8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
All season tires
NISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S (Mud and Snow) on the tire
sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction
than All Season tires and may be more appro-
priate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on dry
roads. Summer tire performance is substantially
reduced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M&S on the tire
sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may notmatch the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
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.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
.
Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial) , and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Failure to do so
may result in a circumference differ-
ence between tires on the front and
rear axles which will cause exces-
sive tire wear and may damage the
transmission, transfer case and dif-
ferential gears. .
ONLY use spare tires specified for
the AWD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as
necessary. Contact a NISSAN dealer.
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
NISSAN recommends using the follow-
ing tire cables made by Peerless Chain
Company for this vehicle due to limited
tire clearance. Call 800-533-8056 to
order tire chains for your vehicle.
. 215/70R16 - Sno-trac1000 part num-
ber 0103855 with chain tightener
part number 2007020
. 225/60R17 - Sno-trac1000 part num-
ber 0103855 with chain tightener
part number 2007190
Failure to use the correct traction
device will cause damage to the brakes,
suspension or other vehicle parts.
The tire chain part numbers and Peerless Chain
Company phone number are correct at the time
of printing that is shown on the back cover of
this Owner’s Manual. Always confirm the correct
part numbers with Peerless Chain Company
before ordering.
Only use other types of traction devices if the
traction device manufacturer recommends it for
use on your specific vehicle and the tire and
wheel installed on your vehicle.
Use of traction devices may be prohibited
according to location. Check the local laws
before installing traction devices. When instal-
ling traction devices, make sure they are the
proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are
installed according to the traction device man-
ufacturer’s suggestions. When using traction
devices, avoid fully loading your vehicle and
drive at reduced speeds. Failure to do so may
cause damage to the brakes and suspension
and adversely affect handling and performance.
Traction devices must be installed only on
the front wheels and not on the rear
wheels.
Do not drive with traction devices on paved
roads that are clear of snow. Driving with
traction devices in such conditions can cause
damage to the various mechanisms of the
vehicle due to some overstress.
CAUTION
.Do not use traction devices on dry
roads.
. Never install traction devices on a T-
type spare tire as doing so could
damage the brakes, suspension or
other vehicle parts.
SDI1662
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) . (See “Flat
tire” (P.6-2) for tire replacing procedures.)
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a
torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to the specification at all times.
It is recommended that wheel nuts be
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-35
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. (See “Specifications”
(P.9-7) for recommended types and sizes of
tires and wheels.)
WARNING
.The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construc-
tion (bias, bias-belted or radial) , or
tread patterns can adversely affect
the ride, braking, handling, ground
clearance, body-to-tire clearance,
tire chain clearance, speedometer
calibration, headlight aim and bum-
per height. Some of these effects
may lead to accidents and could
result in serious personal injury.
. For 2WD models, if your vehicle was
originally equipped with 4 tires that
were the same size and you are only
replacing 2 of the 4 tires, install the
new tires on the rear axle. Placing
new tires on the front axle may
cause loss of vehicle control in
some driving conditions and cause an accident and personal injury.
. If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same off-set dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different off-set
could cause premature tire wear,
degrade vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interfer-
ence can lead to decreased braking
efficiency and/or early brake pad/
shoe wear. See “Wheels and tires”
(P.9-7) of this manual for wheel off-
set dimensions.
. 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 install a damaged or de-
formed wheel or tire even if it has been repaired. Such wheels or tires
could have structural damage and
could fail without warning.
. The use of retread tire is not re-
commended.
. For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information” in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted
or radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer case
and differential gears (AWD models) .
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used to
help control these affects. If you choose to use
one, contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to
make sure the sway control device will work with
the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake
system. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .
CAUTION
.The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the im-
pact-absorbing bumper.
. Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
. Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.
. To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is struck from the rear, where practi-
cal, remove the hitch and/or recei-
ver when not in use. After the hitch
is removed, seal the bolt holes to
prevent exhaust fumes, water or
dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
. Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
Tire pressures
.When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label.
. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire manu-
facturers’ specifications.
Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. The safety
chains can be attached to the bumper if the
hitch ball is mounted to the bumper. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle
battery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/con-
verter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtain
the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or
reputable trailer dealer.
Technical and consumer information9-21
9-22Technical and consumer information
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
.Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes
of either condition.
. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
. Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
. Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side. .
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 areclear 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 (if so equipped)
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.
