If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the ESP sys-
tem reduces the engine output to decrease wheel
spin. The engine speed will be reduced even if the
accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maximum
engine power is needed to free a stuck vehicle, turn
the ESP system off.
To turn off the ESP system, push the ESP OFF
switch. The ESP OFF indicator light (
) will
come on.
NOTE
The ESP system cannot be switched off when
the ESP system is operating and the “SLIP” indi-
cator light (
) is blinking.
Push the ESP OFF switch again, or restart the en-
gine, to turn the system ON. See “Electronic Stabil-
ity Programme (ESP) system (where fitted)” earlier
in this section for operational details.The chassis control is an electric control module
that includes the following functions:
•Active Trace Control
•Active Engine Brake
•Active Ride Control
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
WARNING
The active trace control may not be effective de-
pending on the driving condition. Always drive
carefully and attentively.
This system senses driving based on the driver’s
steering and acceleration/braking patterns, and con-
trols brake pressure at individual wheels to aid trac-
ing at corners and help smooth vehicle response.
The Active trace control system is switched ON
(enabled) or OFF (disabled) through the Vehicle In-
formation Display. See “[Driver assistance]” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section for more infor-
mation.
When the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
OFF switch is used to turn off the ESP system, the
active trace control is also turned off.
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-62Starting and driving
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion based on
wheel speed information and controls engine torque
(MR20DD engines only) and four wheel brake pres-
sure to enhance ride comfort in an effort to restrain
uncomfortable upper body movement. This system
come into effect above 40 km/h (25 MPH).
When the ESP OFF switch is used to turn off the
ESP system, the active ride control is also turned
off.
When the brake control of active ride control is op-
erated and the “Chassis Control” mode is selected
in the trip computer, the active ride control graphics
are shown in the vehicle information display see
“28. [Chassis control system fault] warning” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section for more infor-
mation.
If the chassis control warning message appears in
the vehicle information display, it may indicate that
the active ride control is not functioning properly.Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
When the active ride control is operating, you may
hear noise and sense slight deceleration. This is
normal and indicates that the active ride control is
operating properly.
WARNING
•Never rely solely on the hill start assist system
to prevent the vehicle from moving backward
on a hill. Always drive carefully and attentively.
Depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Be especially careful
when stopped on a hill on frozen or muddy
roads. Failure to prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing backwards may result in a loss of control
of the vehicle and possible serious injury or
death.
•The hill start assist system is not designed to
hold the vehicle at a standstill on a hill. De-
press the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to roll backwards and may
result in a collision or serious personal injury.
•The hill start assist system may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill
under all load or road conditions. Always be
prepared to depress the brake pedal to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards. Fail-
ure to do so may result in a collision or seri-
ous personal injury.
The hill start assist system automatically keeps the
brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing backwards in the time it takes the driver to re-
lease the brake pedal and apply the accelerator
when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
NSD527Chassis control
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
SYSTEM
5-64Starting and driving
The hill start assist system will operate automatically
under the following conditions:
•The shift lever is shifted into a forward (vehicle
facing uphill) or reverse gear (vehicle facing
downhill).
•The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by
applying the foot brake.
•The slope is greater than 3 degrees.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and the
hill start assist system will stop operating completely.
If the slope is steep enough to activate the HSA sys-
tem, the green HSA indicator light in the combina-
tion meter will illuminate.
If the chassis control screen is selected, the vehicle
is displayed on a slope. The wheels flash to show
that the car is being held.The hill start assist system will not operate when the
shift lever is shifted to the N (Neutral) or P (Park)
position or on a flat and level road.
When the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
warning light illuminates in the meter, the hill start
assist system will not operate. (See “Electronic Sta-
bility Programme (ESP) OFF indicator light (where
fitted)” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
The ECO mode system helps to enhance fuel
economy by turning on ECO functions within the
ECO Meter and modifying engine characteristics to
avoid rapid acceleration.
To turn on the ECO mode system, push the ECO
mode switch. The ECO mode system indicator light
will illuminate on the vehicle information display.
To turn off the ECO mode system, push the ECO
mode switch again. The ECO mode system indica-
tor will turn off.
•If the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the
engine characteristics will temporarily return to
normal to give maximum available acceleration.
•The ECO mode system will turn off automatically
if a malfunction occurs in the system.
NSD524
NSD475ECO mode switch
ECO MODE SYSTEM (where fitted)
Starting and driving5-65
CAUTION
•Three-way catalyst equipped models (where
fitted) should not be started by pushing the
vehicle as the three-way catalyst may be dam-
aged.
•XTRONIC transmission (CVT) models cannot
be started by pushing the vehicle. This may
cause transmission damage.
•Never try to start the vehicle by towing it; when
the engine starts, the forward surge could
cause the vehicle to collide with the tow ve-
hicle.
WARNING
•Never continue driving if the engine of your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could cause a ve-
hicle fire.
•Never open the bonnet if steam is coming
out.
•Never remove engine coolant reservoir cap
when the engine is hot. If the engine coolant
reservoir cap is removed while the engine is
hot, pressurised hot water will spurt out and
possibly cause burning, scalding or serious
injury.
•If steam or coolant is coming out of the en-
gine, stand clear of the vehicle to prevent get-
ting injured.
•The engine cooling fan will start whenever the
coolant temperature exceeds preset degrees.
•Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewel-
lery or clothing to come into contact with, or
get caught in, the cooling fan or drive belts.
If the engine of your vehicle is overheating (indi-
cated by the engine coolant temperature gauge) or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect unusual
noise, etc., proceed as follows:
1. Move and park the vehicle safely off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher lights.
3. Apply the parking brake.4. Shift the shift lever (MT models) into the N (Neu-
tral) position, XTRONIC transmission (CVT)
models: move the shift lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE.
5. Open all windows.
6. Switch off the air conditioner system (where fit-
ted).
7. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature
control to maximum “HOT” and fan speed con-
trol to maximum speed.
8. Exit the vehicle.
9. Visually inspect and listen for steam or coolant
escaping from the radiator before opening the
bonnet. Wait until no steam or coolant can be
seen before proceeding.
10. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
11. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
12. Visually check the radiator and radiator hoses
for leakage.
WARNING
If coolant is leaking, the cooling fan belt is
missing or loose or the cooling fan is not run-
ning, stop the engine.
PUSH-STARTING ENGINE OVERHEAT
In case of emergency6-13
8Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements ....................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance...................................... 8-2
General maintenance .......................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ...................................... 8-2
General maintenance ............................................... 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ........... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ......................................... 8-4
Engine compartment ................................................ 8-5
Engine cooling system ............................................. 8-6
Checking engine coolant level............................. 8-6
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-6
Engine oil................................................................. 8-8
Checking engine oil level .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil ............................................ 8-9
Changing engine oil filter .................................... 8-10
Protect the environment ...................................... 8-12
Fuel filter (Diesel engine models) ............................. 8-13
Draining water .................................................... 8-13
Bleeding the fuel system ..................................... 8-13
XTRONIC Continuously variable transmission
(CVT) fluid ............................................................... 8-13
Brakes ..................................................................... 8-13
Checking parking brake ...................................... 8-13
Checking brake pedal......................................... 8-13
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-14
Brake and clutch fluid .............................................. 8-14
Window washer fluid/headlight cleaner fluid
(where fitted) ........................................................... 8-15
Battery..................................................................... 8-16
Vehicle battery .................................................... 8-16Jump-starting ...................................................... 8-18
Integrated keyfob/Intelligent Key battery
replacement........................................................ 8-18
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-20
Spark plugs (Petrol engine models).......................... 8-21
Air duct removal....................................................... 8-21
Air cleaner filter........................................................ 8-23
Viscous paper type ............................................. 8-23
Dry paper type (where fitted) .............................. 8-23
Wiper blades ........................................................... 8-24
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-24
Front window wiper replacement ........................ 8-24
Back door window wiper replacement ................ 8-24
Windscreen washer nozzle ................................. 8-25
Fuses ...................................................................... 8-25
Passenger compartment ..................................... 8-25
Engine compartment ........................................... 8-26
Lights ...................................................................... 8-27
Headlights .......................................................... 8-28
Exterior lights ...................................................... 8-29
Interior lights....................................................... 8-29
Light locations .................................................... 8-30
Wheels and tyres ..................................................... 8-33
Tyre inflation pressure......................................... 8-33
Types of tyres ..................................................... 8-33
Snow chains....................................................... 8-34
Tyre rotation ....................................................... 8-34
Tyre wear and damage ....................................... 8-35
Tyre age ............................................................. 8-35
Changing tyres and wheels................................. 8-35
Lights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular basis. Make sure
that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are all operating properly and
installed securely. Also check headlight aim.
Tyres*:
Check the pressure with a gauge periodically when
at a service station (including the spare) and adjust
to the specified pressure if necessary. Check care-
fully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tyre rotation*:
Tyres should be rotated every 10,000 km (6,000
miles) for Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models and
5,000 km (3,000 miles) for Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
models. However, the timing for tyre rotation may
vary according to your driving habits and road sur-
face conditions.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components (where fitted):
Replace the TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve
core and cap when the tyres are replaced due to
wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tyre wear, there may be a need for wheel
alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.Wheel nuts:
When checking the tyres, make sure no wheel nuts
are missing, and check for any loose wheel nuts.
Tighten if necessary.
Windscreen:
Clean the windscreen on a regular basis. Check the
windscreen at least every six months for cracks or
other damage. Have a damaged windscreen re-
paired by a qualified repair facility.
Wiper blades*:
Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe prop-
erly.
Under the bonnet and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g. each time you check the
engine oil or refuel.
Battery*:
Check if the green indicator on the top of the main-
tenance free battery is visible. If it is not visible,
replace the battery as soon as possible.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions, check the fluid level frequently.
Brake and clutch fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is
between the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that the drive belts are not frayed, worn,
cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking the vehicle on a level
surface and turning off the engine.
Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil, water or other
fluid leaks after the vehicle has been parked for a
while. Water dripping from the air conditioner after
use is normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
petrol fumes are evident, check for the cause and
have it corrected immediately.
Window washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when perform-
ing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and make
sure that the pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
Brake pedal*:
Check the pedal for smooth operation. If the brake
pedal suddenly goes down further than normal, the
pedal feels spongy or the vehicle seems to take
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
longer to stop, contact a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop immediately. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Parking brake*:
Confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
steep hill with only the parking brake applied.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat adjust-
ers, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely in every posi-
tion. Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g.
buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage. See “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
Seat belts and Supplemental Restraint System” sec-
tion for further details.
Steering wheel:
Check for any change in the steering conditions,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or strange
noises.
Warning lights and audible reminders:
Make sure that all warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders are operating properly.Windscreen defogger:
Check that the air comes out of the defogger outlets
properly when operating the heater or air condi-
tioner.
Windscreen wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precautions
which should be closely observed.
•Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brake securely and block the wheels
to prevent the vehicle from moving. For
manual transmission models, move the shift
lever to N (Neutral) position.For continuously
variable transmission models: move the shift
lever to P (Park) position.
•Do not work under the engine bonnet while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine and wait
until it cools down.
•Be sure to turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”
or LOCK position.
When the ignition switch is in the ON or Acc
position, the cooling fan may start to operate
suddenly even when the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working near
the engine.
•If you must work with the engine running,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from moving fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
•It is advisable to remove ties and any jewel-
lery, such as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
With the engine running, check the distance be-
tween the upper surface of the pedal and the metal
floor. If it is out the range listed, see a NISSAN
dealer or qualified workshop.
Depressing force of 490 N (50 kg, 110 lb)
183.7 – 193.7 mm (7.23 – 7.63 in.)
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the brake
pedal is applied.
BRAKE BOOSTER
Check the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, depress and release the
footbrake pedal several times. When the foot-
brake pedal movement (distance of travel) re-
mains the same from one pedal application to the
next, continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the footbrake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.
3. With the footbrake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keep the pedal depressed for about 30
seconds. The pedal height should not change.
4. Run the engine for 1 minute without depressing
the footbrake pedal, then turn it off. Depress the
footbrake pedal several times. The pedal travel
distance will decrease gradually with each de-
pression as the vacuum is released from the
booster.If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop.
jALHD models
jBRHD models
WARNING
•Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the vehicle’s
stopping ability.
•Clean the filler cap before removing.
•Brake and clutch fluids are poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked contain-
ers out of the reach of children.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level
is between the MIN
j2 and MAXj1 lines or the
brake warning light comes on, add fluid up to the
MAX line.
NDI1038
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself