1. Tachometer
2. Speedometer
3. Trip odometer reset switch/trip com-puter mode
4. Instrument brightness control 5. Automatic Transmission (A/T) position
indicator (A/T models only)
6. Odometer/twin trip odometer/trip com-
puter
7. Fuel gauge
SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates the vehicle speed.
LIC2283
LIC2118
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
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
the ON position, the system does not activate the
warning light for the front passenger.
For additional information, refer to “Seat belts” in
the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warninglight
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON or
START position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off if the SRS air bag systems are opera-
tional. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bags and/or pretensioner
systems need servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to a NISSAN dealer:
● The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
● The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint systems (air bag systems) may not func-
tion properly. For additional information, refer to “Supplemental restraint system” in the “Safety—
Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint sys-
tem” section of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag and/or pretensioner systems
will not operate in an accident. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have
your vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmission
position indicator light (A/T
models only)
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
this indicator light shows the shift lever position.
For additional information, refer to “Driving the
vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Cruise main switch indicatorlight (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
For additional information, refer to “Cruise con-
trol” in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Front fog light indicator light (if
so equipped)
The front fog light indicator light illuminates when
the front fog lights are ON. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Front fog lights” in this section.
Front passenger air bag statuslight
The front passenger air bag status light will be lit
and the passenger front air bag will be OFF
depending on how the front passenger seat is
being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
refer to “Front passenger air bag and status light”
in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
2-10Instruments and controls
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The
may also come on steady if the fuel-
filler cap is loose or missing, or if the vehicle runs
out of fuel. Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap
is installed and closed tightly, and that the vehicle
has at least 3 gal (11.4 L) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20 sec-
onds and then blinks for 10 seconds when the
engine is not running, it indicates that the vehicle
is not ready for an emission control system
inspection/maintenance test. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Readiness for
inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the “Tech-
nical and consumer information” section of this
manual. Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:
● MIL on steady — An emission control system
malfunction has been detected. Check the
fuel-filler cap. If the LOOSE FUEL CAP
warning message is displayed in the odom-
eter, and the fuel-filler cap is loose or miss-
ing, tighten or install the cap and continue to
drive the vehicle. The
light should turn
off after a few driving trips. If the
light
does not turn off after a few driving trips,
have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
● MIL blinking — An engine misfire has been
detected which may damage the emission
control system. To reduce or avoid emission
control system damage:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h);
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration;
– avoid steep uphill grades;
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled. The MIL may stop blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer.
You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive OFF indicator light
(A/T models only)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.
For additional information, refer to “Driving the
vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Security indicator light
This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This
function indicates the security system equipped
on the vehicle is operational.
Instruments and controls2-11
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
●Never remove the ignition key or place
the ignition switch in the LOCK position
while driving. The steering wheel will
lock. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to the LOCK position and removed until
the shift lever is placed in the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition switch,
make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) posi-
tion.
If the shift lever is not returned to the P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be moved to
the LOCK position. To remove the key from the ignition switch:
1. Shift the shift lever to the P (Park) position with the ignition switch in the ON position.
2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
If the shift lever is shifted to the P (Park) position
after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF
position or when the ignition switch cannot be
turned to the LOCK position, proceed as follows
to remove the key. 1. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) posi- tion.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward the ON position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi- tion.
4. Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition switch is turned to OFF
position
1or if the key is removed from the
switch.
SSD0392
IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving5-5
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer system will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedure:1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device (which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices. ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid (if so equipped) ,
and windshield-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 key is turned to the ON position. For
additional information, refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual. 1. Apply the parking brake.
2.
Automatic transmission:
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
switch is placed in the OFF position or
if the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift lever is in any of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) . Depress
the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking
the engine.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by placing the ignition
switch in the START position. Release the
key 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 ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-7
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it 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 plac-
ing the ignition in the START position.
Release the key 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 key off and wait 10 sec-
onds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec- onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
The Automatic Transmission (A/T) 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.
WARNING
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) , 2 or 1.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
● The cold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting the transmis-
sion into a forward or reverse position
before the engine has warmed up.
● Avoid revving up the engine while the
vehicle is stopped. This could cause un-
expected vehicle movement.
CAUTION
● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
● Never shift to either the P (Park) or R
(Reverse) position while the vehicle is
moving. This could cause serious dam-
age to the transmission.
● Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
● Start the engine in either the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position. The engine will not
start in any other position. If it does,
have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
● Shift into the P (Park) position and ap-
ply the parking brake when at a stand-
still for longer than a short waiting
period.
● Keep the engine at idling speed while
shifting from the N (Neutral) position to
any driving position.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-8Starting and driving