Black plate (349,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
GUID-E99D9717-DEE1-4512-BDF8-144E3D0EEF23
WARNING
.Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves
or others through inadvertent op-
eration of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a
closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or
possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals.
. 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, unse-
cured cargo could cause personal
injury (Hardtop models) .
. Closely supervise children when
they are around cars to prevent
them from playing and becoming
locked in the trunk where they could
be seriously injured. Keep the car
locked with the trunk closed when
not in use, and prevent children’s access to car keys (CrossCabriolet
models) .EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)GUID-B1E6FC9D-58E3-4E6A-A439-2EA1D37CC8A4
WARNING
.
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless car-
bon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is
dangerous. It can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
. If you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
. Do not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
. Do not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
. Keep the lift gate/trunk closed
while driving, otherwise exhaust
gases could be drawn into the
passenger compartment. If you
must drive with the lift gate/trunk
open, follow these precautions: 1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation to off
and the fan control to high to
circulate the air.
. If electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the lift gate/
trunk or the body, follow the manu-
facturer’s recommendation to pre-
vent carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle.
. If a special body, camper or other
equipment is added for recreational
or other usage, follow the manufac-
turer’s recommendation to prevent
carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle. (Some recreational vehicle
appliances such as stoves, refrig-
erators, heaters, etc. may also gen-
erate carbon monoxide.)
. The exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
— The vehicle is raised for service.
— You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
Starting and driving5-3
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
Condition:
Black plate (354,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
5-8Starting and driving
speed is reduced. Do not attempt to drive
the vehicle back onto the road surface until
vehicle speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the
appropriate driving lane.
.If you decide that it is not safe to returnthe vehicle to the road surface based on
vehicle, road or traffic conditions, gradu-
ally slow the vehicle to a stop in a safe
place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSSGUID-E28673F5-7D64-42E9-870E-85BE9AF08E4CRapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged due
to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure
loss can also be caused by driving on under-
inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by main-
taining the correct air pressure and visually
inspect the tires for wear and damage. See
“Wheels and tires” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out” while driving maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on
the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air
pressure. Losing control of the vehicle
may cause a collision and result in
personal injury.
.
The vehicle generally moves or pulls
in the direction of the flat tire.
. Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
. Do not rapidly release the accelera-
tor pedal.
. Do not rapidly turn the steering
wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight
course. 3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel-
erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either contact a roadside emergency service
to change the tire or see “Changing a flat
tire (Hardtop models)” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section of this Owner’s Manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
GUID-7A928DD8-EFC8-4928-9868-B5AB0AAD1681
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. Alcohol in the blood-
stream reduces coordination, delays
reaction time and impairs judgement.
Driving after drinking alcohol increases
the likelihood of being involved in an
accident injuring yourself and others.
Additionally, if you are injured in an
accident, alcohol can increase the se-
verity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
Condition:
Black plate (356,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
5-10Starting and driving
your vehicle to roll over.
. Do not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could
move suddenly and injure your
hands. Instead drive with your fin-
gers and thumbs on the outside of
the rim.
. Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
. Always drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may became hot.
. Lower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
. Do not drive beyond the perfor-
mance capability of the tires, even
with AWD engaged.
. For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with
the engine running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or un- expected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle da-
mage or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing) , or similar equip-
ment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. 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 drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury. (AWD models)
. When a wheel is off the ground due
to an unlevel surface, do not spin
the wheel excessively.
. Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
. If at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your vehicle has a higher
center of gravity than a conventional passenger car. The vehicle is not
designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional passenger
cars. Failure to operate this vehicle
correctly could result in loss of
control and/or a rollover accident.
. Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial) , and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Install tire chains
on the front wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
. Be sure to check the brakes imme-
diately after driving in mud or water.
See “Brake system” later in this
section for wet brakes.
. Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle
and it rolls forward, backward or
sideways, you could be injured.
. Whenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. See
the maintenance information in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide”.
Condition:
Black plate (383,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
GUID-B307D2C7-6A0F-4C3B-AA18-70CF878DA08C
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.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
GUID-72E45F72-7DC3-4DC6-AB5F-495F1E017DEBBRAKING PRECAUTIONSGUID-46E46FAB-CDA9-4CBA-9224-E375245B79F0The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakesGUID-3D1E5CD8-57BB-4B7C-A4EC-478588B554DDThe 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 the stopping
distance will be longer.
