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
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
JVM0694XExample
*2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX
XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Depart-ment of Transportation”. The symbol
can be placed above, below or to the
left or right of the Tire Identification
Number.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s iden- tification mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size 4. Three-digit code: Tire type code
(Optional)
5. Four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For
example, the numbers 3103 means
the 31st week of 2003. If these
numbers are missing, then look on
the other sidewall of the tire.
*3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must
indicate the materials in the tire,
which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.
*4Maximum permissible inflation pres-
sure
This number is the greatest
amount of air pressure that
should be put in the tire. Do
not exceed the maximum per-
missible inflation pressure.
*5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the max-
imum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by
the tire. When replacing the
tires on the vehicle, always use
a tire that has the same load
rating as the factory installed
tire.
*6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire re-
quires an inner tube (“tube
type”) or not (“tubeless”) .
*7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if
the tire has radial structure.
*8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other tire-related terminology:
In addition to the many terms that are
defined throughout this section, Intended
Outboard Sidewall is (1) the sidewall
that contains a whitewall, bears white
lettering or bears manufacturer, brand
and/or model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same molding
on the other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the
Do-it-yourself8-35
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
8-38Do-it-yourself
SDI1663
1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
.Tires should be periodically
inspected for wear, cracking,
bulging or objects caught in
the tread. If excessive wear,
cracks, bulging or deep cuts
are found, the tire(s) should be
replaced. .
The original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. When
wear indicators are visible,
the tire(s) should be replaced.
. Tires degrade with age and
use. Have tires, including the
spare, over 6 years old
checked by a qualified techni-
cian, because some tire da-
mage may not be obvious.
Replace the tires as necessary
to prevent tire failure and
possible personal injury.
. Improper service of the spare
tire may result in serious per-
sonal injury. If it is necessary
to repair the spare tire, it is
recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
. 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.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. (See “Specifications”
(P.10-8) for recommended types and sizes of
tires and wheels.)
WARNING
. The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construc-
tion (bias, bias-belted or radial) , or
tread patterns can adversely affect
the ride, braking, handling, ground
clearance, body-to-tire clearance,
tire chain clearance, speedometer
calibration, headlight aim and bum-
per height. Some of these effects
may lead to accidents and could
result in serious personal injury.
. For Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models,
if your vehicle was originally
equipped with 4 tires that were the
same size and you are only repla-
cing 2 of the 4 tires, install the new
tires on the rear axle. Placing new
tires on the front axle may cause
loss of vehicle control in some
driving conditions and cause an
accident and personal injury.
. If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same off-set dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different off-set
could cause premature tire wear,
degrade vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interfer-
ence can lead to decreased braking
efficiency and/or early brake pad/
shoe wear. See “Wheels and tires”
(P.10-9) for wheel off-set dimen-
sions.
. Since the spare tire is not equipped
with the TPMS, when a spare tire is
mounted or a wheel is replaced, the
TPMS will not function and the low
tire pressure warning light will flash
for approximately 1 minute. The
light will remain on after 1 minute.
Have your tires replaced and/or
TPMS system reset as soon as
possible. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for these services.
. Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
. The TPMS sensor may be damaged
if it is not handled correctly. Be
careful when handling the TPMS
sensor.
. When replacing the TPMS sensor,
the ID registration may be required.
It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for ID registration.
. Do not use a valve stem cap that is
not specified by NISSAN. The valve
stem cap may become stuck.
. Be sure that the valve stem caps are
correctly fitted. Otherwise the valve
may be clogged up with dirt and
cause a malfunction or loss of
pressure.
. Do not install a damaged or de-
formed wheel or tire even if it has
been repaired. Such wheels or tires
could have structural damage and
could fail without warning.
. The use of retread tire is not re-
commended. .
For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information” (US) or“Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the
Warranty Information Booklet.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
CAUTION
. Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial) , and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Failure to do so
may result in a circumference differ-
ence between tires on the front and
rear axles which will cause exces-
sive tire wear and may damage the
transmission, transfer case and dif-
ferential gears.
. ONLY use spare tires specified for
the 4WD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as
Do-it-yourself8-39
WHEELS AND TIRES
Road wheel
TypeSizeOffset in (mm)
Conventional 18
68J
1.18 (30)
20 68J
Spare Conventional
Tire
TypeSizePressure PSI (kPa) [Cold]
Conventional P275/60R20 114H
35 (240)
265/70R18 116H
Spare Conventional
DIMENSIONS
Overall length
in (mm)208.9 (5,305)
Overall width in (mm)79.9 (2,030)
Overall height in (mm)
75.8 (1,925)
Front tread in (mm)67.5 (1,715)
Rear tread in (mm)
67.9 (1,725)
Wheelbase in (mm)121.1 (3,075)
Technical and consumer information10-9