1996 Nissan Frontier Owners Manual

Pantograph type jack ......................................... 5-5
Screw type jack .................................................. 5-6
Jump starting ...................................................... 5-8
Push starting ...................................................... 5-9
If your vehicle overheats .................................... 5-9
Tow truck towing .............................................. 5-10
Vehicle recovery ............................................... 5-12

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FLAT TIRE

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions below: Stopping the vehicle 1. Safely move the vehicle off

the road

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 Reverse (R) (automatic trans- mission in P).

WARNING

The transfer control lever must

be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position. Never place it in the N position. Other- wise, the vehicle could roll unexpect- edly even if the manual transmission is in gear.

4. Turn off the engine.

WARNING

c Make sure that the parking brake is securely applied and the manual transmission is shifted into Reverse (R) (automatic transmission in P).

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

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

c Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road as- sistance personnel that you require assistance.

c Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place away from traffic and clear of the vehicle.

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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 could cause per- sonal injury.

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4. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod into the T-shaped opening of the spare tire winch, and turn the jack rod counter- clockwise to lower the spare tire.

5. Once the spare tire is completely low- ered, reach under the vehicle, remove the retainer chain, and carefully slide the tire from under the rear of the vehicle.

Getting the spare tire and tools 1. Remove the jack, jack rod, and tool kit from the storage area located behind the driver’s seat.

2. Remove the wheel nut wrench from the tool kit; fit the square end of the jack rod into the square hole of the wheel nut wrench to form a handle.

3. Find the oval shaped opening under the middle of the tailgate; pass the T-shaped end of the jack rod through the opening and direct it towards the spare tire winch, located directly above the spare tire.

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Removing wheel cover

WARNING

Do not use your hands to pry off wheel covers. Doing so could result in per- sonal injury.

Use caution not to scratch the wheel cover.

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PANTOGRAPH TYPE JACK

find one of

Jacking up the vehicle and remov- ing the wheel Identify the type of jack supplied with your truck. You will jacks installed in your vehicle, a pantograph (scis- sor) type jack or a screw (bottle) type jack. Always refer to the proper illustrations for the correct placement and jack-up points for your specific vehicle model and jack type. To help avoid personal injury, carefully read the following instructions.

two types of

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Do not remove the wheel nuts until the tire is off the ground. 4. Carefully raise the vehicle until the flat tire clears the ground. Remove the wheel nuts, and then remove the wheel. Do not remove the brake drum with the wheel.

1. On 4-wheel drive models with a screw type jack, put the adapter stored in the tool bag on the jack when jacking up the front side. Do not use the jack adapter for the rear.

2. Place the jack directly under the jack-up

point. The jack should be used on level, firm ground.

3. Loosen each wheel nut on the flat tire one or two turns by turning counterclock- wise with the wheel nut wrench.

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SCREW TYPE JACK

CAUTION

c Never get under the vehicle while it

is supported only by the jack.

c Use the jack provided with your ve- hicle. Do not use the jack provided with your vehicle on other vehicles. c The jack is designed only for lifting

your vehicle during a tire change.

c Use the correct jack up points; never use any other part of the vehicle 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 as it may cause the vehicle to move.

c Do not allow passengers to stay in

the vehicle while it is on the jack.

c Do not raise the vehicle using a

bumper jack.

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c Never run the engine with the wheels off the ground. It may cause the vehicle to move. This is especially true for vehicles with limited slip differential carriers.

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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.

vehicle has been run for 600 miles (1,000 km).

5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking

equipment in the vehicle.

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.

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

CAUTION c As soon as possible,

tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench.

c Wheel nut tightening torque:

87 to 108 ft-lb (118 to 147 Nzm) c The wheel nuts must be kept tight- ened to specifications at all times. It is recommended that wheel nuts be tightened to specification at each lubrication interval.

c Adjust tire pressure to the COLD

pressure.

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 glove box lid. c Retighten the wheel nuts when the

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

between the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten

the wheel nuts finger tight.

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

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JUMP STARTING

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

CAUTION

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, cloth or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a corrosive sulphuric 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 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.

c Whenever working on or near a bat- tery, always wear suitable eye protec

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tors (e.g., goggles or industrial safety spectacles) and remove rings, metal bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean over the battery when jump starting. 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

5-8

exactly. Failure to do so could result in damage to the charging system and cause personal 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 lever to Neutral (N) (on automatic trans- mission models, move the lever to P). Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys- tems (lights, heater, air conditioner, 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 (e.g., strut mounting bolt, etc.—not to the battery).

