CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten the seat belts and place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. The following lights (if
so equipped) will come on:
,or,,,
The following lights (if so equipped) will
come on briefly and then go off:
or,,,,,
,,
If any light fails to come on or operate in a
way other than described, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb and/or a system mal-
function. Have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
WARNING LIGHTS
This vehicle has various warning lights that
may illuminate to indicate a potential prob-
lem. For additional information, refer to the
specific light in this section.
4WD warning light (
model)
The 4WD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
It turns off soon af ter the engine is started.
If the engine or vehicle is not functioning
properly, the warning light will either re-
main illuminated or blink. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Using 4–wheel drive
(4WD)” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
CAUTION
∙ If the warning light comes on or blinksduring operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
∙ Do not drive on dry hard surface roads in the 4H or 4LO position. If the 4WD
warning light turns on when you are
driving on dry hard surface roads:
– In the 4H position, shif t the 4WD shif t switch to 2WD. – In the 4LO position for automatic
transmission models, stop the ve-
hicle and shif t the shif t lever to the
N (Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed and shif t the 4WD
shif t switch to 2WD.
– In the 4LO position for manual transmission models, stop the ve-
hicle and shif t the shif t lever to the
N (Neutral) position with the clutch
pedal depressed and shif t the 4WD
shif t switch to 2WD.
∙ If the warning light is still on af ter the above operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the ABS warning light illuminates
and then turns off. This indicates the ABS is
operational.
Instruments and controls2-15
If the ABS warning light illuminates while
the engine is running or while driving, it
may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system
then operates normally but without anti-
lock assistance. For additional information,
refer to “Brake system” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Automatic transmission oiltemperature warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the automatic
transmission oil temperature is too high. If
the light comes on while driving, reduce the
vehicle speed as soon as safely possible
until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the
A/T oil temperature warning light is on
may damage the automatic
transmission.
Automatic transmissionpark warning light (
model)
WARNING
∙ If the ATP light is ON, this indicates that the automatic transmission P
(Park) position will not function and
the transfer case is in neutral.
∙ When parking, always make sure that the 4WD shif t indicator light illumi-
nates and the parking brake is set.
Failure to engage the transfer posi-
tion in 2WD, 4H or 4LO could result in
the vehicle moving unexpectedly, re-
sulting in serious personal injury or
property damage.
∙ Shif t the 4WD switch into the 2WD, 4H or 4LO position again to turn off the
ATP warning light when the shif t lever
is in the P position and the ATP warn-
ing light is ON. (Before shif ting the
4WD switch into the 4LO position,
move the shif t lever into the N posi-
tion once, shif t the shif t lever into P
again and make sure the ATP warning
light is OFF.) This light indicates that the automatic
transmission parking function is not en-
gaged. If the transfer control is not secured
in any drive position while the shif t lever is
in the P (Park) position, the transmission will
disengage and the drive wheels will not
lock.orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the park-
ing brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on while the engine
is running with the parking brake not ap-
plied, stop the vehicle and perform the fol-
lowing:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Brake fluid” in the “Do-
it-yourself ” section of this manual.
2-16Instruments and controls
For additional information, refer to “Seat
belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of
this manual.
Supplemental air bagwarning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
or START position, the supplemental air
bag warning light illuminates for about
7 seconds and then turns off. This means
the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag,
and pretensioner seat belt systems need
servicing:
∙ The supplemental air bag warning light remains on af ter approximately 7 sec-
onds.
∙ The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
∙ The supplemental air bag warning light does not come on at all.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for these services.
Unless checked and repaired, the supple-
mental restraint system (air bag system)
and/or the pretensioner(s) may not func- tion properly. For additional information, re-
fer to “Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of
this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and/or pretensioner systems will not
operate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
This vehicle has various indicator lights
that may illuminate to indicate a system
status. For additional information, refer to
the specific light in this section.
4WD shif t indicator light
(
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second
af ter placing the ignition switch in the ON
position. While the engine is running, the 4WD shif t
indicator light will illuminate the position
selected by the 4WD shif t switch.
The 4WD shif t indicator light may blink
while shif ting from one drive mode to
the other.
