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 hydraulic pump electric
power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the engine running, the
power assist for the steering will
cease operation. You will still have
control of the vehicle, but the steer-
ing will be much harder to operate.
The hydraulic pump electric power steering
system is designed to provide power assistance
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
overheating of the hydraulic pump electric
power steering system and protect it from
getting damaged. While the power assist is
reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still
performed, the power steering may stop and the hydraulic pump electric power steering warning
light will illuminate. Stop the engine and push
the ignition switch to the OFF position. The
temperature of the hydraulic pump electric
power steering system will go down and the
power assist level will return to normal after
starting the engine. The hydraulic pump electric
power steering warning light will go off. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the hydraulic pump electric power
steering system to overheat.
You may hear a noise from the front of the
vehicle when the steering wheel is operated.
This is not a malfunction.
If the hydraulic pump electric power steering
warning light illuminates while the engine is
running, it may indicate the hydraulic pump
electric power steering system is not functioning
properly and may need servicing. Have the
hydraulic pump electric power steering system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
When the hydraulic pump electric power steer-
ing warning light illuminates with the engine
running, the power assist for the steering will
cease operation but you will still have control of
the vehicle. At this time, greater steering efforts
are required to operate the steering wheel,
especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
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 the stopping
distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid 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-
Starting and driving5-29
HYDRAULIC PUMP ELECTRIC
POWER STEERING SYSTEM BRAKE SYSTEM
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 malfunction, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates 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 above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies 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 isoperating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, 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
conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not follow
the steered path despite increased
steering 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.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel flashes
so note the following:
. The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
Starting and driving5-31
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
ing lightmay 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
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-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F(0 8C) ,
check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see “En-
gine cooling system” (P.8-7) .
BATTERY
If 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” (P.8-13) .
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 details, see “Engine cooling system” (P.8-7) .
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER 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” (P.8-36) .
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
Starting and driving5-33
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When
the low tire pressure warning light is lit and the
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning appears on
the dot matrix liquid crystal display, one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated. If the
vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure, the
TPMS will activate and warn you of it by the low
tire pressure warning light. This system will
activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For more
details, see “Warning/indicator lights and audi-
ble reminders” (P.2-11) and “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.5-3) .
WARNING
.If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble. Driving with under-inflated tires
may permanently damage the tires
and increase the likelihood of tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious
personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD
tire pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If the light still illuminates
while driving after adjusting the tire
pressure, a tire may be flat. If you
have a flat tire, replace it with a
spare tire as soon as possible.
. When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will
remain on after 1 minute. Contact
your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/
or system resetting.
. Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
. Do not inject any tire liquid or
aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may cause a malfunction of
the tire pressure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to the P (Park)
position.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
. Make sure the parking brake is
securely applied and the transmis-
sion is shifted into the P (Park)
position.
In case of emergency6-3
FLAT TIRE
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ........................................................ 8-2Scheduled 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
Washer nozzle ................................................................ 8-19
Rear window wiper blade ................................................... 8-20
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-20 Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-20
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-21 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-22
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-23
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-25
Headlights ........................................................................\
8-26
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-27
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-30 Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-33
Types of tires ................................................................... 8-35
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires .......................................... 8-37
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2717
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
*A.
2. Remove the oil filler cap
*B.
3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
.Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
.Check your local regulations.
Perform steps 4 to 9 when the engine oil
filter change is needed.
4. Remove the plastic cover over the oil filter location by removing the small plastic clips
as illustrated.
5. Loosen the oil filter
*Cwith an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket
material remaining on the mounting
surface of the engine. Failure to do so
could lead to engine damage. 7. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
8. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb (14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
9. Install the plastic cover.
10. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
11. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” (P.9-2) for drain and refill capa-
city. The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use
these specifications for reference only. Al-
ways use the dipstick to determine the
proper amount of oil in the engine.
12. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
SDI2181
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are turned off. 2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover by
pushing the tab
*1.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller located in the passenger compartment fuse box.
SDI1754
5. If the fuse is open*A, replace it with a new
fuse
*B. Spare fuses are stored in the
passenger compartment fuse box.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Fusible links
If any electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace only with genuine NISSAN parts.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
FUSES
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.