9-4Maintenance and schedules
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe condition require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as: 1.
Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
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 no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. (See “Precau-
tions when starting and driving” (P.5-4) for
exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .) 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 gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected
immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the end
of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “Cleaning
exterior” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
10-26Technical and consumer information
Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes -The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic
line running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes
are activated by the trailer pushing against the
hitch ball when the tow vehicle is braking.
Hydraulic surge brakes are common on rental
trailers and some boat trailers. In this type of
system, there is no hydraulic or electric connec-
tion for brake operation between the tow vehicle
and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic signal
sent from a trailer brake controller (special brake
sensing module) .
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
. Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes
of either condition.
. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
. Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
. Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
. Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
. Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
. Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking
performance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have
specific speed limits for vehicles that are
towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
. When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO position
and the Automatic Transmission (AT) park
warning light is turned off.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift the transmission into gear. 4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
. While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce your
speed and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long
or repeated use of the brakes when
descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheating.
Shifting to a lower gear instead provides
“engine braking” and reduces the need to
brake as frequently.
. If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, see “If your vehicle over-
heats” (P.6-14) .
. Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
. Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (800 km).
. Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule shown in the "9.
Maintenance and schedules" section. .
When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
. Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the
vehicle.
.Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road in
a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described earlier in this section.
. Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
Technical and consumer information10-27
11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ......................... 5-137
Advanced Air Bag System ....................................... 1-58
Aiming controlHeadlights ............................................................. 2-39
Air bag system Advanced Air Bag System ................................ 1-58
Front passenger air bag and status light ...... 1-60
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ............................ 1-65
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system ............. 1-65
Air bag warning labels .............................................. 1-68
Air bag warning light ..................................... 1-68, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ........................................... 8-15
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ................................... 4-52
Air conditioner service ....................................... 4-58
Air conditioner specification label ................. 10-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .................... 4-58, 10-7
Automatic air conditioner .................................. 4-54
In-cabin microfilter ............................................... 4-58
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) .......................................................... 2-31
Alcohol, drugs and driving ....................................... 5-10
Antenna ......................................................................... 4-92
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......................... 5-137
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light .... 2-11
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ....................................... 7-4
Armrest .......................................................................... 1-10
Around View
ŠMonitor .............................................. 4-29 Audible reminders ...................................................... 2-20
Audio operation precautions ................................... 4-59
Audio system ............................................................... 4-59
Steering wheel audio controls ......................... 4-91
Auto closure ................................................................. 3-25
Autolight system ......................................................... 2-37
Automatic Air conditioner ...................................................... 4-54
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .................. 8-8
Door locks ................................................................ 3-6
Drive positioner .................................................... 3-33
Driving with automatic transmission ............... 5-18
Seat positioner ..................................................... 3-33
Average fuel consumption and speed .................. 2-28
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-8
B
Back door (See liftgate) ........................................... 3-22
Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) ..................... 5-56
Battery ........................................................................... 8-11 Battery saver system ............................... 2-39, 2-64
Intelligent Key ....................................................... 8-21
Variable voltage control system ....................... 8-13
Before starting the engine ....................................... 5-15
Belts (See drive belts) .............................................. 8-13
Blind Spot Intervention
Š(BSI) ................................ 5-43
Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) ON
indicator light ............................................................... 2-17
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) .................................... 5-33
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/Blind Spot
Intervention (BSI) system warning light ................ 2-12
Bluetooth
ŠHands-Free Phone System ............. 4-106
Bluetooth Šstreaming audio ..................................... 4-81
Booster seats .............................................................. 1-48 Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ................... 5-137
Brake booster ....................................................... 8-18
Brake fluid ................................................................ 8-9
Brake system ...................................................... 5-136
Parking brake operation ..................................... 5-22
Warning light ........................................................ 2-12
