
When the power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the engine running, there will be no
power assist for the steering, but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
For additional information, refer to “Power steer-
ing” in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Seat belt warning light andchime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the ON or START
position and remains illuminated until the driver’s
seat belt is fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illuminate if
the front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied .
For additional information, refer to “Seat belts” in
the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON or
START position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and preten-
sioner seat belt systems need servicing:
● The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
● The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for these services.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pre-
tensioner(s) may not function properly. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Supplemental Re-
straint System (SRS)” in the “Safety—Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air bag,
side air bag, curtain air bag and/or preten-
sioner systems will not operate in an acci-
dent. To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
This vehicle has various indicator lights that may
illuminate to indicate a system status. For addi-
tional information, refer to the specific light in this
section.
Automatic Transmission position indicator light (A/T
models only)
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
this indicator light shows the shift lever position.
For additional information, refer to “Driving the
vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
2-10Instruments and controls

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.
Front fog light indicator light (ifso equipped)
The front fog light indicator light illuminates when
the front fog lights are on. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Fog light switch” in this section.
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.
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
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.
Instruments and controls2-11

– if possible, reduce the amount of cargobeing 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 (A/T models only)
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
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security sys-
tems” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system is operating, thus alerting
that the vehicle is nearing its traction limits. The
road surface may be slippery.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
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. This indicates the VDC
system has been turned off.
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 indicator light also comes on when you
place the ignition switch in the ON position. The
light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the
indicator light
while you are driving, have the VDC system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
While the VDC system is operating, you might
feel a slight vibration or hear the system working
when starting the vehicle or accelerating, but this
is normal.
2-12Instruments and controls

NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to op-
erate the equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s) . Opera-
tion is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) this device may not cause inter-
ference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the de-
vice.
Security indicator light (if so equipped)
The security indicator light blinks whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF, LOCK or
ACC position.
This function indicates the NISSAN Vehicle Im-
mobilizer System is operational.
If the NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System is mal-
functioning, the light will remain on while the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.If the light still remains on and/or the en-
gine will not start, seek service for the
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ser-
vice as soon as possible. Please bring all
registered keys that you have. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
LIC0474
2-14Instruments and controls

WARNING
●Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
● Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
● Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to
come on.
● Never pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle. ●
Do not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable fuel
containers:
– Always place the container on the ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when filling.
– Keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container while you are fill-
ing it.
– Use only approved portable fuel con- tainers for flammable liquid.
CAUTION
●Do not use E-15 or E-85 fuel in your
vehicle. For additional information, re-
fer to “Fuel Recommendation” in the
“Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual. ●
Failure to tighten the fuel-filler cap
properly may cause the
Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL) to illuminate.
If the
light illuminates because
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 in-
spected. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
● The LOOSE FUEL CAP warning mes-
sage will be displayed/warning will ap-
pear if the fuel-filler cap is not properly
tightened. It may take a few driving trips
for the message to be displayed. Failure
to tighten the fuel-filler cap properly
after the LOOSE FUEL CAP warning
message is displayed/warning appears
may cause the
Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL) to illuminate.
● For additional information, refer to the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in
the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-11

The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. For additional information, refer to “Air
conditioner system (if so equipped) refrigerant
and oil recommendations” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
to service your “environmentally friendly” air con-
ditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains refrig-
erant under high pressure. To avoid per-
sonal injury, any air conditioner service
should be done only by a NISSAN dealer.
RADIO
Place the ignition switch in the ACC or ON
position and press the
(power) button /
PWR (button) to turn the radio on. If you listen to
the radio with the engine not running, the ignition
switch should be placed in the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external influ-
ences. Intermittent changes in reception quality
normally are caused by these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the vehicle
may influence radio reception quality.
Radio reception
Your NISSAN radio system is equipped with
state-of-the-art electronic circuits to enhance ra-
dio reception. These circuits are designed to
extend reception range and to enhance the qual-
ity of that reception.
However, there are some general characteristics
of both FM and AM radio signals that can affect
radio reception quality in a moving vehicle, even
when the finest equipment is used. These char-
acteristics are completely normal in a given re-
ception area and do not indicate any malfunction
in your NISSAN radio system. Reception conditions will constantly change be-
cause of vehicle movement. Buildings, terrain,
signal distance and interference from other ve-
hicles can work against ideal reception. De-
scribed below are some of the factors that can
affect your radio reception.
Some cellular phones or other devices may
cause interference or a buzzing noise to come
from the audio system speakers. Storing the de-
vice in a different location may reduce or elimi-
nate the noise.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 40 –
48 km (25 – 30 mi) with monaural (single chan-
nel) FM having slightly more range than stereo
FM. External influences may sometimes interfere
with FM station reception even if the FM station is
within 40 km (25 mi) . The strength of the FM
signal is directly related to the distance between
the transmitter and receiver. FM signals follow a
line-of-sight path, exhibiting many of the same
characteristics as light. For example, they will
reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away from
a station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER (if so
equipped)
AUDIO SYSTEM
4-24Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

WARNING
●Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the assistance
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should also not be left alone. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation of
the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
● Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seatbacks.
In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured
cargo could cause personal injury.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
● Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger-
ous. It can cause unconsciousness or
death. ●
If you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all win-
dows fully open, and have the vehicle
inspected immediately.
● Do not run the engine in closed spaces
such as a garage.
● Do not park the vehicle with the engine
running for any extended length of time.
● Keep the rear vent windows, liftgates,
doors and trunk lids (if so equipped)
closed while driving, otherwise exhaust
gases could be drawn into the passen-
ger compartment. If you must drive with
one of these open, follow these
precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Turn the air recirculation mode off and set the fan speed control to the
highest level to circulate the air.
● The exhaust system and body should be
inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes are entering into the passenger
compartment. c. You notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involving damage to the exhaust system, un-
derbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the three-way catalyst are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
●The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, animals
or flammable materials away from the
exhaust system components.
● Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
● When parking, ensure that people or
inflammable materials are kept away
from the exhaust pipe.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving

CAUTION
●Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
● Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
● Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
● Do not race the engine while warming it
up.
● Do not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss of
control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey
all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed,
high speed cornering, or sudden steering ma-
neuvers, because these driving practices could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
As with any vehicle, loss of control could
result in a collision with other vehicles or
objects or cause the vehicle to roll over,
particularly if the loss of control causes the
vehicle to slide sideways.
Be attentive at all times, and avoid driving when
tired. Never drive when under the influence of
alcohol or drugs (including prescription or over-
the-counter drugs which may cause drowsi-
ness) . Always wear your seat belt as outlined in
the “Safety – Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual, and also
instruct your passengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in colli-
sions and rollovers. In a rollover crash, an
unbelted or improperly belted person is significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If this
occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by follow-
ing the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle
must be driven as appropriate based on the con-
ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the ve- hicle to follow the road while vehicle speed
is reduced. Do not attempt to drive the ve-
hicle back onto the road surface until vehicle
speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires return to the
Starting and driving5-3