Black plate (243,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 5/ 18 Model: S35-D ]
S35-D-110201-EFA61046-21C4-4AD9-9C39-10A435B04B96.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 con-
trols” section.)S35-D-110201-87C2625E-B819-4174-914B-BC526532BA901. 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 becauseit 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 accel-
erator pedal. Crank the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal by
turning the ignition 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.
5. To stop the engine, shift the selector lever to the P (Park) position and turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
Starting and driving5-13
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Black plate (244,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 5/ 18 Model: S35-D ]
5-14Starting and driving
1.Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
S35-D-110201-B37603AF-ECB2-481C-A92E-035B1AB0690BCONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS-
MISSION (CVT)
S35-D-110201-5418F86B-BA47-41F8-8576-D09AB3751BAFThe Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
in your vehicle is electronically controlled to
produce maximum power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Engine power may be automatically re-
duced to protect the CVT if the engine
speed increases quickly when driving on
slippery roads or while being tested on
some dynamometers.
Starting the vehicleS35-D-110201-09A6574C-D46F-4EF2-9E5A-FADC6C34FAE01. After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before moving the selector
lever out of the P (Park) position.
This CVT is designed so that the foot
brake pedal must be depressed before
shifting from P (Park) to any driving
position while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of the P (Park) position and into any of
the other positions if the ignition
switch is turned to the LOCK, OFF or
ACC position or if the key is removed. 2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed, push
the selector lever button and move the
selector lever to a driving position.
3. Release the parking brake and foot brake pedal, and then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.
WARNING
.Do not depress the accelerator
pedal while shifting from P (Park)
or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse) , D
(Drive) , L (Low) . Always depress
the brake pedal until shifting is
completed. Failure to do so could
cause you to lose control and have
an accident.
. Cold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a
forward or reverse gear before the
engine has warmed up.
. Never shift to P (Park) or R (Re-
verse) while vehicle is moving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause you to lose
control and have an accident.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Black plate (248,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 5/ 18 Model: S35-D ]
5-18Starting and driving
switch to the OFF position and wait for 10
seconds. Then turn the switch back to the
ON position. The vehicle should return to
its normal operating condition. If it does
not return to its normal operating condi-
tion, have a NISSAN dealer check the
transmission and repair if necessary.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode or fail-safe operation
occurs, vehicle speed may be gradually
reduced. The reduced speed may be
lower than other traffic, which could
increase the chance of a collision. Be
especially careful when driving. If ne-
cessary, pull to the side of the road at a
safe place and allow the transmission
to return to normal operation, or have it
repaired if necessary.
SSD0667
Shift lock releaseS35-D-110201-E065713F-F36B-486B-97B3-054CF9D629B7If the battery charge is low or discharged, the
selector lever may not be moved from the P
(Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the selector lever button pushed.
To move the selector lever, release the shift lock.
The selector lever can be moved to the N
(Neutral) position. This allows the vehicle to be
moved if the battery is discharged.
To release the shift lock, perform the following
procedure:
1.Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, and remove the key if it is inserted. 2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover
*A
using a suitable tool.
4. Push down the shift lock release
*Busing a
suitable tool.
5. Push the selector lever button
*Cand move
the selector lever to the N (Neutral) position
*Dwhile holding down the shift lock
release.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The
vehicle may be moved to the desired location.
Replace the removed shift lock release cover
after the operation.
If the selector lever cannot be moved out of the
P (Park) position, have a NISSAN dealer check
the CVT system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P (Park) position while the
engine is running and the brake pedal
is depressed, the stop lights may not
work. Malfunctioning stop lights could
cause an accident injuring yourself and
others.
Black plate (256,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 5/ 18 Model: S35-D ]
5-26Starting and driving
GUID-DF673D76-EF6A-4032-840A-C9929934DE7D
SSD0488
WARNING
.Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
. Safe parking procedures require
that both the parking brake be set
and the transmission placed into P
(Park) . Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or
roll away and result in an accident.
Make sure the selector lever has
been pushed as far forward as it can go and cannot be moved without
depressing the foot brake pedal.
. Never leave the engine running
while the vehicle is unattended.
. Do not leave children unattended
inside the vehicle. They could un-
knowingly activate switches or con-
trols. Unattended children could
become involved in serious acci-
dents.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) position. 3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
.HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:*1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
.HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:*2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NOCURB:
*3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position and remove the key, if inserted.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Black plate (261,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 5/ 18 Model: S35-D ]
used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
S35-D-110201-BFC9DC49-B18B-4547-B2C1-822B40D3C815FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKGUID-141B6DB3-B5C0-4E7F-8EE0-2A7622AB28C6To 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-FREEZEGUID-2773CB71-40A2-443B-9552-B7F45AAB30D8In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F (08C) ,
check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see “En-
gine cooling system” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
BATTERYS35-D-110201-690C952E-7BC1-479E-B70E-6C8A62F3BCC3If 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 WATERGUID-8A3AE603-5D83-49FC-9E8F-A09867045DADIf 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 EQUIPMENTS35-D-110201-61BC6CE8-E002-4E5F-AC61-F13F41A296A1SUMMER 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) modelGUID-EE61DD03-84FE-4464-93B4-F693BED61CE7If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern
on all four wheels.
Starting and driving5-31
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Black plate (274,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 5/ 18 Model: S35-D ]
6-10In case of emergency
SCE0707
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause
personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
*B, position the two vehicles (*Aand*B)
to bring their batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply the parking brake. Move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position. Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (lights, hea-
ter, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped) . Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth to reduce explosion
hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
*1?*2?*3?*4) .
For the vehicle equipped with Intelli-
gent Key system:
If the battery is discharged, the ignition
switch cannot be moved from the LOCK
position. Connect the jumper cables to
the booster vehicle
*Bbefore turning
the ignition switch.
CAUTION
. Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (−) to body
ground (for example, as illustrated) ,
not to the battery.
. Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine
compartment and that the cable
clamps do not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
*B
and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster
vehicle
*Bat about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle
*Abeing jump
started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position
and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon- nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable (
*4?*3?*2?*1) .
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
Black plate (291,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 5/ 18 Model: S35-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
QR25DE engine ...
.................................................................. 8-6
Engine cooling system ...
............................................................. 8-7
Checking engine coolant level ...
......................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ...
.................................................. 8-8
Engine oil ...
........................................................................\
............ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ...
.................................................. 8-9
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 ...
........................................................................\
........ 8-15
Spark plugs ...
........................................................................\
..... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ...
.................................................... 8-16 Air cleaner
...
........................................................................\
....... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ...
..................................................... 8-17
Cleaning ...
........................................................................\
... 8-17
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 ...
.............................................................. 8-22
Keyfob ...
........................................................................\
....... 8-22
Intelligent Key battery ...
.................................................... 8-23
Lights ...
........................................................................\
................ 8-25
Headlights ...
........................................................................\
8-26
Exterior and interior lights ...
............................................ 8-27
Wheels and tires ...
................................................................... 8-31
Tire pressure ...
................................................................... 8-31
Tire labeling ...
..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires ...
................................................................... 8-36
Tire chains ...
....................................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires ...
.......................................... 8-38
Black plate (295,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 5/ 18 Model: S35-D ]
S35-D-110201-B74F7695-55EC-4CC1-AF27-7617EC3FC97CWhen 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 Man-
ual order information” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section.)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS