WARNING
●The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not NISSAN
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the
indicator may
flash or the
indicator light may
illuminate.
● If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the
indica-
tor light may illuminate. ●
If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the
indicator light
may illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
This is not a malfunction. Restart the
engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole, or use the remote keyless entry key fob or
the NISSAN Intelligent Key®.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
antifreeze to assure proper winter protection. For
additional information, refer to “Engine cooling
system” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For additional information, refer to “Bat-
tery” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
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 additional information, refer to “Changing
engine coolant” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-76Starting and driving
6. Install the jack in its storage area and tightenthe jack strap.
7. Place the spare tire cover and the trunk floor carpeting over the damaged tire.
8. Close the trunk.
WARNING
● Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly se-
cured after use. Such items can become
dangerous projectiles in an accident or
sudden stop.
● The spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. Refer to specific instructions
under the heading “Wheels and tires” in
the “Do-it-yourself” section of this
manual. To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be fol-
lowed.
WARNING
●
If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting in
severe injury or death. It could also
damage your vehicle.
● Explosive hydrogen gas is always pres-
ent in the vicinity of the battery. Keep all
sparks and flames away from the
battery.
● Do not allow battery fluid to come into
contact with eyes, skin, clothing or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a cor-
rosive sulfuric acid solution which can
cause severe burns. If the fluid should
come into contact with anything, imme-
diately flush the contacted area with
water.
● Keep battery out of the reach of
children.
● The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
LCE2254
JUMP STARTING
6-8In case of emergency
●Whenever working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protectors (for
example, goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean
over the battery when jump starting.
● Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause se-
rious injury.
● Your vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any
time. Keep hands and other objects
away from it.
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Fail-
ure to do so could result in damage to the
charging system and cause personal
injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries near each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever
to N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P
(Park) (CVT) . Switch off all unnecessary
electrical systems (lights, heater, air condi-
tioner (if so equipped) , etc.) .
3. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” posi- tion.
4. Ensure the vent caps are level and tight.
5. Connect the jumper cables in the sequence illustrated (
A,B,C,D).
LCE2223
In case of emergency6-9
CAUTION
●Always connect positive () to positive
() and negative () to body ground (for
example, strut mounting bolt, engine
lift bracket, etc.) — not to the battery.
● Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
6. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
7. Keep the engine speed of the booster ve- hicle at about 2,000 rpm and start the en-
gine of the vehicle being jump started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does
not start right away, place the ignition
switch in the OFF position and wait 3 to
4 seconds before trying again.
8. After starting the engine, carefully discon- nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
CAUTION
●Do not push start this vehicle. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
● Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models and Manual Transmission
(M/T) cannot be push-started or tow-
started. Attempting to do so may cause
transmission damage
● For Manual Transmission (M/T) models,
never try to start the vehicle by towing it.
When the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle. If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps.
WARNING
●
Do not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
● To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
● Do not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P
(Park) (CVT) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. 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.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions...........................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ................8-3
Engine cooling system .............................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-6
Changing engine coolant ........................8-6
Engine oil .........................................8-7
Checking engine oil level ........................8-7
Changing engine oil ............................8-8
Changing engine oil filter ........................8-9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-11
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-11
Brake fluid .................................... 8-11
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-12
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-12
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-14
Variable voltage control system .....................8-15
Drive belt ........................................ 8-15
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-16
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17In-cabin microfilter
............................. 8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-18
Cleaning ..................................... 8-18
Replacing .................................... 8-18
Brakes .......................................... 8-20
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .......................8-23
Battery replacement .............................. 8-24
Key fob (if so equipped) ........................ 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key® (if so equipped) ........8-26
Lights ........................................... 8-28
Headlights .................................... 8-28
Turn signal bulb ............................... 8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped) ......................8-29
Exterior
and interior lights ....................... 8-31
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-33
Tire pressure .................................. 8-33
Tire labeling ................................... 8-37
Types of tires .................................. 8-39
Tire chains .................................... 8-40
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-40
When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift lever to P
(Park) .
● Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
● If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
● It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle. ●
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition key is in the OFF position and the
engine is not running. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
● If you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
● Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
● On gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced. It
is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
● Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down. ●
Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, 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 transmis-
sion related component harness con-
nector disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Do-it-yourself” section gives instructions
regarding only those items which are relatively
easy for an owner to perform.
A Genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. For additional information, refer to “Owner’s
Manual/Service Manual order information” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage. If in doubt about any servicing, it
is recommended that you have it done by a
NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
MRA8DE engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluidreservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Battery
5. Fuse and relay box
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Radiator cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Drive belt location
10. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
LDI2931
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Do-it-yourself8-3
MR16DDT engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluidreservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Battery
5. Fuse and relay box
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Radiator cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Drive belt location
10. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
11. Relay box (DTRL) (if so equipped)
LDI3011
8-4Do-it-yourself