2001 Nissan Altima Owners Manual

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STARTING THE ENGINE

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

to help start the engine. — In the summer, when restarting the engine within 30 minutes after it has been stopped, keep the accelerator pedal fully depressed while starting.

CAUTION

Do not operate the starter for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other- wise the starter could be damaged.

4. Warm-up

Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate speed for a short distance first, especially in cold weather.

1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Automatic transmission:

Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). (P is recommended.) The shift selector lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to OFF or if the key is removed. The starter is designed not to operate if the shift selector lever is in any of the driving positions. Manual transmission: Move the shift lever to N (Neutral), and depress the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking the engine. The starter is designed not to operate unless the clutch pedal is fully de- pressed.

3. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition key to START. Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure. — If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold or hot weather, de- press and hold the accelerator pedal

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WARNING

c Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2
or 1. Always depress the brake pedal until shifting is completed. Failure to do so could cause you to lose con- trol and have an accident.

c Cold engine idle speed is high, so use caution when shifting into a for- ward or reverse gear before the en- gine has warmed up.

c Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving. This could cause an accident.

CAUTION

c When stopping the vehicle on an uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by depressing the accelerator pedal. The foot brake should be used for this purpose.

c Do not downshift abruptly on slip- pery roads. This may cause a loss of control.

Starting and driving 5-7

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positions if the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if the key is removed. The shift selector lever can be moved if the ignition switch is in the ACC posi- tion. This allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery is discharged.

The automatic transmission in your vehicle is electronically controlled by the transmis- sion control module to produce maximum power and smooth operation. The recommended operating procedures for this transmission are shown on the following pages. Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle performance and driving enjoyment. Starting the vehicle c After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before shifting the shift selector lever to the D (Drive), R (Reverse), 2 or 1 position. Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped before attempt- ing to shift the shift selector lever.

c Keep the foot brake pedal depressed

and shift into a driving gear.

c Release the foot brake, then gradually

start the vehicle in motion.

The automatic transmission is designed so the foot brake pedal MUST be de- pressed before shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition switch is ON. The selector lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear 5-8 Starting and driving

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Shifting Push the button to shift into P (Park), R (Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All other positions can be selected without pushing the button. P (Park): Use this position when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Always be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop. For maxi- mum safety, depress the brake pedal, then push in the selector lever button and move the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi- tion. Apply the parking brake. When parking

ASD0510

on a hill, apply the parking brake first, then move the shift selector lever into the P (Park) position. Shifting from P (Park) If the ignition switch is in the ON position and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but the shift selector lever still cannot be moved out of P (Park), follow these instructions. 1. Turn the ignition key to the lock position

and remove the key.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Insert the key and turn it to the ACC

position.

4. Depress the foot brake pedal, and move

the selector lever to N (Neutral).

5. Start the engine. These instructions for starting the vehicle in N (Neutral) should only be used until service can be obtained at an authorized NISSAN dealership. R (Reverse) Use this position to back up. Always be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop before moving the shift selector lever to the R (Reverse) position. Check to ensure the area behind the vehicle is clear. With the brake pedal depressed, push in the selector lever button and move the shift selector lever to the R (Reverse) position. N (Neutral) Neither forward nor reverse gear is en- gaged. The engine can be started in this position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.

Starting and driving 5-9

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Accelerator downshift— in D position— For rapid passing or hill climbing while driv- ing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into second gear or first gear, depending on vehicle speed.

forward

D (Drive) Use this position for all normal driving. 2 (Second gear) Use this position for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill grades. Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds above 74 MPH (118 Km/h). Do not exceed 74 MPH (118 Km/h) in the 2 position. 1 (Low gear) Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak- ing on steep downhill grades. Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds above 41 MPH (66 km/h). Do not exceed 41
MPH (66 km/h) in the 1 position.

5-10 Starting and driving

ASD1004

Overdrive switch ON: With the engine running and the selector lever in the D (Drive) posi- tion, the transmission upshifts into OVERDRIVE as vehicle speed in- creases.

OVERDRIVE does not engage until the engine has reached operating tempera- ture.

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OFF: For driving up and down long slopes where engine braking is necessary, push the OVERDRIVE switch once. The O/D OFF indicator light on the instrument panel comes on at this time. When cruising at a low speed or climbing a gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift shocks as the transmission shifts between 3rd gear and overdrive repeatedly. In this case, depress the OVERDRIVE switch to turn the OVERDRIVE off. The O/D off indicator light on the instrument panel comes on at this time.

When driving conditions change, depress the overdrive switch on the selector/lever to turn the OVERDRIVE on. Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended periods of time with the OVER- DRIVE off. This reduces fuel economy.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

WARNING

c Do not downshift abruptly on slip- pery roads. This may cause a loss of control.

c Do not over-rev the engine when shifting to a lower gear. This may cause a loss of control or engine damage.

