2-38Instruments and controls
window washer reservoir tank to
mix the washer fluid concentrate
and water.
If the rear window wiper operation is
interrupted by snow or ice, the wiper may
stop moving to protect its motor. If this
occurs, turn the wiper switch to the OFF
position and remove the snow or ice that is
on and around the wiper arms. In approxi-
mately 1 minute, turn the switch on again
to operate the wiper.
SIC3666
The rear window wiper and washer operate
when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Turn the switch clockwise from the OFF position
to operate the wiper.
*1Intermittent (INT) — intermittent operation (not
adjustable)
*2Low (ON) — continuous low speed operation
Push the switch forward*3to operate the
washer. Then the wiper will also operate several
times.
SIC4520
Type A (if so equipped)
SIC4519Type B (if so equipped)
REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
MIRROR DEFROSTER SWITCH
5-12Starting and driving
SSD0860
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is discharged,
or environmental conditions interfere with the
Intelligent Key operation, start the engine
according to the following procedure:
1. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position(for Continuously Variable Transmission
models) or the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position (for manual transmission models) .
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Intelligent Key as illustrated. (A chime will sound.) 4. Push the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal within 10 seconds after the
chime sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the brake
pedal, the ignition switch position will change to
ACC.
NOTE:
. When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the engine is
started by the above procedures, the
Intelligent Key system warning light
may blink in yellow even if the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle. This is
not a malfunction. To stop the warning
light from blinking, touch the ignition
switch with the Intelligent Key again.
. If the Intelligent Key system warning
light in the meter is blinking in green,
replace the battery as soon as possible.
(See “Intelligent Key battery replace-
ment” (P.8-20) .) .
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head restraints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. (See “Warning lights, indicator
lights and audible reminders” (P.2-15) .)
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F(08C) ,
check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see “En-
gine cooling system” (P.8-4) .
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery should
be checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” (P.8-10) .
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” (P.8-4) .
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.8-37) of this manual.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model
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 snow-
drifts.
. 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.
Starting and driving5-39
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ........................................................ 8-2
Engine compartment check locations .................................. 8-3MR16DDT engine ............................................................... 8-3
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level ......................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant .................................................. 8-5
Engine oil ........................................................................\
............ 8-5 Checking engine oil level .................................................. 8-5
Changing engine oil and filter .......................................... 8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ............... 8-8
For NISMO RS models ..................................................... 8-8
Except for NISMO RS models ........................................ 8-8
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ............................... 8-9
Window washer fluid ............................................................... 8-9
Battery ........................................................................\
............... 8-10 Jump starting ..................................................................... 8-12
Variable voltage control system .......................................... 8-12
Drive belt ........................................................................\
.......... 8-12
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
..... 8-13 Replacing spark plugs .................................................... 8-13
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
........ 8-14 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-15
Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-15
Replacing ........................................................................\
. 8-15
Rear window wiper blade ................................................... 8-16
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-16 Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-16
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-16
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-17 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-17
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-19
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-20
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-23 Headlights ........................................................................\
8-23
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-28 Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-28
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires ................................................................... 8-36
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires .......................................... 8-38
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
affect your warranty coverage.If in doubt
about any servicing, it is recommended
you have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
JVC0747X
MR16DDT ENGINE
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Radiator filler cap
3. Brake and clutch* fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Engine drive belt location 7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Fuse/fusible link holder
10. Battery
*: for Manual Transmission (MT) models
Do-it-yourself8-3
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
SDI2651
1. Oil filler cap
2. Oil drain plug
3. Oil filter
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench andcompletely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
.Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
.Check your local regulations.
(Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine
oil filter change is needed.)
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket
material remaining on the mounting
surface of the engine. Failure to do so
could lead to engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench. Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill the engine with the recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install the
oil filler cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants” (P.10-2) for drain and refill
capacity. The drain and refill capacity
depends on the oil temperature and drain
time. Use these specifications for reference
only. Always use the dipstick to determine
the proper amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
2. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
Do-it-yourself8-7
For additional brake and clutch fluid information,
see “Capacities and recommended fluids/lubri-
cants” (P.10-2) of this manual.
WARNING
.Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake
and clutch systems. The use of
improper fluids can damage the
brake and clutch systems, and affect
the vehicle’s stopping ability.
. Clean the filler cap before removing.
. Brake and clutch fluid is poisonous
and should be stored carefully in
marked containers out of the reach
of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.
SDI2655
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
*2or the brake warning
light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line
*1. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be
checked. It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
SDI2429
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap and pour the window washer fluid into the
reservoir opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for the mixture ratio.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally.
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light illuminates (if so equipped) .
Do-it-yourself8-9
BRAKE AND CLUTCH (if so
equipped) FLUID WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-10Do-it-yourself
To check the fluid level, use your finger to plug
the center hole
*1of the cap/tube assembly,
then remove it from the reservoir. If there is no
fluid in the tube, add fluid.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
window washer fluid.
Recommended fluid:
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concen-
trate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
CAUTION
. Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the
paint.
. Do not fill the window washer
reservoir tank with washer fluid
concentrates at full strength. Some
methyl alcohol based washer fluid
concentrates may permanently stain
the grille if spilled while filling the
window washer reservoir tank.
. Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer’s
recommended levels before pouring
the fluid into the window washer reservoir tank. Do not use the
window washer reservoir tank to
mix the washer fluid concentrate
and water.
.
Keep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
. Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
. If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative 7battery
terminal cable to prevent discharging it.
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.
WARNING
. Do not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
BATTERY