the dipstick to check the oil level.
(See “Engine oil” (P.8-6).)
. If the gauge needle does not
move with the proper amount of
engine oil, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service. Continued vehicle opera-
tion in such a condition could
cause serious damage to the en-
gine.
SIC4376
VOLTMETER
When the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position, the volt meter indicates the
battery voltage. When the engine is run-
ning, it indicates the generator voltage.
While cranking the engine, the volt drop
below the normal range. If the needle is
not in the normal range (10.5 to 15.5 volt)
while the engine is running, it may
indicate that the charging system is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
METER/RING ILLUMINATION AND
NEEDLE SWEEP
The ring illumination surrounding meters
and gauges illuminates when the driver’s
door is closed after getting into the
vehicle with the Intelligent Key carried in.
When the engine is started, the indicator
needles will sweep in the speedometer
and tachometer and the ring illumination
will be brightened gradually. This function
can be turned off. (See “Trip computer”
(P.2-28).)
Instruments and controls2-9
WARNING
.Your brake system may not be
working properly if the warning
light is on. Driving could be dan-
gerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Other-
wise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dan-
gerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your
stopping distance and braking
will require greater pedal effort
as well as pedal travel.
. If the brake fluid level is below the
minimum or MIN mark on the
brake fluid reservoir, do not drive
until the brake system has been
checked. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging
system is not functioning properly. Turn
the engine off and check the alternator
belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing or
if the light remains on, have your vehicle
serviced immediately. It is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alter-
nator belt is loose, broken or miss-
ing.
Intelligent Distance Control (I-
DC) system warning light (orange; if
so equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunc-
tion in the Intelligent Distance Control (I-
DC) system.
If the warning light illuminates, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine, resume driving and
turn on the I-DC system again.
If it is not possible to turn on the system
or the warning light stays on, it may indicate that the system is malfunction-
ing. Although the vehicle is still drive-
able under normal conditions, have the
vehicle checked. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
See “Intelligent Distance Control (I-DC)”
(P.5-85).
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pres-
sure. If the light flickers or comes on
during normal driving, pull off the road in
a safe area, stop the engine immediately
and call a NISSAN dealer or other author-
ized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level.
(See “Engine oil” (P.8-6).)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine
oil pressure warning light on could
cause serious damage to the engine
almost immediately. Such damage is
not covered by warranty. Turn off the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
Instruments and controls2-13
warning feature. If the fuel level is low, the
warning is displayed on the screen.
When the fuel level drops even lower, the
dte display will change to “——”.
.If the amount of fuel added is small,
the display just before the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position
may continue to be displayed.
. When driving uphill or rounding
curves, the fuel in the tank shifts,
which may momentarily change the
display.
5. Outside air temperature (ICY — °F
or °C)
The outside air temperature is displayed
in °F or °C in the range of −22 to 131°F (−30
to 55°C).
The outside air temperature mode in-
cludes a low temperature warning fea-
ture. If the outside air temperature is
below 37°F (3°C), the warning is displayed
on the screen.
The outside temperature sensor is lo-
cated in front of the radiator. The sensor
may be affected by road or engine heat,
wind directions and other driving condi-
tions. The display may differ from the
actual outside temperature or the tem-
perature displayed on various signs or
billboards.
6. Setting
Setting is available while the engine is
running.
Setting cannot be made while driving. A
message “SETTING CAN ONLY BE OPER-
ATED WHEN STOPPED” is also displayed
on the vehicle information display.
The
switchandswitchare
used in the setting mode to select and
decide a menu.
SKIP:
Push the
switchto move to the
warning check mode.
Push the
switchto select other
menus.
ALERT:
There are 3 submenus under the alert
menu.
. BACK
Select this submenu to return to the
top page of the setting mode.
. TIMER
Select this submenu to specify when
the “TIMER” indicator activates.
. ICY
Select this submenu to display the low
outside temperature warning. MAINTENANCE:
There are 5 submenus under the main-
tenance menu.
.
BACK
Select this submenu to return to the
top page of the setting mode.
. TIRE
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for replacing tires.
. FILTER
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for replacing the oil filter.
. OIL
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for changing the engine oil.
. OTHER
Select this submenu and set or reset
the distance for replacing items other
than the engine oil, oil filter and tires.
OPTIONS:
There are 4 submenus under the display
menu.
. BACK
Select this submenu to return to the
top page of the setting mode.
. LANGUAGE
Select this submenu to choose Eng-
lish, French or Spanish for display.
Instruments and controls2-29
5-16Starting and driving
.Make sure the area around the vehicle
is clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window
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.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head re-
straints/headrests.
. 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 pushed to
the ON position. (See “Warning lights,
indicator lights and audible remin-
ders” (P.2-10).) 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the shift lever is in either of the
above positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position. Firmly depress the brake
pedal and push the ignition switch to
start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push
and release the ignition switch while
depressing the brake pedal with the
ignition switch in any position.
.If the engine is very hard to start inextremely cold weather or when
restarting, depress the accelerator
pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to
the floor) and while holding, crank
the engine. Release the accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
.If the engine is very hard to startbecause it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it. Push the ignition
switch to the ON position to start
cranking the engine. After 5 or 6
seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After
cranking the engine, release the
accelerator pedal. Crank the engine
with your foot off the accelerator pedal
by depressing the brake
pedal and pushing the push-button
ignition switch to start the engine.
If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the
engine does not start, push the
ignition switch to OFF and wait 10
seconds before cranking again,
otherwise the starter could be da-
maged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the
engine while warming it up. Drive at
moderate speed for a short distance
first, especially in cold weather. In cold
weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2 - 3 minutes before
shutting it off. Starting and stopping
the engine over a short period of time
may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
When racing the engine up to 4,000
rpm or more under the no load
condition, the engine will enter the
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ...................................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ........................ 8-3VK56VD engine ....................................................................... 8-3
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level .................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant ................................................ 8-5
Engine oil ........................................................................\
..................... 8-6 Checking engine oil level ................................................. 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter ..................................... 8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ............................. 8-8
Power steering fluid ................................................................... 8-8
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
.................. 8-9
Window washer fluid .............................................................. 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
........................ 8-11 Jump starting ........................................................................\
. 8-13
Variable voltage control system ................................... 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
................ 8-13
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
............. 8-14 Replacing spark plugs ..................................................... 8-14
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
............... 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
........... 8-16
Replacing ........................................................................\
........ 8-16
Rear window wiper blades ............................................... 8-17
Brakes ........................................................................\
........................ 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes ..................................................... 8-17
Brake pad wear warning ............................................ 8-17
Brake booster ...................................................................... 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................\
........................... 8-18 Engine compartment .................................................... 8-18
Passenger compartment ........................................... 8-20
Intelligent Key battery replacement .......................... 8-21
Lights ........................................................................\
.......................... 8-24
Headlights ........................................................................\
...... 8-24
Exterior and interior lights ........................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ........................................................................\
8-30
Tire pressure ........................................................................\
8-30
Tire labeling ........................................................................\
.. 8-34
Types of tires ....................................................................... 8-36
Tire chains ........................................................................\
...... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires ...................................... 8-37
8-6Do-it-yourself
JVM0728X
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches oper- ating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than
15 minutes for the oil to drain back
into the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the
range
. If the oil level is below,
remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the open- ing.
Do not overfill
.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the se-
verity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not
covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches oper- ating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack
stands.
.Place the safety jack stands underthe vehicle jack-up points.
.A suitable adapter should be at-
tached to the jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the engine undercover.
.Remove the bolts that hold the undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and
support points are used to avoid
vehicle damage.
ENGINE OIL
SDI2528
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under thedrain plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
with a
wrench and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as
the engine oil is hot.
.Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
.Check your local regulations.
4. (Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine oil filter change is needed.)
Loosen the oil filter
with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turn-
ing it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber
gasket remaining on the mounting
surface of the engine. Failure to do
so could lead to engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten
additionally more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(15 to 21 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten
the drain plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m) Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and install the oil filler cap securely.
CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in
place to prevent oil spillage from
the dipstick hole while filling the
engine with oil.
See “Capacities and recommended
fluids/lubricants” (P.10-2) for drain
and refill capacity. The drain and refill
capacity depends on the oil tempera-
ture and drain time. Use these speci-
fications for reference only. Always
use the dipstick to determine the
proper amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leak- age around the drain plug and the oil
filter. Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level
with the dipstick. Add engine oil if
necessary.
Do-it-yourself8-7
8-8Do-it-yourself
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover intoposition using the bolts.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
. Prolonged and repeated contact
with used engine oil may cause
skin cancer.
. Try to avoid direct skin contact
with used oil. If skin contact is
made, wash thoroughly with soap
or hand cleaner as soon as pos-
sible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach
of children. When checking or replacement is re-
quired, we recommend a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.
CAUTION
.
It is recommended that you use
only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
. Using automatic transmission
fluid (ATF) other than Genuine
NISSAN Matic S ATF may cause
deterioration in driveability and
automatic transmission durabil-
ity, and may damage the auto-
matic transmission. Damage
caused by use of fluids other than
as recommended is not covered
by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
SDI1765A
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range (
: HOT MAX.,: HOT MIN.)
at fluid temperatures of 122 to 176°F (50 to
80°C) or using the COLD range (
: COLD
MAX.,: COLD MIN.) at fluid temperatures
of 32 to 86°F (0 to 30°C).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add
Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the open-
ing.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF)POWER STEERING FLUID