CAUTION

c Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This may cause clutch damage.

c Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

c When the vehicle is stopped with the engine running (for example at a stop light), shift to N (Neutral) and release the clutch pedal with the foot brake applied.

WSD0014

Shifting To change gears, or when upshifting or downshifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into the appropriate gear, then release the clutch slowly and smoothly. You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into R (Reverse). First shift into N (Neutral), then into R (Reverse). If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R (Reverse) or 1st, shift into N (Neutral), then release and depress the clutch pedal again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1st.

Starting and driving 5-11

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Suggested maximum speed in each gear Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate. Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed (shown below) in any gear. For level road driving, use the highest gear sug- gested for that speed. Always observe posted speed limits, and drive according to the road conditions, which will ensure safe operation. Do not over-rev the engine when shifting to a lower gear as it may cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control.

GEAR 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

MPH (km/h) 30 (48) 60 (96) 90 (144) − −

Suggested up-shift speeds Shown below are suggested vehicle speeds for shifting into a higher gear. These sug- gestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance. Actual shift-up speeds will vary according to road conditions, the weather and individual driving habits. For normal acceleration in low altitude ar- eas (less than 4,000 ft [1,219 m]):

GEAR CHANGE

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th

ACCEL shift point MPH (km/h) 15 (24) 25 (40) 36 (58) 40 (64)

CRUISE shift point MPH (km/h) 15 (24) 18 (29) 30 (48) 39 (63)

For quick acceleration in low altitude areas and high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219
m]): GEAR CHANGE 1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th

MPH (km/h) 15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (64) 45 (72)

5-12 Starting and driving

PARKING BRAKE

ASD1001

To engage: pull the lever up. To release: 1. Firmly apply foot brake. 2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift selector lever in the N (neutral) position. Automatic transmission models: Move the shift selector lever to the P (park) position.

3. While pulling up on the parking brake lever slightly, push the button and lower completely.

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4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

WARNING

c Be sure the parking brake is fully released before driving. Failure to do so can cause brake failure and lead to an accident.

c Do not release the parking brake

from outside the vehicle.

c Do not use the gear shift in place of the parking brake. When parking, be sure the parking brake is fully en- gaged.

c Do not leave children unattended in a vehicle. They could release the park- ing brake and cause an accident.

CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)

WSD0001

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CONTROL c If the cruise control system malfunctions, it cancels automatically. The SET indica- tor light then blinks to warn the driver.

in the instrument panel

c If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the cruise control main switch off and have the system checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer.

c The SET indicator light may blink when the cruise control main switch is turned ON while pushing the RES/ACCEL,

COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch (lo- cated on the steering wheel). To properly use the cruise control system, use the following procedures.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driving under the following conditions. c When it is not possible to keep the

vehicle at a set speed.

c In heavy traffic or in traffic that var-

ies in speed.

c On winding or hilly roads. c On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.). c In very windy areas. Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in an accident.

CAUTION

On manual transmission models, do not shift into N (Neutral) without de- pressing the clutch pedal when the cruise control is set. Should this occur, depress the clutch pedal and turn the- main switch off immediately. Failure to do so may cause engine damage.

Starting and driving 5-13

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CRUISE CONTROL OPERA- TIONS The cruise control allows driving at a speed between 30 to 90 MPH (48 to 144 km/h) without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. To turn on the cruise control, push the main switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instrument panel comes on. To set cruising speed, accelerate the ve- hicle to the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET light in the instrument cluster comes on. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set speed. c To pass another vehicle, depress the accelerator pedal. When you release the pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ- ously set speed.

c The vehicle may not maintain the set speed when going up or down steep hills. If this happens, drive without the cruise control. To cancel the preset speed, use one of the following three methods: a) Push the CANCEL button; the SET light

in the instrument cluster goes out.

5-14 Starting and driving

b) Tap the brake pedal; the SET light goes

out.

c) Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE indicator on the main switch and SET light in the instrument cluster go out. The cruise control is automatically can- celled and the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if: c you depress the brake or clutch pedal while pushing the RES/ACCEL or COAST/SET switch.

c the vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH

(13 km/h) below the set speed.

c you depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission), or move the shift selector lever to N (Neutral) (automatic transmis- sion).

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one of the following three methods. a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push and release the COAST/SET switch.

b) Push and hold the RES/ACCEL switch. When the vehicle attains the speed you desire, release the switch.

c) Push and release the RES/ACCEL switch. the set speed

Each time you do this, increases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one of the following three methods: a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it.

b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Release the switch when the vehicle slows to the desired speed.

c) Push and release the COAST/SET switch. Each time you do this, the set speed decreases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).