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c Make sure that cables do not touch moving parts in the engine compart- ment and that 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 your engine in the normal manner.

CAUTION

Do not keep the 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 your 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.

PUSH STARTING

CAUTION

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

c Three-way catalyst equipped models should not be started by pushing since the three-way catalyst may be damaged.

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.

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge read- ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow- ing 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 gearshift (automatic transmission to P). Do not stop the engine.

to Neutral

lever

2. Turn off the air conditioning. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi- tioner temperature control to maximum

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WARNING

c Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry or clothing to come into contact with, or to get caught in, the running fan or belts.

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 the nearest NISSAN dealer.

hot and fan control to high speed.

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 is leaking, the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine

leak water.If coolant

TOW TRUCK TOWING

When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin- cial in Canada) and local regulations for towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could damage your vehicle. Tow- ing instructions are available from your NIS- SAN dealer. Local service operators are generally 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 vahicle that is being

towed.

c Never get under your vehicle after is

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, a dolly must be used.

c When towing with the front wheels

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on the ground: 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 When towing with the rear wheels on the ground, release the parking brake and move the gearshift lever to the Neutral position (N position). c On automatic transmission models, to move the shift lever to Neutral (N position), turn the ignition key to the ACC position. After moving the shift lever to neutral (N position), be sure to turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

c For 4-wheel drive model:

Set the free-running hubs to the free position (See ‘‘ Auto-lock free- running hubs” or ‘‘ Manual-lock free-running hubs” as appropriate in

the ‘‘Starting and driving’’ section). Move the transfer case shift lever into the 2H position and the transmission shift lever into the Neutral (N) position. c Attach safety chains for all towing.

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2-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground as illustrated.

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CAUTION

If you have to tow your vehicle with four wheels on ground or with front wheels raised (with rear wheels on ground), observe the following restricted towing speeds and distances: Automatic transmission model: c Speed: Below 30 MPH (50 km/h) c Distance: Less than 40 miles (65 km) Manual transmission model: c Speed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h) c Distance: Less than 500 miles (800

km)

If the speed or distance must necessarily be greater, remove the propeller shaft before- hand to prevent damage to the transmis- sion.

CAUTION

Never tow your vehicle from the rear (i.e., backward) with four wheels on the ground as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transmission.

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4-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS NISSAN recommends that a dolly be used as illustrated when towing your vehicle.

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CAUTION

If you have to tow your vehicle with four wheels on ground or with front or rear wheels raised, observe the following restricted and distances: c Speed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h) c Distance: Less than 500 miles (800

speeds

towing

km)

If the speed or distance must necessarily be greater, remove the front and rear propeller shafts beforehand to prevent damage to the transmission.

CAUTION

c Never tow your vehicle from the rear (i.e., backward) with four wheels on the ground as this may cause seri- ous and expensive damage to the transmission.

c Be sure to place the transfer case shift lever into the 2H position and the transmission shift lever into the Neutral (N) position.

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 Z X do not touch any part of the suspension, 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.

6 Appearance and interior care

Cleaning exterior and interior ............................. 6-2
Corrosion protection ........................................... 6-4

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CLEANING EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

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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 things such as soot, bird drop- pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on the paint surface

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 Do not wash your vehicle in direct sunlight or while the body is hot. 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

Do not use strong household soap, strong chemical detergents, gasoline or solvents.

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Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors, hatches and hood are particularly endangered by the effects of road salt. Therefore, 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 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.

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c If the surface does not polish easily, use

a ‘‘road tar’’ remover and wax again.

or

black

urethane

Machine compounding or aggressive pol- ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. Only apply black wax or black shoe polish to the polypropylene bumper. 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 per- manent damage or staining. Special clean- ing products are available at your NISSAN dealer or any automotive accessories store. Underbody In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is necessary to clean the underbody regu- larly in order to prevent dirt and salt from building up and causing corrosion on the underbody and suspension. Before the win- ter period and again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if neces- sary, re-treated.

Cleaning interior 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 stain or bleach the seat material.

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.

Cleaning glass Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor- mal for glass to be coated with a film after the vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth easily remove this film.

CAUTION

When cleaning the inside of the win- dow, do not use any sharp-edged tools or abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They could dam- age the electrical conductors, radio an- tenna elements or rear window defog- ger elements.

Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels Wash regularly, especially during winter months in areas where road salt is used. Salt could discolor the wheel if not removed. Chrome parts Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.

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Floor mat positioning aid (Driver side only) Some models include a floor mat pin to act as a floor mat positioning aid. Nissan floor mats have been specially designed for your vehicle model. The driver’s side floor mat has a grommet hole incorporated in it. Sim- ply position the mat by placing the floor mat pin through the floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the floor pan contour. Periodically check to make certain that the mats are properly positioned.

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 matter what mats are used, be sure they are fitted for your vehicle and are properly posi- tioned in the footwell to prevent interference with pedal operation. Mats should be main- tained with regular cleaning and replaced if they become excessively worn. 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 before using them. Do not allow wet belts to roll up in the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or chemical solvents since these may severely weaken the seat belt webbing.

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.

factors influencing

Environmental the rate of corrosion: 1. Moisture The accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the underside of the body accelerates cor- rosion. Floor sections which have snow and ice trapped under the floor matting will not dry. 2. Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated: c in areas of high relative humidity. c especially in areas where the tempera-

tures stay above freezing.

c where atmospheric pollution exists. c where road salt is used.

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ment by washing 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.

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 your local NISSAN dealer.

the underbody must be

3. Temperature A temperature increase accelerates the rate of corrosion to those parts which are not well ventilated. 4. Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt will also accelerate the disintegra- tion of paint surfaces. To protect your vehicle from corro- sion: 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 and tailgate open to avoid water accumulation.

c Check the underbody and inside the pick-up box. If any sand, dirt or salt is accumulated, wash it off with water as soon as possible.

c NEVER remove dirt, sand or other debris from the passenger compart-

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7 Do-it-yourself operations

Maintenance precautions ................................... 7-2
Engine compartment check locations ................ 7-3
Engine cooling system ....................................... 7-4
Engine oil ............................................................ 7-6
Automatic transmission fluid .............................. 7-9
Power steering fluid .......................................... 7-11
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid ........................................ 7-12
Battery .............................................................. 7-13
Drive belts ........................................................ 7-14
Spark plug replacement ................................... 7-14
Air cleaner housing filter .................................. 7-15
Wiper blades .................................................... 7-16
Parking brake check ......................................... 7-17
Brake pedal ...................................................... 7-18
................................................... 7-19
Brake booster Clutch pedal ..................................................... 7-19
Fuses ................................................................ 7-20
Light bulbs ........................................................ 7-20
Bulb replacement ............................................. 7-22
Wheels and tires .............................................. 7-24
Clutch housing ..................................... 7-29

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regulations for disposal of vehicle fluid. Avoid contact with used motor oil.

This ‘‘Do-it-yourself operations’’ section gives instructions 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 your NISSAN dealer.

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. 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 a manual transmission, move the shift lever to Neutral. For an automatic transmis- sion, move the shift lever to P (Park). c Be sure the ignition key is OFF when performing any parts replacement or repairs.

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

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 remove ties and any jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc., before working on your vehicle.

c If you must run the engine in an en- closed space such as a garage, be sure there is proper ventilation for exhaust gases.

c Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack. If it is nec- essary to work under the vehicle, sup- port it with safety stands.

c Keep smoking materials, flame and

sparks away from fuel and battery.

c Never connect or disconnect either the battery or any transistorized com- ponent connector while the ignition is on.

c On gasoline engine models with the Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) system, the fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced by a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines are under high pressure even when the engine is off.

c Failure to follow these or other com- mon sense guidelines may lead to serious injury or vehicle damage.

c Improperly disposed motor oil and/or other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi- ronment. Always conform to local

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

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ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

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

CAUTION

When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only an ethylene glycol anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze and 50% distilled water. The use of other types of coolant solutions may damge your cooling sys- tem.

Outside tempera- ture down to

°C

−35

°F

−30

Anti- freeze

Distilled water

50%

50%

The radiator is equipped with a pressure cap. Use a genuine NISSAN cap or its equivalent when replacement is re- quired.

Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait until the engine and radiator cool down. See precautions in ‘‘If your ve- hicle overheats’’ found in the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section.

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

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If the cooling system frequently requires coolant, have it checked by your NISSAN dealer.

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

1. Move the heater or air conditioner tem- to the maximum hot

perature control position.

2. Open the radiator drain valve. Open the

drain plug on the engine block.

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3. Open the radiator cap to drain the cool-

ant.

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

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.

7-5

4. Flush the cooling system by running

fresh water through the radiator.

5. Close the radiator drain valve and drain

plug on the engine block securely.

6. See ‘‘Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants’’ in the ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section for cool- ing system capacity. Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mixture of coolant and water. Fill the reservoir tank slowly up to the MAX level.

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ENGINE OIL

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

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

11. Check the drain valve on the radiator and drain plug on the engine block for any sign of leakage.

8. Start the engine and warm it up until it reaches normal operating temperature. Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under no load. Watch the coolant temperature gauge for signs of overheating.

9. Stop the engine. After it completely cools down, refill the radiator up to the filler opening. Fill the reservoir tank up the MAX level.

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

apply the parking brake.

2. Run the engine until it reaches operating

temperature.

3. Turn off the engine. Wait a few 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 between the H and

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level

is below the L L marks. If the oil mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the opening. Do not overfill.

6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.

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CAUTION

c Oil

level should be checked regu- larly. Operating with insufficient amount of oil can damage the en- gine, and such damage is not cov- ered by warranty.

c It is normal to add some oil between oil maintenance intervals or during the break-in period, depending on the severity of operating conditions.

7-7

CHANGING ENGINE OIL 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

apply the parking brake.

2. Run the engine until it reaches operating

temperature, and then turn it off.

3. Place a large drain pan under the drain

plug.

4. Remove the oil filler cap. 5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and

completely drain the oil. If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and replace it at this time. See ‘‘Chang- ing engine oil filter’’ in this section.

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CAUTION

Waste oil must be disposed of prop- erly. Check your local regulations.

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

apply the parking brake.

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WARNING

c Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer.

c Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.

c Keep used engine oil out of reach of

children.

c Be careful not to burn yourself, as

the engine oil is hot.

6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a wrench. Do not use excessive force. Drain plug tightening torque:

22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm)

7. Refill engine with recommended oil and

install the cap securely. See ‘‘Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants’’ in the ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section for refill capacity.

8. Start the engine.

Check for leakage around the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as required.

9. Turn the engine off and wait several level with the

minutes. Check the oil dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.

7-8

2. Turn the engine off. 3. Loosen the oil

filter wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.

filter with an oil

WARNING

Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil may be hot.

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8. Turn the engine off and wait several minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if necessary.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID

WARNING

c When engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from any moving parts such as cooling fan and drive belts.

c Automatic transmission fluid is poi- sonous and should be stored care- fully in marked containers out of the reach of children.

Temperature conditions for check- ing c The fluid level should be checked using the HOT range on the dipstick after the following conditions have been met:

— The engine should be warmed up to

operating temperature.

— The vehicle should be driven at least 5

minutes.

— The automatic transmission fluid should be warmed to between 122 and 176°F (50 and 80°C).

c The fluid can be checked at fluid tem- peratures of 86 to 122°F (30 to 50°C) using the COLD range on the dipstick

7-9

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DI1170M

4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-

face with a clean rag. Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket remaining on the mounting surface of the engine.

5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter

with engine oil.

6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis- tance is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.

7. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required.

after the engine is warmed up and before driving. However, the fluid should be re-checked using the HOT range.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

set the parking brake.

2. Start the engine and then move the se- lector lever through each gear range, ending in P.

DI1192M

3. Check the fluid level with the engine

idling.

4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean

with lint-free paper.

5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging

pipe as far as it will go.

6. Remove the dipstick and note the read- ing. If the level is on the low side of either range, add fluid to the charging pipe.

7-10

CAUTION

c DO NOT OVERFILL. c Use ONLY Nissan Matic ‘D’ (Conti- nental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid (Canada). Dexron® III/Mercon® or equivalent may also be used. Out- side the continental United States and Alaska contact a Nissan dealer- ship for more information regarding including recom- suitable fluids, mended Dexron® III/Mercon® or Dexron® IIE/Mercon® Automatic Transmission Fluid.

brands

of

c If the vehicle has been driven for a long time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot weather, or if it is being used to pull a trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accurately. You should wait until the fluid has cooled down (about 30 minutes).

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POWER STEERING FLUID

BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID

ADI0700

ADI0712

ADI0716

Check the power steering fluid level. The fluid level should be checked using the HOT range on the dipstick at fluid tempera- tures of 122 to 176°F (50 to 80°C) or using the COLD range on the dipstick at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86°F (0 to 30°C).