Break-in schedule .................................................... 5-121
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ........................................ 4-8
Instrument panel .................................................. 2-40
Bulb check/instrument panel ................................... 2-11
Bulb replacement ....................................................... 8-24
C
Cabin air filter .............................................................. 4-58
CAMERA button ........................................................... 4-8
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ............................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio .......................................... 4-106
Cargo floor box ........................................................... 2-56
Cargo light ................................................................... 2-67
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst .................. 5-4
CD/DVD/USB memory care and cleaning .......... 4-90
Center multi-function control panel ......................... 4-4
Chassis and body maintenance ............................. 9-11
Child restraints ............................................................ 1-31 Booster seats ....................................................... 1-48
LATCH system ..................................................... 1-33
Precautions on child restraints ........................ 1-31
Top tether strap ................................................... 1-36
Child safety .................................................................. 1-28
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-6
Chimes
Audible reminders ............................................... 2-20
Front passenger air bag and status light ............. 1-60
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-3
Front seatFront seat adjustment ................................ 1-3, 1-10
Front-seat active head restraint .............................. 1-17
Fuel Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ........................ 10-2
Fuel economy ..................................................... 5-122
Fuel economy information (display) ................ 4-10
Fuel information .................................................... 10-4
Fuel octane rating ............................................... 10-4
Fuel-filler cap ........................................................ 3-26
Fuel-filler door ...................................................... 3-26
Gauge ........................................................................ 2-8
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning ............................. 3-28
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................................ 5-121
Fuses ............................................................................. 8-18
Fusible links ................................................................. 8-19
G
Garage door opener
HomeLink ŠUniversal Transceiver ................... 2-67
Gas cap ........................................................................ 3-26
Gauge .............................................................................. 2-5 Engine coolant temperature gauge ................... 2-7
Engine oil pressure gauge ................................... 2-8
Fuel gauge ............................................................... 2-8
Odometer ................................................................. 2-6
Speedometer ........................................................... 2-6
Tachometer ............................................................... 2-7
Trip computer ....................................................... 2-27
General maintenance .................................................. 9-2
Glove box ..................................................................... 2-53
H
Hands-Free Phone System, Bluetooth Š............ 4-106
Hazard warning flasher switch .................................. 6-2
Head restraints/headrests ........................................ 1-13
Headlights Aiming control ...................................................... 2-39
Bulb replacement ................................................ 8-25
Headlight switch .................................................. 2-37
Headphones ................................................................ 4-94
Heated seats ............................................................... 2-43
Heated steering wheel .............................................. 2-42
Heater Automatic air conditioner .................................. 4-54
Engine block heater .......................................... 5-141
Heater and air conditioner operation ............. 4-52
Hill start assist system ........................................... 5-130
HomeLink
ŠUniversal Transceiver .......................... 2-67
Hood release ............................................................... 3-21
Hook Coat hooks ............................................................ 2-55
Luggage hook ...................................................... 2-56
Horn ............................................................................... 2-43
I
Ignition switch (Push-button) .................................. 5-12
Immobilizer system ..................................................... 2-31
In-cabin microfilter ...................................................... 4-58
Indicator Lights ...................................................................... 2-17
Vehicle information display ................................ 2-20
INFO button ................................................................... 4-9
Inside mirror ................................................................. 3-30
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ...................... 10-32
Instrument brightness control .................................. 2-40
Instrument panel ........................................................... 2-4 Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) ............................ 5-69
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system
Main switch indicator ......................................... 2-25
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
warning light ................................................................ 2-14
Intelligent Key ................................................................ 3-2
Intelligent Key system .................................................. 3-7 Battery replacement ............................................ 8-21
Key operating range .............................................. 3-9
Key operation ........................................................ 3-10
Warning light ........................................................ 2-14
Warning signals ................................................... 3-12
Intelligent Key warning light ..................................... 2-14
Interior light control switch ...................................... 2-65
Interior light replacement .......................................... 8-26
Interior lights ................................................................ 2-65
iPod
Šplayer operation .............................................. 4-86
ISOFIX child restraint ................................................ 1-33
J
Jump starting ............................................................... 6-12
K
Keyless entry (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................................... 3-15
Keys ................................................................................. 3-2 For Intelligent Key system .................................... 3-7
L
LabelsAir bag warning labels ....................................... 1-68
Air conditioner specification label ................. 10-12
Emission control information label ................ 10-11
Engine serial number ........................................ 10-11
11-3
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