
When canceling the manual shift mode,
return the shift lever to the D (Drive)
position. The transmission returns to the
normal driving mode.
When you pull the paddle shifter (if so
equipped) while in the D (Drive) position,
the transmission will shift to the upper or
lower range temporarily. The transmis-
sion will automatically return to the D
(Drive) position after a short period of
time. If you want to return to the D (Drive)
position manually, pull and hold the
paddle shifter (if so equipped) for about
1.5 seconds.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range
is displayed on the transmission position
indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:
1M?
/2M?
/3M?
/4M?
/ 5M?
/6M?
/ 7M
7M(7th):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving at highway speeds.
6
M(6th) and 5M(5th):
Use these positions when driving up long
slopes, or for engine braking when driving
down long slopes. 4
M(4th), 3M(3rd) and 2M(2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or
engine braking on downhill grades.
1
M(1st):
Use this position when climbing steep
hills slowly or driving slowly through deep
snow, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.
. Remember not to drive at high speeds
for extended periods of time in lower
than 7th gear. This reduces fuel econ-
omy.
. Moving the shift lever rapidly to the
same side twice will shift the ranges in
succession.
. In the manual shift mode, the trans-
mission may not shift to the se-
lected gear or may automatically
shift to the other gear. This helps
maintain driving performance and
reduces the chance of vehicle da-
mage or loss of control.
. When the transmission does not
shift to the selected gear, the Auto-
matic Transmission (AT) position in-
dicator light (on the instrument
panel) will blink and the buzzer will
sound.
. In the manual shift mode, the trans-
mission automatically shifts down
to 1st gear before the vehicle comes to a stop. When accelerating again, it
is necessary to shift up to the
desired range.
Starting and driving5-15

5-20Starting and driving
before the clutch is engaged.
. When upshifting:
The engine speed is automatically
kept after the engine speed lowers to
the target engine speed.
Rapid clutch engagement before the
engine speed lowers to the target
engine speed may cause shift shock.
. When depressing the clutch pedal
with the gear engaged:
The engine speed is automatically
kept at the proper engine speed for
the engaged gear.
This function will not operate when
low (1st) gear is selected.
There is a delay between the clutch
pedal operation and the S-MODE op-
eration. Make sure the engine speed is
adjusted before engaging the clutch
again.
SSD0832
Upshift indicator
The up-shift indicator is located in the
tachometer and shows the driver the
timing to shift into a higher gear by
illuminating. The use of the up-shift
indicator will help you to upshift at a
constant engine speed from any gear.
The up-shift indicator will start flashing
when the engine speed reaches about
500 rpm before the set figure while
driving, and then illuminate after the
engine speed reaches the set figure.
The engine speed for upshifting can be
set on the vehicle information display. See
“Trip computer” (P.2-23). There may be a slight difference be-
tween the timing of the up-shift indica-
tor illumination and the tachometer
indication.
Suggested up-shift speeds
Shown below are suggested vehicle
speeds for shifting into a higher gear.
These suggestions relate to fuel economy
and vehicle performance. Actual up-shift
speeds will vary according to road condi-
tions, the weather and individual driving
habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude
areas [less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear change
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 16 (26)
3rd to 4th 25 (40)
4th to 5th 28 (45)
5th to 6th 33 (53)

5-24Starting and driving
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following methods:
. Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed,
push the COAST/SET switch and re-
lease it.
. Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
. Push, then quickly release the COAST/
SETT switch. Each time you do this,
the set speed will decrease by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and
release the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehi-
cle will resume the last set cruising speed
when the vehicle speed is over 25 MPH
(40 km/h).
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000
km), follow these recommendations
to obtain maximum engine perfor-
mance and ensure the future relia-
bility and economy of your new
vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommenda-
tions may result in shortened engine
life and reduced engine perfor-
mance.
. Avoid driving for long periods at con-
stant speed, either fast or slow. Do not
run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possi-
ble. Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.
1. Use smooth accelerator and brake
pedal application.
.Avoid rapid starts and stops..Use smooth, gentle accelerator andbrake application whenever possi-
ble.
.Maintain constant speed whilecommuting and coast whenever
possible.
2. Maintain constant speed.
.Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
.Synchronizing your speed with traf-fic lights allows you to reduce your
number of stops.
.Maintaining a steady speed canminimize red light stops and im-
prove fuel efficiency.
3. Use air conditioning (A/C) at higher vehicle speeds.
.Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is moreefficient to open windows to cool
the vehicle due to reduced engine
load.
.Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the
vehicle due to increased aerody-
namic drag.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

.Recirculating the cool air in thecabin when the A/C is on reduces
cooling load.
4. Drive at economical speeds and dis- tances.
.Observing the speed limit and notexceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h)
(where legally allowed) can improve
fuel efficiency due to reduced aero-
dynamic drag.
.Maintaining a safe following dis-tance behind other vehicles re-
duces unnecessary braking.
.Safely monitoring traffic to antici- pate changes in speed permits
reduced braking and smooth accel-
eration changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to roadconditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady
speed.
.Cruise control is particularly effec-tive in providing fuel savings when
driving on flat terrains.
6. Plan for the shortest route.
.Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save
time. 7. Avoid idling.
.Shutting off your engine when safe
for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.
.Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and
avoid stopping and starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no morethan 30 seconds of idling at start-
up to effectively circulate the en-
gine oil before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal
operating temperature more
quickly while driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade when-
ever possible.
.When entering a hot vehicle, open- ing the windows will help to reduce
the inside temperature faster, re-
sulting in reduced demand on your
A/C system. .
Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity en-
gine oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation” (P.10-7).)
Starting and driving5-25
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

cleaner.
. Never allow water or other liquids
to come in contact with electronic
components inside the vehicle as
this may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface deicing
are extremely corrosive. They accelerate
corrosion and deterioration of underbody
components such as the exhaust system,
fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor
pan and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be
cleaned periodically.
For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some
areas, it is recommended you consult a
NISSAN dealer.
Appearance and care7-9

8-2Do-it-yourself
When performing any inspection or main-
tenance 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 sur-
face, apply the parking brake
securely and block the wheels to
prevent the vehicle from moving.
For manual transmission models,
move the shift lever to N (Neutral).
For automatic transmission mod-
els, move the shift lever to P
(Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in
the OFF or LOCK position when
performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized
component while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or auto-
matic transmission related com-
ponent harnesses disconnected
while the ignition switch is in the
ON position. .
If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, cloth-
ing, hair and tools away from
moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
. It is advisable to secure or re-
move any loose clothing and
remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection
whenever you work on your ve-
hicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed 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 necessary to work under the
vehicle, support it with safety
stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame
and sparks away from fuel tank
and the battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without
warning, even if the ignition key is
in the OFF position and the en-
gine is not running. To avoid injury, always disconnect the ne-
gative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
. Because the fuel lines are under
high pressure even when the
engine is off, it is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service of the fuel filter or fuel
lines.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used
engine oil and coolant. Impro-
perly disposed engine oil, coolant,
and/or other vehicle fluids can
damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives in-
structions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service
Manual order information” (P.10-26).)
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

SDI2020
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
If replacement is required, it is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace the iridium-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the
conventional type spark plugs since they
will last much longer. Follow the main-
tenance schedule shown in the “9. Main-
tenance and schedules” section, but do
not reuse them by cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.SDI2350
Remove the retainersas illustrated and
pull out the filter element.
The filter element should not be cleaned
and reused. Replace it according to the
maintenance schedule shown in the “9.
Maintenance and schedules” section.
When replacing the filter, wipe the inside
of the air cleaner housing and the cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
.
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you
or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it
stops flame if the engine back-
fires. If it is not there, and the
engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with the air
cleaner removed, and be careful
when working on the engine with
the air cleaner removed.
. Never pour fuel into the throttle
body or attempt to start the
engine with the air cleaner re-
moved. Doing so could result in
serious injury.
Do-it-yourself8-15
AIR CLEANER

9-4Maintenance and schedules
properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts,
fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive
free play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure
that all warning lights and chimes are
operating properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets prop-
erly and in sufficient quantity when oper-
ating the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate
properly and that the wipers do not
streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example,
each time you check the engine oil or
refuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe condition require
frequent checks of the battery fluid level. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1.
Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume
battery power when the engine is
not running (Phone chargers, GPS,
DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/
or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*: Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid levels are
between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no
belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, im- mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. (See “Pre-
cautions when starting and driving” (P.5-
2) for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks
or if gasoline fumes are evident, check for
the cause and have it corrected immedi-
ately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control
dust. It is very important to remove these
substances, otherwise rust will form on
the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around
the exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt