ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The engine coolant temperature should remain
within the normal range
j2.
The engine coolant temperature varies with the out-
side air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge exceeds the normal range, stop as
soon as it is safely possible. If the engine has
overheated, continued operation of the vehicle
may seriously damage the engine. See “Engine
overheat” in the “6. In case of emergency” sec-
tion for immediate action.
WARNING
Allow the engine to cool down before removing
the radiator cap to avoid the danger of being
scalded.
INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS
CONTROL
The instrument brightness control switch can be op-
erated when the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion. When the switch is operated, the brightness
adjustment mode appears at the bottom of the ve-
hicle information display.Push the + side of the switch
j2 to brighten the
meter panel lights and instrument panel lights. The
bar
j1 moves to the + side.
Push the - side of the switch
j2 to dim the lights.
The barj1 moves to the − side.
When the instrument brightness control is not oper-
ated for a few seconds the brightness adjustment
mode no longer appears.
NIC2117LHD (Left Hand Drive)
NIC2226RHD (Right Hand Drive)
Instruments and controls2-3
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
WARNING
•Never remove the engine coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure fluid es-
caping from the engine coolant reservoir. Wait
until the engine and radiator have cooled
down.
•Engine coolant is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out of
the reach of children.
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round and extended life en-
gine coolant. The high quality engine coolant con-
tains the specific solutions effective for the anti-cor-
rosion and the anti-freeze function. Therefore, addi-
tional cooling system additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
•Never use any cooling system additives such
as radiator sealer. Additives may clog the
cooling system and cause damage to the en-
gine, transmission and/or cooling system.
•When adding or replacing engine coolant, be
sure to use Genuine NISSAN engine coolant
or equivalent.
•The use of other types of engine coolant may
damage the engine cooling system.
•The engine coolant reservoir tank is equipped
with a pressure cap, use a Genuine NISSAN
cap or its equivalent when replacement is re-
quired.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir when the
engine is cold. If the coolant level is below MINj2,
add coolant up to the MAXj1 level.
CAUTION
If the cooling system frequently requires coolant,
have it checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
CAUTION
•Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop. The service procedures can be found in
the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
•When checking or replacement is required,
NISSAN recommends contacting a NISSAN
dealer or qualified workshop for servicing.
•Improper servicing or engine coolant change
can result in reduced heater performance and
engine overheating.
WARNING
•To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
change the coolant when the engine is hot.
•Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant. If
skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with
soap or hand cleaner and plenty of water as
soon as possible.
•Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
NISSAN Blue Citizenship
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
NDI1426
NDI1478
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
MR20DD, MR16DE or R9M engine
1. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature
control to the maximum “HOT” position.
2. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
3. Open the engine coolant reservoir cap
j1to
help drain the coolant.
4. Loosen the engine coolant radiator drain plug
j3
to help drain the coolant.
5. Disconnect the end of the hose
j2 to drain the
coolant.
6. Flush the cooling system by running clean water
through the engine coolant reservoir.
7. Install the hose
j2.
8. Tighten the engine coolant radiator drain plug
j3.
9. Fill the coolant reservoir up to the MAX level.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical information” sec-
tion for cooling system capacity.
10. Install the engine coolant reservoir cap.
11. Start the engine, and rev the engine two or
three times under no load.
12. Touch the radiator hose and feel if the water
flows.
13. Keep racing the engine at a speed of 3,000 rpm
for about 10 minutes.14. Observe the coolant temperature gauge for
signs of overheating.
15. Stop the engine and check coolant level, allow
to cool and refill up to the MAX level.
16. Check radiator lower hose for any signs of leak-
age.
17. Close the bonnet.HRA2DDT or K9K engine
1. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature
control to the maximum “HOT” position.
2. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
3. Loosen the engine coolant radiator drain plug
j1
to help drain the coolant.
4. Disconnect the radiator lower hose
j2 and open
the drain plugj3 on the engine block.5. Open the engine coolant reservoir cap to help to
drain the coolant.
6. Flush the cooling system by running fresh water
through the engine coolant reservoir.
7. Install the hose
j2 and securely tighten the en-
gine block drain plugj3.
8. Tighten the engine coolant radiator drain plug
j1.
9. Fill the reservoir up to the MAX level with cool-
ant. See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical information”
section for cooling system capacity.
10. Install the engine coolant reservoir cap.
11. Start the engine, and rev the engine two or
three times under no load.
12. Touch the radiator hose and feel if the water
flows.
13. Keep racing the engine at a speed of 2,000 –
2,500 rpm for about 10 minutes.
14. Observe the coolant temperature gauge for
signs of overheating.
15. Stop the engine and check coolant level, allow
to cool and refill up to the MAX level.
16. Check the radiator lower hose for any signs of
leakage.
17. Close the bonnet.
NDI1491
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7