faces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Always maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install
the specified size of tires on
all four wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on
the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. See “Tire and load-
ing information label” (P.10-
13).
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-30).
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols the brakes so the wheels do not lock
during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies
the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre-
venting each wheel from locking, the system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes.
The ABS will operate to prevent the
wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle
to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing
so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a
computer. The computer has a built-in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move
the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and does not indicate a malfunc-
tion. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies
according to road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the
actuator rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure. This action is similar
to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it
is operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Starting and driving5-139
5-142Starting and driving
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine to turn ON the system.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.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that
the outside temperature will drop below
32°F (0°C), check antifreeze to assure
proper winter protection. For additional
information, see “Engine 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
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding 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. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. 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.8-37).
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
For four-wheel drive
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 win-
dows 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
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (32°F, 0°C 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
downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more trac-
tion.
. Allow more stopping distance
under these conditions. Braking
should be started sooner than on
dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare
ice). These may appear on an
otherwise clear road in shaded
areas. If a patch of ice is seen
ahead, brake before reaching it.
Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous ex-
haust gases under your vehicle.
Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehi-
cle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the en-
gine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,
depending on outside temperatures,
to properly warm the engine coolant.
Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it
away from moving parts.
Starting and driving5-143
5-144Starting and driving
WARNING
.Do not use your engine block
heater with an ungrounded elec-
trical system or a 2-pronged
adapter. You can be seriously
injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connec-
tion.
. Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before
starting the engine. Damage to
the cord could result in an elec-
trical shock and can cause ser-
ious injury.
. Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-
pronged extension cord rated
for at least 10A. Plug the exten-
sion cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure
to use the proper extension cord
or a grounded outlet can result in
a fire or electrical shock and
cause serious personal injury.
6-4In case of emergency
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.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instruc-
tions below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road
and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to
the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assis-
tance personnel that you need assis-
tance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
.Make sure the parking brake is
securely applied and the auto-
matic transmission is in the P
(Park) position.
. Never change tires when the ve-
hicle is on a slope, ice or slippery
areas. This is hazardous.
. Never change tires if oncoming
traffic is close to your vehicle.
Wait for professional road assis-
tance.
MCE0001A
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocksat both the front
and back of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the flat tire to prevent the vehicle
from moving when it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the
vehicle may move and result in
personal injury.
6-6In case of emergency
JVE0423X
5. Securely screw to connect the T-shaped end of the jack rod and the
extension bar
as illustrated.
6. Fit the square end of the jack rod into the square hole of the wheel nut
wrench to form a handle
. 7. Locate the oval opening above the
middle of the rear bumper.
8. Place the T-shaped end of the jack rod through the opening and direct it
towards the spare wheel winch as-
sembly, located directly above the
spare wheel.
SCE0916
CAUTION
Do not insert the jack rod straight as
it is designed to be inserted at an
angle as shown.
9. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod into the T-shaped opening of the
spare wheel winch. Apply pressure to
keep the jack rod engaged in the
spare wheel winch and turn the jack
rod counterclockwise to lower the
spare wheel.
6-8In case of emergency
looseness and dropping of the wheel
while driving. Lower the wheel on the
ground again, and make sure that
the hanging plate is properly set.
Hang the wheel again and make sure
that the wheel is held horizontally,
then store the wheel.
Jacking up the vehicle and remov-
ing the damaged tire
WARNING
.Never get under the vehicle while
it is supported only by the jack. If
it is necessary to work under the
vehicle, support it with safety
stands.
. Use only the jack provided with
your vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do
not use the jack provided with
your vehicle on other vehicles.
The jack is designed for lifting
only your vehicle during a tire
change.
. Use the correct jack-up points.
Never use any other part of the
vehicle for jack support. .
Never jack up the vehicle more
than necessary.
. Never use blocks on or under the
jack.
. Do not start or run the engine
while vehicle is on the jack, as it
may cause the vehicle to move.
. Do not allow passengers to stay
in the vehicle while it is on the
jack.
Carefully read the caution label at-
tached to the jack body and the follow-
ing instructions.SCE0875
Jack-up point
1. Place the jack directly under the jack- up points as illustrated.
The jack should be used on level firm
ground.
SCE0876
2. Loosen each wheel nut one or twoturns by turning counterclockwise
with the wheel nut wrench. Do not
remove the wheel nuts until the tire
is off the ground.
NCE130
3. Install the assembled jack rod into the
jack as shown.
4. Carefully raise the vehicle until the clearance between the tire and
ground is achieved.
5. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack lever and rod with both hands
and turn the jack lever.
NOTE:
Before jacking up the vehicle, make
sure the ignition switch is placed in
the OFF position. If the vehicle is lifted
up with the engine running, the auto-
leveling suspension will become dis-
abled after 120 seconds. To reset the
auto-leveling suspension, cycle the
In case of emergency6-9