ACTIVE ENGINE BRAKE (Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) models)
The Active Engine Brake function adds subtle
deceleration by controlling CVT gear ratio,
depending on the cornering condition calculated
from driver’s steering input and plural sensors.
This benefit to easier traceability and less
workload of adjusting speed with braking at
corners.
The Active Engine Brake also adds subtle
deceleration with gear ratio control according
to driver’s brake pedal operation.
The Active Engine Brake can be set to ON
(enabled) or OFF (disabled) through the Vehicle
Information Display “Settings” page. See “Ve-
hicle information display” (P.2-18) for more
information.
JVS0403X
When the Active Engine Brake is operated at
corners and the “Chassis Control” mode is
selected in the trip computer, the Active Engine
Brake 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 Engine Brake is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING
The Active Engine Brake may not be
effective depending on the driving con-
dition. Always drive carefully and atten-
tively.
When the Active Engine Brake is operating, the
needle of the tachometer will rise up and you
may hear an engine noise. This is normal and
indicates that the Active Engine Brake is
operating properly.
Starting and driving5-107
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.
5-110Starting and driving
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 or the
remote keyless entry key fob.
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.8-11) .
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.8-36) 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, 08C 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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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
6-12In case of emergency
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road and
apply the parking brake.
2.Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
Manual Transmission (MT) models:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position.
Do not stop the engine.
3. Turn off the air conditioner (if so equipped) .
Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no steam
or coolant can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent gettingburned.
6. Visually check the drive belt for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
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
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
.Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly
disposed engine oil, and engine
coolant and/or other vehicle fluids
can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations
for disposal of vehicle fluid.
.Never leave the engine or the CVT
related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
.Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
.Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative batterycable before working near the fan.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s manual/service manual
order information” (P.10-19) .)
You should be aware that incomplete or
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.
JVM0610X
Remove the air duct if necessary.
To remove the air duct
*A:
1. Remove the clips
*Bwith a suitable tool.
2. Loosen the bolt
*Cwith a suitable tool.
3. Pull the air duct upward and then sideways.
To install the air duct, perform the installation
procedure in reverse order.
Do-it-yourself8-3
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
cooling fan is operating, be sure
that hands or other items do not get
caught in it.
CAUTION
.Never use any cooling system ad-
ditives such as radiator sealer. Ad-
ditives may clog the cooling system
and cause damage to the engine,
transmission and/or cooling sys-
tem.
.When adding or replacing coolant,
be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) or equivalent. Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) is pre-diluted to provide
antifreeze protection to -348F
(-378C) . If additional freeze protec-
tion is needed due to weather where
you operate your vehicle, add Gen-
uine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) concentrate follow-
ing the directions on the container.
If an equivalent coolant other than
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze/Coolant (blue) is used, fol-low the coolant manufacture’s
instructions to maintain minimum
antifreeze protection to -348F
(-378C) . The use of other types of
coolant solutions other than Genu-
ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) or equivalent may
damage the engine cooling system.
.The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000
km) or 7 years. Mixing any other
type of coolant other than Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) , including Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (green) , or the use of non-
distilled water will reduce the life
expectancy of the factory-fill cool-
ant. Refer to the “9. Maintenance
and schedules” section of this man-
ual for more details.
JVM0438X
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold.If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
*2, open the reservoir cap and
add coolant up to the MAX level
*1. If the
reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
*1.
Tighten the cap securely after adding engine
coolant.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
Do-it-yourself8-5