
3.5L 6 cylinder (VQ35DE engine model)
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-4)
2. Drive belt location (P. 8-16)
3. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-6)4. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-6)
5. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
6. Air cleaner (P. 8-17)
7. Fuse box (P. 8-20)8. Fuse/Fusible link box (P. 8-20)
9. Battery (P. 8-14)
10. Radiator cap (P. 8-4)
11. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
12. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-12)
Refer to the page number indicated in
parentheses for operating details.
NOTE:
Your vehicle may not be equipped with
an engine cover.
LDI3345
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents

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) come
on briefly and then go off:
or,,,,
If any light fails to come on or operate in a
way other than described, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb and/or a system mal-
function. Have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
Some indicators and warnings are also dis-
played in the vehicle information display
between the speedometer and tachom-
eter. For additional information, see “Ve-
hicle information display” (P. 2-18).
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS (red)
For additional information, see “Vehicle in-
formation display” (P. 2-18).
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed 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 ap-
plied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brakefluid as necessary. For additional infor-
mation, see “Brake fluid” (P. 8-11).
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
WARNING
• Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous. •
Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire 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 that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging sys-
tem is not functioning properly. Turn the
engine off and check the drive belt. If the
belt is loose, broken, missing, or if the light
remains on, have your vehicle serviced im-
mediately. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
2-10Instruments and controls

Low Washer Fluid
This warning appears when the windshield-
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-
washer fluid as necessary. For additional
information, see “Windshield-washer fluid”
(P. 8-12).
Power will turn off to save the battery
This message appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display af ter a period of time if the
ignition switch is in the ACC or the ON po-
sition and if the vehicle is in P (Park). For
additional information, see “Push-button
ignition switch positions” (P. 5-13).
Power turned off to save the battery
This message appears af ter the ignition
switch is automatically turned to off. For
additional information, see “Push-button
ignition switch positions” (P. 5-13)
Push brake and start
switch to drive
This indicator appears when the shif t lever
is in the P (Park) position.
This indicator also appears when the ve-
hicle has been started using the Remote
Engine Start (if so equipped) function.This indicator means that the engine will
start by pushing the ignition switch with
the brake pedal depressed. You can start
the engine from any position of the ignition
switch.
Push Ignition to OFF
Af ter the Push ignition to OFF warning ap-
pears, the warning will appear if the ignition
switch is placed in the ACC position when
the shif t lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
To turn off the Push warning, place the ig-
nition switch in the ON position and then in
the LOCK position.
Rear seat belt warning
• This warning includes display of the seat
belts for rear positions only. Rear seat
belts that are unfastened will appear red.
• If any rear seat belts are unfastened when the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, this warning will display for
about one minute, or until dismissed.
• When a rear seat belt is changed from fastened to unfastened, this warning will
display for about one minute, or until
dismissed. • If the vehicle is driven above 9 mph (15
km/h) during or af ter the status change,
this warning will display and the chime
will sound for over one minute. During
this time, the warning and chime cannot
be dismissed unless the rear seat belt is
fastened again.
NOTE:
Opening and closing a rear door while
stopped will reset this warning, similar to
pushing the ignition switch to the ON po-
sition again.
Release Parking Brake
This warning appears in the message area
of the vehicle information display when the
parking brake is set and the vehicle is
driven.
Reminder: Turn OFF
Headlights
This warning appears when the headlights
are lef t in the ON position when exiting the
vehicle. Place the headlight switch in the
OFF or AUTO position. For additional infor-
mation, see “Headlight and turn signal
switch” (P. 2-38).
2-28Instruments and controls

(Af ter step 3 is performed, when the ig-
nition switch is pushed without de-
pressing the brake pedal, the ignition
switch position will change to ON.)
4. Push the ignition switch while depress- ing the brake pedal within 10 seconds
af ter the chime sounds. The engine will
start.
NOTE:
• When the ignition switch is pushed tothe ON position or the engine is started
by the above procedure, the Intelligent
Key battery discharge indicator ap-
pears in the vehicle information dis-
play even when the Intelligent Key is
inside the vehicle. This is not a mal-
function. To turn off the Intelligent Key
battery discharge indicator, touch the
ignition switch with the Intelligent Key
again.
• If the Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator appears, replace the battery
as soon as possible. For additional in-
formation, see “Battery replacement”
(P. 8-23).
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
will not allow the engine to start without
the use of the registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered
key (for example, when interference is
caused by another registered key, an auto-
mated toll road device or automatic pay-
ment device on the key ring), restart the
engine using the following procedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi- tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de- vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered key on
a separate key ring to avoid interference
from other devices. • Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
• Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool- ant, brake fluid, and windshield-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 appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
• Check that all doors are closed.
• Position seat and adjust head restraints/ headrests.
• Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
• Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise.
• Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position. For additional information,
see “Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders” (P. 2-9).
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-16Starting and driving

Shif t lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shif t lever may not be moved from the
P (Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the shif t lever button
pressed. To move the shif t lever, perform
the following procedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF orLOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shif t lock release cover us- ing a suitable tool. 4. Push down the shif t lock release using a
suitable tool.
5. Press the shif t lever button and move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shif t lock
release. The vehicle may be moved to
the desired location. Replace the re-
moved shif t lock release cover af ter the
operation. If the shif t lever cannot be
moved out of the P (Park) position, have
the Continuously Variable Transmission
system checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
WARNING
If the shif t lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and
others.
Accelerator downshif t
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shif ts
the transmission down into a lower gear,
depending on the vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid tem-
perature protection mode. If the fluid tem-
perature becomes too high (for example,
when climbing steep grades in high tem-
peratures with heavy loads, such as when
towing a trailer), engine power and, under
some conditions, vehicle speed will be de-
creased automatically to reduce the
chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelera-
tor pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed
may be limited.
LSD3163
Starting and driving5-23

Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel
spinning and subsequent hard braking,
the fail-safe system may be activated.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may come on to indicate the fail-safe
mode is activated. For additional infor-
mation, see “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” (P. 2-14). This will occur even if all
electrical circuits are functioning prop-
erly. In this case, place the ignition switch
in the OFF position and wait for 10 sec-
onds. Then push the switch back to the
ON position. The vehicle should return to
its normal operating condition. If it does
not return to its normal operating condi-
tion, have the transmission checked and
repaired, if necessary. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode or fail-safe operation oc-
curs, vehicle speed may be gradually
reduced. The reduced speed may be
lower than other traffic, which could in-
crease the chance of a collision. Be es-
pecially careful when driving. If neces-
sary, pull to the side of the road at a safe
place and allow the transmission to re-
turn to normal operation, or have it re-
paired if necessary.
WARNING
• Be sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to
an accident.
• Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
• Do not use the shif t lever in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully
engaged.
LSD0158
PARKING BRAKE
5-24Starting and driving

•Tire type and condition may also af-
fect 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 Information label. For ad-
ditional information, see “Tire and
Loading Information label” (P. 8-30).
– For additional information, see
“Wheels and tires” (P. 8-28).
The ABS controls 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 pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing 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
Anti-lock Braking System 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 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
malfunction. If the computer senses a
malfunction, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates 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 abov
e3-6mph(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.
5-122Starting and driving

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-move ice and snow from the windows
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 snowdrif ts.
• Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield- washer fluid reservoir.
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” un-
der 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 down-
shif ting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction. •
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 steer-
ing maneuvers.
• Do not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
• Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
5-132Starting and driving