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)
For quick acceleration in low altitude
areas or in high altitude areas [over
4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
5-22Starting and driving
SPA2110
To apply:Pull the parking brake lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. While pulling up on the parking brake lever slightly, push the button
and
lower the lever completely.
3. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CON-
TROL
.If the cruise control system malfunc-
tions, it will cancel automatically. The
CRUISE indicator light on the meter
panel will then blink to warn the driver.
. If the engine coolant temperature
becomes excessively high, the cruise
control system will cancel automati-
cally.
. If the CRUISE indicator light blinks,
turn the cruise control main switch
off and have the system checked. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
. The CRUISE indicator light may blink
when the cruise control main switch is
turned ON while pushing the ACCEL/
RES, COAST/SET or CANCEL switch. To
properly set the cruise control system,
perform the following procedures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following condi-
tions:
. when it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed .
in heavy traffic or in traffic that
varies in speed
. on winding or hilly roads
. on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.)
. in very windy areas
Doing so could cause a loss of
vehicle control and result in an acci-
dent.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into N (Neutral) without
depressing the clutch pedal when
the cruise control is set. Should this
occur, depress the clutch pedal and
turn the main switch off immedi-
ately. Failure to do so may cause
engine damage.
CRUISE CONTROL
SSD0833
Type A (if so equipped)
JVS0449XType B (if so equipped)
1. ACCEL/RES switch
2. COAST/SET switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. MAIN (ON·OFF) switch
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a
speed between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144
km/h) without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
MAIN switch on. The CRUISE indicator
light will illuminate.
To set cruising speed, accelerate the
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. Take
your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your
vehicle will maintain the set speed.
. To pass another vehicle, depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release
the pedal, the vehicle will return to the
previously set speed.
. The vehicle may not maintain the set
speed on winding or hilly roads. If this
happens, drive without the cruise
control.
To cancel the preset speed, use one of
the following methods:
. Push the CANCEL switch.
. Tap the brake pedal. .
Turn the MAIN switch off. The CRUISE
light will turn off.
— If you depress the brake pedal while
pushing the ACCEL/RES or COAST/
SET switch and reset at the cruising
speed, the cruise control will disen-
gage. Turn the MAIN switch off
once and then turn it on again.
— The cruise control will automati- cally cancel if the vehicle slows
more than 8 MPH (13 km/h) below
the set speed.
— If you move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position (Automatic
Transmission models) or depress
the clutch pedal (Manual Transmis-
sion models), the cruise control will
be canceled.
To reset at a faster cruising speed, use
one of the following methods:
. Depress the accelerator pedal. When
the vehicle attains the desired speed,
push and release the COAST/SET
switch.
. Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch.
When the vehicle attains the desired
speed, release the switch.
. Push, then quickly release the ACCEL/
RES switch. Each time you do this, the
set speed will increase by about 1 MPH
(1.6 km/h).
Starting and driving5-23
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ...................................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ........................ 8-3VQ37VHR engine model .................................................. 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 and filter ..................................... 8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ............................. 8-8
Power steering fluid ................................................................... 8-8
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................................... 8-9 Brake fluid ........................................................................\
............ 8-9
Clutch fluid (Manual
transmission models) ...................................................... 8-10
Window washer fluid .............................................................. 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
........................ 8-11 Jump starting ........................................................................\
. 8-13
Variable voltage control system ................................... 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
................ 8-14
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
............. 8-14 Replacing spark plugs ..................................................... 8-15
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
............... 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
........... 8-16
Replacing ........................................................................\
........ 8-16
Brakes ........................................................................\
........................ 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes ..................................................... 8-17
Brake pad wear warning ............................................ 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................\
........................... 8-18 Engine compartment .................................................... 8-18
Passenger compartment ........................................... 8-19
Intelligent Key battery replacement .......................... 8-20
Lights ........................................................................\
.......................... 8-22 Coupe ........................................................................\
................ 8-22
Roadster ........................................................................\
.......... 8-23
Headlights ........................................................................\
...... 8-23
Exterior and interior lights ........................................ 8-24
Wheels and tires ........................................................................\
8-26
Tire pressure ........................................................................\
8-26
Tire labeling ........................................................................\
.. 8-30
Types of tires ....................................................................... 8-32
Tire chains ........................................................................\
...... 8-33
Changing wheels and tires ...................................... 8-34
Emergency tire puncture repair kit (if
so equipped) ........................................................................\
. 8-37
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operat-
ing difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, it is recom-
mended you have it done by a NISSAN
dealer.
JVC0785X
VQ37VHR ENGINE MODEL
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir 7. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmis-
sion models)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Window washer fluid reservoir
10 Air cleaner
11. Drive belt location
12. Engine coolant reservoir
13. Fuse/fusible link holder
Do-it-yourself8-3
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS
CAUTION
.Do not overfill.
. Use Genuine NISSAN PSF or
equivalent. For further brake and clutch fluid infor-
mation, see “Capacities and recom-
mended fluids/lubricants” (P.10-2) of this
manual.
WARNING
.
Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or con-
taminated fluid may damage the
brake and clutch systems. The
use of improper fluids can da-
mage the brake and clutch sys-
tems, and affect the vehicle’s
stopping ability.
. Clean the filler cap before remov-
ing.
. Brake fluid and clutch fluid are
poisonous and should be stored
carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint.
If fluid is spilled, wash the surface
with water.
SDI2025A
BRAKE FLUID
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 DOT3(except for NISMO mod-
els), or Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35
Special ll fluid (for NISMO models) up to
the MAX line
. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked.
It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
Do-it-yourself8-9
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
8-10Do-it-yourself
WARNING
For NISMO models: Genuine NISSAN
Brake Fluid R35 Special II is the
factory fill brake fluid. The Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) unit and other
related parts were specially de-
signed for this brake fluid. Using
any other non-equivalent brake fluid
may result in improper operation of
the brake system which result in
serious injury or death.
SDI1906A
CLUTCH FLUID (Manual transmis-
sion models)
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line, add
Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special II
or equivalent DOT 4up 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.
SDI2349
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir
periodically. Add window washer fluid
when the low window washer fluid warn-
ing appears.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir,
lift the cap off the reservoir tank and pour
the window washer fluid into the tank
opening.
Add a washer solvent to the water for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add
a windshield washer antifreeze. Follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for the
mixture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of window washer fluid.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
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