WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,
hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low
speed in forward or reverse. When the self-
test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and does not indicate a mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds above3-6mph(5-
10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise
from under the hood or feel a vibration
from the actuator when it is operating. This
is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
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 device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.
Starting and driving5-57
The hill descent control system helps
maintain vehicle speed when driving under
15 mph (25 km/h) on steeper downhill
grades. Hill descent control is useful when
engine braking alone cannot control ve-
hicle speed. Hill descent control applies the
vehicle brakes to control vehicle speed al-
lowing the driver to concentrate on steer-
ing while reducing the burden of brake and
accelerator operation.
If the hill descent control system ON indica-
tor light is blinking, the hill descent control
is engaged; however, the hill descent con-
trol will not control the vehicle speed.∙ Once the system is activated, the indi- cator light will remain on in the instru-
ment panel. For additional information,
refer to “Hill descent control system ON
indicator light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
∙ You may hear a noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from the actua-
tor when it is operating. This indicates
that the hill descent control system is
working properly. If the accelerator or brake pedal is de-
pressed while the hill descent control sys-
tem is on, the system will stop operating
temporarily. As soon as the accelerator or
brake pedal is released, the hill descent
control system begins to function again if
the hill descent control operating condi-
tions are fulfilled.
For the best results, when descending
steep downhill grades, the hill descent con-
trol switch should be ON and the shif t lever
in M1 (First) for engine braking. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Hill descent
control switch” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.WARNING
∙ Never rely solely on the hill start assist
system to prevent the vehicle from
moving backward on a hill. Always
drive carefully and attentively. De-
press the brake pedal when the ve-
hicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be es-
pecially careful when stopped on a hill
on frozen or muddy roads. Failure to
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards may result in a loss of control of
the vehicle and possible serious injury
or death.
∙ The hill start assist system is not de- signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still on a hill. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to roll backwards and may
result in a collision or serious personal
injury.
∙ The hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on
a hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the
brake pedal to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards. Failure to do
so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-62Starting and driving
When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill
start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied. This helps prevents the
vehicle from rolling backward in the time it
takes the driver to release the brake pedal
and apply the accelerator when the vehicle
is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically
under the following conditions:∙ The shif t lever is shif ted to a forward or reverse gear.
∙ The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
Af ter 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and hill start assist will stop operating
completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the
shif t lever is shif ted into N (Neutral) or P
(Park) or on a flat and level road. When
the
indicator light illuminates in the
meter, the hill start assist system will not
operate. The front and rear sonar system sounds a
tone to inform the driver of obstacles near
the bumper.
When the “DISPLAY” key is ON, the sonar
view will automatically appear in the meter.
WARNING
∙ The front and rear sonar system is a
convenience but it is not a substitute
for proper parking.
∙ The driver is always responsible for safety during parking and other ma-
neuvers. Always look around and
check that it is safe to do so before
parking.
∙ Read and understand the limitations of the front and rear sonar system as
contained in this section. The colors of
the corner sonar indicator and the
distance guide lines in the front/rear
view indicate different distances to
the object.
∙ Inclement weather or ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car
wash, a truck’s compressed-air
brakes or a pneumatic drill may affect
the function of the system; this may
include reduced performance or a
false activation.
∙ This function is designed as an aid to the driver in detecting large station-
ary objects to help avoid damaging
the vehicle.
LSD2465
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
Starting and driving5-63
SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations
for the sonar system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in seri-
ous injury or death.
∙ The driver is always responsible forsafety during parking and other ma-
neuvers. Always turn and look back
before backing up. The sonar system
is not a substitute for proper
procedures.
∙ Read and understand the limitations of the sonar system as contained in
this section. Inclement weather may
affect the function of the sonar sys-
tem; this may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.
∙ This system is not designed to pre- vent contact with small or moving
objects. ∙ The system is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large station-
ary objects to help avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system will not detect
small objects below the bumper, and
may not detect objects close to the
bumper or on the ground.
∙ The system is deactivated at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h). It is reacti-
vated at lower speeds.
