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 ve-
hicle at all times. • The ABLS system uses automatic brak-
ing to transfer power from a slipping drive
wheel to the wheel on the same axle with
more traction. The ABLS system applies
braking to the slipping wheel, which helps
redirect power to the other wheel.
• On 4–Wheel Drive (4WD) models the ABLS system operates in both 4H and 4LO
modes. If 4WD mode is engaged, the
ABLS system operates for both drive ax-
les. On 2–Wheel Drive vehicles, the ABLS
system operates on the drive axle only.
• The ABLS system is always on. In some conditions, the system may automati-
cally turn the ABLS system off. If the sys-
tem is automatically turned off, normal
brake function will continue. ABLS will
function even when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system is turned off.
• The ABLS system does not operate if both wheels on a drive axle are slipping.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-117
WARNING
• Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
• Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.
• Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a
torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
Non-XD models: 98 f t-lb (133 N·m)
XD models: 131 f t-lb (177 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened
to specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specifications at each lubrication inter-
val. Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pres-
sure.
COLD pressure: Af ter vehicle has been
parked for 3 hours or more or driven less
than 1 mi. (1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label af-
fixed to the driver side center pillar.
Af ter adjusting tire pressure to the COLD
tire pressure, the display (if so equipped)
of the tire pressure information may
show higher pressure than the COLD tire
pressure af ter the vehicle has been
driven more than 1 mi. (1.6 km). This is
because the tire pressure increases as
the tire temperature rises. This does not
indicate a system malfunction.
5. Securely store the tools and jacking
equipment in the vehicle. For additional
information, see the “Getting the spare
tire and tools (Crew and King Cab® mod-
els)” (P. 6-4).WARNING
• Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured af ter use. Such items can be-
come dangerous projectiles in an ac-
cident or sudden stop.
• The spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. For additional informa-
tion, see “Wheels and tires” (P. 8-35).
In case of emergency6-9
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
with automatic transmission
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies
be used when towing your vehicle or place
the vehicle on a flatbed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow 4WD models equipped with
an automatic transmission with any of
the wheels on the ground as this may
cause serious and expensive damage
to the transfer case and transmission.
NOTE:
If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shif t to
other positions.
LCE2141
6-14In case of emergency
Two-Wheel Drive models with
automatic transmission
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flatbed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
• Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward), as this may
cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the front
wheels raised always use towing dol-
lies under the rear wheels.
• When towing automatic transmis-
sion models with the front wheels on
the ground or on towing dollies: –
Place the ignition switch in the
OFF position and secure the steer-
ing wheel in a straight-ahead po-
sition with a rope or similar de-
vice. Never secure the steering
wheel by placing the ignition
switch in the LOCK position. This
may cause damage to the lock
mechanism (for models with a
steering lock mechanism).
NOTE:
If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shif t to
other positions.
When towing long distances or speeds in
excess of 50 mph (80 km/h), remove the
propeller shaf t before towing to prevent
damage to the transmission. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
additional information.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
There are two options to recover a stuck
vehicle: pulling and rocking. For additional
information regarding these options,
please refer to the following sections.
LCE2311
In case of emergency6-15
FLOOR MATS (if so equipped)
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference
that may result in a collision, injury or
death:
• NEVER place a floor mat on top of
another floor mat in the driver front
position or install them upside down
or backwards.
• Use only Genuine NISSAN floor mats,
or equivalent floor mats, that are
specifically designed for use in your
vehicle model and model year. •
Properly position the mats in the
floorwell using the floor mat posi-
tioning hook. For additional informa-
tion, see "Floor mat installation"
(P. 7-6).
• Make sure the floor mat does not in-
terfere with pedal operation.
• Periodically check the floor mats to
make sure they are properly
installed.
• Af ter cleaning the vehicle interior,
check the floor mats to make sure
they are properly installed.
The use of Genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior. Mats
should be maintained with regular clean-
ing and replaced if they become exces-
sively worn.
Floor mat installation
Your vehicle is equipped with floor mat po-
sitioning hook(s). The number and shape of
the floor mat positioning hooks for each
seating position varies depending on the
vehicle. When installing Genuine NISSAN floor mats,
follow the installation instructions provided
with the mat and the following:
1. With the ignition switch in the OFF posi-
tion, the shif t lever in P (Park) position
and with the parking brake fully applied,
position the floor mat in the floorwell so
that the floor mat grommet holes are
aligned with the hook(s).
2. Secure the grommet holes into the hook(s) and ensure that the floor mat is
properly positioned.
3. Make sure the floor mat does not inter- fere with pedal operation. With the igni-
tion switch still in the OFF position, the
shif t lever in the P (Park) position and
with the parking brake applied, fully ap-
ply and release all pedals. The floor mat
must not interfere with pedal operation
or prevent the pedal from returning to
its normal position.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for details about installing the floor
mats in your vehicle.
LPD2417
7-6Appearance and care
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant
level is below the MIN level
OB, add coolant
to the MAX level
OA. If the reservoir is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiator
when the engine is cold. If there is insuffi-
cient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX
level
OA. This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant is
105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing
any other type of coolant or the use of
non-distilled water may reduce the life ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant. For ad-
ditional information, see the "Maintenance
and schedules" section of this manual.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service. For additional information on the location
of the engine coolant reservoir, see “Engine
compartment check locations” (P. 8-3).
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine
coolant. The service procedure can be
found in the NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
• To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
• Never remove the radiator or engine
coolant reservoir cap when the en-
gine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the radiator.
• Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
• Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of prop-
erly. Check your local regulations.
LDI3295
5.6L 8 cylinder (VK56VD engine model) (non-XD model)
LDI2823
5.6L 8 cylinder (VK56VD engine model) (XD model)
8-6Do-it-yourself
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating 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 between the H
(High) and L (Low) marksOB. This is the
normal operating oil level range. If the oil
level is below the L (Low) mark
OA,re-
move the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening. Do not
overfill
OC.
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 sever-
ity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the en-
gine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND OIL
FILTER
For additional information on engine oil
and oil filter change, refer to the instruc-
tions outlined in this section.
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack
stands.
• Place the safety jack stands under the vehicle jack-up points.
• A suitable adapter should be attached to the jack stand saddle.
LDI2956
5.6L 8 cylinder (VK56VD engine model)
LDI0371
5.6L 8 cylinder (VK56VD engine model)
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself8-7
WARNING
• Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops the
flame if the engine backfires. If it isn't
there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with
the air cleaner removed, and be care-
ful when working on the engine with
the air cleaner removed. •
Never pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
To remove the filter from the air cleaner,
push the tabs and pull the cover upward.
The viscous paper type filter element
should not be cleaned and reused. Replace
the air filter according to the maintenance
log shown in the “Maintenance and sched-
ules” section of this manual.
When replacing the air filter, wipe the inside
of the air cleaner housing and the cover
with a damp cloth.NOTE:
Af ter installing a new air cleaner filter,
make sure the air cleaner cover is seated
in the housing and latch the tabs.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry
of airborne dust and pollen particles and
reduces some objectionable outside
odors. The filter is located behind the glove
box. For additional information on change
intervals, see “Maintenance schedules"
(P. 9-7).
If replacement is required, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
LDI2960
5.6L 8 cylinder (VK56VD engine model)
AIR CLEANER
Do-it-yourself8-21