CAUTION

c Do not overfill. c The recommended fluid is type

DEXRONTMII or equivalent.

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake warning light comes on, add DOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line. Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir (manual transmission only). If the fluid level is below the MIN line, add DOT 3 fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added frequently, the system should be thoroughly checked by your NIS- SAN dealer.

7-11

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For further brake and clutch fluid specifica- tion information, refer to ‘‘Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants’’ in the ‘‘Tech- nical and consumer information’’ section of this manual.

CAUTION

c Use only new fluid from a sealed container. Old, inferior or contami- nated fluid may damage the brake and clutch systems. The use of im- proper fluids can damage the brake system and affect the vehicle’s stop- ping ability.

c Do not spill the fluid on any painted surfaces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is spilled, wash with water.

WINDOW WASHER FLUID

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the mixture ratio.

CAUTION

Do not substitute engine anti-freeze coolant for window washer solution. This may result in damage to the paint.

ADI0717

For USA Check the window washer fluid level in the reservoir tank and add fluid if necessary. Add a washer solvent to the water for better cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind- shield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manu- facturer’s instructions for the mixture ratio. Canada Only Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the water for better cleaning. In the winter sea- son, add a windshield washer anti-freeze.

7-12

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BATTERY

c Keep the battery surface clean and dry. Any corrosion should be washed off with a solution of baking soda and water.

c Make certain the terminal connections

are clean and securely tightened.

c If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or longer, disconnect the negative (−) bat- tery terminal cable to prevent discharge.

WARNING

Do not expose the battery to flames or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener- ated by battery action is explosive. Do not allow battery fluid to contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or painted surfaces. After touching a battery or battery cap, do not touch or rub your eyes. Thor- oughly wash your hands. If the acid contacts your eyes, skin or clothing, immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

JUMP STARTING If jump starting is necessary, see ‘‘Jump starting’’ in the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section. If the engine does not start by jump starting, the battery may have to be re- placed. Contact a NISSAN dealer.

ADI0709

ADI0710

1. Gently pry between the battery cap and

cover as illustrated to remove the cap. Use a cloth to protect the battery case.

2. Check the fluid level in each cell.

If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled water to bring the level up to the level indicator in each filler opening. Do not overfill.

7-13

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DRIVE BELTS

SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT

WARNING

Be sure the ignition key is OFF.

1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have it replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN dealer.

2. Have the belts checked regularly for con- dition and tension in accordance with the maintenance schedule in this manual.

ADI0718

ADI0719

WARNING

Be sure the engine and ignition switch are off and that the parking brake is engaged securely.

CAUTION

Be sure to use the correct socket to remove the plugs. An incorrect socket can cause damage.

1. Disconnect spark plug cables. Keep

track of the original cable locations.

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AIR CLEANER HOUSING FILTER

Tightening torque:

14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 Nzm)

5. Reconnect the spark plug cables to their

original positions.

DI0065

When disconnecting, always hold the boots — not the cables. Mark all cables to identify their original location. 2. Remove spark plugs with a spark plug

socket.

3. Check each new spark plug gap with a

feeler gauge. Correct it as required.

4. Install spark plugs. When installing a plug, turn it two or three turns by hand and then tighten with a spark plug socket. Be careful not to overtighten it.

ADI0720

The filter element should not be cleaned and reused as it is given a special treat- ment. We recommend it be replaced ac- cording to the maintenance intervals shown in the ‘‘Maintenance schedule’’ section. When replacing the filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing and the cover with a damp cloth.

WARNING

Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the

7-15

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WIPER BLADES

engine backfires. If it isn’t there and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner off.

ADI0721

cleaning the blades and using the wiper, replace the blades. REPLACEMENT 1. Pull the wiper arm. 2. Lift the tab, then remove the wiper blade. 3. Attach the new wiper blade to the wiper

arm until a click sounds.

CLEANING If your windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer or if a wiper blade chat- ters when running, wax or another material may be on the blade or windshield. Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear water. Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter- gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If your windshield is still not clear after

7-16

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CAUTION

c After wiper blade replacement, re- turn the wiper arm to its original position. Otherwise it may be dam- aged when the engine hood is opened.

c Make sure the wiper blade contacts the glass. Otherwise, the arm may be damaged from wind pressure.

