8-36Do-it-yourself
Other tire-related terminology:
In addition to the many terms that
are defined throughout this sec-
tion, Intended Outboard Sidewall is
(1) the sidewall that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering or
bears manufacturer, brand and/or
model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same molding
on the other sidewall of the tire, or
(2) the outward facing sidewall of
an asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that must always
face outward when mounted on a
vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
.When changing or replacing tires,
be sure all four tires are of the
same type (Example: Summer, All
Season or Snow) and construc-
tion. A NISSAN dealer may be able
to help you with information
about tire type, size, speed rating
and availability. .
Replacement tires may have a
lower speed rating than the fac-
tory equipped tires, and may not
match the potential maximum
vehicle speed. Never exceed the
maximum speed rating of the
tire.
. Replacing tires with those not
originally specified by NISSAN
could affect the proper operation
of the TPMS.
. For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road con-
ditions. All Season tires are identified by
ALL SEASON and/or M&S (Mud and Snow)
on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have
better snow traction than All Season tires
and may be more appropriate in some
areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance
on dry roads. Summer tire performance is
substantially reduced in snow and ice.
Summer tires do not have the tire trac-
tion rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of SNOW tires or ALL
SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load
rating to the original equipment tires. If
you do not, it can adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower
speed ratings than factory equipped tires
and may not match the potential max-
imum vehicle speed. Never exceed the
maximum speed rating of the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the
same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian provinces
prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded
8-40Do-it-yourself
.The use of retread tire is not
recommended.
. For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
CAUTION
.Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial), and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Failure
to do so may result in a circum-
ference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which
will cause excessive tire wear and
may damage the transmission,
transfer case and differential
gears.
. ONLY use spare tires specified for
the 4WD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is
recommended that all four tires be re-
placed with tires of the same size, brand, construction and tread pattern. The tire
pressure and wheel alignment should
also be checked and corrected as neces-
sary. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle
handling and tire life. Even with regular
use, wheels can get out of balance.
Therefore, they should be balanced as
required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehi-
cle could lead to mechanical damage.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (US) or “Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the NISSAN Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
Care of wheels
See “Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2) for details
about care of the wheels.
Spare tire
Since the spare tire is not equipped with
the TPMS, when a spare tire is mounted
(TEMPORARY USE ONLY or conventional),
the TPMS will not function.
Spare tire (FULL-SIZE TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire) (Applies ONLY to vehi-
cles equipped with P275/50R22 or
P275/60R20 tires):
Observe the following precautions if the
full-size temporary use only spare tire
must be used, otherwise your vehicle
could be damaged or involved in an
accident.
WARNING
.
The full-size temporary use only
spare tire should be used for
emergency use. It should be re-
placed with the standard tire at
the first opportunity to avoid
possible tire or differential da-
mage.
. Drive carefully while the spare tire
is installed. Avoid sharp turns and
abrupt braking while driving. The
vehicle driving performance may
be affected when driving on wet
or snow covered roads.
10-18Technical and consumer information
towing. For example, towing a heavy
trailer in high outside temperatures on
graded roads can affect engine perfor-
mance and cause overheating. The trans-
mission high fluid temperature and
engine protection mode, which helps
reduce the chance of transmission and
engine damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle
speed may decrease under high load.
Plan your trip carefully to account for
trailer and vehicle load, weather and road
conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced
engine power and vehicle speed.
The reduced speed may be lower
than other traffic, which could in-
crease the chance of a collision. Be
especially careful when driving. If the
vehicle cannot maintain a safe driv-
ing speed, pull to the side of the road
in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation.
See “If your vehicle overheats” (P.6-
14).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not
covered by NISSAN warranties.
STI0542
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load
between 10 to 15% of the total trailer load
or use the trailer tongue load specified by
the trailer manufacturer. The tongue load
must be within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue
load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understand-
ing of the vehicle’s behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free from traffic.
Steering stability, and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
.Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a
pin or lock to prevent the coupler from
inadvertently becoming unlatched.
. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
. Always drive your vehicle at a moder-
ate speed. Some states or provinces
have specific speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
. When backing up, hold the bottom of
the steering wheel with one hand.
Move your hand in the direction in
which you want the trailer to go. Make
small corrections and back up slowly.
If possible, have someone guide you
when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking
brake, transmission damage could
occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer
wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until
the blocks absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO
position and the Automatic Transmis-
sion (AT) park warning light is turned
off.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 2. Start the engine.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and
trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
. While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce
your speed and shift to a lower gear.
Avoid long or repeated use of the
brakes when descending a hill, as this
reduces their effectiveness and could
cause overheating. Shifting to a lower
gear instead provides “engine braking”
and reduces the need to brake as
frequently.
. If the engine coolant temperature
rises to a high temperature, see “If
your vehicle overheats” (P.6-14).
. Trailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
. Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s
first 500 miles (800 km).
. Have your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the
recommended maintenance schedule
shown in the "9. Maintenance and
Technical and consumer information10-27
10-28Technical and consumer information
schedules" section.
. When making a turn, your trailer
wheels will be closer to the inside of
the turn than your vehicle wheels. To
compensate for this, make a larger
than normal turning radius during the
turn.
. Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When
being passed by larger vehicles, be
prepared for possible changes in
crosswinds that could affect vehicle
handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to
sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast
and steer as straight ahead as the
road conditions allow. This combina-
tion will help stabilize the vehicle.
.Do not correct trailer sway bysteering or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side
of the road in a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described earlier in this
section.
. Be careful when passing other vehi-
cles. Passing while towing a trailer requires considerably more distance
than normal passing. Remember the
length of the trailer must also pass the
other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.
. Use the Tow mode or downshift the
transmission to a lower gear for en-
gine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the
vehicle without applying the brakes.
. Avoid holding the brake pedal down
too long or too frequently. This could
cause the brakes to overheat, result-
ing in reduced braking efficiency.
. Increase your following distance to
allow for greater stopping distances
while towing a trailer. Anticipate stops
and brake gradually.
. NISSAN recommends that the cruise
control not be used while towing a
trailer.
. While towing a trailer, do not use the
following systems (if so equipped):
— the Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system
— the Intelligent Lane Intervention (I- LI) system
— the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) sys- tem
— the Intelligent Blind Spot Interven- tion (I-BSI) system — the Intelligent Back-up Intervention
(I-BI) system
— the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
— the Intelligent Distance Control (I- DC) system
— the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system
— the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW) system
. Some states or provinces have speci-
fic regulations and speed limits for
vehicles that are towing trailers. Obey
the local speed limits.
. Check your hitch, trailer wiring har-
ness connections, and trailer wheel
lug nuts after 50 miles (80 km) of
travel and at every break.
. When launching a boat, do not allow
the water level to go over the exhaust
tail pipe or rear bumper.
. Make sure you disconnect the trailer
lights (if so equipped) before backing
the trailer into the water or the trailer
lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information,
see the "9. Maintenance and schedules"
section.
TOW mode
Using TOW mode is recommended when
pulling a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy
load. Push the TOW MODE switch to
activate tow mode. The TOW MODE
indicator light in the meter illuminates
when TOW mode is selected. Push the
TOW MODE switch again to turn TOW
mode off. TOW mode is automatically
cancelled when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF position.
TOW mode includes the following fea-
tures:
.Grade logic — Adjusts transmission
shifts when pulling a trailer or hauling
a load up a grade.
. Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — auto-
matically downshifts when driving
down a grade with a trailer or heavy
load to help control vehicle speed.
Driving the vehicle in the TOW mode with
no trailer/load or light trailer/light load
will not cause any damage. However, fuel
economy may be reduced and the trans-
mission/engine driving characteristics
may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information,
see the "9. Maintenance and schedules"
section.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground is sometimes called flat
towing. This method is sometimes used
when towing a vehicle behind a recrea-
tional vehicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION
. Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.
. Whenever flat towing your vehi-
cle, always tow forward, never
backward.
. DO NOT tow any automatic trans-
mission vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat tow-
ing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE inter-
nal transmission parts due to lack
of transmission lubrication.
. DO NOT tow a Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground. Doing so
may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
. For emergency towing proce-
dures refer to “Towing recom-
mended by NISSAN” (P.6-17).
Automatic Transmission
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Do not tow a 4WD vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models:
To tow a vehicle equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, an appropriate vehi-
cle dolly MUSTbe placed under the towed
vehicle’s drive wheels. Alwaysfollow the
dolly manufacturer’s recommendations
when using their product.
Technical and consumer information10-29
11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .................... 5-131
Advanced Air Bag System .................................... 1-60
Air bag systemAdvanced Air Bag System ............................. 1-60
Front passenger air bag and
status light................................................................. 1-62
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system..................... 1-68
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air
bag system................................................................ 1-68
Air bag warning labels ............................................ 1-70
Air bag warning light................................. 1-71, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ....................................... 8-15
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation............................... 4-35
Air conditioner service...................................... 4-43
Air conditioner specification label....... 10-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant
and lubricant
recommendations ................................ 4-43, 10-6
Automatic air conditioner ............................. 4-36
In-cabin microfilter .............................................. 4-43
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system)............................................................ 2-31
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................... 5-10
All-mode 4WD.............................................................. 5-116
Antenna........................................................................\
....... 4-43
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................... 5-131
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light ................................................................... 2-11
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ................................. 7-2 Interior appearance care................................... 7-5
Armrest ........................................................................\
........ 1-11
Audible reminders....................................................... 2-20
Auto closure .................................................................... 3-25
Automatic Air conditioner ........................................................ 4-36
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ........ 8-8
Door locks...................................................................... 3-6
Drive positioner...................................................... 3-40
Driving with
automatic transmission .................................. 5-18
Seat positioner ....................................................... 3-40
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) .......... 5-98
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
system warning light................................................ 2-11
Average fuel consumption and speed ....... 2-28
Avoiding collision and rollover.............................. 5-8
B
Back door (See liftgate) .......................................... 3-22
Battery........................................................................\
.......... 8-11 Battery saver system.......................... 2-39, 2-67
Intelligent Key.......................................................... 8-21
Variable voltage control system .............. 8-13
Before starting the engine................................... 5-16
Belts (See drive belts)............................................... 8-13
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) ..................................... 5-32
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/Intelligent Blind
Spot Intervention (I-BSI) system
warning light ................................................................... 2-12
Booster seats.................................................................. 1-51
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............ 5-131
Brake booster.......................................................... 8-17
Brake fluid ..................................................................... 8-9 Brake system ....................................................... 5-130
Parking brake operation................................. 5-22
Warning light............................................................ 2-12
Break-in schedule .................................................... 5-115
Brightness control Instrument panel .................................................. 2-40
Bulb check/instrument panel............................ 2-11
Bulb replacement ........................................................ 8-24
C
Cabin air filter ................................................................. 4-43
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants...................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio ............................................ 4-44
Cargo floor box ............................................................. 2-60
Cargo light ........................................................................\
2-70
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ....... 5-4
Child restraints .............................................................. 1-32 Booster seats........................................................... 1-51
LATCH system ......................................................... 1-35
Precautions on child restraints................. 1-33
Top tether strap .................................................... 1-37
Child safety....................................................................... 1-30
Child safety rear door lock ...................................... 3-6
Chimes Audible reminders................................................ 2-20
Seat belt warning light and chime......... 2-16
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ................................. 8-19
Cleaning exterior and interior ................... 7-2, 7-5
Climate control.............................................................. 4-35
Coat hooks ....................................................................... 2-59
Cockpit ........................................................................\
............. 2-3
Cold weather driving ............................................. 5-135
Console box ..................................................................... 2-56
Console light ................................................................... 2-69
11-2
CoolantCapacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants .................................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-5
Checking engine coolant level...................... 8-5
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-7
Cruise control Fixed speed cruise control
(on ICC system) ...................................................... 5-81
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) ................. 5-63
Cup holders...................................................................... 2-53
D
Daytime running light system........................... 2-39
Dimensions ....................................................................... 10-9
Drive belts...................................................................\
....... 8-13
Drive positioner............................................................. 3-40
Driving Cold weather driving ..................................... 5-135
Driving with
automatic transmission .................................. 5-18
On-pavement and off-road driving .......... 5-9
Precautions when starting and
driving........................................................................\
....... 5-4
Safety precautions .............................................. 5-10
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................. 5-116
Elapsed time.................................................................... 2-28
Emission control information label............ 10-11
Emission control system warranty ............ 10-31
EngineBefore starting the engine............................ 5-16
Break-in schedule ............................................ 5-115 Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants............... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-5
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-6
Checking engine coolant level...................... 8-5
Checking engine oil level................................... 8-6
Coolant temperature gauge .......................... 2-7
Emergency engine shut off.......................... 5-15
Engine block heater ....................................... 5-136
Engine compartment
check locations ......................................................... 8-3
Engine cooling system ........................................ 8-4
Engine oil.....................................................................\
... 8-6
Engine oil and oil
filter recommendation ..................................... 10-5
Engine oil replacement indicator ............ 2-26
Engine oil viscosity .............................................. 10-6
Engine serial number .................................... 10-11
Engine specifications......................................... 10-7
Engine start operation indicator.............. 2-23
If your vehicle overheats ................................ 6-14
Oil pressure gauge ................................................. 2-8
Protection mode ................................................... 5-17
Remote engine start operation
indicator....................................................................... 2-23
Starting the engine............................................. 5-16
Entry/exit function, Automatic
drive positioner ............................................................. 3-40
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 10-33
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ......................... 5-4
Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items ........................................................................\
.................. 9-5
Extended storage fuse warning ...................... 2-24
Extended storage switch ...................................... 8-21
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ...... 10-11
Filter Air cleaner housing filter ................................ 8-15
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-6
Flashers (See hazard warning
flasher switch).................................................................... 6-2
Flat tire........................................................................\
............. 6-3
Flat towing..................................................................... 10-29
Flexible seating.............................................................. 1-12
Floor mat cleaning ......................................................... 7-5
Fluid Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ........ 8-8
Brake fluid ..................................................................... 8-9
Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants .................................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant........................................................... 8-4
Engine oil.....................................................................\
... 8-6
Power steering fluid .............................................. 8-8
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-10
Fog light switch ............................................................ 2-41
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) NISSAN all-mode 4WD®................................ 5-116
Front passenger air bag and status
light........................................................................\
................. 1-62
Front power seat adjustment ............................... 1-4
Front seat Front seat adjustment ......................... 1-4, 1-11
Front-seat active head restraint..................... 1-19
Fuel Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants .................................................................... 10-2
Fuel economy...................................................... 5-116
Fuel information.................................................... 10-3
Fuel octane rating ............................................... 10-3
Fuel-filler cap............................................................ 3-26