8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2691
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
*2, open the reservoir cap and
add coolant up to the MAX level
*1. If the
reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiator when the engine is cold. If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
*1.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
. To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
. Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
. Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
. Keep coolant out of reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.SDI2174
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
*1. If the
oil level is below
*2, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
ENGINE OIL
9-4Technical and consumer information
blends may cause fuel system damage
and/or vehicle performance problems.
At this time, sufficient data is not
available to ensure that all methanol
blends are suitable for use in NISSAN
vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and difficult hot-starting are experienced
after using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygenates
can cause paint damage.
E-15 fuel
E-15 fuel is a mixture of approximately 15% fuel
ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline. E-15 can
only be used in vehicles designed to run on E-
15 fuel. Do not use E-15 in your vehicle. U.S.
government regulations require fuel ethanol
dispensing pumps to be identified with small,
square, orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel
injector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve
deposit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain active
solvent or similar ingredients that can be harmful
to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock”. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark knock
even when using gasoline of the stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady spark knock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct
the condition. Failure to correct the condi-
tion is misuse of the vehicle, for which
NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-16Technical and consumer information
guide includes information on trailer towing
capability and the special equipment required
for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “Towing Load/Specifica-
tion” chart. The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight.
.When towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) should not exceed the value specified in
the following “Towing Load/Specification” chart.
STI0541
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have to
be reduced on very steep grades or for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery boat
ramps) .
Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside temperatures on graded roads can
affect engine performance and cause overheat-
ing. The transmission high fluid temperature
protection mode, which helps reduce the
chance of transmission damage, could activate
and automatically decrease engine power.
Vehicle speed may decrease under high load.
Plan your trip carefully to account for trailer and
vehicle load, weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The
reduced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful
when driving. If the vehicle cannot
maintain a safe driving speed, pull to
the side of the road in a safe area.
Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See “If your vehicle
overheats” (P.6-12) of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from impro-
per towing procedures are not covered
9-22Technical and consumer information
.Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
. Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
. Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking
performance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have
specific speed limits for vehicles that are towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
. When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) . 6. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
. When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
. If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
. Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
. Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) .
.Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule in the NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide.
. When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
. Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually)
reduce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the
vehicle.
.Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying the brakes. 2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply
the brakes and pull to the side of the road in
a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described earlier in this section.
. Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
. Down shift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
. Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
. Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
. Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits. .
Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness
connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every
break.
. When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
. When launching a boat, don’t allow the
water level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
. Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
Technical and consumer information9-23
10-2
Console box ................................................................. 2-46
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................................................................... 8-11
Controls, Control panel button.................................. 4-3
Coolant Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level............................. 8-8
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-6
Cruise control............................................................... 5-24
Cup holders.................................................................. 2-43
CVT, Driving with CVT (Continuously
Variable Transmission) ............................................... 5-13
D
Daytime running light system................................... 2-36
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch............................................... 2-32
Dimensions and weights............................................. 9-8
DISP button.................................................................... 4-8
Dot matrix liquid crystal display............................... 2-18
Drive belt....................................................................... 8-15
Drive positioner............................................................ 3-37
Driving Cold weather driving........................................... 5-33
Driving with CVT (Continuously
Variable Transmission) ........................................ 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
DVD player, NISSAN mobile entertainment...... 4-102
E
ECON button................................................................. 4-9
Economy, Fuel.............................................................. 5-27
Elapsed time................................................................. 2-24 Emission control information label.......................... 9-10
Emission control system warranty........................... 9-25
Engine Before starting the engine................................. 5-12
Break-in schedule ................................................ 5-26
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter.............................. 8-9
Checking engine coolant level............................. 8-8
Checking engine oil level...................................... 8-8
Coolant temperature gauge ................................. 2-7
Emergency engine shut off................................ 5-11
Engine block heater............................................. 5-34
Engine compartment check locations................ 8-6
Engine cooling system........................................... 8-7
Engine oil................................................................... 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation........... 9-5
Engine oil replacement indicator...................... 2-22
Engine oil viscosity.................................................. 9-5
Engine serial number.............................................. 9-9
Engine specifications ............................................. 9-7
Engine start operation indicator ....................... 2-20
If your vehicle overheats..................................... 6-12
Starting the engine .............................................. 5-12
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive positioner .... 3-37
Event Data Recorders (EDR)................................... 9-27
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)................................ 5-2
Extended storage fuse warning............................... 2-21
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................. 9-9
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 8-17
Changing engine oil and filter.............................. 8-9
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)....... 6-2 Flat tire............................................................................. 6-3
Flat towing .................................................................... 9-24
Flexible seating .............................................................. 1-8
Floor mat cleaning ........................................................ 7-5
Fluid Brake fluid.............................................................. 8-12
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid.............................................................. 8-11
Engine coolant......................................................... 8-7
Engine oil................................................................... 8-8
Power steering fluid............................................. 8-11
Window washer fluid .......................................... 8-13
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ....................................................... 4-67, 4-71
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ................................................................... 4-79
Fog light switch........................................................... 2-38
Front manual seat adjustment.................................... 1-3
Front passenger air bag and status light.............. 1-53
Front power seat adjustment ..................................... 1-3
Front seat, Front seat adjustment............................. 1-3
Front-seat active head restraint............................... 1-14
Fuel Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Fuel economy........................................................ 5-27
Fuel economy information (display)................. 4-10
Fuel octane rating ................................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation............................................. 9-3
Fuel-filler cap......................................................... 3-30
Fuel-filler door....................................................... 3-30
Gauge ........................................................................ 2-8
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning ............................. 3-32
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................................... 5-26
Fuses.............................................................................. 8-21
10-4
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ..... 8-27
Loading information (See vehicle
loading information) .................................................... 9-12
LockAutomatic door locks ............................................. 3-7
Door locks................................................................. 3-5
Lift gate lock.......................................................... 3-26
Power door lock...................................................... 3-5
Locking with mechanical key...................................... 3-5
Loose fuel cap warning................................. 2-21, 3-30
Low outside temperature warning .......................... 2-21
Low tire pressure warning light............................... 2-14
Low tire pressure warning system (See tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)) ...................... 5-3
M
Maintenance Battery..................................................................... 8-13
General maintenance ............................................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle .................................................... 8-3
Maintenance indicators....................................... 2-22
Maintenance precautions...................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle................................................. 8-2
Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-24
Malfunction indicator light (MIL).............................. 2-17
Manual air conditioner................................................ 4-41
Manual front seat adjustment..................................... 1-3
Map lights ..................................................................... 2-56
Master warning light................................................... 2-15
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) ................. 3-4
Memory storage, Automatic drive positioner ....... 3-37
Meter Trip computer........................................................ 2-23
Meters and gauges....................................................... 2-5 Instrument brightness control ........................... 2-37 Mirror
Inside mirror........................................................... 3-33
Outside mirrors..................................................... 3-35
Vanity mirror........................................................... 3-36
Monitor, Rearview monitor........................................ 4-23
Mood lights................................................................... 2-58
Moonroof....................................................................... 2-53
Multi-function controller............................................... 4-5
N
New vehicle break-in.................................................. 5-26
NISSAN Mobile entertainment
system (MES) ........................................................... 4-102
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System..................... 2-29
NISSAN voice recognition system ...................... 4-137
O
Odometer........................................................................ 2-6
Off-road recovery.......................................................... 5-7
Oil Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter.............................. 8-9
Checking engine oil level...................................... 8-8
Engine oil................................................................... 8-8
Engine oil viscosity.................................................. 9-5
Oil filter replacement indicator ......................... 2-22
Operation, Operational indicators........................... 2-20
Outside air temperature display.............................. 2-25
Outside mirrors............................................................ 3-35
Overdrive OFF switch................................................ 5-15
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ........................ 6-12
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ......................................................... 9-28
P
Panic alarm................................................................... 3-23
Parking Brake break-in....................................................... 5-30
Parking brake operation ..................................... 5-17
Parking on hills ..................................................... 5-28
Phone Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system).................... 4-114
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) .............. 4-124
Car phone or CB radio .................................... 4-113
Power Front seat adjustment ............................................ 1-3
Power door lock...................................................... 3-5
Power outlet .......................................................... 2-41
Power sliding door.................................................. 3-9
Power steering fluid............................................. 8-11
Power windows .................................................... 2-51
Precautions Audio operation .................................................... 4-53
Braking precautions............................................. 5-29
Child restraints...................................................... 1-27
Cruise control........................................................ 5-24
Maintenance ............................................................. 8-5
Seat belt usage .................................................... 1-15
Supplemental restraint system.......................... 1-46
When starting and driving .................................... 5-2
Push starting ................................................................ 6-12
Push-button ignition switch............................. 5-8, 5-10
R
Radio.............................................................................. 4-53 Car phone or CB radio .................................... 4-113