PARKING BRAKE CHECK

ADI0722

Pull the parking brake lever up. If the num- ber of clicks is out of the range listed above, see your NISSAN dealer.

MDI0005

If you wax the surface of the hood, be careful not to let wax get into the washer nozzle. This may cause clogging or im- proper windshield washer operation. If wax gets into the nozzle, remove it with a needle or small pin.

7-17

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BRAKE PEDAL

DI0453

With the engine running, check distance A between the upper surface of the pedal and the metal floor. Distance A:

4-3/4 in (120 mm) or more

If it is out of the range shown above, see your NISSAN dealer.

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. The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do not have audible wear indicators. Should you ever hear an unusually loud noise from the rear drum brakes, have them inspected as soon as possible by your NISSAN dealer. Proper brake inspection intervals should be followed. For more information regard- ing brake inspections, see the appropriate maintenance schedule information in the ‘‘Maintenance Schedule’’ section of this manual.

Self-adjusting brakes Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting brakes. The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the brake pedal is applied. The rear drum-type brakes on two-wheel drive trucks self-adjust every time the parking brake is applied. The rear drum-type brakes on four- wheel drive trucks self-adjust every time the brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal goes down farther than normal, it may be due to a lack of adjustment of the rear drum brakes. Apply the parking brake several times.

WARNING

See your NISSAN dealer and have it checked if the brake pedal height does not return to normal.

Brake pad wear indicators The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible wear indicators. When a brake pad requires replacement, it will make a high pitched scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes

7-18

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BRAKE BOOSTER

CLUTCH PEDAL

Check the brake booster function with the following steps: 1. With the engine off, press and release times. When the brake pedal several brake pedal movement (distance of travel) remains the same from one pedal application to the next, continue on to next step.

2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the engine. The pedal height should drop a little.

3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for about 30 seconds, the pedal height should not change.

4. Run the engine for one minute without depressing the brake pedal, then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several times. The pedal travel distance will de- crease gradually with each depression as the vacuum is released from the booster.

If the brakes do not operate properly, have the brake checked by your NISSAN dealer.

ADI0727

Press the pedal by hand and be sure the free travel is within the above limit. If free travel is out of the range shown above, see your NISSAN dealer.

7-19

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FUSES

LIGHT BULBS

Passenger compartment If the electrical equipment does not operate, check for an open fuse. 1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight

switch are OFF.

2. Remove the fuse box cover. 3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. 4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new

fuse.

Never use a fuse of higher amperage rating than that specified on the fuse box cover.

ADI0723

ADI0724

5. If a new fuse opens again, have the electrical system checked and repaired by your NISSAN dealer.

HEADLIGHTS Sealed beam type The headlight is a sealed beam type. The lens, reflector and filament are of a unitized construction. Removing and replacing 1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable. 2. Remove the clips attaching the radiator grille, remove the front clearance lights, then remove the grille by pulling it up- ward.

7-20

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Halogen light

Wattage 65/35
Bulb No. H6059
Incandescent light

Wattage 65/55
Bulb No. 6052

c When aiming adjustment

is neces-

sary, contact your NISSAN dealer.

DI0075

4. After removing the headlight

3. Remove the screws holding the headlight retaining ring and take off the headlight. from the headlight housing, remove the wiring connector from the rear end of the bulb. Be careful not to disturb the aiming ad- justment screws. 5. When installing the new unit, be sure that TOP in raised letters on the lens is on the upper side.

c Use the same number and wattage as

originally installed:

7-21

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BULB REPLACEMENT

Item

Wattage (W)

Bulb No.

Front turn signal light

Front clearance light

Rear combination light:

Turn signal

Stop/Tail

Back-up

Rear side marker light

License plate light

Interior light

Map light

High-mounted stop light

27

3.8

27

27/8

27

3.4

3.8

10

2.3

1156

194

1156

1157

1156

158

168

—

—

2723

7-22

MDI0006

Replacing procedures All other lights are either type A, B, C or D. When replacing a bulb, first remove the lens and/or cover.

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7-23

ADI0725

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WHEELS AND TIRES

DI0047

If you have a flat tire, see the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section. Maximum inflation pressure Do not exceed the maximum inflation pres- sures shown on the side wall of the tire. Tire inflation pressure Periodically check the tire pressure (includ- ing spare). Tire pressure should be checked when tires are COLD. COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed to the glove box lid. Incorrect tire pressure may adversely

affect tire life and vehicle handling. COLD pressure:

After vehicle has been parked for three hours or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).

