Black plate (350,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 3/ 26 Model: E52-D ]
5-8Starting and driving
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers andeither contact a roadside emergency service
to change the tire or see “Changing a flat
tire” (P.6-3) .
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
GUID-42F98A5C-A40B-4BDA-8A49-FFACCD5E7C49
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,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents.
Although the local laws vary on what is
considered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is
that alcohol affects all people differently and
most people underestimate the effects of
alcohol. Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And
that is true for drugs, too (over-the-counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs) . Don’t drive if
your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by
alcohol, drugs, or some other physical condition.
GUID-7E0B8E8E-CE46-434B-9EEB-B638480DFC97
WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except
in an emergency. (The engine will stop
when the ignition switch is pushed 3
consecutive times or the ignition switch
is pushed and held for more than 2
seconds.) If the engine stops while the
vehicle is being driven, this could lead
to a crash and serious injury.
Before operating the push-button ignition
switch, be sure to move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position.
INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEMGUID-7DC098B5-9FFB-4EE2-92D5-53D5268F2EDEThe Intelligent Key system can operate the
ignition switch without taking the Intelligent
Key out from your pocket or purse. The
operating environment and/or conditions may
affect the Intelligent Key system operation.
CAUTION
. Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key
with you when operating the vehi-
cle.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
Condition:
Black plate (372,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 3/ 26 Model: E52-D ]
5-30Starting and driving
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-9AF26F3B-B107-4A13-A29D-5F951B691E1FWhen 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-8712E161-8980-4FB3-ACDA-F64534A1E2E1Break 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.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)GUID-E8F8B8CF-A4A2-4A1F-8F91-60B7A7D2AABD
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See “Tire and Loading
Information label” (P.9-10) .
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-29) .
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the systemGUID-B662EE8A-6201-4BFE-B6AB-A3A5DBB9F5D4Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Condition:
Black plate (392,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 3/ 26 Model: E52-D ]
6-14In case of emergency
GUID-80738224-7F1F-4B4C-8893-BF5FD3490F0FWhen 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”
(P.9-24) of this manual.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
Condition:
Black plate (395,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 3/ 26 Model: E52-D ]
.Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.
. Pulling devices such as ropes or
canvas straps are not recommended
for use in vehicle towing or recov-
ery.
Rocking a stuck vehicleGUID-80608F11-4F10-4FDC-B323-F0062D15C0B6If 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 emergency6-17
Condition:
Black plate (405,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 3/ 26 Model: E52-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 ...
.......................................... 8-15
Drive belt ...
........................................................................\
.......... 8-15 Spark plugs
...
........................................................................\
..... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ...
.................................................. 8-16
Air cleaner ...
........................................................................\
....... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades ...
..................................................... 8-17
Cleaning ...
........................................................................\
... 8-17
Replacing ...
........................................................................\
. 8-18
Rear window wiper blade ...
................................................... 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 ...
........................................................................\
................ 8-24
Headlights ...
........................................................................\
8-25
Exterior and interior lights ...
............................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ...
................................................................... 8-29
Tire pressure ...
................................................................... 8-29
Tire labeling ...
..................................................................... 8-32
Types of tires ...
................................................................... 8-34
Tire chains ...
....................................................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ...
.......................................... 8-35
Condition:
Black plate (406,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 3/ 26 Model: E52-D ]
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-AA55CBB0-36FE-4AE1-BB9F-D3DDA5B8D64FSome 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-65893F94-69E3-4F34-8FDD-B08F51DC5A57For 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-66FC02C8-9AF8-4D96-B4FC-1AEBE1F0B304General 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-398932E5-71E3-483D-AF25-80EC94A6E2FAIf 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-80D9D55F-69A7-48B4-8034-9DDC954A3984During 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” (P.8-5) .
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
GUID-63A0CB90-6864-4389-9248-0F58EBB818B2Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicleGUID-F8382F7F-DC63-478D-AE81-D9D6B9EAF10BThe 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.
Lights*: Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Condition:
Black plate (409,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 3/ 26 Model: E52-D ]
GUID-BBA85C43-BB85-45D3-8373-8C677304A223When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are general
precautions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and block the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. Move the
selector lever to P (Park) .
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
. It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle. .
If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
. The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is
off.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly
disposed engine oil, and engine
coolant and/or other vehicle fluids
can damage the environment. Al- ways conform to local regulations
for disposal of vehicle fluid.
. Never leave the engine or the CVT
related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s manual/service manual
order information” (P.9-28) .)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Condition:
Black plate (411,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 3/ 26 Model: E52-D ]
GUID-78D696A2-BE68-4A3E-B09B-A9FE35E740EEThe engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and
50% water to provide year-round anti-freeze
and coolant protection. The anti-freeze solution
contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional
engine cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNING
.Never remove the radiator or cool-
ant reservoir cap when the engine is
hot. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
See precautions in “If your vehicle
overheats” (P.6-12) of this manual.
. The radiator is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To pre-
vent engine damage, use only a
genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
.Never use any cooling system ad-
ditives such as radiator sealer. Ad-
ditives may clog the cooling system
and cause damage to the engine,
transmission and/or cooling sys-
tem.
. When adding or replacing coolant,
be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) or equivalent. Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) is pre-diluted to provide
antifreeze protection to −348F
(−378C) . If additional freeze protec-
tion is needed due to weather where
you operate your vehicle, add Gen-
uine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) concentrate follow-
ing the directions on the container.
If an equivalent coolant other than
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze/Coolant (blue) is used, fol-
low the coolant manufacture’s
instructions to maintain minimum
antifreeze protection to −348F
(−378C) . The use of other types of
coolant solutions other than Genu- ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) or equivalent may
damage the engine cooling system.
. The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000
km) or 7 years. Mixing any other
type of coolant other than Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) , including Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (green) , or the use of non-
distilled water will reduce the life
expectancy of the factory-fill cool-
ant. Refer to the NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide for more
details.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Condition: