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 appears in the vehicle information
display. If 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 or towed. 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.
Security indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function
indicates the security system equipped on the
vehicle is operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security sys-
tems” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system or the Traction Control
System (TCS) is operating, thus alerting that the
vehicle is nearing its traction limits. The road
surface may be slippery.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) off indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the VDC off
switch is pushed to OFF, the transfer case is in
the 4LO position (
model) , or when the
VDC system is not functioning properly. This
indicates the VDC system is not operating.
Push the VDC off switch again or restart the
engine and the system will operate normally. For
additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
The VDC light also comes on when you place the
ignition switch in the ON position. The light will
turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light stays on or comes on
along with the
indicator light while you are
driving, have the VDC system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Instruments and controls2-19
Key fob operation:
●Push the
button on the key fob.
All doors lock. The hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once to indicate
all doors are locked.
● When the
button is pushed with
all doors locked, the hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once as a re-
minder that the doors are already locked.
The horn may or may not beep. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Silencing the
horn beep feature” (vehicles without naviga-
tion system) in the “Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section of this manual.
4. Confirm that the
indicator light comes
on. The
light stays on for about
30 seconds. The vehicle security system is
now pre-armed. After about 30 seconds the
vehicle security system automatically shifts
into the armed phase. The
light begins
to flash once every 3 seconds. If, during the
30-second pre-arm time period, the door is
unlocked by the key or the key fob, or the
ignition switch is placed to ACC or ON, the
system will not arm. ●
If the key is turned slowly when locking
the door, the system may not arm. Fur-
thermore, if the key is turned beyond
the vertical position toward the unlock
position to remove the key, the system
may be disarmed when the key is re-
moved. If the indicator light fails to
glow for a period of time, unlock the
door once and lock it again.
●
Even when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will arm
with all doors closed and locked with the
ignition switch in the OFF position.
● The lockable bedside storage compart-
ment (if so equipped) is not protected
by the vehicle security system.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
● The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
● The alarm automatically turns off after a pe-
riod of time. However, the alarm reactivates if
the vehicle is tampered with again. The alarm
can be shut off by unlocking the driver’s door
with the key or by pressing the
button
on the key fob. The alarm is activated by:
● Opening a door without using the key or key
fob (even if the door is unlocked by using the
inside lock knob or the power door lock
switch) .
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking the driver’s
door with the key or by pressing the
button
on the key fob.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of a
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-
cedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately 10 sec-
onds.
2-28Instruments and controls
CAUTION
●Use power outlets with the engine run-
ning to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
● Do not attempt to use this while driving.
● Do not use double adapters or more
than one electrical accessory, doing so
could significantly drain the battery of
your vehicle.
WARNING
The rear sonar system is a convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper back-
ing. Always turn and check that it is safe to
do so before backing up. Always back up
slowly.
The rear sonar system is active when the ignition
switch is placed to the ON position and the shift
lever is in R (Reverse) .
When sensors detect obstacles within 5.9 ft
(1.8 m) of the rear bumper, a beeping tone is
emitted. The rear sonar system can be disabled by push-
ing the OFF switch. When the system is disabled,
the indicator light on the switch will illuminate.
Push the switch again to enable the system. The
indicator light will go off.
The system will automatically reset the next time
the ignition switch is turned on.
For additional information, refer to “Rear sonar
system” in the “Starting and driving” section.
LIC0471
REAR SONAR SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
(if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-41
1Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the driver side instrument panel. The
hood will spring up slightly.
2Push the lever at the front of the hood to the
side as illustrated with your fingertips and
raise the hood.
When closing the hood, lower it slowly and make
sure it locks into place.
WARNING
● Make sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the hood to fly
open and result in an accident.
● If you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
WARNING
● Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
LPD0244LPD0263
HOOD FUEL-FILLER DOOR
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-11
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
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-
cedures:1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately 10 sec-
onds. 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 fluid, and windshield-washer fluid
as frequently as possible, or at least when-
ever you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Check that all doors are closed.