Technical and consumer information9-23
10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ............................ 5-25
Advanced air bag system ......................................... 1-47
Air bag systemAdvanced air bag system .................................. 1-47
Front passenger air bag and status light ...... 1-48
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ............................ 1-51
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system ............. 1-51
Air bag warning labels .............................................. 1-54
Air bag warning light ..................................... 1-54, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter ........................................... 8-16
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ...................................... 4-8
Air conditioner service ....................................... 4-11
Air conditioner specification label ................... 9-10
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ...................... 4-11, 9-6
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) .......................................................... 2-26
Alcohol, drugs and driving ......................................... 5-7
All-wheel drive (AWD) .............................................. 5-20
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light ..................... 2-10
Antenna ......................................................................... 4-38
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................ 5-25
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light .... 2-10
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ....................................... 7-4
Audible reminders ...................................................... 2-16
Audio operation precautions ................................... 4-12
Audio system ............................................................... 4-12 Steering wheel audio controls ......................... 4-37 Automatic
Door locks ................................................................ 3-4
Average speed (MPH or km/h) .............................. 2-22
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-5
B
Back door (See lift gate) .......................................... 3-10
Battery ........................................................................... 8-13 Battery replacement, Key fob ........................... 8-22
Battery saver system .......................................... 2-30
Key fob battery replacement ............................ 8-22
Before starting the engine ....................................... 5-10
Belts (See drive belts) .............................................. 8-14
Bluetooth
ŠHands-Free Phone System ................ 4-40
Booster seats .............................................................. 1-37
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..................... 5-25
Brake fluid ............................................................. 8-11
Brake system ........................................................ 5-25
Parking brake operation ..................................... 5-16
Warning light ........................................................ 2-11
Break-in schedule ....................................................... 5-19
Brightness control Instrument panel ..................................................... 2-8
Bulb check/instrument panel ................................... 2-10
Bulb replacement ....................................................... 8-24
C
Capacities and recommended fluids/lubricants ... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............................................. 4-39
Cargo cover ................................................................. 2-36
Cargo light ................................................................... 2-44
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst .................. 5-3
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning ............. 4-37 Ceiling light .................................................................. 2-43
Child restraints ............................................................ 1-21
Booster seats ....................................................... 1-37
LATCH system ..................................................... 1-23
Precautions on child restraints ........................ 1-21
Child safety .................................................................. 1-19
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-5
Chimes, Audible reminders ...................................... 2-16
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ..................................... 8-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ................................................................. 4-23, 4-30
Coat hooks ................................................................... 2-38
Cold weather driving ................................................. 5-28
Compact Disc (CD) player (See
audio system) .................................................. 4-24, 4-32
Console box ................................................................. 2-35
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid .................................................................... 8-11
Controls, Steering wheel audio controls .............. 4-37
Coolant Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ........................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ............................ 8-8
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-6
Cover, Cargo cover ................................................... 2-36
Cruise control .............................................................. 5-17
Cup holders ................................................................. 2-32
CVT, Driving with CVT (Continuously
Variable Transmission) ..................................... 5-9, 5-12D
Defroster switch, Rear window
defroster switch .......................................................... 2-29
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-8
10-4
Operation, Indicators for operation ........................ 2-19
Outside air temperature ............................................ 2-17
Outside mirrors ........................................................... 3-14
Overdrive OFF switch ............................................... 5-15
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ....................... 6-11
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ......................................................... 9-28
P
Panic alarm .................................................................... 3-7
ParkingBrake break-in ...................................................... 5-25
Parking brake operation ..................................... 5-16
Parking on hills ..................................................... 5-23
Phone Bluetooth
ŠHands-Free Phone System ......... 4-40
Car phone or CB radio ...................................... 4-39
Power Electric power steering system ....................... 5-24
Power door lock ..................................................... 3-3
Power outlet .......................................................... 2-31
Power windows .................................................... 2-39
Precautions Audio operation .................................................... 4-12
Braking precautions ............................................ 5-25
Child restraints ..................................................... 1-21
Cruise control ....................................................... 5-17
Driving safety ........................................................... 5-7
Maintenance ............................................................. 8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving ..................... 5-6
Seat belt usage ....................................................... 1-9
Supplemental restraint system ......................... 1-41
When starting and driving .................................... 5-2
Push starting ................................................................ 6-11
R
Radio ............................................................................. 4-12 Car phone or CB radio ...................................... 4-39
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ............................................................ 4-22
Steering wheel audio controls ......................... 4-37
Range (distance to empty) ...................................... 2-23
Rapid air pressure loss ............................................... 5-6
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test ....................................................................... 9-26
Rear center seat belt ................................................. 1-15
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock .......... 3-5
Rear seats ...................................................................... 1-4
Rear window defroster switch ................................ 2-29
Rear window wiper and washer switch ............... 2-28
RearView Monitor ......................................................... 4-2
Recorders, Event data ............................................... 9-27
Registering your vehicle in another country .......... 9-8
Remote keyless entry system .................................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects .......................................... 9-26
Rollover ........................................................................... 5-5
Roof Roof rack ............................................................... 2-38
S
SafetyChild seat belts .................................................... 1-19
Towing safety ........................................................ 9-20
Satellite radio operation ............................................ 4-31
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment ............................. 1-3
Front seats ............................................................... 1-3
Seat belt(s) Child safety ........................................................... 1-19
Infants ..................................................................... 1-20 Injured persons .................................................... 1-11
Larger children ..................................................... 1-20
Precautions on seat belt usage .......................... 1-9
Pregnant women .................................................. 1-11
Rear center seat belt .......................................... 1-15
Seat belt cleaning .................................................. 7-6
Seat belt extenders ............................................. 1-18
Seat belt hooks .................................................... 1-15
Seat belt maintenance ....................................... 1-18
Seat belt warning light ....................................... 2-13
Seat belts ................................................................. 1-9
Seat belts with pretensioners .......................... 1-52
Shoulder belt height adjustment ..................... 1-14
Small children ....................................................... 1-20
Three-point type .................................................. 1-11
Seat(s) Seats .......................................................................... 1-2
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System) , Engine start ................................................ 2-26
Security system, Vehicle security system ............. 2-24
Servicing air conditioner ........................................... 4-11
Settings ......................................................................... 2-23
Shift lever, Shift lock release ................................... 5-16
Shift lock release Transmission ......................................................... 5-16
Shifting CVT (Continuously
Variable Transmission) .............................. 5-9, 5-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment ............................ 1-14
Spare tire ............................................................. 8-38, 9-7
Spark plugs .................................................................. 8-15
Sport mode switch ..................................................... 5-14
Starting Before starting the engine ................................ 5-10
Jump starting ........................................................... 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving ............. 5-2
Push starting ......................................................... 6-11