Automatic transmission
position indicator light (if
so equipped)
For additional information, refer to “Driving
the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
CRUISE indicator light
The light comes on when the cruise control
ON/OFF switch is pushed. The light goes
out when the ON/OFF switch is pushed
again. When the CRUISE indicator light
comes on, the cruise control system is op-
erational. For additional information, refer
to “Cruise control” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
2-20Instruments and controls
Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:∙ MIL on steady — An emission control system malfunction has been de-
tected. Check the fuel-filler cap if the
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning appears in
the trip computer. If the fuel-filler cap is
loose or missing, tighten or install the
cap and continue to drive the vehicle.
The
light should turn off af ter a
few driving trips. If the
light does
not turn off af ter a few driving trips, have
the vehicle inspected. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
∙
MIL blinking — An engine misfire has been
detected which may damage the emis-
sion control system. To reduce or avoid
emission control system damage:
– Do not drive at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h).
– Avoid hard acceleration or decelera- tion.
– Avoid steep uphill grades.
– If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed. The MIL may stop blinking and come on
steady. Have the vehicle inspected. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Overdrive OFF indicator
light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the overdrive
function is off.
The automatic transmission overdrive
function is controlled by the overdrive OFF
switch.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on for about
2 seconds. If the light comes on at any
other time, it may indicate the automatic
transmission system is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. For additional information, refer to “Driving
the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
Security indicator light (if
so equipped)
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position. This func-
tion indicates the security systems
equipped on the vehicle are operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security
systems” in this section.
SET indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the light blinks while the engine is running,
it may indicate the cruise control system is
not functioning properly. Have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Slip indicator light
This indicator light will blink when the Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is op-
erating, thus alerting the driver to the fact
that the road surface is slippery and the
vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
2-22Instruments and controls
You may feel or hear the system working;
this is normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds af ter
the VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The
indicator light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the
ON position. The light will turn off af ter ap-
proximately 2 seconds if the system is op-
erational. If the light does not come on
have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Transfer 4LO position
indicator light (
model)
This light comes on when the 4WD shif t
switch is set in the 4LO position with the
ignition switch in the ON position.
The transfer case may be damaged if you
shif t the switch while driving.
Make sure the transfer 4LO position indica-
tor light turns on when you shif t the 4WD
shif t switch to 4LO.
The indicator light may blink while shif t-
ing from one drive mode to the other. The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking
and remain illuminated or turn off before
shif ting the transmission into gear. If the
shif t lever is shif ted from the N (Neutral)
position to any other gear when the 4LO
indicator light is blinking, the vehicle may
move unexpectedly.
When you shif t between 4H and 4LO, follow
the instructions below:
∙ For automatic transmission (A/T) mod- els, stop the vehicle and shif t the shif t
lever to the N (Neutral) position with the
brake pedal depressed, then depress
and turn the 4WD shif t switch to 4LO or
4H.
∙ For manual transmission (M/T) models, stop the vehicle and shif t the shif t lever
to the N (Neutral) position with the
clutch pedal depressed, then depress
and turn the 4WD shif t switch to 4LO or
4H.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shif t
switch between 4H and 4LO unless you
stop the vehicle and shif t the shif t lever to
the N position with the brake pedal (A/T
models) or clutch pedal (M/T models) de-
pressed.
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated.
NOTE:
In case of turn signal light bulb malfunc-
tion, the turn signal will flash at a higher
frequency when the turn signal switch is
activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the
VDC OFF switch is pushed to the OFF posi-
tion, the transfer case is in the 4LO position
(
model), or when the VDC system
is not functioning properly. This indicates
the VDC system is not operating.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine and the system will operate
normally. For additional information, refer
to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Instruments and controls2-23
3. Press and hold the programmedHomeLink® button and observe the in-
dicator light.∙ If the indicator light
1is
solid/continuous, programming is
complete and your device should
activate when the HomeLink® button
is pressed and released.
∙ If the indicator light
1blinks rapidly
for 2 seconds and then turns to a
solid/continuous light, continue
with steps 4-6 for a rolling code de-
vice. A second person may make the
following steps easier. Use a ladder or
other device. Do not stand on your
vehicle to perform the next steps. 4. At the receiver located on the garage
door opener motor in the garage, lo-
cate the “learn” or “smart” button (the
name and color of the button may vary
by manufacturer but it is usually lo-
cated near where the hanging an-
tenna wire is attached to the unit). If
there is difficulty locating the button,
reference the garage door opener’s
manual.