∙ Inclement weather or ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car
wash, a truck’s compressed-air
brakes or a pneumatic drill may affect
the function of the system; this may
include reduced performance or a
false activation.
∙ The system is not designed to prevent contact with small or moving objects.
Always move slowly. The system will
not detect small objects below the
bumper or on the ground.
∙ The system may not detect the fol- lowing objects: fluff y objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass-wool, etc.;
thin objects such as rope, wire and
chain, etc.; or wedge-shaped objects. ∙ The system may not detect objects at
speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and
may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
∙ The system is deactivated at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h) and is reacti-
vated at lower speeds.
Starting and driving5-67
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........8-3
Engine cooling system ..........................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ................8-6
Changing engine coolant .....................8-6
Engine oil ........................................8-7
Checking engine oil level .....................8-7
Changing engine oil ..........................8-8
Changing engine oil filter .....................8-9
Fuel filter (CUMMINS 5.0L) ........................8-11
Fuel filter replacement (stage 1) ...............8-11
Fuel filter replacement (stage 2) ..............8-11
Draining water ............................... 8-11
Fuel system priming .......................... 8-11
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) .....................8-11
Automatic regeneration ......................8-11
6-speed Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
(diesel engine only) .............................. 8-11
7-speed Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
(gasoline engine only) .......................... 8-12
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) ......................8-12
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ............8-13Battery.........................................
8-15
Jump starting ............................... 8-18
Variable voltage control (if so equipped) ........8-18
Drive belt ....................................... 8-19
Spark plugs (gasoline engine only) ..............8-19
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-19
Air cleaner ...................................... 8-20
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ........................8-21
Cleaning .................................... 8-21
Replacing ................................... 8-21
Brakes.......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-23
Engine compartment .......................8-24
Passenger compartment ....................8-25
Batter yr
eplacement ........................... 8-27
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-27
Lights .......................................... 8-29
Headlights ................................... 8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-29
Daytime Running Light (DRL)
(if so equipped) .............................. 8-30
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-32
CAUTION
∙ Af ter wiper blade replacement, returnthe wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when
the hood is opened.
∙ Make sure the wiper blades contact the glass; otherwise the arms may be
damaged from wind pressure.
Be careful not to let anything get into the
washer nozzle
D. This may cause clogging
or improper windshield–washer operation.
If something gets into the nozzle, remove it
with a needle or small pin
C. If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear disc-type brakes self-
adjust every time the brake pedal is ap-
plied.
WARNING
Have your brake system checked if the
brake pedal height does not return to
normal. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound will be heard
when the vehicle is in motion. The noise will
be heard whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
LDI2710
BRAKES
8-22Do-it-yourself
Doors and engine hood:Check that the
doors and engine hood operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers
and links if necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Lights*: Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components:
Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may
be a need for wheel alignment. If the steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not bind or require uneven ef-
fort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) posi-
tion mechanism: On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely
with the shif t lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Maintenance and schedules9-3
Bumper towing
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper has pro-
visions to install a trailer hitch ball and is
designed to tow trailers of a maximum
weight of 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg).
NOTE:
The trailer hitch ball cannot be installed
on the step bumper if the receiver-type
frame mounted hitch is installed on the
vehicle.
To install a trailer hitch ball cut out the circle
in the center of the step bumper
A, then
remove it to install the trailer hitch ball.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and gross
weight directly on the ball mount and on
the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars
attach to the ball mount and to the trailer
to distribute the tongue weight (hitch
weight) of your trailer. Many vehicles can’t
carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue
weight transferred through the frame and
pushing down on the front wheels. This
gives stability to the tow vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class
IV) is recommended if you plan to tow trail-
ers with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system. NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may
affect the operation of trailer surge
brakes. If you are considering use of a
weight-distributing hitch system with a
surge brake-equipped trailer, check with
the surge brake, hitch or trailer manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level sur- face. With the ignition on and the doors
closed, allow the vehicle to stand for
several minutes so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the
center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the
front bumper height is within 0 -
.5 inches (0 – 13 mm) of the reference
height measured in step 2. The rear
bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
LTI2227
10-48Technical and consumer information