Using the brakesGUID-17BAD6F4-E8FF-4930-86AF-B9E7AE24A97EAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake and 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.
WARNING
. While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat- ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating 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 brakesGUID-DAFCC3E6-12FB-486E-80D5-D760D63692FDWhen 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 brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping 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-INGUID-8A683E74-F58D-4094-9248-FB85437EC54CBreak in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by a
NISSAN dealer.
Starting and driving5-37
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Condition:
Black plate (409,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
GUID-2D9C548F-F9FC-45C3-B51B-87AD8F011697When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators are familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends that you
have a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions.
WARNING
.Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and drivetrain are in working condi-
tion. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used. .
Always attach safety chains before
towing.
For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV) , see “Flat towing” in
the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual.
In case of emergency6-19
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
Condition:
Black plate (413,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
.Pulling devices such as ropes or
canvas straps are not recommended
for use in vehicle towing or recov-
ery.
Rocking a stuck vehicleGUID-582FCDE1-D44D-495B-920F-AA398AAC93E9If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
.Shift back and forth between R (Reverse)and D (Drive).
.Apply the accelerator as little as possibleto maintain the rocking motion.
.Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D.
.Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service
to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-23
Condition:
Black plate (423,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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
VQ35DE 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
Power steering fluid ...
............................................................... 8-11
Brake fluid ...
........................................................................\
........ 8-12
Window washer fluid ...
............................................................ 8-13
Battery ...
........................................................................\
............... 8-13
Jump starting ...
..................................................................... 8-15
Variable voltage control system (if so equipped) ...
.......... 8-15
Drive belt ...
........................................................................\
.......... 8-15
Spark plugs ...
........................................................................\
..... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ...
.................................................... 8-16 Air cleaner
...
........................................................................\
....... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades ...
..................................................... 8-18
Cleaning ...
........................................................................\
... 8-18
Replacing ...
........................................................................\
. 8-18
Rear window wiper blade (if so equipped) ...
.................... 8-19
Brakes ...
........................................................................\
.............. 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes ...
.................................................... 8-19
Brake pad wear warning ...
.............................................. 8-19
Fuses ...
........................................................................\
................ 8-20
Engine compartment ...
..................................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ...
.............................................. 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement ...
................................... 8-22
Lights ...
........................................................................\
................ 8-25
Hardtop models ...
.............................................................. 8-25
CrossCabriolet models ...
................................................. 8-26
Headlights ...
........................................................................\
8-27
Exterior and interior lights ...
............................................ 8-29
Wheels and tires ...
................................................................... 8-32
Tire pressure ...
................................................................... 8-32
Tire labeling ...
..................................................................... 8-36
Types of tires ...
................................................................... 8-38
Tire chains ...
....................................................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires ...
.......................................... 8-40
Emergency tire puncture repair kit (if
so equipped) ...
................................................................... 8-43
Condition:
Black plate (424,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 31 Model: Z51-D ]
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-43768E16-A0AD-4E20-864A-5D76F9844A2ESome day-to-day and regular maintenance is
essential to maintain your vehicle’s fine mechan-
ical condition, as well as its emission and engine
performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance. You are a vital link in the main-
tenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCEGUID-ECDCC3AF-26EB-44EA-AC25-DC641196AED6For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide”. You must refer to that
guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is
performed on your vehicle at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCEGUID-E139C55B-FA79-469E-9233-88F4F219ADC9General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation. They are essential for proper
vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, a
NISSAN dealer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICEGUID-942146B2-13EF-4494-B04A-5F63C008B466If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced by a NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up-to-date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership information systems.
They are completely qualified to work on
NISSAN vehicles
beforework begins.
You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer’s
service department performs the best job to
meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle.
GUID-E40C8513-6AA0-446C-987E-2DE29677F129During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that
repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see “Maintenance precautions” later in
this section.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
GUID-F570DC6B-862F-48C0-BF2D-73A2150B1681Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicleGUID-22549D79-7704-4621-8003-C74E48CA2558The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Condition: