.Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity en-
gine oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation” (P.10-5).) If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
4x4 system while the engine is running,
warning messages appear in the vehicle
information display.
JVS1120X
If the “AWD Error” warningappears,
there may be a malfunction in the In-
telligent 4x4 system. Reduce vehicle
speed and have your vehicle checked by
a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
The “AWD High Temp. Stop vehicle” (high
temperature) warning
may appear
while trying to free a stuck vehicle due
Starting and driving5-123
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY INTELLIGENT 4X4 (if so equipped)
5-124Starting and driving
to increased oil temperature. The driving
mode may change to Two-Wheel Drive
(2WD). If this warning is displayed, stop
the vehicle with the engine idling, as soon
as it is safe to do so. Then if the warning
turns off, you can continue driving.
The “Tire Size Incorrect” warning
may
appear if there is a large difference
between the diameters of front and rear
wheels. Pull off the road in a safe area,
with the engine idling. Check that all tire
sizes are the same, that the tire pressure
is correct and that the tires are not
excessively worn. Turn off the Intelligent
4x4 LOCK switch and do not drive fast.
If any warning message continues to be
displayed, have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
. For AWD equipped vehicles, do
not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the
transmission to any drive or re-
verse position with the engine
running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury. .
Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2–wheel
dynamometer (such as the dy-
namometers used by some
states for emissions testing) or
similar equipment even if the
other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure that you
inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with
AWD before it is placed on a
dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in
drive train damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
CAUTION
.Do not operate the engine on a
free roller when any of the wheels
raised.
. The power train may be damaged
if you continue driving with the
“AWD Error” warning on.
. If the warning message remains
on after the above operation,
have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. It is recom- mended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
. If the “AWD Error” warning ap-
pears while driving, there may be
a malfunction in the AWD system.
Reduce the vehicle speed and
have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
. Never drive on dry, hard surface
roads in the LOCK mode, as this
will overload the powertrain and
may cause a serious malfunction.
5-126Starting and driving
AWD modeWheels driven AWD LOCK indicator light Use conditions
AUTO Distribution of torque to
the front and rear wheels
changes automatically,
depending on road condi-
tions encountered [ratio;
100 : 0
/?50 : 50]. This
results in improved driving
stability.*1 -
For driving on paved
or slippery roads
LOCK All-Wheel Drive (AWD) *2*3*
For driving on rough
roads
*1: When the rotation difference between the front and rear wheels is large, the AWD
mode may change from AUTO to LOCK
for a while, however, this is not a mal-
function.
*2: The LOCK mode will change to the AUTO mode automatically when the vehicle has
been driven at a high speed. The AWD
LOCK indicator light turns off.
*3: The LOCK mode will automatically be cancelled when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF position.
.The AWD torque distribution between
the front and rear wheels can be
displayed in the vehicle information
display. See “Vehicle information dis-
play” (P.2-19).
. If the Intelligent 4x4 LOCK switch is
operated while accelerating or decel-
erating, or if the ignition switch is
turned off, you may feel a jolt. This is
normal. .
The oil temperature of the powertrain
parts will increase if the vehicle is
continuously operated under condi-
tions where the difference in rotation
between the front and rear wheels is
large (wheel slip), such as when driving
the vehicle on rough roads, through
sand or mud, or freeing a stuck
vehicle. In these cases, the master
warning light illuminates and the
AWD mode changes to 2WD to protect
the powertrain parts. Stop driving
with the engine idling and wait until
the warning light turns off and the
AWD returns to the AUTO mode. If the
warning light remains on, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. It
is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING
.When driving straight, shift the
Intelligent 4x4 LOCK switch to
AUTO. Do not operate the Intelli-
gent 4x4 LOCK switch when mak-
ing a turn or backing up.
. Do not operate the Intelligent 4x4
LOCK switch with the front wheel
spinning.
. Engine idling speed is high while
warming up the engine. Be espe-
cially careful when starting or
driving on slippery surfaces.
. When turning the vehicle in LOCK
mode on paved roads, you may
feel a braking effect. This is a
normal condition of the AWD
model.
