∙ ALWAYS provide information aboutthe proper use of vehicle safety fea-
tures to all occupants of the vehicle.
∙ ALWAYS review this Owner’s Manual for important safety information.
For descriptions specified for all-wheel
drive models, an AWDmark is placed at the
beginning of the applicable
sections/items.
As with other vehicles with features for
off-road use, failure to operate all-wheel
drive models correctly may result in loss
of control or an accident. For additional
information, refer to “Driving safety pre-
cautions” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING
This vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passen-
ger car because it has a higher center
of gravity for off-road use. As with
other vehicles with features of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle
correctly may result in loss of control
or an accident.
For additional information, refer to
“On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions”, “Avoiding collision and
rollover” and “Driving safety precau-
tions” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its
performance, safety, emissions or du-
rability and may even violate govern-
mental regulations. In addition, dam-
age or performance problems
resulting from modifications may not
be covered under NISSAN warranties.
WARNING
Installing an af termarket On-Board Di-
agnostic (OBD) plug-in device that uses
the port during normal driving, for ex-
ample remote insurance company
monitoring, remote vehicle diagnostics,
telematics or engine reprogramming,
may cause interference or damage to
vehicle systems. We do not recommend
or endorse the use of any af termarket
OBD plug-in devices, unless specifically
approved by NISSAN. The vehicle war-
ranty may not cover damage caused by
any af termarket plug-in device.
Front passenger air bagstatus light
The front passenger air bag status light will
be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
off depending on how the front passenger
seat is being used.
For additional information, refer to “Front
passenger air bag and status light” in the
“Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemen-
tal restraint system” section of this manual.
High Beam Assist indicatorlight (green) (if so equipped)
This indicator light illuminates when the
headlights come on while the headlight
switch is in the AUTO position with the high
beams selected. This indicates that the
high beam assist is operational.
For additional information, refer to “Head-
light switch” in this section.
High beam indicator light(blue)
This blue light comes on when the head-
light high beams are on and goes out when
the low beams are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes
on when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The MIL may also come on steady if the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the
vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least
3 gallons (11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
Af ter a few driving trips, the
light
should turn off if no other potential emis-
sion control system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for
20 seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds
when the engine is not running, it indicates
that the vehicle is not ready for an emission
control system inspection/maintenance
test. For additional information, refer to
“Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual. Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:
∙
MIL on steady — An emission control sys-
tem malfunction has been detected.
Check the fuel-filler cap if the Loose Fuel
Cap warning appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display. 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 recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice. 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.
Instruments and controls2-19
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.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF or LOCK position.
The blinking security indicator light indi-
cates that the security systems equipped
on the vehicle are operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security
systems” in this section.
Side light and headlightindicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light
illuminates when the side light or headlight
position is selected. For additional informa- tion, refer to “Headlight and turn signal
switch” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator light will blink when the VDC
system is operating, thus alerting the driver
to the fact that the road surface is slippery
and the vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
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.
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes 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 off. This indi-
cates the VDC system has been turned off.
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.
The VDC OFF indicator light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the
ON position. The light will turn off af ter
about 2 seconds if the system is opera-
tional. If the light stays on or comes on
along with the
indicator light while
you are driving, have the VDC system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
While the VDC system is operating, you
might feel a slight vibration or hear the sys-
tem working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
2-20Instruments and controls
OPENER OPERATION
The fuel-filler door opener switch is located
on the instrument panel. To open, push the
fuel-filler opener switch.
To lock, close the fuel-filler door securely.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
WARNING
∙ Gasoline is extremely flammable andhighly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seri-
ously injured if it is misused or mis-
handled. Always stop the engine and
do not smoke or allow open flames or
sparks near the vehicle when
refueling.
∙ Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank af ter the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling
may cause fuel overflow, resulting in
fuel spray and possibly a fire.
∙ Use only an original equipment type fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has
a built-in safety valve needed for
proper operation of the fuel system
and emission control system. An in-
correct cap can result in a serious mal-
function and possible injury. It could
also cause the
Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL) to come on.
∙ Never pour fuel into the throttle body to attempt to start your vehicle. ∙ Do not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable
fuel containers:
– Always place the container on the ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when filling.
– Keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container while you are
filling it.
– Use only approved portable fuel containers for flammable liquid.
LPD2283
FUEL-FILLER DOOR
3-36Pre-driving checks and adjustments
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three-way catalyst
are burned at high temperatures to help
reduce pollutants.
WARNING
∙ The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system
components.
∙ Do not stop or park the vehicle over flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
∙ Do not use leaded gasoline. Depositsfrom leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants. ∙ Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over rich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if no-
ticeable loss of performance or other
unusual operating conditions are de-
tected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
∙ Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three-way catalyst.
∙ Do not race the engine while warming it up.
∙ Do not push or tow your vehicle to start the engine.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as pos-
sible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver’s responsibility to maintain cor-
rect tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
Starting and driving5-5
∙ Do not shif t gears while driving ondownhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
∙ Stay alert when driving to the top of a hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.
∙ If your engine stalls or you cannot make it to the top of a steep hill, never
attempt to turn around. Your vehicle
could tip or roll over. Always back
straight down in the R (Reverse) gear
and apply brakes to control your
speed.
∙ Heavy braking going down a hill could cause your brakes to overheat and
fade, resulting in loss of control and
an accident. Apply brakes lightly and
use a low gear to control your speed.
∙ Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it will
not be thrown forward and cause in-
jury to you or your passengers. ∙ To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load.
∙ Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible.
Do not equip the vehicle with tires
larger than specified in this manual.
This could cause your vehicle to roll
over.
∙ Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.
∙ Before operating the vehicle, ensure that 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 AWD
engaged.
∙ For AWD 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 an AWD 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 AWD 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.
5-12Starting and driving
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 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 more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil be-
fore 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.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
5-148Starting and driving
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.CAUTION
∙ If the warning light remains on af terthe above operation, have your ve-
hicle checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
∙ If the warning light comes on while driving, there may be a malfunction in
the AWD system. Reduce the vehicle
speed and have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
∙ The powertrain may be damaged if you continue driving with the warning
light illuminated.
∙ Never drive on dry, hard surface roads in the LOCK mode, as this will overload
the powertrain and may cause a seri-
ous malfunction.
WARNING
∙ For AWD 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 an AWD 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 that you inform
the test facility personnel that your
vehicle is equipped with AWD before it
is placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-149