Driving faster than 85 MPH (140
Km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury.

Types of tires

CAUTION

CAUTION

c The vehicle weight capacity is indi- cated on the tire placard. Do not load your vehicle beyond this capacity. Overloading your vehicle may result in reduced tire life, unsafe operating conditions due to premature tire fail- ure, or unfavorable handling charac- teristics and could also lead to a serious accident. Loading beyond the specified capacity may also re- sult in failure of other vehicle components.

c Before taking a long trip, or when- ever you have loaded your vehicle heavily, use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that the tire pressure is at the specified level.

c Do not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (140 Km/h) unless is equipped with high capability tires.

it

7-24

When changing or replacing tires, be sure all four tires are of the same type (i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and construction. Your NISSAN dealer may be able to help you with information about tire type, size, speed rating and availability. Replacement tires may have a lower speed rating than the factory equipped tires, and may not match the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the tire.

All season tires NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some models to provide good performance for use all year around, including snowy and icy road conditions. All Season Tires are iden- tified by ‘‘ALL SEASON’’ and/or ‘‘M&S’’ on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better

Z X

snow traction than All Season tires and may be more appropriate in some areas. Summer tires NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models to provide superior performance on dry roads. Summer tire performance in snow and ice will be substantially reduced. Summer tires do not have the tire traction rating ‘‘M&S’’ on the tire sidewall. If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of ‘‘SNOW’’ or ‘‘ALL SEASON’’ tires on all four wheels. Snow tires If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and load rating to the original equipment tires. If you do not, it can adversely affect the safety and han- dling of your vehicle. Generally, snow tires will have lower speed ratings than factory equipped tires and may not match the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the tire. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some prov-

inces and states prohibit their use. Check local, state and provincial laws before in- stalling studded tires. Skid and traction ca- pabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non- studded snow tires.

4-wheel drive model

If you install snow tires, they must be the same size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all four wheels.

CAUTION

ONLY use spare tires specified for each 4-wheel drive model.

Tire chains 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 the 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

7-25

secured or removed to prevent the possibil- ity of whipping action damage to the fenders or undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Oth- erwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely affected. Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire chains must be installed only on the rear wheels and not on the front wheels. Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with chains in such conditions can cause damage to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to some overstress. When driv- ing on clear paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.

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SMA855C

Tire rotation NISSAN recommends rotating the tires ev- ery 7,500 miles (12,000 km) for 2WD ve- hicles and every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) for 4WD vehicles. See ‘‘Flat tire’’ in the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section for tire replacing procedures.

Wheel nut tightening torque:

87 to 108 ft-lb (118 to 147 Nzm)

CAUTION

c After rotating the tires, adjust the tire

pressure.

c Retighten the wheel nuts after the wheels have been run for the first 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire, etc.).

c Do not

include the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire in the tire rota- tion.

MDI0004

Tire wear and damage

CAUTION

c Tires should be periodically in- spected for wear, cracking, bulging or objects caught in the tread. If excessive wear, cracks, bulging or deep cuts are found, the tire should be replaced. c The original

tires have a built-in tread wear indicator. When the wear indicator is visible, the tire should be replaced.

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c Improper service for a TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire may result in serious personal injury. If it is nec- essary to repair the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire, contact your NISSAN dealer.

ent offset could cause early tire wear, poor vehicle handling characteristics and/or in- terference with the brake discs/drums. Such interference can lead to decreased braking efficiency and/or early brake pad/shoe wear.

mended that all four tires be replaced with tires of the same size, brand, construction and tread pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment should also be checked and corrected as necessary. Contact your NISSAN dealer.

Changing tires and wheels When replacing a tire, use the same size, speed rating and load carrying capacity as originally equipped. Recommended types and sizes are shown in ‘‘Wheel/tire size’’ in the ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section. The use of tires other than those recommended or the mixed use of tires of different brands, construction (bias, bias- belted or radial), or tread patterns can ad- versely affect the ride, braking, handling, ground clearance, body-to-tire clearance, snow chain clearance, speedometer cali- bration, headlight aim and bumper height. Some of these effects may lead to acci- dents and could result in serious per- sonal injury. If the wheels are changed for any reason, always replace with wheels which have the same offset dimension. Wheels of a differ-

CAUTION

Do not install a deformed wheel or tire even if it has been repaired. Such wheels or tires could have structural