JVC0965X
VK56VD ENGINE
1. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-10)
2. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-18)
3. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-6)
4. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-8)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-6)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-9)7. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-18)
8. Battery (P.8-11)
9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-4)
10. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-4)
11. Drive belts (P.8-13)
12. Air cleaner (P.8-15)
Illustrated table of contents0-9
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten the seat belts and place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. The following lights (if
so equipped) will come on:
,or,,,,,
The following lights (if so equipped) will
come on briefly and then go off:
,or,,,,,
If any light does not come on or operates
in a way other than described, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb and/or a
system malfunction. It is recommended
you have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Some indicators and warnings are also
displayed on the vehicle information dis-
play between the speedometer and tach-
ometer. (See “Vehicle information display”
(P.2-19).)
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS (red)
Automatic Transmission (AT)
oil temperature warning light
This light illuminates when the Automatic
Transmission (AT) oil temperature is too
high. If the light illuminates while driving,
reduce the vehicle speed as soon as
safely possible until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when
the AT oil temperature warning light
is on may damage the AT.
Automatic Transmission (AT)
park warning light (4WD models)
This light indicates that the Automatic
Transmission (AT) parking function is not
engaged. If the transfer control is not
secured in any driving position while the
AT shift lever is in the “P” (Park) position,
the transmission will disengage and the
wheels will not lock.
If the AT park warning light illuminates
with the shift lever in the P (Park)
position, shift the Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) shift switch to the AUTO, 4H or 4L position again with the shift lever in
the N (Neutral) position.
(See “NISSAN all-
mode 4WD®” (P.5-124).)
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake
not applied, stop the vehicle and perform
the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid is low, add fluid and have the
system checked. It is recommended
you have this service performed by a
NISSAN dealer. (See “Brake fluid” (P.8-
9).)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is
recommended you have this service
performed by a NISSAN dealer.
Instruments and controls2-11
2-12Instruments and controls
Low hydraulic pressure warning indica-
tor:
If the brake warning light illuminates
when the engine is running, or while
driving with the parking brake is released,
check the brake fluid level. If the brake
fluid level is sufficient, it may indicate low
hydraulic pressure in the brake booster. It
is recommended that you have the brake
system checked by a NISSAN dealer
promptly.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and
the brake fluid level is sufficient, if both
the brake warning light and the Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) warning light illu-
minate, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked, and if necessary re-
paired. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. (See “Anti-
lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
(P.2-14).)
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.
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.
2-30Instruments and controls
gent Key battery discharge” (P.5-15).)
10. Release Parking Brake
This warning appears when the vehicle
speed is above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the
parking brake is applied. Stop the vehicle
and release the parking brake.
11. Low Fuel
This warning appears when the fuel level
in the tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the
fuel gauge reaches the 0 (Empty) position.
There is a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge
reaches the 0 (Empty) position.
12. Low Washer Fluid
This warning appears when the washer
tank fluid is at a low level. Add washer
fluid as necessary. (See “Window washer
fluid” (P.8-10).)
13. Loose Fuel Cap
This warning appears when the fuel-filler
cap is not tightened correctly after the
vehicle has been refueled. (See “Fuel-filler
cap” (P.3-26).)
14. Tire Pressure Low Add Air
This warning appears when the low tire
pressure warning light in the meter
illuminates and low tire pressure is de-
tected. The warning appears each time
the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position as long as the low tire pressure
warning light remains illuminated. If this
warning appears, stop the vehicle and
adjust the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label. (See
“Low tire pressure warning light” (P.2-15)
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” (P.5-5).)
15. SNOW mode indicator
This indicator appears when SNOW mode
is selected by the SNOW mode switch.
(See “SNOW mode” (P.5-135).)
16. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) shift
indicator (4WD models)
This indicator shows the Four-Wheel
Drive (4WD) driving mode (AUTO, 4HI or
4LO) that is selected by the 4WD shift
switch. (See “NISSAN all-mode 4WD®” (P.5-
124).)
17. Door/liftgate open warning
(ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion)
This warning appears if any of the doors
and/or the liftgate are open or not closed
securely. The vehicle icon indicates which
door or the liftgate is open on the display.
18. Power will turn off to save the
battery
This warning appears after a period of
time if the ignition switch is in ACC or ON
position.
19. Power turned off to save the
battery
This warning appears after the ignition
switch is automatically turned OFF to
save the battery.
20. Light reminder warning
This warning appears when the driver
side door is opened with the headlight
switch is left ON and the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF or LOCK position. Place
the headlight switch in OFF or AUTO
position. For additional information, see
“Headlight and turn signal switch” (P.2-45).
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
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 de-
vice. It is the driver’s responsibility to
stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) is a sophisticated device,
but it cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control dur-
ing braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping dis-
tances on slippery surfaces will
be longer than on normal sur- faces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Always maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install
the specified size of tires on
all four wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on
the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. See “Tire and load-
ing information label” (P.10-
13).
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-28).
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols the brakes so the wheels do not lock
during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies
the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre-
venting each wheel from locking, the system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes.
The ABS will operate to prevent the
wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle
to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing
so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric 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 malfunc-
tion. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and
Starting and driving5-143
BRAKE ASSIST
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels. It is recommended you consult a
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
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
tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of
non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” (P.8-35).
For four-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following
items be carried in the vehicle during
winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the win-
dows and wiper blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing
rain), very cold snow or ice can be
slick and very hard to drive on.
The vehicle will have much less
traction or “grip” under these
conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded. .
Whatever the condition, drive
with caution. Accelerate and slow
down with care. If accelerating or
downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more trac-
tion.
. Allow more stopping distance
under these conditions. Braking
should be started sooner than on
dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare
ice). These may appear on an
otherwise clear road in shaded
areas. If a patch of ice is seen
ahead, brake before reaching it.
Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous ex-
haust gases under your vehicle.
Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehi-
cle.
Starting and driving5-147
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 ........................................................................\
...... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ........................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ........................................................................\
8-28
Tire pressure ........................................................................\
8-28
Tire labeling ........................................................................\
.. 8-32
Types of tires ....................................................................... 8-34
Tire chains ........................................................................\
...... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ...................................... 8-36