Doors and engine hood:Check that the
doors and engine hood operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers
and links if necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is
released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Check that the gas stays or struts properly
and securely hold the hood, trunk, or rear
hatch in a fully open position. If the hood,
trunk, or rear hatch is not held open, have
the gas stays or struts replaced.
Lights*: Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance
schedule. Tires*:
Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
tire pressure sensor: It is recommended
that you replace the TPMS tire pressure as-
sembly when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may
be a need for wheel alignment. If the steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility. It is recom-
mended that you have a damaged wind- shield repaired by a NISSAN dealer, or a
NISSAN Certified Collision Center. To locate
a collision center in your area, refer to
http://collision.nissanusa.com.
Windshield wiper blades*:
Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Maintenance and schedules9-3
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) P (Park) position mechanism:On a
fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held
securely with the shif t lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Seats: Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints/headrests
move up and down smoothly and the locks
(if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises. Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery* (for maintenance free batter-
ies): This vehicle is equipped with a sealed
maintenance free battery. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec- tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.).
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belt*: Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level af ter
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
9-4Maintenance and schedules
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and gross
weight directly on the ball mount and on
the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars
attach to the ball mount and to the trailer
to distribute the tongue weight (hitch
weight) of your trailer. Many vehicles can't
carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue
weight transferred through the frame and
pushing down on the front wheels. This
gives stability to the tow vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class
IV) is recommended if you plan to tow trail-
ers with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may
affect the operation of trailer surge
brakes. If you are considering use of a
weight-distributing hitch system with a
surge brake-equipped trailer, check with
the surge brake, hitch or trailer manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.With the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion and the doors closed, allow the ve-
hicle to stand for several minutes so that
it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the
center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the front
bumper height is within0-.5inches (0 –
13 mm) of the reference height mea-
sured in step 2. The rear bumper should
be no higher than the reference height
measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If
the rear bumper is higher than the
measured reference height when
loaded, the vehicle may handle unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of ve-
hicle control and cause serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buf-
feting caused by other vehicles can affect
trailer handling. Sway control devices may
be used to help control these affects. If you
choose to use one, contact a reputable
trailer hitch supplier to make sure the sway
control device will work with the vehicle,
hitch, trailer and the trailer's brake system.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
sway control device.
Technical and consumer information10-25
• Determine the overall height of the ve-hicle and trailer so the required clearance
is known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in
an area which is free from traffic. Steering
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal
driving conditions.
• Always secure items in the trailer to pre-vent load shif t while driving.
• Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
• Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
• 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 back-
ing 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 shif t 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. Af ter the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the
blocks absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shif t the transmission into P (Park).
6. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shif t 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 shif t to a lower gear. Avoid
long or repeated use of the brakes when
descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheat-
ing. Shif ting to a lower gear instead pro-
vides “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. 6-12).
• Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal circumstances.
• Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's first 500 miles (805 km).
• For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do tow, do not drive over 50 mph (80
km/h).
Technical and consumer information10-27
• Have your vehicle serviced more of tenthan at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule in the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of
this manual.
• 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 be-
ing passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared 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 combination will help stabilize
the vehicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering 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 in this section.
• Be careful when passing other vehicles. 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.
• Downshif t the transmission to a lower gear for engine 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, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
• Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while tow-
ing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
• NISSAN recommends that the cruise control not be used while towing a trailer.
• Some states or provinces have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits. • Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness
connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts
af ter 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at
every break.
• When launching a boat, don't allow the water level to go over the exhaust tail
pipe or rear bumper.
• Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights before backing the trailer into the
water or the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
“Do-it-yourself ” (P. 8-2).
FLAT TOWING FOR ALL–WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)
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 recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.
10-28Technical and consumer information
11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)........................ .1-48
Air bag system ....................1-56
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system) ...................1-56
Air bag warning labels ..............1-69
Air bag warning light, supplemental . . . .1-70
Airbagwarninglight.............. .1-70
Air cleaner housing filter .............8-17
Air cleaner .......................8-17
Air conditioner ....................4-30
Air conditioner operation ..........4-30
Air conditioner specification label . . .10-13
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations ...............10-8
Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations ...............10-8
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) .................4-29
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-30
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-32
Alarm system (See vehicle security
system) .........................2-32
All-Wheel Drive ...................5 -117
Anchor point locations ..............1-32
Antenna ........................4-33
Anti-lock brake warning light .........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .......5-121
Antifreeze .......................5-131 Armrests........................
.1-6
Autolightswitch ..................2-39
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .....3-34
Automatic door locks ...............3-6
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with
Pedestrian Detection ..............5-88
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . .2-12
Automatic.......................2-66 Automatic power window switch . . .2-66
AWD...........................5 -117
B
Battery replacement...............8-23
Keyfob.......................8-23
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ...........8-24
Battery.........................5-131 Charge warning light .............2-10
Before starting the engine ...........5-16
Belt(Seedrivebelt) ................8-16
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) ............5-39
Booster seats ................... .1-44
Brake Assist .....................5-123
Brakefluid.......................8-11
Brake system ....................5-121
Brake..........................5-121 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .....5-121
Brakefluid.....................8-11
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-26
Brake system ..................5-121 Brakewarninglight..............2-10
Brakewearindicators ........2
-17, 8-20
Self-adjustingbrakes ............8-20
Brakes .........................8-20
Break-in schedule .................5-115
Brightness control .................2-43
Instrument panel ...............2-43
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-10
Bulb replacement .................8-26
C
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........10-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants....................10-2
Car phone or CB radio ..............4-33
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information).....................10-15
Cargoareastoragebin .............2-61
Check tire pressure ................2-29
Child restraint with top tether strap . . . .1-31
Childrestraints .................. .1-24
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren)System................1-28
Precautions on child
restraints..............1-34, 1-40, 1-45
Top tether strap anchor point
locations..................... .1-32
Child safety rear door lock ............3-7
Cleaningexteriorandinterior .........7-2
Reporting safety defects (US only) . . .10-31
Seat adjustment ....................1-3
Front manual seat adjustment .......1-3
Front power seat adjustment ........1-4
Seat belt extenders .................1-23
Seatbeltwarninglight.............. .1-16
Seatbelt........................ .1-24
Childsafety.................... .1-24
Infants and small children ......1-24, 1-25
Injuredperson.................. .1-16
Largerchildren................. .1-25
Precautions on seat belt usage ......1-13
Pregnant women .................1-16
Rearcenterseatbelt..............1-19
Seat belt extenders ...............1-23
Seat belt maintenance ............1-23
Seatbelts ...................1-13, 7-6
Shoulder belt height adjustment .....1-22
Three-pointtypewithretractor......1-17
Seat............................3-36 Memory seat ...................3-36
Seatback pockets ..................2-57
Seats ........................... .1-2
Adjustment ..................... .1-2
Armrests....................... .1-6
Frontseats..................... .1-2
Heatedseats ...............2-45,2-47
Manual front seat adjustment ........1-3
Rearseat ...................... .1-6
Security indicator light ...............2-11
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), engine start ...............2-34
Security systems ..................2-32
Vehicle security system ...........2-32Self-adjustingbrakes...............8-20
Service manual order form
..........10-33
Servicing air conditioner .............4-32
Shoulder belt height adjustment .......1-22
Spark plug replacement .............8-16
Spark plugs .......................8-16
Specifications .....................10-9
Speedometer ......................2-4
Spotlights(Seemaplight)............2-70
SRS warning label ..................1-69
Standard maintenance ..............9-9
Starting the engine .................5-17
Starting..........................5-16 Before starting the engine ..........5-16
Jumpstarting...............6-10,8-15
Pr
ecautions when starting and
driving......................5-4,5-11
Push starting ...................6-12
Starting the engine ...............5-17
Startupdisplay....................2-19
Steering wheel ................... .3-31
Steering.........................2-49 Heated steering wheel ............2-49
Powersteeringfluid...............8-11
Powersteeringsystem...........5-120
Stoplight........................8-26
Storagetray......................2-58
Storage .........................2-56
Sunvisors........................3-32
Sunglasses case ...................2-59
Sunglasses holder .................2-59
Sunroof (see Moonroof ) .............2-67
Sunroof .........................2-67
Supplemental air bag warning labels . . .1-69 Supplemental air bag warning light
.....1-70
Supplemental front impact air bag
system ......................... .1-56
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) ........1-48
Supplemental restraint system ........1-69
Information and warning labels ......1-69
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................... .1-48
Switch ..........................2-39 Autolightswitch.................2-39
Automaticpowerwindowswitch....2-66
Foglightswitch .................2-44
Hazard warning flasher switch .......6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch .....2-38
Headlightcontrolswitch...........2-38
Instrument brightness control ......2-43
Power door lock switch ............3-6
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch........................ .2-37
Rear window wiper and washer
switches .......................2-36
Turn signal switch ................2-44
T
Tachometer.......................2-6
Temperature gauge .................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge . . .2-6
Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start ......................2-34
Three-waycatalyst..................5-4
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . .5-5
11-6