To resume the preset speed, push and re- lease the RES/ACCEL switch. The vehicle returns to the last set cruising speed when the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).

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BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), follow these recommendations for the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in vehicle damage or shortened engine life. c Do not drive over the legal speed limit and do not run the engine over 4,000
rpm. Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow.

c Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

c Avoid quick starts. c Avoid hard braking as much as possible. c Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles

(800 km).

SD1001M

c Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Main- tain cruising speeds with a constant ac- celerator position.

c Drive at moderate speeds on the high- way. Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.

c Avoid unnecessary stopping and brak- ing. Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.

c Use a proper gear range which suits road conditions. On level roads, shift into high gear as soon as possible.

c Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

c Keep your engine tuned up. c Follow the recommended periodic main-

tenance schedule.

c Keep the tires inflated at

the correct pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear and wastes fuel.

c Keep the front wheels in correct align- ment. Improper alignment increases tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

c Air conditioner operation lowers fuel economy. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.

c When cruising at highway speeds, it is more economical to use the air condi- tioner and leave the windows closed to reduce drag.

Starting and driving 5-15

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PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

WARNING

Do not park the vehicle over flammable materials such as dry grass, waste pa- per or rags. They may ignite and cause a fire.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake. 2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) position. When parking on an uphill grade, place the shift lever in 1 (First) gear.

5-16 Starting and driving

SD1006M

Automatic transmission models: Move the selector lever to the P (Park) position.

WARNING

c Safe parking procedures require that both the parking brake be set and the transmission placed into P (Park) for automatic transmission models or in an appropriate gear for manual transmission models. Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result

in an accident. Make sure the shift lever has been pushed as far forward as it can go and cannot be moved without depressing the button at the end of the lever.

c Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

c Do not leave children unattended in- side the vehicle. They could un- knowingly activate switches or con- trols. Unattended children could become involved in serious acci- dents.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.

c HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB: s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the vehicle forward until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb.

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POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

c HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB: s2

Turn the wheels away from the curb and move the vehicle back until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb.

c HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB: s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road so the vehicle will move away from the center of the road if it moves.

4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-

tion and remove the key.

The power assisted steering is designed to use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering. If the engine stops or the hydraulic pump drive belt breaks, you will still have control of the vehicle. However, much greater steer- ing effort is needed, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.

WARNING

If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work. Steering will be much harder to operate.

The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. BRAKING PRECAUTIONS Vacuum assisted brake 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 pressure 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 overheats the brakes, increases wear on the brake linings and pads, and reduces gas mileage. To help save the brakes and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and downshift 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.

Starting and driving 5-17

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WARNING

c While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking, accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt braking or accelerating could cause the wheels to skid and result in an accident.

c 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 longer and the vehicle may pull to one side during braking. To dry 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.

5-18 Starting and driving

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) (if so equipped) The anti-lock brake system installed in some models controls the brakes at each wheel so the wheels do not lock when braking abruptly or when braking on slip- pery surfaces. The system detects the rota- tion speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver maintain steering control and helps to mini- mize swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces. Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may result in increased stopping dis- tances.

Normal operation The anti-lock brake system does not oper- ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). The speeds vary according to road

conditions. When the anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels are close to locking up, the actuator (under the hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres- sure (like pumping the brakes very quickly). While the actuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system is working properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system is sophisticated, with electronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com- puter. The computer has a built-in diagnos- tic 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 is not an indica- tion of any malfunction. the computer senses any malfunction, it switches the anti- lock brake system OFF and turns on the ABS brake warning light in the dashboard.

If

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c When replacing tires,

specified size of wheels.

install tire on all

the four

c When installing a spare tire, make sure it is the proper size and type as specified on the tire placard. For tire placard location information, refer to “Tire placard” in the ‘‘Technical and Consumer information’’ section of this manual.

Refer to ‘‘Wheels and tires’’ in the ‘‘Do- it-yourself’’ section of this manual.

The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance. If the light comes on during the self-test or while driving, take the vehicle to an autho- rized NISSAN dealer for repair.

WARNING

The anti-lock brake system is a sophis- ticated device, but it cannot prevent accidents resulting from careless or dangerous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces, but re- member that the stopping distance on slippery surfaces will be longer than on normal surfaces, even with the anti- lock brake system. Stopping distances may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow covered roads, or if you are using tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis- tance from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the responsibility for safety of self and others rests in the hands of the driver. Tire type and condition of tires may also affect braking effectiveness.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be- fore inserting it into the key hole. ANTI-FREEZE In the winter when it is anticipated that the temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure proper winter protection. For de- tails, see ‘‘Engine cooling system’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself’’ section. BATTERY If fully charged during extremely cold weather conditions, the bat- tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat- tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the battery should be checked regularly. For details, see ‘‘Battery’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself ’’ section. DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the drain valves located under the Starting and driving 5-19

the battery is not

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radiator and on the engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle. See ‘‘Chang- ing engine coolant’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself’’ section. TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide superior performance on dry pavement. However, the performance of these tires will be substantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper- ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. Please consult an authorized NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and availability information. 2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud- ded tires may be used. However, some U.S. States and Canadian Provinces pro- hibit their use. Check local, state and provincial laws before installing studded tires.

Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires. 3. Tire chains may be used. Make sure they 5-20 Starting and driving

are the proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer’s suggestions.

1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re- move ice and snow from the windows and wiper blades.

Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord- ing to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer’s sug- gestions. Use only SAE Class ‘‘S’’ chains. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibil- ity of whipping action damage to the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In ad- dition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve- hicle handling and performance may be adversely affected. Never install tire chains on spare tires. Do not use tire chains on dry roads. SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT It is recommended that the following items be carried in the vehicle during winter:

2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under

the jack to give it firm support.

3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-

drifts.

4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the

reservoir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

c Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to drive on. The ve- hicle will have much less traction or ‘‘grip’’ under these conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted or sanded.

c Whatever the condition, drive with caution. Accelerate and slow down with care. If accelerating or down- shifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction.

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WARNING

Do not use your heater with an un- grounded electrical system or two- pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be injured by an electrical shock if you use an ungrounded connection.

c Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be started sooner than on dry pavement. c Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

c 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.

c Do not use the cruise control on

slippery roads.

c Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so equipped) An engine block heater to assist extreme cold temperature starting is available through an authorized NISSAN dealer.

Starting and driving 5-21

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MEMO

5-22 Starting and driving

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6 In case of emergency

Flat tire ...................................................................6-2
Changing a flat tire............................................6-2
Jump starting..........................................................6-8
Push starting ........................................................6-10
If your vehicle overheats......................................6-10

Towing your vehicle .............................................6-11
Towing recommended by Nissan....................6-12
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ............................................................6-13

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WARNING

c Make sure the parking brake is se- curely applied and the manual trans- mission is shifted into R (Reverse), or the automatic transmission into P (Park).

c Never change tires when the vehicle is on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is hazardous.

c Never change tires if oncoming traf- fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for professional road assistance.

FLAT TIRE

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions below: Stopping the vehicle 1. Safely move the vehicle off of the road

and away from traffic.

2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. 3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Shift the manual transmis- sion into R (Reverse), or the automatic transmission into P (Park).

4. Turn off the engine. 5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assistance personnel that you need assistance.

6. Have all passengers get out of the ve- hicle and stand in a safe place, away from traffic and clear of the vehicle.

6-2 In case of emergency

MCE0001

Blocking wheels Place suitable blocks at both the front and back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.

WARNING

Be sure to block the wheel as the ve- hicle may move and result in personal injury.

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ACE1002

Getting the spare tire and tools 1. Open the trunk. Lift the trunk floor carpet- ing and spare tire cover. Remove the tool bag (which contains the jack rod and wheel nut wrench) and the spare tire. If necessary, use the flat end of the jack rod as shown to loosen the spare tire hold-down bolt.

WCE0001

2. Push the release clip on the jack access door to open. To remove the jack, turn the jack screw counterclockwise. Use either end of the jack rod to loosen the jack from its storage position.

In case of emergency 6-3

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Removing wheel cover Remove the wheel covers as shown.

WCE0018

CAUTION

Do not use your hands to pry off wheel caps or wheel covers. Doing so could result in personal injury.

6-4 In case of emergency

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to the wheel

Bolt-on wheel covers: Wheel cover attachment is made by plastic nuts that are integral to the wheel covers. These plastic nuts screw to the outside of the bolt-on specific wheel nuts. The plastic nuts need to be removed before the wheel cover can be removed from the wheel.

WCE0003

tightening

Bolt-on wheel cover nut torque:

36-70 in-lb (4-8 Nzm)

CE1089

Jacking up vehicle and removing the damaged tire

WARNING

c Never get under the vehicle while it

is supported only by the jack.

c Use only the jack provided with your vehicle. Do not use the jack provided with your vehicle on other vehicles. The jack is designed for lifting only your vehicle during a tire change.

In case of emergency 6-5

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c Use the correct

jack-up points. Never use any other part of the ve- hicle for jack support.

c Never jack up the vehicle more than

necessary.

c Never use blocks on or under the

jack.

c Do not start or run engine while vehicle is on the jack. It may cause the vehicle to move. This is espe- cially true for vehicles with limited slip differential carriers.

c Do not allow passengers to stay in

the vehicle while it is on the jack.

c Never run the engine with the wheels It may cause the

off the ground. vehicle to move.

Carefully read the caution label attached to the jack body and the following in- structions: 1. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns by turning them counterclockwise with the wheel nut wrench. Do not remove the wheel nuts until the tire is off the ground.

6-6 In case of emergency

CE1092

3. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack lever and rod with both hands as shown. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire clears the ground. Remove the wheel nuts, and then remove the tire.

2. Place the jack directly under the jack-up point as illustrated above so the top of the jack contacts the vehicle at the jack-up point. Align the jack head be- tween the two notches in the front or the rear as shown. Also fit the groove of the jack head between the notches as shown. The jack should be used on firm and level ground.

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WCE0004

Installing the spare tire The spare tire is designed for emergency use. See specific instructions under the heading ‘‘Wheels and tires’’ in the ‘‘Do- it-yourself’’ section. 1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface

between the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the spare tire on and install

the wheel nuts finger-tight.

3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel nuts alternately and evenly until they are tight.

Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pres- sure. COLD pressure: After vehicle has been parked for three hours or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed to the driver’s door, center pillar. 5. With the spare tire installed on the ve- hicle, place the damaged tire in the spare tire storage area. Put the jack rod and wheel nut wrench in the tool bag and place the tool bag in the spare tire stor- age area.

6. Place the spare tire cover and the trunk

floor carpeting over the damaged tire.

4. Lower the vehicle slowly until

the tire touches the ground. Then, with the wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts se- curely in the sequence as illustrated. Lower the vehicle completely.

WARNING

c Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose or come off. This could cause an accident.

c Do not use oil or grease on the wheel studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts to become loose.

c 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:

72 to 86 ft-lb (98 to 117 Nzm)

In case of emergency 6-7

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c The spare tire is designed for emer- gency use. See specific instructions under the heading ‘‘Wheels and tires’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself’’ section of this manual.

JUMP STARTING

To start your engine with a booster battery, the instructions and precautions below must be followed.

WARNING

c If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to a battery explosion, resulting in severe injury or death. It could also damage your vehicle.

c Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in the vicinity of the battery. Keep all sparks and flames away from the battery.

c Do not allow battery fluid to come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a corrosive sulfuric acid solution which can cause severe burns. If the fluid should come into contact with anything, immediately flush the con- tacted area with water.

c Keep the battery out of the reach of

children.

c The booster battery must be rated at 12 volts. Use of an improper rated battery can damage your vehicle.

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CE1082

7. Install the jack in its storage area and

tighten the jack screw clockwise.

8. Close the jack access door. Close the

trunk.

WARNING

c Always make sure that the spare tire and jacking equipment are properly secured after use. Such items can become dangerous projectiles in an accident or sudden stop.

6-8 In case of emergency

c Whenever working on or near a bat- tery, always wear suitable eye pro- tectors (for example, goggles or in- dustrial and remove rings, metal bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean over the battery when jump starting.

spectacles)

safety

c Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery. It could explode and cause serious injury.

c Your vehicle has an automatic en- gine cooling fan. It could come on at any time. Keep hands and other ob- jects away from it.

Always follow the instructions below. Failure to do so could result in damage to the charging system and cause per- sonal injury. 1. If the booster battery is in another ve- hicle, position the two vehicles to bring their batteries into close proximity to each other. Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.

2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift selector lever to N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P (Park) (automatic transmission). Switch off all unncessary

ACE1013

electrical systems (lights, heater, air con- ditioner, etc.).

3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with an old cloth to reduce explosion hazard.

4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence

as illustrated.

CAUTION

c Always connect positive (+) to posi- tive (+) and negative (−) to body ground (for example, strut mounting

In case of emergency 6-9

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PUSH STARTING

CAUTION

c Automatic transmission models can- not be push started. This may cause transmission damage.

c Three way catalyst equipped models should not be started by pushing. The three way catalyst may be dam- aged.

c Never try to start the vehicle by tow- ing it. When the engine starts, the forward surge could cause the ve- hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.

bolt, engine lift bracket, etc.) — not to the battery.

c Make sure the jumper cables do not touch moving parts in the engine com- partment and that the cable clamps do not contact any other metal.

5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle

and let it run for a few minutes.

6. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the engine of the vehicle being jump started.

CAUTION

Do not keep starter motor engaged for more than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start right away, turn the key off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying again.

7. After starting the engine, carefully dis- connect the negative cable and then the positive cable.

8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes as it may be con- taminated with corrosive acid.

6-10 In case of emergency

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge reading), or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps.

WARNING

c Do not continue to drive if your ve- hicle overheats. Doing so could cause a vehicle fire.

c To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. When the radiator cap is removed, pressurized hot water will spurt out, possibly causing serious injury.

c Do not open the hood if steam is

coming out.

1. Move the vehicle safely off

the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to N (Neutral) (manual trans- mission) or to P (Park) (automatic trans- mission). Do not stop the engine.

2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi- tioner temperature control to maximum hot and fan control to high speed.

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WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry or clothing to come into contact with, or get caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan motor can start at any time when the coolant temperature is high.

7. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the res- ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve- hicle repaired at an authorized NISSAN dealer.

3. If engine overheating is caused by climb- ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge indication returns to normal.

4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the ra- diator before opening the hood. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before proceeding.

5. Open the engine hood.

WARNING

If steam or water is coming from the engine, stand clear to prevent getting burned.

6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radia- tor should not leak water. If coolant is leaking, the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.

TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin- cial in Canada) and local regulations for tow- ing must be followed. Incorrect towing equip- ment could damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are available from an authorized NISSAN dealer. Local service operators will generally be familiar with the applicable laws and procedures for towing. To assure proper towing and to prevent accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service operator tow your vehicle. It is advis- able to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions:

WARNING

c Never ride in a vehicle that is being

towed.

c Never get under your vehicle after it

has been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

c When towing, make sure that the transmission, axles, steering system and powertrain are in working con- dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies must be used.

c Always attach safety chains before

towing.

In case of emergency 6-11

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TOWING RECOMMENDED BY NISSAN NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (front) wheels off the ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.

ACE0511

6-12 In case of emergency

ACE1001

CAUTION

c Never tow automatic transmission models with the front 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 nec- essary to tow the vehicle with the rear wheels raised, always use tow- ing dollies under the front wheels.

c When towing automatic transmis- sion models with the front wheels on

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steering, brake or cooling systems.

c Always pull the cable straight out from the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull on the vehicle at an angle.

c Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas straps are not recommended for use in vehicle towing or recovery.

c Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.

WARNING

Do not spin your tires at high speed. This could cause them to explode and result in serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could also overheat and be damaged.

towing dollies, or when towing manual transmission models with the front wheels on the ground: c Turn the ignition key to the OFF position, and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never place the ignition key in the LOCK position. This will result in damage to the steering lock mechanism.

c Move the gearshift lever to the N

(Neutral) position.

c When towing automatic or manual transmission models with the rear wheels on the ground (if you do not use towing dollies): Always release the parking brake.

VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a stuck vehicle) c Tow chains or cables must be attached only to the main structual members of the vehicle.

c Pulling devices should be routed so they do not touch any part of the suspension,

In case of emergency 6-13

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MEMO

6-14 In case of emergency

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7 Appearance and care

Cleaning exterior ....................................................7-2
Washing.............................................................7-2
Waxing...............................................................7-2
Removing spots.................................................7-3
Underbody .........................................................7-3
Glass..................................................................7-3
Aluminum alloy wheels......................................7-4
Chrome parts.....................................................7-4
Cleaning interior .....................................................7-4

Floor mats..........................................................7-4
Seat belts ..........................................................7-5
Corrosion protection...............................................7-5

Most common factors contributing to vehicle corrosion................................................7-5
Environmental factors influence the rate of corrosion........................................................7-5
To protect your vehicle from corrosion .............7-6

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CLEANING EXTERIOR

MAI0001

In order to maintain the appearance of your vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it. In the following cases, please wash your vehicle as soon as possible to protect the paint surface: c after a rainfall to prevent possible dam-

age from acid rain.

c after driving on coastal roads. c when contaminants such as soot, bird droppings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on the paint surface.

7-2 Appearance and care

c when dust or mud builds up on the surface. Whenever possible, store or park your ve- hicle inside a garage or in a covered area. When it is necessary to park outside, park in a shady area or protect the vehicle with a body cover. Be careful not to scratch the paint sur- face when putting on or removing the body cover. WASHING Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.

CAUTION

c Do not wash the vehicle with strong household soap, strong chemical detergents, gasoline or solvents.

c Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or while the vehicle body is hot, as the surface may become water-spotted.

c Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must be taken when removing caked-on dirt or other foreign sub- stances so that the paint surface is not scratched or damaged.

Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors, hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to the effects of road salt. There- fore, these areas must be regularly cleaned. Take care that the drain holes in the lower edge of the door are open. Spray water under the body and in the wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away road salt. A damp chamois can be used to dry the vehicle to avoid water spots. WAXING Regular waxing protects the paint surface and helps retain new vehicle appearance. After waxing, polishing is recommended to remove built-up residue and to avoid a ‘‘weathered’’ appearance. Your NISSAN dealer can assist you in

Z X

spring, the underseal must be checked and, if necessary, retreated.

choosing the proper product. c Wax your vehicle only after a thorough washing. Follow the instructions supplied with the wax.

c Do not use a wax containing any abra- sives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may damage the vehicle finish.

c If the surface does not polish easily, use

a “road tar” remover and wax again.

Machine compounding or aggressive pol- ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. REMOVING SPOTS Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible from the surface of the paint to avoid lasting damage or staining. Special cleaning prod- ucts are available at an authorized NISSAN dealer or any automotive accessory store. UNDERBODY In areas where road salt is used in winter, the underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will prevent dirt and salt from building up and causing underbody and suspension corrosion. Before winter and again in the

AAI1001

GLASS When cleaning the rear window, it may be easier to clean if the high-mounted stop light is removed first. Be careful when removing the high- mounted stop light to reduce the risk of damaging the high-mounted stop light wires. The high-mounted stop light must be prop- erly reinstalled before driving your vehicle. Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor- mal for glass to become coated with a film Appearance and care 7-3

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CLEANING INTERIOR

after the vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.

CAUTION

When cleaning the inside of the win- dows, do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine based disinfectant cleaners. They could dam- age the electrical conductors, radio an- tenna, or rear window defogger ele- ments.

Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth. Before using any fabric protector, read the manu- facturer’s recommendations. Some fabric protectors contain chemicals that may stain or bleach the seat material. Use a cloth dampened only with water, to clean the meter and gauge lens.

FLOOR MATS The use of Genuine NISSAN floor mats can extend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it easier to clean the interior. No mat- ter what mats are used, be sure they are fitted for your vehicle and are properly positioned in the footwell to prevent inter- ference with pedal operation. Mats should be maintained with regular cleaning and re- placed if they become excessively worn.

ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS Wash regularly, especially during winter months in areas where road salt is used. If not removed, salt could discolor the wheels. CHROME PARTS Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.

CAUTION

c Never use benzine, thinner, or any

similar material.

c The leather seats should be regu- larly coated with a leather wax like saddle soap. Never use car wax.

c Never use fabric protectors unless recommended by the manufacturer. c Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on meter or gauge lens covers. It may damage the lens cover.

7-4 Appearance and care

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SEAT BELTS The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution. Allow the belts to dry com- pletely in the shade before using them. See “Seat belt maintenance” in the “Seats, re- straints and supplemental air bag systems” section of this owner’s manual.

WARNING

Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or chemical solvents to clean the seat belts, since these may severely weaken the seat belt webbing.

AAI1002

Floor mat positioning aid (Driver’s side only) This vehicle includes a front floor mat bracket to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor mats have been specially designed for your vehicle model. The driv- er’s side floor mat has a grommet hole incorporated in it. Position the mat by plac- ing the floor mat bracket hook through the floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the footwell. Periodically check to make certain the mats are properly positioned.

CORROSION PROTECTION

MOST COMMON FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE CORROSION 1. The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavities, and other areas.

2. Damage to paint and other protective coatings caused by gravel and stone chips or minor traffic accidents.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN- FLUENCE THE RATE OF COR- ROSION Moisture Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the vehicle body underside can accelerate cor- rosion. Wet floor coverings will not dry com- pletely inside the vehicle, and should be removed for drying to avoid floor panel corrosion. Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated: c in areas of high relative humidity. c in areas where the temperatures stay

above freezing.

Appearance and care 7-5

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c where atmospheric pollution exists. c where road salt is used. Temperature A temperature increase accelerates the rate of corrosion to those parts which are not well ventilated. Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use accelerates the corrosion process. Road salt also accelerates the disintegra- tion of paint surfaces. TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM CORROSION c wash and wax your vehicle often to keep

the vehicle clean.

c always check for minor damage to the paint and repair it as soon as possible. c keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors open to avoid water accumulation. c check the underbody for accumulation of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water as soon as possible.

7-6 Appearance and care

CAUTION

c NEVER remove dirt, sand or other debris from the passenger compart- ment by washing it out with a hose. Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner or broom.

c Never allow water or other liquids to come in contact with electronic com- ponents inside the vehicle as this may damage them.

Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion and deterioration of underbody components such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders. In winter, cleaned periodically. For additional protection against rust and corrosion, which may be required in some areas, consult an authorized NISSAN dealer.

the underbody must be

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MEMO

Appearance and care 7-7

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8 Do-it-yourself

Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-4
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-5
Changing engine coolant ..................................8-6
Engine oil ...............................................................8-8
Checking engine oil level ..................................8-8
Changing engine oil ..........................................8-9
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-11
Temperature conditions for checking..............8-11
Power steering fluid..............................................8-12
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-12
Brake fluid........................................................8-12
Clutch fluid.......................................................8-13
Window washer fluid ............................................8-13
Battery ..................................................................8-14
Jump starting...................................................8-15
Drive belts ............................................................8-15
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-16
Replacing spark plugs.....................................8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................8-17

Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-18
Cleaning ..........................................................8-18
Replacing.........................................................8-18
Parking brake and brake pedal............................8-19
Checking parking brake...................................8-19
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-19
Brake booster ..................................................8-20
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-21
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-21
Fuses....................................................................8-21
Engine compartment .......................................8-21
Passenger compartment .................................8-22
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-23
Lights....................................................................8-24
Headlights........................................................8-24
Front turn signal lamp .....................................8-28
Front parking and cornering lamp...................8-28
Front sidemarker lamp ....................................8-29
Fog lights.........................................................8-30
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-31
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-35
Tire pressure ...................................................8-35

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Types of tires...................................................8-35
Tire chains.......................................................8-36

Changing tires and wheels..............................8-36

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MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

When performing any inspection or mainte- nance work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to the vehicle. The following are general precautions which should be closely observed.

WARNING

c Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake securely and block the wheels to prevent the ve- hicle from moving. For manual trans- mission models, move the shift lever to (N) Neutral. For an automatic transmission models, move the shift selector lever to P (Park).

c Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or LOCK position when performing any parts replacement or repairs.

c Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic engine cooling fan. It may come on at any time without warn- ing, even if the ignition key is in the OFF position and the engine is not running. To avoid injury, always dis- connect the negative battery cable before working near the fan.

8-2 Do-it-yourself

c If you must work with the engine run- ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away from moving fans, belts and any other moving parts.

c It is advisable to secure or remove any loose clothing and remove any jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc. before working on your vehicle.

c Always wear eye protection when-

ever you work on your vehicle.

c 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.

c 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.

c Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks away from the fuel tank and battery.

c On gasoline engine models with the multiport fuel injection (MFI) system, the fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced by an authorized NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines are un- der high pressure even when the en- gine is off.

CAUTION

c Do not work under the hood while the engine is hot. Turn off the engine and wait until it cools down.

c Never connect or disconnect the bat- tery or any transistorized compo- nent while the ignition is in the ON position.

c Never leave the engine or automatic transmission related component harnesses disconnected while the ignition is in the ON position.

c Avoid contact with used engine oil and coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil, engine coolant, and/or other vehicle fluids can damage the environment. Always conform to lo- cal regulations for disposal of ve- hicle fluid.

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This ‘‘Do-it-yourself’’ section gives instruc- tions regarding only those items which are relatively easy for an owner to perform. You should be aware that incomplete or improper servicing may result in operating difficulties or excessive emissions, and could affect your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any servicing, have it done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.

Do-it-yourself

8-3

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

8-4 Do-it-yourself

ADI1005

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WARNING

c Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from the radiator.

c The radiator is equipped with a pres- sure type radiator cap. To prevent engine damage, use only a genuine NISSAN radiator cap.

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti- freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so- lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional engine cooling system additives are not necessary.

CAUTION

When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only an ethelene glycol anti- freeze with the proper mixture ratio of 50% Genuine Nissan Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent and 50% soft tap water. The use of other types of coolant solu- tions may damage the engine cooling system.

Outside

temperature

down to

°C

−35

°F

−30

Genuine Nissan

Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent

Soft tap water

50%

50%

ADI1006

level

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL Check the coolant in the reservoir when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX level. If the reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the radiator when the en- gine is cold. If there is insufficient 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.

Do-it-yourself

8-5

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If the cooling system frequently requires coolant, have it checked by an autho- rized NISSAN dealer.

c Improper servicing can result in reduced heater performance and engine over- heating.

WARNING

c To avoid the danger of being scalded, never change the coolant when the engine is hot.

c Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from the radiator.

c Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant. is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.

If skin contact

c Keep coolant out of reach of children

and pets.

DI1349

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT c Major cooling system repairs should be performed by an authorized NISSAN dealer. The service procedures can be found in an appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.

Perform the following procedure to open the heater water cock: 1. Turn the ignition switch ON and set the lever to the maxi- temperature control mum hot position. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the switch OFF.

2. Open the radiator drain plug. Open the

8-6 Do-it-yourself

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down, refill the radiator up to the filler opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.

10. Open and close the air release plug to release air. Then fill the radiator again and install the radiator cap.