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ...................................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ........................ 8-3MR20DD engine model ..................................................... 8-4
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level .................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant ................................................ 8-6
Engine oil ........................................................................\
..................... 8-6 Checking engine oil level ................................................. 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter ..................................... 8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ........................................................................\
.................... 8-9
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ....................... 8-9
Window washer fluid .............................................................. 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
........................ 8-11 Jump starting ........................................................................\
. 8-12
Variable voltage control system ................................... 8-13
Drive belt ........................................................................\
.................. 8-13
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
............. 8-14 Replacing spark plugs ..................................................... 8-14
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
............... 8-15
Air duct removal .................................................................. 8-15
Air cleaner filter replacement ................................... 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
........... 8-16
Replacing ........................................................................\
........ 8-16
Rear window wiper blade .................................................. 8-17
Brakes ........................................................................\
........................ 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes ..................................................... 8-17
Brake pad wear warning ............................................ 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................\
........................... 8-18 Engine compartment .................................................... 8-18
Passenger compartment ........................................... 8-20
Key fob battery replacement .......................................... 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement .......................... 8-23
Lights ........................................................................\
.......................... 8-25 Headlights ........................................................................\
...... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights ........................................ 8-27
Wheels and tires ........................................................................\
8-29
Tire pressure ........................................................................\
8-29
Tire labeling ........................................................................\
.. 8-33
Types of tires ....................................................................... 8-35
Tire chains ........................................................................\
...... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ...................................... 8-37
8-2Do-it-yourself
When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always
take care to prevent serious accidental
injury to yourself or damage to the
vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level sur-
face, apply the parking brake
securely and block the wheels to
prevent the vehicle from moving.
Move the shift lever to the P
(Park) position (CVT model) or
the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position (MT model).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in
the OFF or LOCK position when
performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, cloth-
ing, hair and tools away from
moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
. It is advisable to secure or re-
move any loose clothing and
remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle. .
Always wear eye protection
whenever you work on your ve-
hicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage,
be sure there is proper ventilation
for exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while
it is supported only by a jack. If it
is necessary to work under the
vehicle, support it with safety
stands.
. Because the fuel lines are under
high pressure even when the
engine is off, it is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service of the fuel filter or fuel
lines.
. Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Always turn off
the engine and wait until it cools
down.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, cloth-
ing, hair and tools away from
moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
. Keep smoking materials, flame
and sparks away from fuel and
the battery. .
On gasoline engine models with
the Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI)
system, the fuel filter and fuel
lines should be serviced because
the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine
is turned off. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without
warning, even if the ignition
switch is in the OFF position and
the engine is not running. To
avoid injury, always disconnect
the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
. Avoid direct contact with used
engine oil and coolant. Impro-
perly disposed engine oil, engine
coolant, and/or other vehicle
fluids can hurt the environment.
Always conform to local regula-
tions for disposal of vehicle fluids.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used
engine oil and coolant. Impro-
perly disposed engine oil, and
engine coolant and/or other ve-
hicle fluids can damage the en-
vironment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of
vehicle fluid.
. Never leave the engine or the CVT
related component harnesses
disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized
component while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without
warning, even if the ignition key is
in the OFF position and the en-
gine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the ne-
gative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives in-
structions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform. A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s manual/service
manual order information” (P.10-21).)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operat-
ing difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.
If in
doubt about any servicing, it is recom-
mended you have it done by a NISSAN
dealer.
WAA0212X
Remove the air duct if necessary.
To remove the air duct
:
1. Remove the clips
with a suitable
tool.
2. Loosen the bolt
with a suitable tool.
3. Pull the air duct upward and then sideways.
To install the air duct, perform the in-
stallation procedure in reverse order.
Do-it-yourself8-3
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS
8-4Do-it-yourself
WAA0211X
MR20DD ENGINE MODEL
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake and clutch* fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Drive belt7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Battery
9. Fuse/fusible link box
*: For Manual Transmission (MT) Model
The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50%
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) and 50% water to provide
year-round anti-freeze and coolant pro-
tection. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional
engine cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING
.
Never remove the radiator or
coolant reservoir cap when the
engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down.
Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator. See precau-
tions in “If your vehicle overheats”
(P.6-16) of this manual.
. The radiator is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To
prevent engine damage, use only
a genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
. If the engine was stopped soon
when the engine is hot, the cool-
ing fan may operate for approxi-
mately 10 minutes after the
engine was stopped to cool the
components in the engine com-
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-6Do-it-yourself
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
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 re-
duced heater performance and engine
overheating.
WARNING
.To avoid being scalded, never
change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
. Never remove the radiator or
coolant reservoir cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid
escaping 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 pos-
sible.
. Keep coolant out of the reach of
children and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.SDI1993
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches oper- ating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than
10 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 within the
range
. If the oil level is below,
remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the open- ing.
Do not overfill
.
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 se-
verity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not
covered by the warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
WARNING
. Used oil must be disposed of
properly. Never pour or dump oil
into the ground, canals, rivers,
etc. It should be disposed of at
proper waste facilities. NISSAN
recommends having your oil
changed by a NISSAN dealer.
. Be careful not to burn yourself, as
the engine oil may be hot.
ENGINE OIL