MR20DD engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-4)
2. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir(P. 8-12)
3. Inverter coolant reservoir (P. 8-6)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-7)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-7)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
7. Air cleaner (P. 8-15)
8. Fuse box (P. 8-20)
9. Radiator cap (P. 8-4)
Engine cover removed for clarity.
The 12–volt battery is located in the rear
cargo area of the vehicle.
Refer to the page number indicated in
parentheses for operating details.
LDI3135
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents
“Windshield-washer fluid” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
Door/lif tgate Open
This warning illuminates when a door or
the lif tgate has been opened.
Key System Error: See Owner’s Manual
Af ter the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, this light comes on for a period
of time and then turns off.
The Key System Error message warns of a
malfunction with the Intelligent Key sys-
tem. If the light comes on while the hybrid
system is stopped, it may be impossible to
start the hybrid system.
If the light comes on while the hybrid sys-
tem is running, you can drive the vehicle.
However in these cases, have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Loose Fuel Cap
This warning appears when the fuel-filler
cap is not tightened correctly af ter the ve-
hicle has been refueled. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Fuel-filler cap” in the
“Pre-driving checks and adjustments” sec-
tion of this manual.Tire Pressure Low - Add Air
This warning appears when the low tire
pressure warning light in the meter illumi-
nates and low tire pressure is detected. The
warning appears each time the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position as long as
the low tire pressure warning light remains
illuminated. If this warning appears, stop the
vehicle and adjust the tire pressures of all
four tires to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading In-
formation label. For additional information,
refer to “Low tire pressure warning light” in
this section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
Flat Tire – Visit dealer (if so equipped)
This warning appears when the low tire
pressure warning light in the meter illumi-
nates and one or more flat tires are de-
tected while driving. A chime also sounds
for approximately 10 seconds.
Low Oil Pressure Stop Vehicle
This warning appears in the message area
of the vehicle information display if low oil
pressure is detected. This gauge is not de-
signed to indicate low oil level.
The low oil
pressure warning is not designed to indi- cate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to
check the oil level. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Engine oil” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
AWD Error: See Owner’s Manual (if so
equipped)
This warning appears when the all-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly
while the hybrid system is running.
AWD High Temp. Stop vehicle (if so
equipped)
This warning may appear while trying to
free a stuck vehicle due to increased oil
temperature. The driving mode may
change to 2-Wheel Drive (2WD). If this warn-
ing is displayed, stop the vehicle with the
engine idling, as soon as it is safe to do so.
Then if the warning turns off, you can con-
tinue driving.
AWD Tire Size Incorrect: See Owner’s
Manual (if so equipped)
This warning may appear if there is a large
difference between the diameters of the
front and rear wheels. Pull off the road in a
safe area, with the engine idling. Check that
all the tire sizes are the same, that the tire
pressure is correct and that the tires are
not excessively worn.
Instruments and controls2-35
(Af ter step 3 is performed, when the
ignition switch is pushed without de-
pressing the brake pedal, the ignition
switch position will change to ON.)
4. Push the ignition switch while depress- ing the brake pedal within 10 seconds
af ter the chime sounds. The hybrid
system will start.
NOTE: ∙ When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ON position or the hybrid system
is started by the above procedure, the
Intelligent Key battery discharge in-
dicator appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display even when the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle. This is
not a malfunction. To turn off the In-
telligent Key battery discharge indi-
cator, touch the ignition switch with
the Intelligent Key again.
∙ If the Intelligent Key battery dis-
charge indicator appears, replace the
battery as soon as possible. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Battery
replacement” in the “Do-it-yourself ”
section of this manual.NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
will not allow the hybrid system to start
without the use of the registered key.
If the hybrid system fails to start using a
registered key (for example, when interfer-
ence is caused by another registered key,
an automated toll road device or auto-
matic payment device on the key ring), re-
start the hybrid system using the following
procedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON po- sition for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the hybrid system while hold- ing the device (which may have caused
the interference) separate from the
registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered key on
a separate key ring to avoid interference
from other devices. ∙ Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
∙ Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield-
washer fluid as frequently as possible,
or at least whenever you refuel.
∙ Check that all windows and lights are clean.
∙ Visually inspect tires for their appear- ance and condition. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
∙ Check that all doors are closed.
∙ Position seat and adjust head re- straints.
∙ Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
∙ Fasten seat belts and ask all passen- gers to do likewise.
∙ Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position. For additional information,
refer to “Warning lights, indicator lights
and audible reminders” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this
manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE NISSAN
PURE DRIVE® HYBRID SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-17
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 and brake application whenever possible.
∙ Maintain constant speed while com- muting and coast whenever pos-
sible.
2. Maintain Constant Speed
∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights allows you to reduce your num-
ber of stops.
∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini- mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency.
