∙ When towing Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) models with the
rear wheels on the ground or on tow-
ing dollies:
– Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by plac-
ing the ignition switch in the LOCK
position. This may damage the
steering lock mechanism (for
models with a steering lock
mechanism).
2WD models with manual
transmission
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies
be used when towing your vehicle or place
the vehicle on the flatbed truck as illus-
trated.
If you must use a pull behind tow truck put
the manual transmission in N (Neutral).
Your vehicle speed should never exceed
60 mph (97 km/h) when towing your ve-
hicle. Af ter towing 500 miles, start and idle
the engine with the transmission in N (Neu-
tral) for two minutes. Failure to idle the en-gine af ter every 500 miles of towing may
cause damage to the transmission’s inter-
nal parts.
CAUTION
Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
∙ If you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground (if you do not use towing
dollies) or four wheels on the ground:
– Always release the parking brake.
LCE2346
In case of emergency6-13
– Move the transmission shif t lever
to the N (Neutral) position
– Observe the following restricted
towing speeds and distances for
manual transmission models only:
Speed: Below 60 mph (97 km/h)
Distance: Less than 500 miles
(805 km)
When towing long distances or speeds in
excess of 60 mph (97 km/h), remove the
propeller shaf t before towing to prevent
damage to the transmission. For additional
information, it is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious per-
sonal injury or death when recovering a
stuck vehicle:
∙ Contact a professional towing service
to recover the vehicle if you have any
questions regarding the recovery
procedure.∙ Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle.
∙ Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to
tow or free a stuck vehicle.
∙ Only use devices specifically designed
for vehicle recovery and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
∙ Always pull the recovery device
straight out from the front of the ve-
hicle. Never pull at an angle.
∙ Route recovery devices so they do not
touch any part of the vehicle except
the attachment point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device de-
signed specifically for vehicle recovery. Al-
ways follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the recovery device.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
WARNING
∙ Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
∙ Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) System.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind
the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and lef t to
clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and
backward.
∙ Shif t back and forth between R (Re-
verse) and D (Drive) (continuous vari-
able transmission models) or 1st
(Low) and R (Reverse) (manual trans-
mission models).
∙ Apply the accelerator as little as pos-
sible to maintain the rocking motion.
6-14In case of emergency
∙ Release the accelerator pedal before
shif ting between R (Reverse) and D
(Drive) (continuous variable trans-
mission models) or 1st (Low) and R
(Reverse) (manual transmission
models).
∙ Do not spin the tires above 35 mph
(55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed af ter a
few tries, contact a professional towing
service to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-15
∙ Use only Genuine NISSAN floor mats,
or equivalent floor mats, that are spe-
cifically designed for use in your ve-
hicle model and model year.
∙ Properly position the mats in the
floorwell using the floor mat position-
ing hook. For additional information,
refer to "Floor mat installation" in this
section.
∙ Make sure the floor mat does not in-
terfere with pedal operation.
∙ Periodically check the floor mats to
make sure they are properly installed.
∙ Af ter cleaning the vehicle interior,
check the floor mats to make sure
they are properly installed.
The use of Genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior. Mats
should be maintained with regular clean-
ing and replaced if they become exces-
sively worn.Floor mat installation
Your vehicle is equipped with floor mat po-
sitioning hook(s). The number and shape of
the floor mat positioning hooks for each
seating position varies depending on the
vehicle.
When installing Genuine NISSAN floor mats,
follow the installation instructions provided
with the mat and the following:
1. With the ignition in the OFF position, the
shif t lever in P (Park) position (Continu-
ously Variable Transmission models) or
the shif t lever in the N (Neutral) position
(manual transmission models) and
with the parking break fully applied, po-
sition the floor mat in the floorwell so
that the floor mat grommet holes are
aligned with the hook(s).
2. Secure the grommet holes into the
hook(s) and ensure that the floor mat is
properly positioned.3. Make sure the floor mat does not inter-
fere with pedal operation. With the igni-
tion still in the OFF position, the shif t
lever in the P (Park) position (Continu-
ously Variable Transmission models) or
the shif t lever in the N (Neutral) position
(manual transmission models) and
with the parking break applied, fully ap-
ply and release all pedals. The floor mat
must not interfere with pedal opera-
tion or prevent the pedal from return-
ing to its normal position.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for details about installing the floor
mats in your vehicle.
7-6Appearance and care
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Engine compartment check locations...........8-3
Engine cooling system..........................8-4
Checking engine coolant level................8-5
Changing engine coolant.....................8-5
Engine oil........................................8-6
Checking engine oil level.....................8-6
Changing engine oil..........................8-7
Changing engine oil filter.....................8-8
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid (if so equipped).............................8-9
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid...........8-9
Brake fluid...................................8-10
Clutch (if so equipped) fluid..................8-10
Windshield-washer fluid........................8-10
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir............8-10
Battery..........................................8-11
Jump starting...............................8-13
Variable voltage control system (if so
equipped)......................................8-13
Drive belt.......................................8-14
Spark plugs....................................8-14Replacing spark plugs.......................8-14
Air cleaner......................................8-15
Windshield wiper blades........................8-16
Cleaning....................................8-16
Replacing...................................8-16
Brakes..........................................8-17
Fuses...........................................8-18
Engine compartment.......................8-18
Passenger compartment....................8-19
Battery replacement...........................8-20
Key fob (if so equipped)......................8-21
Lights..........................................8-22
Headlights...................................8-22
Fog lights (if so equipped)...................8-23
Exterior and interior lights...................8-24
Wheels and tires................................8-28
Tire pressure................................8-28
Tire labeling
.................................8-31
Types of tires................................8-34
Tire chains..................................8-35
Changing wheels and tires..................8-36
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than
10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add en-
gine oil by removing the oil filler cap
A
if necessary.
CAUTION
∙ NISSAN recommends using Genuine
NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or equivalent)
ONLY in NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix with
other fluids.
∙ Do not use Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF) or manual transmission
fluid in a NISSAN CVT, as it may dam-
age the CVT. Damage caused by the
use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
∙ Using fluids that are not equivalent to
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
also damage the CVT. Damage caused
by the use of fluids other than as rec-
ommended is not covered under
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid
is required, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for servicing.For additional information on brake fluid
specification, refer to “Recommended
fluids/lubricants and capacities” in the
“Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
WARNING
∙ Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and
clutch (if so equipped) systems. The
use of improper fluids can damage
the brake and clutch system and af-
fect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
∙ Clean the filler cap before removing.
∙ Brake and clutch fluid is poisonous
and should be stored carefully in
marked containers out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID (if so
equipped)BRAKE AND CLUTCH (if so equipped)
FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-9
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire
has radial structure.
8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that
are defined throughout this section,
Intended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model
name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on
the other sidewall of the tire, or (2)
the outward facing sidewall of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particu-
lar side that must always face out-
ward when mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
∙ When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. A NISSAN dealer may be
able to help you with information
about tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
∙ Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
∙ Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the low tire
pressure warning system.∙ Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Failure to
do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front
and rear axles which can cause the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
to malfunction resulting in personal
injury or death, excessive tire wear
and may damage the transmission
and differential gears.
∙ For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All Season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall.
Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropri-
ate in some areas.
8-34Do-it-yourself
secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components:Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.Wheel alignment and balance:If the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may
be a need for wheel alignment. If the steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brake pedal:Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) P (Park) position mechanism (if so
equipped):On a fairly steep hill check that
the vehicle is held securely with the shif t
lever in the P (Park) position without apply-
ing any brakes.
Parking brake:Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Maintenance and schedules9-3