
HR16DE Engine
1. Drive belt location (P. 8-15)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
3. Air cleaner (P. 8-17)
4. Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluidreservoir (P. 8-12)
5. Fusible link (P. 8-20)
6. Battery (P. 8-13)
7. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-7)
8. Radiator cap (P. 8-7)
9. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)
10. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-13)
Refer to the page number indicated in
parentheses for operating details.
LDI2377
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents

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
2-8
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-8
High temperature
warning light (red)2-9
Low fuel warning
light2-9
Low windshield-
washer fluid warning
light2-9
Warning
light Name Page
Power steering
warning light (if so
equipped) 2-9
Seat belt warning
light and chime (if so
equipped)2-10
Supplemental air
bag warning light
2-10
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
Engine start opera-
tion indicator light (if
so equipped)2-11
Indicator
light Name Page
Front fog light indi-
cator light (if so
equipped) 2-11
Front passenger air
bag status light
2-11
High beam indicator
light (blue)2-11
Malfunction Indica-
tor Light (MIL)2-11
Overdrive OFF indi-
cator light (A/T
models only)2-12
Security indicator
light
2-12
Slip indicator light 2-12
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights2-12
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning lightPower steering warning light (if so equipped)High beam indicator light (blue)
Brake warning lightSeat belt warning light and chime (if so
equipped)Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Charge warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive OFF indicator light (A/T models only)
Door open warning lightAutomatic Transmission position indicator light
(A/T models only)Security indicator light
Engine oil pressure warning lightCruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Slip indicator light
High temperature warning light (red)Engine start operation indicator light (if so
equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning lightFront fog light indicator light (if so equipped)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator
light
Low windshield-washer fluid warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-7

CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake,
fasten the seat belts and place the ignition switch
in the ON position without starting the engine.
The following lights (if so equipped) will come on:
,,,,
The following lights (if so equipped) come on
briefly and then go off:
,
If any light fails to come on or operate in a way
other than described, it may indicate a burned-
out bulb and/or a system malfunction. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Some indicators and warnings are also displayed
in the trip computer located to the right of the
speedometer. For additional information, refer to
“Meters and gauges” in this section.
WARNING LIGHTS
Anti-lock Braking System(ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the ABS warning light illuminates and
then turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional. 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
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
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.
2-8Instruments and controls

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
lights, indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion 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

– When installing a spare tire, makesure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Tire and Loading
Information label” in the “Technical
and consumer information” 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 ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do
not lock during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the brake
fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery 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.
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.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal ex-
ceeds a certain level, the brake assist is activated
generating greater braking force than a conven-
tional brake booster even with light pedal force.
WARNING
The brake assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. it is the driv-
ers responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all times.
5-22Starting and driving

●If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the engine after driv-
ing onto a stable surface. ●
If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole or use the remote keyless entry key fob (if so
equipped) .
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, refer to “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For additional information, refer to “Bat-
tery” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-25

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For additional information, refer to “Changing
engine coolant” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some states
and provinces prohibit their use. Check lo-
cal, state and provincial laws before install-
ing 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. 3. Tire chains may be used. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Tire chains” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
● A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded. ●
Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
● Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Engine block heaters are used to assist with cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or lower.
5-26Starting and driving