
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy
roads, NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
It is recommended you consult a NISSAN dealer
for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing 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.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “Tire
chains” (P.8-36) .
For four-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern
on all four wheels.
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 window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (328F, 0 8C 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
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting 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 pave-
ment.
. 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 reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 208F( í78C) or lower.
Starting and driving5-141

6-16In case of emergency
When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators are familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends that you
have a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions.
WARNING
.Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any of these conditions
apply, dollies or a flatbed tow truck
must be used. .
Always attach safety chains before
towing.
For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV) , see “Flat towing”
(P.10-29) .
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

JVE0350XFront
JVE0351XRear
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
.Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
. Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode
and result in serious injury. Parts of
your vehicle could also overheat
and be damaged.
Pulling a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed
specifically for vehicle recovery. Always follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery
device.
Attach the tow strap to the towing hook.
CAUTION
.Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to the main structural
members of the vehicle or the tow-
ing hooks. Otherwise, the vehicle
body will be damaged. .
Use the towing hook only to free a
vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc. Never tow the vehicle for a long
distance using only the towing
hook.
. The towing hook is under tremen-
dous force when used to free a
stuck vehicle. Never pull the hook
at an angle.
. Always pull the cable straight out
from the front or rear of the vehicle.
. Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.
. Pulling devices such as ropes or
canvas straps are not recommended
for use in vehicle towing or recov-
ery.
In case of emergency6-19

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ........................................................ 8-2
Engine compartment check locations .................................. 8-3VK56VD engine ................................................................... 8-3
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level ......................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant .................................................. 8-5
Engine oil ........................................................................\
............ 8-6 Checking engine oil level .................................................. 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter .......................................... 8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ..................................... 8-8
Power steering fluid .................................................................. 8-8
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
........... 8-9
Window washer fluid ............................................................ 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
............... 8-11 Jump starting ..................................................................... 8-13
Variable voltage control system .......................................... 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
........ 8-13
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
..... 8-14 Replacing spark plugs .................................................... 8-14
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
........ 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-16
Replacing ........................................................................\
. 8-16
Rear window wiper blades ................................................. 8-17
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-17
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-17
Brake booster ................................................................. 8-18
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-18 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-19
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-20
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-21
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-24
Headlights ........................................................................\
8-25
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-30
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires ................................................................... 8-36
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires .......................................... 8-37

8-36Do-it-yourself
outward facing sidewall of an asymme-
trical tire that has a particular side that
must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
.When changing or replacing tires,
be sure all four tires are of the same
type (Example: Summer, All Season
or Snow) and construction. A
NISSAN dealer may be able to help
you with information about tire type,
size, speed rating and availability.
. Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
. Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
. For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information” (US) or“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the
Warranty Information Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S (Mud and Snow) on the tire
sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction
than All Season tires and may be more appro-
priate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on dry
roads. Summer tire performance is substantially
reduced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M&S on the tire
sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires. Skid and traction cap-
abilities of studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before instal-
ling tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain

manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
Class S chains. Class “S” chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component required
to accommodate the use of a winter traction
device (tire chains or cables) . The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory
equipped tire size. Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when re-
commended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully
loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In
addition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
tire chains in such conditions can cause damage
to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
SDI1662
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) . (See “Flat
tire” (P.6-3) for tire replacing proce-
dures.)
As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:98 ft-lb (133 N·m) The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to the specification at all
times. It is recommended that wheel
nuts be tightened to the specifica-
tion at each tire rotation interval.
WARNING
.
After rotating the tires, check
and adjust the tire pressure.
. Retighten the wheel nuts
when the vehicle has been
driven for 600 miles (1,000
km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.) .
. For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Impor-
tant Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Do-it-yourself8-37

