2012 Nissan Frontier Owners Manual

● When parking, apply the parking brake before stopping the engine and make sure that the 4WD shift indicator light is on and the ATP warning light goes off. Otherwise, the vehicle could unexpect- edly move even if the automatic trans- mission is in the P position.

5-26 Starting and driving

● The 4LO indicator light must stop blink- ing and remain illuminated or turn off before shifting the transmission into gear. If the shift selector is shifted from the (N) position to any other gear when the 4LO indicator light is blinking, the vehicle may move unexpectedly.

CAUTION

● Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-

tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

● The 4H position provides greater trac- tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will cause increased fuel consumption and temperatures, and could higher oil damage drivetrain components. Speeds over 62 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H is not recommended

● The 4LO position provides maximum power and traction. Avoid raising ve- hicle speed excessively, as the maxi- mum speed is approximately 31 MPH (50 km/h).

● When driving straight, shift the 4WD shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position. Do not move the 4WD shift switch when making a turn or reversing.

● Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (be- tween 2WD and 4H) while driving on steep downhill grades. Use the engine brake and low automatic transmission gears (D1 or D2) or manual transmis- sion (1st gear or 2nd gear) for engine braking.

● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch (between 2WD and 4H) with the rear wheels spinning.

● Do not drive on dry hard surface roads in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on dry hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause unnecessary noise and tire wear. NISSAN recommends driving in the 2WD position under these conditions.

● The 4WD transfer case may not be shifted between 4H and 4LO at low am- bient temperatures and the transfer 4LO position indicator light may blink even when the 4WD shift switch is shifted. After driving for a while you can change the 4WD transfer case between 4H and 4LO.

When driving on rough roads, ● Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO. ● Drive carefully according to the road surface

conditions.

When the vehicle is stuck, ● Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO. ● Use the Electronic Locking Rear Differential (E-Lock) system (if so equipped). Turn the switch ON while the vehicle is stationary and apply the throttle to try to free the vehicle.

● If it is difficult to free the vehicle, rock the vehicle back and forth between reverse and drive gears.

● If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, place stones or wooden blocks under the tires. Then try the recovery procedures above. Tire chains may be effective.

CAUTION

● Do not spin the tires excessively. Tires will sink deep into the mud, making it difficult to free the vehicle.

● Avoid shifting gears with the engine running at high speeds as this may cause malfunction.

LSD0145

4WD shift switch operations ● Shift the 4WD shift switch to either the 2WD, 4H or 4LO position, depending on driving conditions.

● If the 4WD shift switch is operated while making a turn, accelerating or decelerating or if the key switch is turned off while in the 4H or 4LO posi- tion, you may feel a jolt. This is not abnormal.

● When the vehicle is stopped after mak- ing a turn, you may feel a slight jolt after the shift selector is shifted to N or P. This occurs because the transfer clutch is released and not because of a malfunction.

CAUTION

● When driving straight, shift the 4WD shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position. Do not move the 4WD shift switch when making a turn or reversing.

● Do not shift the 4WD shift switch while driving on steep downhill grades. Use the engine brake and low automatic transmission gears (D1 or D2) or manual transmission (1st gear or 2nd gear) for engine braking.

● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch

with the rear wheels spinning.

● Before placing the 4WD shift switch in the 4H position from 2WD, ensure the vehicle speed is less than 62 MPH (100
km/h). Failure to do so can damage the 4WD system.

● Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-

tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

Starting and driving 5-27

● If the 4WD warning light comes on, the

4WD indicator light goes out.

CAUTION

If the 4WD shift indicator light indication changes to 2WD when the 4WD shift switch is shifted to the 4H position at low ambient temperatures, the 2WD mode may be being engaged due to malfunc- tioning drive system. If the indicator does not return to normal and the 4WD warning light comes on, have the system checked by the nearest NISSAN dealer.

4WD warning light

Warning light

Comes on or blinks

when:

Comes on

Blinks slowly

There is a mal- function in the 4–wheel drive

system

The difference in wheel rotation is

large

The 4WD warning light is located in the meter.

The 4WD warning light comes on when the igni- tion switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the engine is started.

If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system when the ignition switch is ON, the warning light will either remain illuminated or blink.

If the 4WD warning light comes on, the 4WD shift indicator light goes out.

A large difference between the diameters of front and rear wheels will make the warning light blink slowly (about once per two seconds). Change the 4WD shift switch into 2WD and do not drive fast.

CAUTION

● If the warning light comes on or blinks slowly during operation, have your ve- hicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

● Shifting between 4H and 4LO is not recommended when the 4WD warning light turns on.

LSD0147

4WD shift indicator light The 4WD shift indicator light is located in the odometer display.

The light should turn off within 1 second after turning the ignition switch to the ON position.

While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi- cator light will illuminate the position selected by the 4WD shift switch. ● The 4WD shift indicator light may blink while shifting from one drive mode to the other. When the shifting is com- pleted, the 4WD shift indicator light will come on.

5-28 Starting and driving

– in the 4LO position for manual trans- mission vehicles, stop the vehicle and shift the shift selector to the N position with the clutch pedal de- pressed and shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

● If the warning light is still on after the above operation, have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

● The transfer case may be damaged if you continue driving with the warning light blinking.

● When the warning light comes on, the 2WD mode may be engaged even if the 4WD shift switch is in 4H. Be especially careful when driving. If corresponding parts are malfunctioning, the 4WD mode will not be engaged even if the 4WD shift switch is shifted.

● Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO position on dry hard surface roads. Driv- ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear and increased fuel consumption. If the 4WD warning light turns on when you are driving on dry hard surface roads: – in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift

switch to 2WD.

– in the 4LO position for automatic transmission vehicles, stop the ve- hicle and shift the shift selector to the N position with the brake pedal depressed and shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if so equipped) The E-Lock system can provide additional trac- tion and should only be used when a vehicle has become or is becoming stuck. This system oper- ates by electronically “locking” the two rear drive wheels together, allowing them to turn at the same speed. The system is used when it is not possible to free a stuck vehicle even when using the 4LO position (4 wheel drive vehicles).

When added traction is required, activate the E-Lock system by pushing the switch ON. See “Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) sys- tem switch” in the “Instruments and Controls” section. Once the system fully engages, the indi- cator light in the instrument panel will remain ON. When the system is activated, both rear wheels will engage, providing added traction.

The rear wheels may momentarily slip or move to engage the system, and the system will only engage up to approximately 4 MPH (7 km/h). Once the vehicle is free, the system should be turned OFF and driving resumed.

The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) system is disabled and the ABS light illuminates when the E-Lock system is ON. Also, the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is disabled and the VDC light illuminates when the E-Lock system is ON.

Starting and driving 5-29

WARNING

CAUTION

● Never leave the E-Lock system ON when driving on paved or hard-surfaced roads. Turning the vehicle may result in the rear wheels slipping and result in an accident and personal injury. After us- ing the E-Lock system to free the ve- hicle, turn the system OFF.

● Use the E-Lock system only when free- ing a stuck vehicle. Try the 4LO position before using the E-Lock system. Never use the E-Lock system on a slippery road surface such as snow or ice sur- face. Using the E-Lock system when driving in these road conditions may cause unexpected movement of the ve- hicle during engine braking, accelerat- ing or turning, which may result in an accident and serious personal injury.

● After using the E-Lock system, turn the switch OFF to prevent possible damage to driveline components from extended use.

● Do not drive the vehicle at speeds faster than 12 MPH (20 km/h) when the sys- tem is engaged. Doing so could damage drivetrain components.

● Do not turn on the E-lock system while the tires are spinning. Doing so could damage drivetrain components.

5-30 Starting and driving

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

WARNING

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

● 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 transmis- sion models. Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result in an accident.

WSD0050

Make sure the shift selector has been pushed as far forward as it can go and cannot be moved without depressing the foot brake pedal.

● Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

● Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac- tivate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in seri- ous accidents.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift selector in the R (Reverse) position. When parking on an uphill grade, place the shift selector in 1st gear. Automatic transmission models: Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi- tion.

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. ● HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB: 䊊A

Turn the wheels into the curb and move the vehicle forward until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb.

● HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB: 䊊B

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

● HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB: 䊊C Turn the wheels toward the side of the road so the vehicle will move away from the cen- ter of the road if it moves.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-

tion and remove the key.

Starting and driving 5-31

POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering. If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you will still have control of the vehicle. However, much greater steering 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 harder to operate.

5-32 Starting and driving

The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at 2 wheels. BRAKE PRECAUTIONS Vacuum assisted brakes The brake booster aids braking by using engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis- tance will be longer. Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.

To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and 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.