3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher
Vehicle Speeds
∙ Below 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient 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 aerodynamic drag.
∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
∙ Observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag.
∙ Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces un-
necessary braking.
∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.
∙ Select a gear range suitable to road conditions.
5. Use Cruise Control
∙ Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady
speed. ∙ Cruise control is particularly effective
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 hybrid system when safe for stops exceeding 30–60 sec-
onds saves fuel and reduces emis-
sions.
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 more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil be-
fore driving.
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
5-104Starting and driving
∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-ating temperature more quickly
while driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool
∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible.
∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C sys-
tem. ∙ 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 all the wheels in correct align- ment. Improper alignment increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
∙ Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. For additional information, refer to
“Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual. If any malfunction occurs in the AWD sys-
tem while the engine is running, the master
warning light will come on.
The master warning light may illuminate
while trying to free a stuck vehicle due to
high powertrain oil temperature. The driv-
ing mode may change to 2–Wheel Drive.
AUTO mode may change to LOCK mode
before the warning light illuminates. If the
master warning light illuminates during
operation, stop the vehicle with the engine
idling in a safe place immediately. Then, if
the light turns off af ter a while, you can
continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters
of the front and rear wheels will make the
warning light illuminate. Pull off the road in
a safe area and idle the engine. Check that
all tire sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct, and the tires are not worn.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-105
AWD mode Wheels driven AWD LOCK indicator light Use conditionsAUTO Distribution of torque
to the front and rear
wheels changes
automatically, depend-
ing on road conditions
encountered [100:0]
←→
[50:50]. This results
in improved driving
stability. *1 For driving on paved
or slippery roads.
LOCK AWD *2, *3
For driving on rough
roads.
*1 When the rotation difference between the front and rear wheels is large, the AWD mode
may change from AUTO to LOCK for a while; however, this is not a malfunction.
*2 The LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically when the vehicle has been
driven at a high speed. The AWD LOCK indicator light turns off.
*3 LOCK mode will automatically be canceled when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position. ∙ The AWD torque distribution between
the front and rear wheels can be dis-
played in the video information display.
∙ If the AWD LOCK switch is operated while accelerating or decelerating, or if
the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position, you may feel a jolt. This is nor-
mal.
∙ The oil temperature of the powertrain parts will increase if the vehicle is con-
tinuously operated under conditions
where the difference in rotation be-
tween the front and rear wheels is large
(wheel slip), such as when driving the
vehicle on rough roads or through sand
or mud or freeing a stuck vehicle. In
these cases, the master warning light
illuminates and the AWD mode
changes to 2–Wheel Drive to protect the
powertrain parts. Stop driving with the
engine idling and wait until the warning
light turns off and the AWD returns to
the AUTO mode. If the warning light re-
mains on, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Starting and driving5-107
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
Inverter cooling system .........................8-6
Checking inverter coolant level ...............8-7
Changing inverter coolant ....................8-7
Engine oil ........................................8-7
Checking engine oil level .....................8-7
Changing engine oil ..........................8-8
Changing engine oil filter ....................8-10
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ............................................. 8-11
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-11
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ............8-12
12-VoltBattery.................................. 8-13
Jump starting ............................... 8-14
Spark plugs .................................... 8-14
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-14Air cleaner
...................................... 8-15
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ........................8-16
Cleaning .................................... 8-16
Replacing ................................... 8-17
Brakes.......................................... 8-19
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment .......................8-20
Passenger compartment ....................8-21
Battery replacement ........................... 8-22
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-22
Lights .......................................... 8-23
Headlights ................................... 8-23
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-24
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-25
Wheels and tires ................................ 8-28
Tire pressure ................................ 8-28
Tire labeling ................................. 8-31
T ypes
of tires ................................ 8-34
Tire chains .................................. 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-36
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 fol-
lowing are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
∙ Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Move the shif t le-
ver to P (Park).
∙ Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or LOCK position when perform-
ing any parts replacement or repairs.
∙ If you must work with the engine run- ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts and any other moving parts.
∙ It is advisable to secure or remove any loose clothing and remove any jew-
elry, such as rings, watches, etc. be-
fore working on your vehicle.
∙ Always wear eye protection whenever you work on your vehicle. ∙ Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even
if the ignition switch is in the OFF po-
sition and the engine is not running.
To avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
∙ If you must run the engine in an en- closed 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 neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, sup-
port it with safety stands.
∙ Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
∙
Because the fuel lines on gasoline en-
gine models are under high pressure
even when the engine is off, it is recom-
mended that 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 contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
∙ Never leave the engine or Continu-
ously Variable Transmission (CVT) re-
lated component harnesses discon-
nected while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
∙
Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Do-it-yourself ” section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A Genuine NISSAN service manual is also
available. For additional information, refer
to “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect warranty coverage. If in doubt
about any servicing, it is recommended
that you have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself