5-108Starting and driving
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion based
on wheel speed information and controls engine
torque and four wheel brake pressure to
enhance ride comfort in effort to restrain
uncomfortable upper body movement. This
system come into effect above 25 MPH (40
km/h) . When the VDC OFF switch is used to
turn off the VDC system, the Active Ride Control
is also turned off.
JVS0398X
When the brake control of the Active Ride
Control is operated and the “Chassis Control”
mode is selected in the trip computer, the Active
Ride Control graphics are shown in the vehicle
information display. See “Trip computer” (P.2-
34) for more information.
If the chassis control warning message appears
in the vehicle information display, it may indicate
that the Active Ride Control is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the Active Ride Control is operating, you
may hear noise and sense slight deceleration.
This is normal and indicates that the Active RideControl is operating properly.
To shut off the engine in an emergency situation
while driving, perform the following procedure:
.Rapidly push the push-button ignition switch
3 consecutive times in less than 1.5
seconds, or
.Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When
the low tire pressure warning light is lit, and the
“Tire Pressure Low - Add Air” warning message
is displayed in the vehicle information display,
one or more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn you of
it by the low tire pressure warning light. This
system will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) . For
more details, see “Warning lights, indicator
lights and audible reminders” (P.2-10) and “Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.5-5) .
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 tirefailure. 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 the light still illuminates
while driving after adjusting the tire
pressure, a tire may be flat. If you
have a flat tire, replace it with a
spare tire as soon as possible.
.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
In case of emergency6-3
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF
(models with push-button ignition
switch)FLAT TIRE
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ........................................................ 8-2
Engine compartment check locations .................................. 8-3
MR20DD engine model ..................................................... 8-4
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-4
Checking engine coolant level ......................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant .................................................. 8-6
Engine oil .................................................................................... 8-6
Checking engine oil level .................................................. 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter .......................................... 8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ............... 8-9
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ............................... 8-9
Window washer fluid ............................................................ 8-10
Battery ....................................................................................... 8-11
Jump starting ..................................................................... 8-12
Variable voltage control system .......................................... 8-13
Drive belt .................................................................................. 8-13
Spark plugs ............................................................................. 8-14
Replacing spark plugs .................................................... 8-14
Air cleaner ................................................................................ 8-14Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-15
Cleaning ........................................................................... 8-15
Replacing ......................................................................... 8-16
Rear window wiper blade ................................................... 8-17
Brakes ...................................................................................... 8-17
Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-17
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-18
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-18
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-20
Key fob battery replacement .............................................. 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-23
Lights ........................................................................................ 8-25
Headlights ........................................................................ 8-25
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-27
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-29
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-29
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-33
Types of tires ................................................................... 8-35
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires .......................................... 8-37
8-8Do-it-yourself
JVM0421X
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 and
completely 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.
8-10Do-it-yourself
JVM0789X
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 equivalentDOT 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.
JVM0788X
Type A
JVM0380XType B
Type A: Check the fluid level in the window
washer reservoir. If the fluid level is low, add
window washer fluid.
Type B: 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.
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
appears (if so equipped) .
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.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-18Do-it-yourself
JVM0386X
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
WARNING
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or electronic con-
trol units or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are turned off.2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link box cover by
using a suitable tool and pushing the tab.
4. Locate the fuse that needs to be replaced.
5. Remove the fuse using the fuse puller
located in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
SDI1753
Type A
SDI1754Type B
FUSES
9-4Maintenance and schedules
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 washers 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 and clutch fluid level*:Make sure that
the brake and clutch 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 belt*:Make sure that the drive
belt is not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 10 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.
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.
damage. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
JVT0351X
*1API certification mark
*2API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance, see
“Capacities and recommended fluids/lubricants”
(P.10-2) . NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API
certification mark on the front of the container.
Oils which do not have the specified quality
label should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Technical and consumer information10-5