5-108Starting and driving
tion, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates 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.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under
certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem helps to perform the following func-
tions.
.
Controls brake pressure to reduce
wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel
so power is transferred to a non
slipping drive wheel on the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine
output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction con-
trol function).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle
in the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it
cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in
all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel
flashes so note the following: .
The road may be slippery or the
system may determine some action
is required to help keep the vehicle on
the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise or vibration
from under the hood. This is normal
and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the
road conditions.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is
off. When the VDC switch is used to turn
off the system, the VDC system still
operates to prevent one drive wheel from
slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The VDC warning
light
flashes if this occurs. All other
VDC functions are off, and the VDC
warning light
will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when
the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-15) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-17).
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle
forward or in reverse at a slow speed.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
“clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
.The VDC system is designed to
help improve driving stability but
does not prevent accidents due
to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be
especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s sus-
pension. If suspension parts such
as shock absorbers, struts,
springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not NISSAN re-
commended for your vehicle or
are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the VDC warning 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 VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are
not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely in-
clined surfaces such as higher
banked corners, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
. When driving on an unstable sur-
face such as a turntable, ferry,
elevator or ramp, the VDC warn-
ing 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 VDC
warning light
may illuminate. .
The VDC system is not a substi-
tute for winter tires or tire chains
on a snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-109
5-112Starting 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 gra-
phics are shown in the vehicle informa-
tion display. See “Trip computer” (P.2-34)
for more information.
If the chassis control warning message
appears in the vehicle information dis-
play, 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 slightdeceleration. This is normal and indicates
that the Active Ride Control is operating
properly.
WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving backward on a
hill. Always drive carefully and
attentively. Depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped
on a steep hill. Be especially care-
ful when stopped on a hill on
frozen or muddy roads. Failure
to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards may result in a loss of
control of the vehicle and possi-
ble serious injury or death.
. The hill start assist system is not
designed to hold the vehicle at a
standstill on a hill. Depress the
brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to
roll backwards and may result in
a collision or serious personal
injury.
. The hill start assist system may
not prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing backwards on a hill under all
load or road conditions. Always
be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from
rolling backwards. Failure to do so may result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards in the
time it takes the driver to release the
brake pedal and apply the accelerator
when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate
automatically under the following condi-
tions:
. The transmission is shifted to a for-
ward or reverse gear.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a
hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
After 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to
roll back and the hill start assist system
will stop operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not
operate when the transmission is shifted
to the N (Neutral) or P (Park) position (CVT
models) or on a flat and level road.
When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light illuminates in the meter, the
hill start assist system will not operate.
(See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light” (P.2-15).)
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
32°F (0°C), check the anti-freeze 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
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system,
including the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-4).
Starting and driving5-113
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM COLD WEATHER DRIVING
6-10In case of emergency
JVE0279X
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure 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 (and) to bring their batteries into
close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to
touch. 2. Apply the parking brake.
3.
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.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (headlights, heater, air condi-
tioner, etc.).
5. Remove the vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with
a firmly wrung out moist cloth to
reduce explosion hazard.
6. Connect jumper cables in the se- quence as illustrated (
???).
CAUTION
.Always connect positive (+) to
positive (+) and negative (−) to
body ground (for example, as
illustrated), not to the battery.
. Make sure the jumper cables do
not touch moving parts in the
engine compartment and that
the cable clamps do not contact
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ...................................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ........................ 8-3MR20DD 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 ........................................................................\
............... 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
........... 8-16
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
8-10Do-it-yourself
JVM0789X
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN lineor the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT 3fluid up to the MAX line
. If fluid must be added frequently, the
system should be checked. It is recom-
mended 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
of 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
periodically.
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 Con-
centrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equiva-
lent
CAUTION
. Do not substitute engine anti-
freeze coolant for window
washer solution. This may result
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-18Do-it-yourself
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is
normal and does not affect the function
or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals
should be followed.For additional infor-
mation, see the maintenance schedule
shown in the “9. Maintenance and sche-
dules” section.
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 control 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 cov-
er 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 compart-
ment fuse box.
FUSES