HR16DE Engine
1. Drive belt location (P. 8-14)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-6)
3. Air cleaner (P. 8-15)
4. Brake and clutch (if so equipped)fluid reservoir (P. 8-9)
5. Fusible link (P. 8-18)
6. Battery (P. 8-11)
7. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-4)
8. Radiator cap (P. 8-4)
9. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-6)
10. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-10)
Refer to the page number indicated in
parentheses for operating details.
LDI3231
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position.
Engine oil pressurewarning light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during nor-
mal driving, pull off the road in a safe area,
stop the engine immediatelyand call a
NISSAN dealer or other authorized repair
shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level. For
additional information, refer to “Engine oil”
in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as
it is safe to do so.
High temperature warning
light (red)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the high temperature warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This in-
dicates that the high temperature sensor
in the engine coolant system is opera-
tional.
CAUTION
If the high temperature warning light
illuminates while the engine is running,
it may indicate the engine temperature
is extremely high. Stop the vehicle
safely as soon as possible. If the vehicle
is overheated, continuing vehicle op-
eration may seriously damage the en-
gine. For additional information, refer
to “If your vehicle overheats” in the “In
case of emergency ” section of this
manual.
Low windshield-washerfluid warning light
This light comes on when the windshield-
washer fluid is at a low level. Add
windshield-washer fluid as necessary. For
additional information, refer to “Windshield-
washer fluid” in the “Do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual.
2-10Instruments and controls
2. Turn the air flow control dial tothe
position.
3. Turn the
fan control dial to the de-
sired position.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the desired position.
Operating tips
∙ Keep the windows closed while the airconditioner is in operation.
∙ Af ter parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3 minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger com-
partment. Then, close the windows.
This allows the air conditioner to cool
the interior more quickly.
∙ The air conditioning system should
be operated for approximately
10 minutes at least once a month.
This helps prevent damage to the
system due to lack of lubrication. ∙ A visible mist may be seen coming from
the ventilators in hot, humid conditions
as the air is cooled rapidly. This does not
indicate a malfunction.
∙ If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. For additional
information, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency ” section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and
dial positions for MAXIMUM AND QUICK
heating, cooling or defrosting. The air in-
take lever should always be in the
position for heating and defrosting.
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-19
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving..........5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..............5-2
Three-way catalyst ...........................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover ................5-3
Off-roadrecovery ............................5-3
Rapid air pressure loss .......................5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...........5-5
Ignition switch ...................................5-5
Automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ...............................5-5
Manual transmission (if so equipped) .........5-6
Ignition switch positions ......................5-7
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ..........5-7
Before starting the engine .......................5-7
Starting the engine ..............................5-8
Driving the vehicle ...............................5-9
Automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ...............................5-9
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ........5-13
Parking brake .................................. 5-15
Cruise control (if so equipped) ..................5-16
Precautions on cruise control ................5-16Cruise control operations
....................5-16
Break-in schedule .............................. 5-17
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................5-18
Increasing fuel economy .......................5-19
Parking/parking on hills ........................5-20
Power steering ................................. 5-21
Brake system ................................... 5-22
Brake precautions ........................... 5-22
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..............5-22
Brake assist ................................. 5-24
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .........5-24
Brake force distribution ......................5-25
Cold weather driving ........................... 5-26
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................5-26
Antifreeze ................................... 5-26
Battery...................................... 5-26
Draining of coolant water ....................5-27
Tire equipment .............................. 5-27
Special winter equipment ...................5-27
Driving on snow or ice .......................5-27
Engine block
heater ......................... 5-28
wheel, insert the key and turn it gently
while rotating the steering wheel slightly
right and lef t.
IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (1)
The engine can be turned off without lock-
ing the steering wheel.
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
will not allow the engine to start without
the use of the registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered
key (for example, when interference is
caused by another registered key, an auto-
mated toll road device or automatic pay-
ment device on the key ring), restart the
engine using the following procedure:1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON po- sition for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device (which may have caused the in-
terference) separate from the regis-
tered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered key on
a separate key ring to avoid interference
from other devices. ∙ Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
∙ Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake and clutch fluid (if so
equipped), and windshield-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 appear- ance and condition. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
∙ Lock all doors.
∙ Position seat and adjust head re- straints.
∙ Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
∙ Fasten seat belts and ask all passen- gers to do likewise.
∙ Check the operation of warning lights when the key is turned to the ON posi-
tion. For additional information, refer to
“Warning lights, indicator lights and au-
dible reminders” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-7
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be lef t outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before oper-
ating the vehicle. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Changing engine coolant” in
the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance
of these tires will be substantially re-
duced 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
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for the tire
type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian prov-
inces prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before install-
ing 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.
3. Tire chains may be used. For additional information, refer to “Tire chains” in the
“Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
∙ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re- move 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- drif ts.
∙ Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
∙ Wet ice (0°C, 32°F 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” un-
der these conditions. Try to avoid driv-
ing 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-
shif ting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
∙ 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.
Starting and driving5-27
∙ Snow can trap dangerous exhaustgases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Engine block heaters are used to assist
with cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is -7°C (20°F)
or lower.
WARNING
∙ Do not use your engine block heaterwith an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be
seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.
∙ Disconnect and properly store the en- gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury. ∙ Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10 A.
Plug the extension 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.
To use the engine block heater: 1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine 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 least2-4hours, de-
pending 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.
5-28Starting and driving
CAUTION
∙ Do not push start this vehicle. Thethree-way catalyst may be damaged.
∙ Automatic Transmission (AT) models and Manual Transmission (MT) cannot
be push-started or tow-started. At-
tempting to do so may cause trans-
mission damage.
∙ For Manual Transmission (MT) mod- els, 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 a
red high temperature warning light),
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 en-
gine 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 radia-
tor 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, ap- ply the parking brake and move the
shif t lever to N (Neutral) (manual trans-
mission models) or to P (Park) (auto-
matic transmission models).
Do not stop the engine. 2.
Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
3.Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. (If steam
or coolant is escaping, turn off the en-
gine.) Do not open the hood further until
no steam or coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage
or looseness. Also check if the cooling
fan is running. The radiator hoses and
radiator should not leak water. If cool-
ant is leaking, the water pump belt is
missing or loose, 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.
∙ If coolant is leaking, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-13