JVC0785X
VQ37VHR ENGINE MODEL1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-22)
2. Battery (P.8-15)
3. Radiator filler cap (P.8-8)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-10)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-10)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-13)7. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmission
models) (P.8-13)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-12)
9. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
10. Air cleaner (P.8-19)
11. Drive belt location (P.8-18)
12. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-8) 13. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-22)
Illustrated table of contents0-13
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys ........................................................................\
...................... 3-2Intelligent Key ....................................................................... 3-2
Valet hand-off ....................................................................... 3-3
Doors ........................................................................\
.................... 3-4 Locking with mechanical key ............................................ 3-4
Opening and closing windows with the
mechanical key ..................................................................... 3-4
Locking with inside lock knob .......................................... 3-5
Locking with power door lock switch ............................ 3-5
Automatic door locks ......................................................... 3-5
Intelligent Key system .............................................................. 3-6 Intelligent Key operating range ....................................... 3-8
Door locks/unlocks precaution ....................................... 3-8
Intelligent Key operation .................................................... 3-9
Battery saver system ....................................................... 3-11
Warning signals ................................................................ 3-11
Troubleshooting guide ..................................................... 3-12
Remote keyless entry system ............................................. 3-13 How to use remote keyless entry system .................. 3-13
Hood ........................................................................\
.................. 3-16
Rear hatch (Coupe models) ............................................... 3-17 Rear hatch opener switch .............................................. 3-17
Secondary rear hatch release ....................................... 3-18
Trunk lid (Roadster models) ................................................ 3-19 Trunk lid opener switch .................................................. 3-19 Trunk release power cancel switch ........................... 3-19
Interior trunk lid release ................................................ 3-20
Secondary trunk lid release ......................................... 3-20
Soft top (Roadster models) ................................................ 3-21 Before operating the top .............................................. 3-21
When operating the top ............................................... 3-23
Opening the top ............................................................. 3-25
Closing the top ............................................................... 3-25
Opening the top using the Intelligent Key ............... 3-26
Troubleshooting guide .................................................. 3-27
If the top does not open or close electrically ......... 3-28
Care of the soft top and the vehicle body .............. 3-32
Front, side and rear unique parts (NISMO models) ..... 3-32
Fuel-filler door ........................................................................\
3-34 Opening the fuel-filler door ......................................... 3-34
Fuel-filler cap .................................................................. 3-34
Tilt steering ........................................................................\
..... 3-36 Manual operation ............................................................ 3-36
Sun visors ........................................................................\
........ 3-36
Mirrors ........................................................................\
.............. 3-37
Inside mirror ..................................................................... 3-37
Outside mirrors ............................................................... 3-38
Vanity mirror ..................................................................... 3-39
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ................................ 5-2Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ...................................... 5-2
Three-way catalyst .............................................................. 5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ......................................... 5-5
Off-road recovery ................................................................ 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ...................................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................................. 5-7
Push-button ignition switch .................................................... 5-7 Operating range for engine start function .................... 5-8
Push-button ignition switch operation ........................... 5-8
Push-button ignition switch positions ............................ 5-9
Emergency engine shut off ............................................... 5-9
Intelligent Key battery discharge .................................. 5-10
Before starting the engine ................................................... 5-10
Starting the engine ................................................................ 5-11
Driving the vehicle ................................................................. 5-12 Automatic transmission ................................................... 5-12
Manual Transmission ....................................................... 5-16
Parking brake ........................................................................\
.. 5-20
Cruise control ........................................................................\
. 5-21 Precautions on cruise control ....................................... 5-21
Cruise control operations ............................................... 5-22
Break-in schedule .................................................................. 5-23
Fuel efficient driving tips ...................................................... 5-23 Increasing fuel economy ...................................................... 5-24
Parking/parking on hills ........................................................ 5-25
Power steering ....................................................................... 5-26
Brake system ........................................................................\
.. 5-26
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-26
Parking brake break-in .................................................. 5-26
Brake assist ........................................................................\
.... 5-27 Brake assist ..................................................................... 5-27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................... 5-27
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ......................... 5-28
Performance dampers (NISMO models) ........................ 5-31
Cold weather driving ............................................................ 5-32 Freeing a frozen door lock ........................................... 5-32
Antifreeze ........................................................................\
. 5-32
Battery ........................................................................\
....... 5-32
Draining of coolant water ............................................. 5-32
Tire equipment ................................................................ 5-32
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-32
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-32
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-33
Active noise control/Active sound control
(if so equipped) ..................................................................... 5-34 Active noise control ....................................................... 5-34
Active sound control ..................................................... 5-34
5-26Starting and driving
4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position.
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.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially 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.
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 brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping 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
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-28Starting and driving
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent 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
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
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 notindicate 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) .
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 is
operating. 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
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” (P.2-15).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator light
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transferring
power to a non slipping drive wheel. The VDC
warning light
flashes if this occurs. All other
VDC functions are off, and the VDC warning
light
will not flash. The VDC system is
automatically reset to on when the ignition
switch is placed in the off position then back
to the on position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” (P.2-15) and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-17). The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN recom-
mended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
system may not operate properly.
This could adversely affect vehicle handling performance, and the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. If engine control related parts are
not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked
corners, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate. Do not
drive on these types of roads.
. When driving on an unstable sur-
face such as a turntable, ferry,
elevator or ramp, the VDC warning
light
may illuminate. This is not
a malfunction. Restart the engine
after driving onto a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not
Starting and driving5-29
JVE0014X
1. Take out the speed restriction sticker fromthe air compressor*, then put it in a location
where the driver can see it while driving.
*: The compressor shape may differ depend-
ing on the models.
CAUTION
Do not put the speed restriction label
on the steering wheel pad, the speed-
ometer or the warning light locations.
SCE0868
2. Take the hose*1and the power plug*2out of the air compressor. Remove the cap
of the bottle holder from the air compressor.
SCE0869
3. Remove the cap from the tire sealant bottle,and screw the bottle clockwise onto the
bottle holder. (Leave the bottle seal intact.
Screwing the bottle onto the bottle holder
will pierce the seal of the bottle.)
4. Remove the cap from the tire valve on the flat tire.
In case of emergency6-11
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements ...................................................... 8-3Scheduled maintenance .................................................... 8-3
General maintenance ......................................................... 8-3
Where to go for service .................................................... 8-3
General maintenance ............................................................... 8-3 Explanation of maintenance items ................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ........................................................ 8-6
Engine compartment check locations .................................. 8-7 VQ37VHR engine model .................................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ......................................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant .................................................. 8-9
Engine oil ........................................................................\
......... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ............................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ....................................... 8-10
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .................................. 8-12
Power steering fluid ............................................................... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ........................................................... 8-13 Brake fluid ........................................................................\
.. 8-13
Clutch fluid (Manual transmission models) ............... 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................................................ 8-14
Battery ........................................................................\
............... 8-15 Jump starting ..................................................................... 8-17 Variable voltage control system ......................................... 8-17
Drive belts ........................................................................\
....... 8-18
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
..... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs .................................................. 8-19
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
....... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-20
Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-20
Replacing ........................................................................\
. 8-20
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-21 Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-21
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-21
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-22 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-23
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-24
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-26
Coupe ........................................................................\
....... 8-26
Roadster ........................................................................\
... 8-27
Headlights ........................................................................\
8-27
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-30 Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-33