5. Press and release the “learn” or “smart” button.
6. Return to the vehicle and firmly press and hold the trained HomeLink® but-
ton for 2 seconds and release. Repeat
the “press/hold/release” sequence up
to three times to complete the training
process. HomeLink® should now acti-
vate your rolling code equipped device.
7. If you have any questions or are having difficulty programming your
HomeLink® buttons, refer to the
HomeLink® web site at:
www.homelink.com or call 1-800-355-
3515.
PROGRAMMING HOMELINK® FOR
CANADIAN CUSTOMERS AND GATE
OPENERS
Canadian radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to “time-out” (or quit)
af ter several seconds of transmission –
which may not be long enough for
HomeLink® to pick up the signal during
training. Similar to this Canadian law, some
U.S. gate operators are designed to “tim-
eout” in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having diffi-
culties training a gate operator orgarage
door opener by using the “Training” proce-
dures, replace “Programming HomeLink®”
step 2 with the following:
NOTE:
When programming a garage door
opener, etc., unplug the device during
the “cycling” process to prevent possible
damage to the garage door opener com-
ponents. 1. For additional information, refer to “Pro- gramming HomeLink®” step 1 in this
section.
LIC2366
Instruments and controls2-57
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving..........5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..............5-2
Three-way catalyst ...........................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)........................................5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ..................................5-6
Avoiding collision and rollover ................5-7
Off-roadrecovery ............................5-7
Rapid air pressure loss .......................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...........5-8
Driving safety precautions ....................5-9
Ignition switch ................................... 5-11
Automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ............................... 5-11
Manual transmission (M/T)
(if so equipped) .............................. 5-12
Key positions ................................ 5-12
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped) .............................. 5-12
Before starting the engine ......................5-13
Starting the engine ............................. 5-13
Driving the vehicle .............................. 5-14Automatic transmission (A/T)
(if so equipped)
.............................. 5-14
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ........5-19
Parking brake .................................. 5-21
Cruise control .................................. 5-22
Precautions on cruise control ................5-22
Cruise control operations ....................5-23
Break-in schedule .............................. 5-24
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................5-24
Increasing fuel economy .......................5-25
Using 4–Wheel Drive (4WD)
(if so equipped) ................................. 5-26
Transfer case shif ting procedures ...........5-26
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system (if so equipped) ......................... 5-33
Parking/parking on hills ........................5-34
Power steering ................................. 5-35
Brake system ................................... 5-35
Brake precautions ........................... 5-35
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..............5-36
Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system .........5-37
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .........5-38
Brake force distribution ......................5-40
∙ Before operating the vehicle, ensurethat the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
∙ Always drive with the floor mats in place as the floor may become hot.
∙ Lower your speed when encountering strong crosswinds. With a higher cen-
ter of gravity, your NISSAN is more af-
fected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
∙ Do not drive beyond the performance capability of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged (if so equipped).
∙ For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at- tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shif t the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury. ∙ Do not attempt to test a 4WD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamometers
used by some states for emissions
testing), or similar equipment even if
the other two wheels are raised off the
ground. Make sure you inform test fa-
cility personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with 4WD before it is placed
on a dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in drive-
train damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal
injury.
∙ Accelerating quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
∙ If at all possible, avoid sharp turning maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN 4WD vehicle has
a higher center of gravity than a pas-
senger car. The vehicle is not de-
signed for cornering at the same
speeds as passenger cars. Failure to
operate this vehicle correctly could
result in loss of control and/or a roll-
over accident. ∙ Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted, or radial), and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Install tire chains on
the rear wheels when driving on slip-
pery roads and drive carefully.
∙ Be sure to check the brakes immedi- ately af ter driving in mud or water. For
additional information, refer to “Wet
brakes” in this section.
∙ Avoid parking your vehicle on steep hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it
rolls forward, backward or sideways,
you could be injured.
∙ Whenever you drive off-road through sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. For additional
information, refer to “Maintenance
under severe operating conditions” in
the “Maintenance and schedules” sec-
tion of this manual.
5-10Starting and driving