning light .............2-8
Drive belt .....................8-15
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-24
Driving with automatic transmission .....5-8
Driving with manual transmission ......5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Driving the vehicle .................5-8
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-17
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty .......9-18
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-7
Block heater .................5-25
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant...........8-8
Changingengineoil.............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine cooling system ............8-7 Engineoil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light
.......2-8
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-6
Engine serial number ............9-11
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine ..............5-7
Event data recorders ..............9-19
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Explanation of maintenance items ........8-2
Extended
storage switch ............8-23
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat tire .......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) .....8-11
Brake fluid ..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid ..................8-12
Enginecoolant.................8-7
Engineoil ...................8-9
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-47
Frontseats.....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-17
Fuel-filler cap .................3-11
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever ......3-11
Fuel-filler lid .................3-11
10-2