● Position seat and adjust head
restraints/headrests.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is placed in the ON posi-
tion. For additional information, refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11
ENGINE PROTECTION MODE
The engine has an engine protection mode to
reduce the chance of damage if the coolant tem-
perature becomes too high (for example, when
climbing steep grades in high temperature with
heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer) .
When the engine temperature reaches a certain
level:● The engine coolant temperature gauge will
move toward the H position.
● Engine power may be reduced.
● The air conditioning cooling function may be
automatically turned OFF for a short time
(the blower will continue to operate) .
Engine power and, under some conditions, ve-
hicle speed will decrease. Vehicle speed can be
controlled with the accelerator pedal, but the
vehicle may not accelerate at the desired speed.
The transmission will downshift or upshift as it
reaches prescribed shift points. You can also
shift manually.
As driving conditions change and engine coolant
temperature is reduced, vehicle speed can be
increased using the accelerator pedal, and air
conditioning cooling function will automatically
be turned back ON.
If: 1. The engine coolant temperature is not re-
duced.
2. The air conditioning cooling function does not turn back ON.
3. The engine oil pressure low/engine coolant temperature high warning light
illumi-
nates, this may indicate a malfunction. Move
the vehicle off the road in a safe area and
allow the engine to cool. If after checking the
oil and coolant, the
remains on, do not
continue to drive and call a NISSAN dealer.
The malfunction indicator light (MIL) may also
come ON. If onlyit remains on, you do not need
to have your vehicle towed, but have it inspected
soon by a NISSAN dealer. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Malfunction indicator light (MIL)” in
the “Instruments and controls ” section of this
manual.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
If the vehicle cannot maintain a safe driv-
ing speed, pull to the side of the road in a
safe area. Allow the engine to cool and
return to normal operation. For additional
information, refer to “If your vehicle over-
heats” in the “In case of emergency” sec-
tion 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.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-13
To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position and remove the key
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. On vehicles equipped with a column shifter, tilt the steering wheel down to the lowest
position.
4. Remove the shift lock release cover as shown. 5. Use a protective cloth on the end of a small
screwdriver before inserting it in the shift
lock release slot and pushing down.
6. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) posi- tion while holding down the shift lock re-
lease.
7. For models without the NISSAN vehicle im- mobilizer system, turn the key to the ON
position to unlock the steering wheel.
8. Now the vehicle may be moved to the de- sired location.
If the shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) ,
have a NISSAN dealer check the automatic
transmission system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position while the engine is run-
ning and the brake pedal is depressed, the
stop lights may not work. Malfunctioning
stop lights could cause an accident injur-
ing yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, please note
that the transmission will be locked in any of the
forward gears according to the condition.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition
switch OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then
turn the ignition switch back to the ON
position. The vehicle should return to its
normal operating condition. If it does not
return to its normal operating condition,
have a NISSAN dealer check the transmis-
sion and repair it if necessary.
Column shift (if so equipped)
LSD0101
Starting and driving5-19
*1: Before moving the shift lever from (N) Neutral, wait until the 4LO indicator light stays on steady. This indicates that the 4WD shift procedure is completedand the transfer gear is correctly set in the 4LO position. If the vehicle is shifted into gear before the indicator is on steady, the transfer gear may grind,
not engage correctly or stay in the (N) Neutral position.
- If the 4WD warning light illuminates, perform the following procedure to return the transfer case to correct operating condition.
1. Turn off the engine by turning the ignition switch OFF.
2. Start the engine.
- Check that the 4WD warning light turns off. If the 4WD light illuminates, have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
3. Apply the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to (N) Neutral position.
4. With the brake pedal depressed, move the 4WD shift switch to desired mode.
- Be sure to wait until the transfer gear change completes before shifting the shift lever from (N) Neutral position.
*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition key must be ON and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to take place and for the indicator lights (4WD shift and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicator lights will be on or flashing.
*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO. The
indicator light will also turn on when
4LO is selected. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in this section.
Starting and driving5-27