
2-20Instruments and controls
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light illuminates and
then turns off.
The light comes on when the VDC off
switch is pushed to OFF. This indicates
that the VDC system is not operating.
When the 4L position is selected with the
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) shift switch, the
VDC system is disabled and the VDC off
indicator light illuminates. (4WD models)
For additional information, see “Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system” (P.5-138).
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver side door
is opened while the ignition switch is
placed in the ACC position. Make sure
the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position, and take the Intelligent Key with
you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side
door is opened with the light switch in the
orposition and the ignition
switch in the ACC, OFF or LOCK position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave
the vehicle.
Parking brake reminder chime
The chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven at more than 4 MPH (7 km/h) with
the parking brake applied. Stop the vehi-
cle and release the parking brake.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires
replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in
motion. This scraping sound will first
occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake
pad, the sound will always be heard even
if the brake pedal is not depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the warning sound is heard.
SIC4379
The vehicle information displaylocated
between the speedometer and odometer,
and shows the indicators for the driving
systems, Intelligent Key operation and
various warnings and information.
For detailed information about each sys-
tem, see the following sections:
. Automatic Transmission (AT)
— “Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders” (P.2-10).
— “Driving the vehicle” (P.5-17).
. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
— “NISSAN all-mode 4WD®” (P.5-121).
. Intelligent Back-up Intervention (I-BI)
VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY 

5-136Starting and driving
function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes when-
ever the stopping effect of the parking
brake is weakened or whenever the
parking brake shoes and/or drums/ro-
tors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This will cause over-
heating of the brakes, wearing out the
brake and pads faster and reduce gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce
speed and downshift to a lower gear
before going down a slope or long grade.
Overheated brakes may reduce braking
performance and could result in loss of
vehicle control.
WARNING
.While driving on a slippery sur-
face, be careful when braking,
accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt braking or accelerating
could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
. If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the
power assist for the brakes will
not work. Braking will be harder.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking
force than a conventional brake booster
even with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to
assist braking operation and is not a
collision warning or avoidance de-
vice. It is the driver’s responsibility to
stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) is a sophisticated device,
but it cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control dur-
ing braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping dis-
tances on slippery surfaces will
be longer than on normal sur-
BRAKE ASSIST 

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.
SIC4455
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
The vehicle should be driven with the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ON
for most driving conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
the VDC system reduces the engine out-
put to reduce wheel spin. The engine
speed will be reduced even if the accel-
erator is depressed to the floor. If max-
imum engine power is needed to free a
stuck vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system, push the VDC OFF switch.
The VDC off indicator light
will
illuminate.
Starting and driving5-139 

It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer if checking or replacement is
required.If the brakes do not operate properly,
have the brakes checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjust-
ing brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
Have your brake system checked if
the brake pedal height does not
return to normal. It is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires
replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in
motion. This scraping sound will first
occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake
pad, the sound will always be heard even
if the brake pedal is not depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the wear warning sound is heard.Under some driving or climate conditions,
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.
BRAKE BOOSTER
Check the brake booster function as
follows:
1. With the engine off, depress and release the foot brake pedal more
than 20 times. When the foot brake
pedal movement (distance of travel)
remains the same from one pedal
application to the next, continue on
to the next step.
2. While depressing the foot brake pedal, start the engine.
3. With the foot brake pedal depressed, stop the engine. Keep the pedal de-
pressed for about 30 seconds.
4. Run the engine for 1 minute without depressing the foot brake pedal, then
turn it off. Depress the foot brake
pedal several times. The pedal travel
distance will decrease gradually with
Do-it-yourself8-17
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADES BRAKES 

The following descriptions are provided
to give you a better understanding of the
scheduled maintenance items that
should be regularly checked or replaced.
The maintenance schedule indicates at
which mileage/time intervals each item
requires service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance,
your vehicle requires that some items be
checked during normal day-to-day op-
eration. Refer to “General maintenance”
(P.9-2).
Items marked with “*” are recommended
by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation.
You are not required to perform main-
tenance on these items in order to
maintain the warranties which come with
your vehicle. Other maintenance items
and intervals are required.
When applicable, additional information
can be found in the “8. Do-it yourself”
section of this manual.
NOTE:
NISSAN does not advocate the use of
non-OEM approved aftermarket flush-
ing systems and strongly advises
against performing these services on a
NISSAN product. Many of the aftermar-
ket flushing systems use non-OEM ap-
proved chemicals or solvents, the use of
which has not been validated by
NISSAN.For recommended fuel, lubricants,
fluids, grease, and refrigerant, refer to
“Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants” (P.10-2) of this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAIN-
TENANCE
Drive belts*:
Check engine drive belts for wear, fraying
or cracking and for proper tension. Re-
place any damaged drive belts.
Engine air filter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driv-
ing for prolonged periods in dusty condi-
tions, check/replace the filter more
frequently.
Engine coolant*:
Replace coolant at the specified interval.
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equiva-
lent with the proper mixture. (Refer to
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-4) to deter-
mine the proper mixture for your area.)
NOTE:
Mixing any other type of coolant or the
use of non-distilled water may reduce
the recommended service interval of
the coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil and oil filter at the
specified intervals. For recommended oil
grade and viscosity refer to “Capacities
and recommended fluids/lubricants”
(P.10-2).
Evaporative Emissions Control Vapor
Lines*:
Check vapor lines for leaks or looseness.
Tighten connections or replace parts as
necessary.
Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connec-
tions for leaks, looseness, or deterioration.
Tighten connections or replace parts as
necessary.
Spark plugs:
Replace at specified intervals. Install new
plugs of the type as originally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Brake lines and cables:
Visually inspect for proper installation.
Check for chafing, cracks, deterioration,
and signs of leaking. Replace any deterio-
rated or damaged parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors:
Check for wear, deterioration and fluid
leaks. Replace any deteriorated or da-
maged parts immediately.
Maintenance and schedules9-5
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS 

9-6Maintenance and schedules
Exhaust system:
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler
and hangers for leaks, cracks, deteriora-
tion, and damage. Tighten connections or
replace parts as necessary.
Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, looseness, and grease
leakage.
In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driv-
ing for prolonged periods in dusty condi-
tions, replace the filter more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and
suspension parts:
Check for damage, looseness, and leak-
age of oil or grease. Under severe driving
conditions, inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation:
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles
(8,000km). When rotating tires, check for
damage and uneven wear. Replace if
necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage at
specified intervals.
Off-road maintenance:
Check the following items frequently
whenever you drive off-road through
deep sand, mud or water:.
Brake pads and rotors
. Brake linings and drums
. Brake lines and hoses
. Differential, transmission and transfer
case oil
. Steering linkage
. Propeller shaft(s) and front drive
shafts
. Engine air filter
. Clutch housing drain (AWD only) To help ensure smooth, safe and eco-
nomical driving, NISSAN provides two
maintenance schedules that may be
used, depending upon the conditions in
which you usually drive. These schedules
contain both distance and time intervals,
up to 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/144
months. For most people, the odometer
reading will indicate when service is
needed. However, if you drive very little,
your vehicle should be serviced at the
regular time intervals shown in the sche-
dule.
After 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/144
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
FOR SEVERE OPERATING CONDI-
TIONS
Additional maintenance items for se-
vere operating conditions;
should be
performed on vehicles that are driven
under especially demanding conditions.
Additional maintenance items should be
performed if you primarily operate your
vehicle under the following conditions:
. Repeated short trips of less than 5
miles (8 km).
. Repeated short trips of less than 10
miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures remaining below freezing.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 

CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace, L = Lubricate
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at of miles, kilo-
meters or months, whichever
comes first.Miles × 1,000
(km × 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54 50
(80) 60 55
(88) 66 60
(96) 72
Brake lines and cables II II I I
Brake pads and rotors$ II I I I I
Brake fluid$ RR R
Automatic transmission fluid See NOTE (1)
Differential gear oil See NOTE (2)II II I I
Transfer fluid See NOTE (2)II II I I
Steering gear and linkage,
axle and suspension parts$ II I
Propeller shaft & drive shaft
boots (4WD models)$ II I I I I
Propeller shaft grease (4WD
models) LL L L L L
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Exhaust system$ II I
In-cabin microfilter RR R R
Intelligent Key battery RR R R
Maintenance and schedules9-11 

9-12Maintenance and schedules
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at of miles, kilo-
meters or months, which-
ever comes first.Miles × 1,000
(km × 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
65
(104) 78 70
(112) 84 75
(120) 90 80
(128) 96 85
(136) 102 90
(144) 108 95
(152) 114 100
(160) 120 105
(168) 126 110
(176) 132 115
(184) 138 120
(192) 144
Brake lines & cables II II I I
Brake pads & rotors$ II II I I
Brake fluid$ RR R
Automatic transmission fluid See NOTE (1)
Differential gear oil See NOTE (2)II II I I
Transfer fluid See NOTE (2)II II I I
Steering gear & linkage, axle
& suspension parts$ II I
Propeller shaft & drive shaft
boots (4WD models)$ II II I I
Propeller shaft grease (4WD
models) LL LL L L
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Exhaust system$ III
In-cabin microfilter RRR R
Intelligent Key battery RRR R
NOTE:
Maintenance items with “$” should be
performed more frequently according
to “Maintenance under severe driving
conditions” (P.9-13). (1) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(2) If towing a trailer, using a camper or
car-top carrier, or driving on rough or
muddy roads, change (not just inspect)
oil at every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or24 months.
(3) Refer to “Tire rotation” under “Gen-
eral maintenance” (P.9-2).