10-24Technical and consumer information
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If
the rear bumper is higher than the
measured reference height when
loaded, the vehicle may handle unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of
vehicle control and cause serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used to
help control these affects. If you choose to use
one, contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to
make sure the sway control device will work with
the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake
system. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,588 kg).
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,267 kg).
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,545 kg) . A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,267 kg) .
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your
vehicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing Load/
Specification” chart earlier in this section.
CAUTION
.Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
. Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc.
. Do not attach any additional hitches
to your vehicle because a hitch is
already mounted to your vehicle
frame.
Tire pressures
.When towing a trailer, inflate the
vehicle tires to the recommended
cold tire pressure indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturers’ specifications.
Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chains to permit

11-6
Starting the engine ............................................. 5-16
STATUS button ............................................................. 4-8
Status light, Front passenger air bag .................... 1-60
Steering Heated steering wheel ....................................... 2-42
Power steering ................................................... 5-135
Power steering fluid ............................................... 8-8
Steering-wheel-mounted controls
for audio ................................................................. 4-91
Tilt/telescopic steering ....................................... 3-29
Storage ......................................................................... 2-50
Sun visors ..................................................................... 3-29
Sunglasses holder ...................................................... 2-52
Supplemental air bag warning labels .................... 1-68
Supplemental air bag warning light ........... 1-68, 2-16
Supplemental restraint system ................................ 1-52 Precautions on supplemental
restraint system .................................................... 1-52
Switch Autolight switch ................................................... 2-37
Fog light switch ................................................... 2-42
Hazard warning flasher switch ............................ 6-2
Headlight aiming control .................................... 2-39
Headlight switch .................................................. 2-37
Ignition switch ...................................................... 5-18
Power door lock switch ........................................ 3-5
SNOW mode switch .......................................... 2-47
Turn signal switch ................................................ 2-41
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF switch ............................................................ 2-48
T
Tachometer ..................................................................... 2-7
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ....................................................... 2-7 Theft (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System) ,
Engine start .................................................................. 2-31
Three-way catalyst ....................................................... 5-4
Tilt/telescopic steering .............................................. 3-29
Tire
Pressure, Low tire pressure warning light .... 2-15
Tire replacement indicator ................................. 2-26
Tires Flat tire ...................................................................... 6-3
Tire and Loading information label .... 8-31, 10-12
Tire chains ............................................................. 8-36
Tire dressing ............................................................ 7-4
Tire pressure ......................................................... 8-30
Tire pressure information (display) ................. 4-10
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ............................................. 5-5, 6-3
Tire rotation ........................................................... 8-37
Types of tires ........................................................ 8-36
Uniform tire quality grading ............................. 10-29
Wheel/tire size ..................................................... 10-9
Wheels and tires ................................................. 8-30
To p Tether strap child restraints .............................. 1-36
Touch screen ................................................................. 4-5
TOW mode ............................................................... 5-132
TOW mode switch ..................................................... 2-47
Towing Flat towing ........................................................... 10-29
Tow truck towing ................................................. 6-16
Towing a trailer ................................................... 10-17
Towing safety ...................................................... 10-21
TPMS, Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-5, 6-3 TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert ............................ 5-8
Trailer towing ............................................................ 10-17
Transceiver HomeLink
ŠUniversal Transceiver ................... 2-67 Transmission
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .................. 8-8
Driving with automatic transmission ............... 5-18
Transmission shift lever lock release .............. 5-21
Transmitter (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................................... 3-15
Traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ........................................................ 10-10
Trip computer .............................................................. 2-27
Trip odometer .............................................................. 2-28
Turn signal switch ....................................................... 2-41
U
Underbody cleaning ..................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading ................................... 10-29
USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection port ....... 4-77
V
Vanity mirror ................................................................. 3-33
Vanity mirror lights ...................................................... 2-66
Variable voltage control system .............................. 8-13
Vehicle Dimensions ............................................................ 10-9
Identification number (VIN) ............................. 10-10
Loading information .......................................... 10-13
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) .................. 6-19
Security system .................................................... 2-30
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF switch ............................................................ 2-48
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ...... 5-138
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light ......................................................... 2-17
Vehicle information and settings (display) ....... 4-8
Vehicle information display ....................................... 2-20
Ventilators ..................................................................... 4-51