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
system are very hot. Keep people,
animals and flammable materials
away from the exhaust system com-
ponents.
.Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, wastepaper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
.Do not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline will ser-
iously reduce the three-way
catalyst’s ability to help reduce ex-
haust pollutants.
.Keep your engine tuned up. Mal-
functions in the ignition, fuel injec-tion, or electrical systems can cause
overrich fuel flow into the three-way
catalyst, causing it to overheat. Do
not keep driving if the engine mis-
fires, or if noticeable loss of perfor-
mance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have the
vehicle inspected. It is recom-
mended 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, dama-
ging the three-way catalyst.
.Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
.Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the propertire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
Starting and driving5-5
5-6Starting and driving
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi-
cator is illuminated, the system may not be able
to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
Additional information
.Since the spare tire is not equipped with the
TPMS, the TPMS does not monitor the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
.The TPMS will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h) . Also, this system may not detect
a sudden drop in tire pressure (for example a
flat tire while driving) .
.The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure
is adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the
recommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h)
to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire
pressure warning light. Use a tire pressure
gauge to check the tire pressure..The “Tire Pressure Low - Add Air” warning
appears in the vehicle information display
when the low tire pressure warning light is
illuminated and low tire pressure is detected.
The “Tire Pressure Low - Add Air” warning
turns off when the low tire pressure warning
light turns off.
The “Tire Pressure Low - Add Air” warning
does not appear if the low tire pressure
warning light illuminates to indicate a TPMS
malfunction.
.Tire pressure rises and falls depending on
the heat caused by the vehicle’s operation
and the outside temperature. Do not reduce
the tire pressure after driving because the
tire pressure rises after driving. Low outside
temperature can lower the temperature of
the air inside the tire which can cause a
lower tire inflation pressure. This may cause
the low tire pressure warning light to
illuminate. If the warning light illuminates in
low ambient temperature, check the tire
pressure for all four tires.
For additional information, see “Low tire pres-
sure warning light” (P.2-13) and “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.6-3) .
WARNING
.If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble. Driving with under-inflated tires
may permanently damage the tires
and increase the likelihood of tire
failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious
personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD
tire pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If you have a flat tire, replace it
with a spare tire as soon as possi-
ble. (See“Flat tire”(P.6-3) for chan-
ging a flat tire.)
.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.
.Do not inject any tire liquid or
aerosol tire sealant into the tires,
as this may cause a malfunction of
the tire pressure sensors.
CAUTION
.The TPMS may not function properly
when the wheels are equipped with
tire chains or the wheels are buried
in snow.
.Do not place metalized film or any
metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the
windows. This may cause poor re-
ception of the signals from the tire
pressure sensors, and the TPMS willnot function properly.
Some devices and transmitters may temporarily
interfere with the operation of the TPMS and
cause the low tire pressure warning light to
illuminate. Some examples are:
.Facilities or electric devices using similar
radio frequencies are near the vehicle.
.If a transmitter set to similar frequencies is
being used in or near the vehicle.
.If a computer (or similar equipment) or a DC/
AC converter is being used in or near the
vehicle.
Low tire pressure warning light may illuminate in
the following cases.
.If the vehicle is equipped with a wheel and
tire without TPMS.
.If the TPMS has been replaced and the ID
has not been registered.
.If the wheel is not originally specified by
NISSAN.
FCC Notice:
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interfer-ence received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Note: Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate 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
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation
of the device.
TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert
When adding air to an under-inflated tire, the
TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert provides visual
and audible signals outside the vehicle to help
you inflate the tires to the recommended COLD
tire pressure.
Vehicle set-up:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe and level place.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift
lever in the P (Park) position (CVT model) or
N (Neutral) position (MT model) .
Starting and driving5-7
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover. Seat belts help
reduce the risk of injury in collisions 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.
Be sure to read “Driving safety precautions”
(P.5-10) .
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
If the right side or left side wheels leave the road
surface, maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on
the conditions 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
vehicle to follow the road while the vehicle
speed is reduced. Do not attempt to drive
the vehicle 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
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the
appropriate driving lane.
