Warninglight Name Page
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light 2-8
Brake warning light 2-8
Charge warning light 2-8
Door open warning
light (if so equipped)
2-8
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-8
High temperature
warning light2-9
or
Low fuel warning
light2-9
Warning
light Name Page
Low windshield-
washer fluid warning
light 8-13
Power steering
warning light
2-9
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-9
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-10
Indicator
light Name Page
Automatic Transmis-
sion position indica-
tor light (A/T models
only) 2-10
Cruise main switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)
2-10
Indicator
light Name Page
Front fog light indi-
cator light (if so
equipped) 2-10
Front passenger air
bag status light
2-10
High beam indicator
light (blue)2-10
Malfunction Indica-
tor Light (MIL)2-11
Overdrive off indica-
tor light (A/T models
only)2-11
Security indicator
light
2-11
Slip indicator light 2-12
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights2-12
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-8Illustrated table of contents
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow windshield-washer fluid
warning lightFront passenger air bag status
lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light
Brake warning lightPower steering warning lightHigh beam indicator light (blue)
Charge warning lightSeat belt warning light and
chimeMalfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
Door open warning light
(if so equipped)Supplemental air bag warning
lightOverdrive OFF indicator light
(A/T models only)
Engine oil pressure warning
lightAutomatic Transmission posi-
tion indicator light (A/T models
only)Security indicator light
High temperature warning lightCruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)Slip indicator light
orLow fuel warning
lightFront fog light indicator light
(if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch the in the ON posi-
tion without starting the engine. The following
lights will come on:,,,,
If equipped, the following lights come on briefly
and then go off:
(red) ,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-7
WARNING LIGHTS
Anti-lock Braking System(ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. For
additional information, refer to Brake systemin
the Starting and driving section.
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied. Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. For additional information, re-
fer to “Brake fluid” in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
Engine oil pressure warninglight
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediately, and call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Engine oil” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
2-8Instruments and controls
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover . . ..................5-3
Off-road recovery ...............................5-3
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-4
Ignition switch .....................................5-5
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ...........5-5
Manual transmission (if so equipped) .............5-6
Ignition switch positions .........................5-6
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system ..............5-7
Before starting the engine ..........................5-7
Starting the engine ................................5-7
Driving the vehicle .................................5-8
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ...........5-8
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-12
Parking brake .................................... 5-14
Cruise control (if so equipped) .....................5-15
Precautions on cruise control . . .................5-15Cruise control operations
.......................5-15
Brake assist ..................................... 5-16
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-16
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-17
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-18
Power steering ................................... 5-19
Brake system .................................... 5-19
Brake precautions ............................. 5-19
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-20
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-21
Brake force distribution ........................ 5-23
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-24
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-24
Antifreeze ..................................... 5-24
Battery ....................................... 5-24
Draining of coolant water .......................5-24
Tire equipment ................................ 5-24
Special winter equipment .......................5-25
Driving on snow or ice ......................... 5-25
Engine block heater ............................ 5-25
WARNING
●While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating 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 brakes
When 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 the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing 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-in
Adjust the parking brake shoes whenever the
effect of the parking brake is weakened or when-
ever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors
are replaced, in order to assure the best brake
performance. This procedure can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
●
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances 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 respon-
sible 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. Refer to “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
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 pre-
vent 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 slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
5-20Starting and driving
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
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 malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates 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 above5-10km/h
(3 - 6 MPH) . The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies 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 is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
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 condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-21
●Never pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.
To remove the filter from the air cleaner, push the
tabs
1and pull the unit upward2.
The viscous paper type filter element should not
be cleaned and reused. The dry paper type filter
element may be cleaned and reused. Replace the
air filter according to the maintenance log shown
in a separate maintenance booklet.
When replacing the air filter, wipe the inside of
the air cleaner housing and the cover with a damp
cloth.
AIR CONDITIONER FILTER (if so
equipped)
The air conditioner filter restricts the entry of
airborne dust and pollen particles and reduces
some objectionable outside odors. The filter is
located behind the glove box. Refer to the sepa-
rate maintenance booklet for change intervals.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer or a qualified workshop.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield–washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Your windshield is clean
if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer fluid or a mild detergent. Then rinse
the blades with clear water. If your windshield is
still not clear after cleaning the blades and using
the wiper, install new windshield wiper blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
The same type of fuse is used in both the engine
compartment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes.ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not come on,
check for an open fuse. 1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood. 3. Remove the fuse box cover by pushing the
tabs
1,2and3and lifting the cover up
from the right side, then the left side.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. The fuse puller is located in the center of the fuse
block in the passenger compartment.
LDI2385LDI2042
FUSES
8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself