To activate the hill descent control system:
• activate the 4H or 4LO switch,
• the transmission shif t lever must be inforward or reverse gear,
• the hill descent control system switch must be ON.
The vehicle speed must be kept below 15
mph (25 km/h).
The hill descent control indicator light will
come on when the system is activated.
Also, the stop/tail lights illuminate while the
hill descent control system applies the
brakes to control vehicle speed.
You may hear a noise from under the hood
or feel a vibration from the actuator when it
is operating. This is normal and indicates
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. The hill descent control indicator light
blinks if the switch is on and all conditions
for system activation are not met or if the
system becomes disengaged for any rea-
son.
To turn off the hill descent control system,
push the switch to the OFF position.
For additional information, refer to “Hill de-
scent control system ON indicator light” in
this section and “Hill descent control sys-
tem” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
The E-Lock system can help provide added
traction if the vehicle is stuck or becoming
stuck.
To activate the E-Lock system:
• the 4WD switch must be in the 4LO posi-tion (4-wheel drive vehicles),
• the vehicle must be stopped or moving at 4 mph (7 km/h) or less, and
• the E-Lock system switch must be turned ON.
LIC4341
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM
SWITCH (if so equipped)
2-62Instruments and controls
When the E-Lock system switch is turned
ON, the indicator light will flash until the
system engages. However, if all operation
conditions listed above are not met or the
system becomes disengaged, the indica-
tor light will continue to flash.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) system
is disabled and the ABS light illuminates
when the E-Lock system is on.
For additional information, refer to “Elec-
tronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) sys-
tem” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual for further explanation and
system limitations.
WARNING
• Never leave the E-Lock system ON
when driving on paved or hard-
surfaced roads. Turning the vehicle
may result in the rear wheels slipping
and result in an accident and per-
sonal injury. Af ter using the E-Lock
system to free the vehicle, turn the
system OFF. •
Use the E-lock system only in an
emergency when it is not possible to
free a stuck vehicle even using 4LO.
Never use the E-Lock system on a
slippery road surface such as snow
or ice surface. Using the E-Lock sys-
tem when driving in these road con-
ditions may cause unexpected
movement of the vehicle during en-
gine braking, accelerating or turning,
which may result in an accident and
serious personal injury.
• Observe the above warnings. Other-
wise, loss of normal steering control
may result. This may result in an ac-
cident and serious personal injury.
CAUTION
• Af ter using the E-Lock system, or
during normal driving, turn the
switch OFF to prevent possible dam-
age to drivetrain components from
extended use.
• When the E-Lock system is in opera-
tion, turning the vehicle becomes dif-
ficult. This can be dangerous, espe-
cially at high speeds. Doing so could
damage drivetrain components. •
Do not operate the E-Lock system
when the vehicle is turning or when
one side wheel is rotating. Otherwise,
the drivetrain components could be
damaged.
• The E-Lock system operates only
when the engine is running.
• In 4H mode, the E-Lock system does
not operate when the E-Lock system
switch is turned to the ON position.
(The E-Lock system indicator light
will flash.)
• Avoid quick starts while the E-Lock
system is in operation. Otherwise the
drivetrain components could be
damaged.
• Observe the above cautions. Other-
wise, loss of normal steering may
result.
Instruments and controls2-63
I-FCW system operation.....................5-92
Turning the I-FCW system on/off ............5-93
I-FCW system limitations ....................5-94
System temporarily unavailable .............5-98
System malfunction ......................... 5-99
System maintenance .......................5-99
Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA) ...............5-101
Intelligent Driver Alertness system
operation .................................. 5-101
How to enable/disable the Intelligent
Driver Alertness (I-DA) system ..............5-102
Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA)
system limitations ......................... 5-103
Break-in schedule ............................. 5-104
Fuel efficient driving tips .......................5-104
Increasing fuel economy ......................5-105
Using 4–Wheel Drive (4WD) (if so equipped) ....5-105
Transfer case shif ting procedures ..........5-106
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system (if so equipped) ........................ 5-112
Eco Drive Report (if so equipped) ..............5-113
Parking/parking on hills .......................5-114
Power steering ................................ 5-115
Brake system ................................. 5-116Brake precautions
.......................... 5-116
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .............5-116
Brake Assist ................................. 5-117
Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system .......5-118
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ........5-119
Brake force distribution ....................5-120
Hill descent control system (if so equipped) . . . 5-121
Hill start assist system ........................5-122
Front and rear sonar system (if so equipped) . . 5-123 System operation .......................... 5-124
How to enable/disable the sonar
system ..................................... 5-126
Sonar limitations ........................... 5-127
System maintenance ......................5-128
Cold weather driving .......................... 5-128
Freeing a frozen door lock ..................5-128
Antifreeze .................................. 5-128
B
attery..................................... 5-128
Draining of coolant water ..................5-128
Tire equipment ............................. 5-129
Special winter equipment ..................5-129
Driving on snow or ice ......................5-129
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ........5-129
When the vehicle is stuck,
• Set the 4WD shif t switch to 4H or 4LO.
• Place stones or wooden blocks under thetires to free the vehicle.
• Use the Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system (if so equipped). For addi-
tional information, refer to “Electronic
locking rear differential (E-lock) system” in
this section.
• If it is difficult to free the vehicle, rock the vehicle back and forth between reverse
and drive gears.
• If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, place stones or wooden blocks under the tires.
Then try the recovery procedures above.
Tire chains may be effective.
CAUTION
• Do not spin the tires excessively. Tires
will sink deep into the mud, making it
difficult to free the vehicle.
• Avoid shif ting gears with the engine
running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.
4WD shif t switch operations
• Shif t the 4WD shif t switch to either the 2WD, 4H or 4LO position, depending on
driving conditions.
• If the 4WD shif t switch is operated
while making a turn, accelerating or
decelerating or if the key switch is
turned off while in the 4H or 4LO, you
may feel a jolt. This is not abnormal.
• You may hear some noise as the sys-
tem shif ts or engages. This is not ab-
normal.
CAUTION
• When driving straight, shif t the 4WD
shif t switch to the 2WD or 4H posi-
tion. Do not move the 4WD shif t
switch when making a turn or
reversing.
• Do not shif t the 4WD shif t switch
while driving on steep downhill
grades. Use the engine brake and low
automatic transmission gears (M1 or
M2) for engine braking.
• Do not operate the 4WD shif t switch
with the rear wheels spinning.
• Before placing the 4WD shif t switch
in the 4H position from 2WD, ensure
the vehicle speed is less than 62 mph
(100 km/h). Failure to do so can dam-
age the 4WD system.
• Never shif t the 4WD shif t switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
LSD2463
5-110Starting and driving
–In the 4LO position, stop the ve-
hicle, move the automatic trans-
mission shif t lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position with the brake pedal
depressed, and shif t the 4WD shif t
switch to 2WD.
• If the warning message is still on af-
ter the above operation, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
• The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing message on. The E-Lock system can provide additional
traction and should only be used when a
vehicle has become or is becoming stuck.
This system operates by electronically
“locking” the two rear drive wheels to-
gether, allowing them to turn at the same
speed. The system is used when it is not
possible to free a stuck vehicle even when
using the 4LO position (4-Wheel Drive ve-
hicles).
When added traction is required, activate
the E-Lock system by pushing the switch
on. For additional information, refer to
“Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual. Once the
system fully engages, the indicator light in
the instrument panel will remain on. When
the system is activated, both rear wheels
will engage, providing added traction.
The rear wheels may momentarily slip or
move to engage the system, and the sys-
tem will only engage up to approximately 4
mph (7 km/h). Once the vehicle is free, the
system should be turned off and driving
resumed.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is dis-
abled and the ABS warning light illumi-
nates when the E-Lock system is on.WARNING
• Never leave the E-Lock system on
when driving on paved or hard-
surfaced roads. Turning the vehicle
may result in the rear wheels slipping
and result in an accident and per-
sonal injury. Af ter using the E-Lock
system to free the vehicle, turn the
system off.
• Use the E-Lock system only in an
emergency when it is not possible to
free a stuck vehicle even when using
4LO. Never use the E-Lock system on
a slippery road surface such as snow
or ice surface. Using the E-Lock sys-
tem when driving in these road con-
ditions may cause unexpected
movement of the vehicle during en-
gine braking, accelerating or turning,
which may result in an accident and
serious personal injury.
• Observe the above warnings. Other-
wise, loss of normal steering control
may result. This may result in an ac-
cident and serious personal injury.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
5-112Starting and driving
To remove the wheel cap, remove the
wheel nuts af ter the jack is securely sup-
porting the vehicle and the tire clears the
ground.
For additional information, refer to “Jacking
up vehicle and removing the damaged tire”
in this section.
Take care not to scratch the wheel cap or
wheel surface.
Jacking up vehicle and removing
the damaged tire (all models)
WARNING
• Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by the jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
• Use only the jack provided with your
vehicle to lif t the vehicle. Do not use
the jack provided with your vehicle
on other vehicles. The jack is de-
signed for lif ting only your vehicle
during a tire change.
• Use the correct jack-up points. Never
use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.
• Never jack up the vehicle more than
necessary. •
Never use blocks on or under the
jack.
• Do not start or run the engine while
vehicle is on the jack. It may cause
the vehicle to move. This is especially
true for vehicles with limited slip
differentials.
• Do not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.
• Never run the engine with a wheel(s)
off the ground. It may cause the ve-
hicle to move.
In case of emergency6-7
Four-wheel drive 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
circumference 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.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked
and corrected as necessary. It is recom-
mended that 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 vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.
•
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Care of wheels
• Wash the wheels when washing the ve- hicle to maintain their appearance.
• Clean the inner side of the wheels when the wheel is changed or the underside of
the vehicle is washed.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing the wheels.
• Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or corrosion. Such damage may cause loss
of pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
• NISSAN recommends waxing the road wheels to protect against road salt in ar-
eas where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (FULL SIZE TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire)
When replacing a wheel without the TPMS
such as the spare tire, the TPMS will not
function. Your vehicle may be equipped with a full
size spare that is a different size or brand
than the tires originally installed on the ve-
hicle. This full size spare tire is intended for
temporary use only and should be re-
placed at the first opportunity.
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 acci-
dent:
WARNING
• The TEMPORARY FULL SIZE spare tire
should be used for emergency use
only. It should be replaced with the
standard tire at the first opportunity
to avoid possible tire or differential
damage.
• Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY
FULL SIZE spare tire is installed. Avoid
sharp turns and abrupt braking while
driving. The vehicle driving perfor-
mance may be affected when driving
on wet or snow covered roads.
• When the TEMPORARY FULL SIZE
spare is installed, the following sys-
tems may not work correctly:
Do-it-yourself8-45
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
Engine Valve Clearance*:Inspect only if
valve noise increases. Adjust valve clear-
ance if necessary.
Evaporative Emissions Control Vapor
Lines*: Check vapor lines for leaks or loose-
ness. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Fuel Lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake Lines and Cables: Visually inspect
for proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake Pads and Rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts immedi-
ately.
Exhaust System: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary. In-Cabin Microfilter:
Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Propeller Shaf t(s): Check for damage,
looseness, and grease leakage. (4WD/
AWD/RWD).
Steering Gear and Linkage, Axle and Sus-
pension Parts, Drive Shaf t Boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently.
Tire Rotation: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 7,500 miles (12,000 km) according to the
instructions under “General maintenance”
in this section. When rotating tires, check
for damage and uneven wear. Replace if
necessary.
Transmission Fluid/Oil, Differential Oil,
Transfer Case Oil: Visually inspect for signs
of leakage at specified intervals.
Replace automatic transmission fluid at
specified intervals.
If towing a trailer, using a camper or car-top
carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads:
• Replace the differential oil every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24 months. • Replace the automatic transmission fluid
ever 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24
months.
Off-Road Maintenance: Check the follow-
ing items frequently whenever you drive
off-road through deep sand, mud or water:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Brake lines and hoses
• Differential, transmission and transfer case oil
• Steering linkage
• Propeller shaf t(s) and front drive shaf ts
• Engine air filter
• Clutch housing drain (4WD only)
9-6Maintenance and schedules