.If you decide that it is not safe to return
the vehicle to the road surface based on
vehicle, road or traffic conditions, gradu-
ally slow the vehicle to a stop in a safe
place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged due
to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure
loss can also be caused by driving on under-
inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by main-
taining the correct air pressure and visually
inspect the tires for wear and damage. See
“Wheels and tires” (P.8-29) of this manual.If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out”
while driving, maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on
the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air
pressure. Losing control of the vehicle
may cause a collision and result in
personal injury.
.The vehicle generally moves or pulls
in the direction of the flat tire.
.Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
.Do not rapidly release the accelera-
tor pedal.
.Do not rapidly turn the steering
wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel
with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
Starting and driving5-9
.If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
range. Never back down in N (Neu-
tral) , using only the brake, as this
could cause loss of control.
.Heavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes
lightly and use a low range to
control your speed.
.Unsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough
terrain. Properly secure all cargo
so it will not be thrown forward
and cause injury to you or your
passengers.
.To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rail (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the
cargo area as far forward and as
low as possible. Do not equip the
vehicle with tires larger than speci-
fied in this manual. This could causeyour vehicle to roll over.
.Do not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could
move suddenly and injure your
hands. Instead drive with your fin-
gers and thumbs on the outside of
the rim.
.Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
.Always drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may became hot.
.Lower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
.Do not drive beyond the perfor-
mance capability of the tires, even
with AWD engaged.
.For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with
the engine running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or un-expected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle da-
mage or personal injury.
.Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing) , or similar equip-
ment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure
you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with
AWD before it is placed on a
dynamometer. Using the wrong test
equipment may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
.When a wheel is off the ground due
to an unlevel surface, do not spin
the wheel excessively (AWD model) .
.Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
.If at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your vehicle has a higher
center of gravity than a conventional
Starting and driving5-11
5-12Starting and driving
passenger car. The vehicle is not
designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional passenger
cars. Failure to operate this vehicle
correctly could result in loss of
control and/or a rollover accident.
.Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial) , and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Install traction
devices on the front wheels when
driving on slippery roads and drive
carefully.
.Be sure to check the brakes imme-
diately after driving in mud or water.
See“Brake system”(P.5-102) for wet
brakes.
.Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle
and it rolls forward, backward or
sideways, you could be injured.
.Whenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. See
the maintenance schedule shown in
the“9. Maintenance and schedules”
section..Spinning the front wheels on slip-
pery surfaces may cause the AWD
warning message to display and the
AWD system to automatically switch
from the AWD mode to the 2WD
mode. This could reduce traction.
(AWD models)WARNING
Never remove the key or place the
ignition switch in the LOCK position
while driving. The steering wheel will
lock and could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle. This could result
in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
IGNITION SWITCH (models without
Intelligent Key system)
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 ON position or the engine is started
by the above procedures, the“Key
Battery Low”warning appears (on the
Vehicle information display) even if the
Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle.
This is not a malfunction. To turn off the
warning, touch the ignition switch with
the Intelligent Key again.
.If the“Key Battery Low”warning ap-
pears (on the Vehicle information dis-
play) , replace the battery as soon as
possible. (See“Intelligent Key battery
replacement”(P.8-23) .).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.2-10) .)1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) model:
Move the shift lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed so that it does not
operate unless the shift lever is in either of
the above positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position, and depress the clutch pedal to
the floor while starting the engine.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
switch to START. Release the switch when
the engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
.If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold
it and then crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
.If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5 - 6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
Starting and driving5-17
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINESTARTING THE ENGINE (model
without Intelligent Key system)
5-96Starting and driving
fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.
.Automated passes permit drivers to use
special lanes to maintain cruising speed
through the toll and avoid stopping and
starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel
economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than 30
seconds of idling at start-up to effectively
circulate the engine oil before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating
temperature more quickly while driving
versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered parking
area or in the shade whenever possible.
.When entering a hot vehicle, opening the
windows will help to reduce the inside
temperature faster, resulting in reduced
demand on your A/C system..Keep your engine tuned up.
.Follow the recommended scheduled main-
tenance.
.Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
.Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
.Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
(See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion” (P.10-5) .)If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
while the engine is running, warning messages
appear in the vehicle information display.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMYALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so
equipped)