High Beam Assist indicator
light (green) (if so equipped)
This indicator light illuminates when the
headlights come on while the headlight
switch is in the AUTO position with the high
beams selected. This indicates that the
high beam assist is operational.
For additional information, see “Headlight
and turn signal switch” (P. 2-52).
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the head-
light high beams are on and goes out when
the low beams are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes
on when the passing signal is activated.
Side light and headlight
indicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light
illuminates when the side light or headlight
position is selected. For additional informa-
tion, see “Headlight and turn signal switch”
(P. 2-52).
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights (green)
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a disc brake pad requires
replacement, it makes a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in mo-
tion, whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF
position, a chime sounds when the driver's
door is opened if the headlights or parking
lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before
leaving the vehicle.
NISSAN Intelligent Key® door
buzzer
The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if
any one of the following improper opera-
tions is found.
• The Intelligent Key is lef t inside the vehiclewhen locking the doors and trunk.
• The Intelligent Key is taken outside the vehicle when operating the vehicle.
• Any doors are not closed securely when locking the doors.
When the buzzer sounds, be sure to check
both the vehicle and the Intelligent Key.
For additional information, see “NISSAN In-
telligent Key®” (P. 3-2).
Parking brake reminder chime
A chime sounds if the parking brake is set
and the vehicle is driven. The chime will
stop if the parking brake is released or the
vehicle speed returns to zero.
Instruments and controls2-17
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and stopping distance will
be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshif t to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance
and could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
• While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshif ting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
• If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be lon-
ger and the vehicle may pull to one side
during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
• The ABS is a sophisticated device, but
it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances 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 ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-129
other VDC functions are off and theindicator light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to
on when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully. •
Do not modif y the vehicle's suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or theindicator light may
illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may
illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the
indi-
cator light may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads. •
When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or theindicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine af ter driving onto
a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
RISE-UP AND BUILD-UP
The system gradually adjusts braking
power during normal braking to help pro-
vide an enhanced brake feel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the front and rear wheels
depending on the radius of the turn.
5-132Starting and driving
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle's suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or theindicator light may
illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may
illuminate. •
If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the
indi-
cator light may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or theindicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine af ter driving onto
a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road. The chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following
functions:
• Intelligent Trace Control
• Active Ride Control
• Intelligent Engine Brake
INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL
This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels to aid tracing at corners
and help smooth vehicle response.
When the VDC system is turned off, the In-
telligent Trace Control is also turned off.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that Intelligent Trace Control
is not functioning properly. Have the sys-
tem checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon
as possible. See “Vehicle information dis-
play warnings and indicators” (P. 2-26) or
(P. 2-41).
WARNING
The Intelligent Trace Control may not
be effective depending on the driving
condition. Always drive carefully and
attentively.
CHASSIS CONTROL
Starting and driving5-133
If you wax the surface of the hood, be care-
ful not to let wax get into the washer nozzle
OD. This may cause clogging or improper
windshield-washer operation. If wax gets
into the nozzle, remove it with a needle or
small pin
OC. If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear (if so equipped) disc-
type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied. The rear drum-type
brakes (if so equipped) self-adjust every
time the parking brake is applied.
WARNING
Have your brake system checked if the
brake pedal height does not return to
normal. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound will be heard
when the vehicle is in motion. The noise will
be heard whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed. For additional information re-
garding brake inspections, see the appro-
priate maintenance schedule information
in the "Maintenance and schedules" sec-
tion of this manual.
LDI2731
BRAKES
Do-it-yourself8-19
NOTE:
NISSAN does not advocate the se of non-
OEM approved af termarket flushing sys-
tems and strongly advises against per-
forming these services on NISSAN
products. Many of the af termarket flush-
ing systems use non-OEM approved
chemicals or solvents, the use of which
has not been validated by NISSAN.
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, see “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” (P. 10-2)
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:
Drive belt*:Check engine drive belt for
wear, fraying or cracking and for proper
tension. Replace any damaged drive belt.
Engine air filter: Replace at specified inter-
vals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, check/replace the filter
more frequently.
Engine coolant*: Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replac-
ing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent with the proper mixture. (For additional information on the proper mix-
ture for your area, see “Engine cooling sys-
tem” (P. 8-4).
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant
or the use of non-distilled water may re-
duce the recommended service interval
of the coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity see
“Recommended fluids/lubricants and ca-
pacities” (P. 10-2).
Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if
valve noise increases. Adjust valve clear-
ance if necessary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor
lines*: Check vapor lines for leaks or loose-
ness. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Fuel filter: Periodic maintenance is not re-
quired. (in-tank type filter)
Fuel lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the type as originally
equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads, rotors, drums and linings:
Check for wear, deterioration and fluid
leaks. Replace any deteriorated or dam-
aged parts immediately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation: Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance sched-
ule. When rotating tires, check for damage
and uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
9-6Maintenance and schedules
2.0L 4 CYLINDER (MR20DD engine
model)
The following shows the maintenance
schedule.
Choose the maintenance schedule
needed based on your vehicle driving
conditions.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/144
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time interval.
5,000 miles/(8,000 km)/6 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belts and hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essentials:
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Exhaust system
• Steering gear & linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
• Front drive shaf t boots
10,000 miles/(16,000 km)/
12 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• CVT fluid
• Front drive shaf t boots
• Manual transmission gear oil
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lif t supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belts and hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter (1)
• Tire rotation
Maintenance and schedules9-9
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Front drive shaf t boots
• Exhaust system
• Steering gear & linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
Essentials:
• Replace brake fluid
(1) If the oil replacement indicator is dis-
played, change the engine oil and filter
within two weeks or less than 500 miles
(800 km).15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
18 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspection:
• Intelligent key battery
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belts and hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essentials:
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Exhaust system
• Steering gear & linkage • Axle & suspension parts
• Front drive shaf t boots
9-10Maintenance and schedules