4WD warning light (model)Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (blue)
orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow windshield-washer fluid warning light (if so
equipped)Hill descent control system ON indicator light
(if so equipped)
Automatic transmission check warning light (if
so equipped)Seat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Automatic transmission oil temperature warning
light (if so equipped)Supplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive OFF indicator light (if so equipped)
Automatic transmission park warning light
(model)4WD shift indicator light (model)Security indicator light (if so equipped)
orBrake warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator light
(if so equipped)Slip indicator light
Charge warning lightCruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Transfer 4LO position indicator light
(model)
Door open warning lightCruise set switch indicator light (if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning lightElectronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) sys-
tem ON indicator light (if so equipped)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator
light
Low fuel warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-14Instruments and controls
CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake,
fasten the seat belts and place the ignition switch
in the ON position without starting the engine.
The following lights (if so equipped) will come on:
,or,,,
The following lights (if so equipped) come on
briefly and then go off:
or,,,,
,,,,
If any light fails to come on or operate in a way
other than described, it may indicate a burned-
out bulb and/or a system malfunction. Have the
system checked. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING LIGHTS
This vehicle has various warning lights that may
illuminate to indicate a potential problem. For
additional information, refer to the specific light in
this section.
4WD warning light (
model)
The 4WD warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after
the engine is started.
If the engine or vehicle is not functioning properly,
the warning light will either remain illuminated or
blink. For additional information, refer to “4WD
warning light” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
CAUTION
●If the warning light comes on or blinks
during operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
● Do not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. If the 4WD
warning light turns on when you are
driving on dry hard surface roads:
– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD. – in the 4LO position for automatic
transmission models, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed and shift the 4WD
shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for manual trans- mission models, stop the vehicle and
shift the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position with the clutch pedal de-
pressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD,
● If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the ABS warning light illuminates and
then turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
Instruments and controls2-15
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally but without anti-lock assistance. For
additional information, refer to “Brake system” in
the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Automatic transmission checkwarning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on for about 2 seconds.
If the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the automatic transmission system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
Automatic transmission oiltemperature warning light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on when the automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature is too high. If the light comes
on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as
soon as safely possible until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the A/T
oil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
Automatic transmission parkwarning light (
model)
WARNING
● If the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
case is in neutral.
● When parking, always make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure to
engage the transfer position in 2WD, 4H
or 4LO could result in the vehicle mov-
ing unexpectedly, resulting in serious
personal injury or property damage. ●
Shift the 4WD switch into the 2WD, 4H
or 4LO position again to turn off the ATP
warning light when the shift lever is in
the P position and the ATP warning light
is ON. (Before shifting the 4WD switch
into the 4LO position, move the shift
lever into the N position once, shift the
shift lever into P again and make sure
the ATP warning light is OFF.)
This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the trans-
fer control is not secured in any drive position
while the shift lever is in the P (Park) position, the
transmission will disengage and the drive wheels
will not lock.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.
2-16Instruments and controls
Automatic transmissionposition indicator light (if so
equipped)
For additional information, refer to “Driving the
vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Cruise main switch indicatorlight (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
For additional information, refer to “Cruise con-
trol” in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Cruise set switch indicatorlight (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Electronic locking reardifferential (E-Lock) system
ON indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on when the electronic locking
rear differential (E-Lock) system clutch is fully
engaged.
The indicator light flashes when the system is first
turned on. When the system fully engages, the
light remains on. If the switch is on and the
indicator light continues to flash, the system is
not engaged.
For additional information, refer to “Electronic
locking rear differential (E-Lock) system switch”
in this section and “Electronic locking rear differ-
ential (E-Lock) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
Front passenger air bag statuslight
The front passenger air bag status lightwill
be lit and the passenger front air bag will be OFF
depending on how the front passenger seat is
being used.
For additional information, refer to “Front passen-
ger air bag and status light” in the “Safety —
Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint sys-
tem” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Hill descent control systemON indicator light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light comes on briefly and then turns
off.
The light comes on when the hill descent control
system is activated.
If the hill descent control switch is on and the
indicator light blinks, the system is not engaged.
If the indicator light does not come on when the
hill descent switch is on, the system may not be
functioning properly. Have the system checked. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
For additional information, refer to “Hill descent
control switch” in this section and “Hill descent
control system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
Instruments and controls2-21
Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The MIL may also come on steady if the fuel-filler
cap is loose or missing, or if the vehicle runs out
of fuel. Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the vehicle
has at least 3 gal (11.4 L) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20 sec-
onds and then blinks for 10 seconds when the
engine is not running, it indicates that the vehicle
is not ready for an emission control system
inspection/maintenance test. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Readiness for
inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the “Tech-
nical and consumer information” section of this
manual.
Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways: ●
MIL on steady — An emission control system
malfunction has been detected. Check the
fuel-filler cap if the LOOSE FUEL CAP
warning appears in the trip computer. If the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or
install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
You do not need to have your vehicle towed
to the dealer.
● MIL blinking — An engine misfire has been
detected which may damage the emission
control system. To reduce or avoid emission
control system damage:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h).
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The MIL may stop blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive OFF indicator light (if
so equipped)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.
For additional information, refer to “Driving the
vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Security indicator light (if soequipped)
This light blinks when the ignition switch is in the
OFF, LOCK or ACC position. This function indi-
cates the security systems equipped on the ve-
hicle are operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security sys-
tems” in this section.
2-22Instruments and controls
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system is
operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact that
the road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working; this is
normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds after the
VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The
indicator light also comes on when
you place the ignition switch in the ON position.
The light will turn off after approximately 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light does
not come on have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Transfer 4LO position indicator
light (
model)
This light comes on when the 4WD shift switch is
set in the 4LO position with the ignition switch in
the ON position.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the
switch while driving. Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator
light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch
to 4LO.
The indicator light may blink while shifting
from one drive mode to the other.
The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking and
remain illuminated or turn off before shifting the
transmission into gear. If the shift lever is shifted
from the N (Neutral) position to any other gear
when the 4LO indicator light is blinking, the ve-
hicle may move unexpectedly.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, follow the
instructions below:
● For automatic transmission models, stop the
vehicle and shift the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the brake pedal de-
pressed, then depress and turn the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO or 4H.
● For manual transmission models, stop the
vehicle and shift the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the clutch pedal de-
pressed, then depress and turn the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO or 4H.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you stop the vehicle
and shift the shift lever to the N position with the
brake pedal (A/T models) or clutch pedal (M/T
models) depressed.
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the VDC OFF
switch is pushed to OFF, the transfer case is in
the 4LO position (
model) , or when the
VDC system is not functioning properly. This
indicates the VDC system is not operating.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine and the system will operate normally. For
additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
The VDC light also comes on when you turn the
ignition key to the ON position. The light will turn
off after about 2 seconds if the system is opera-
tional. If the light stays on or comes on along with
the SLIP (
) indicator light while you are
driving, have the VDC system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Instruments and controls2-23
REAR DOORS (if so equipped)
1. Open the driver’s or passenger’s door.2. From the outside, pull the door handle
A
toward you.
3. Open the door to the desired position.AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS (if so
equipped)
●
All doors lock automatically when the vehicle
speed reaches 15 mph (24 km/h).
● For automatic transmission models: All
doors unlock automatically when the trans-
mission is placed in the P (Park) position.
● For manual transmission models: All doors
unlock automatically when the key is re-
moved from the ignition.
LPD0278LPD0312WPD0313
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-5
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ....................................5-6
Avoiding collision and rollover . . ..................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-7
Driving safety precautions .......................5-8
Ignition switch .................................... 5-10
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-10
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-11
Key positions ................................. 5-12
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped) ............................... 5-12
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-12
Starting the engine ............................... 5-13
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-14
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-14
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-18
Parking brake .................................... 5-20Cruise control (if so equipped) . .
...................5-21
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-21
Cruise control operations .......................5-21
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-22
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................... 5-23
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-24
Using four wheel drive (4WD)
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-24
Transfer case shifting procedures . . .............5-25
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-31
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-33
Power steering ................................... 5-34
Brake system .................................... 5-34
Brake precautions ............................. 5-34
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-35
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system .............5-36
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-37
Brake force distribution ........................ 5-38
Hill descent control system (if so equipped) .........5-39
Hill start assist system (if so equipped) ..............5-40
Rear sonar system (RSS) (if so equipped) ...........5-41
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-42