WARNING

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

● If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the brakes will not work. Braking will be harder.

Wet brakes When the vehicle is washed or driven through water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your braking distance will be longer and the vehicle may pull to one side during braking.

To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes function correctly. Parking brake break-in Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the best brake performance.

This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual and can be performed by a NISSAN dealer. ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING

● The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a sophisticated device, but it cannot pre- vent accidents resulting from careless or dangerous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces. Remem- ber that stopping distances on slippery surfaces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis- tances may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow covered roads, or if you are using tire chains. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the driver is respon- sible for safety.

● Tire type and condition may also affect

braking effectiveness. – When replacing tires,

the specified size of tires on all four wheels.

install

– When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as specified on the Tire and Loading Information label. See “Tire and Loading Information label” in the “Technical and consumer informa- tion” section of this manual.

– For

detailed

information,

see “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte- nance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre- vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing each wheel from locking, the system helps the driver maintain steering control and helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip- pery surfaces. Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De- press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper- ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may stopping distances.

increased

result

in

Self-test feature The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc- tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.

If the ABS warning light illuminates during the self-test or while driving, have the vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer. Normal operation The ABS operates at speeds above 3 - 6 MPH (5
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road conditions.

Starting and driving 5-33

When the ABS senses that 1 or more wheels are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from the actuator when it is operating. This is normal and indicates that the ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is re- quired while driving.

5-34 Starting and driving

ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS) SYSTEM

● ABLS system uses automatic braking to transfer power from a slipping drive wheel to the wheel on the same axle with more trac- tion. The ABLS system applies braking to the slipping wheel, which helps redirect power to the other wheel.

● On 4WD models the ABLS system operates in both 4H and 4LO modes. If 4WD mode is engaged, the ABLS system operates for both drive axles. On 2WD vehicles, the ABLS system operates on the drive axle only.

● The ABLS system is always ON. In some conditions, the system may automatically turn the ABLS system off. If the system is automatically turned off, normal brake func- tion will continue. ABLS will function even when the VDC system is turned OFF.

● The ABLS does not operate if both wheels

on a drive axle are slipping.

WARNING

● The ABLS system helps provide in- creased traction, but will not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering opera- tion or by careless driving or dangerous driving practices. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery surfaces. Al- ways drive carefully.

● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock ab- sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings and wheels are not NISSAN ap- proved for your vehicle or are extremely deteriorated, the ABLS system may not operate properly. This could adversely af- fect vehicle handling performance, and the slip indicator light may illuminate.

● If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not NISSAN recommended or are extremely deteriorated, the ABLS system may not operate properly and the slip indicator light may illuminate.

● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN recommended ones are used, the ABLS system may not operate properly and the slip indicator light may illuminate.

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve- hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions, the VDC System helps to perform the following functions: ● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on the same axle.

● Controls brake pressure and engine output to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle speed (traction control function).

● If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into 4LO indicator light will come on and the the VDC system will be turned off. See “Us- ing four wheel drive (4WD)” earlier in this section.

● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in the following condi- tions:

– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer- ing input)

– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to

certain road or driving conditions)

The VDC system can help the driver to maintain control of the vehicle, but it can not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving situations.

indi- When the VDC system operates, the cator in the instrument panel flashes so note the following: ● The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required to help keep the vehicle on the steered path.

● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the VDC system is working properly.

● Adjust your speed and driving to the road

conditions.

See “Slip indicator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instru- ments and controls” section.

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the and indicator lights come on in the instru- ment panel. The VDC system automatically turns off when these indicator lights are on.

The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC indicator illuminates to indi- system. The cate the VDC system is off.

When the VDC switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC system still operates to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by transferring power to a non slipping drive wheel. The indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC indicator will not functions are off and the flash.

The VDC system is automatically reset to on when the ignition switch is placed in the off position then back to the on position.

The computer has a built in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of a malfunction.

WARNING

● The VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain stability but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steer- ing operation at high speeds or by care- less or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery surfaces and always drive carefully.

Starting and driving 5-35

● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock ab- sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings and wheels are not NISSAN recommended for your vehicle or are extremely deteriorated, the VDC system may not operate properly. This could adversely affect vehicle handling per- indicator may formance, and the and indi- flash or both the cator lights may illuminate.

● If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not NISSAN recommended or are extremely deteriorated, the VDC system may not operate properly and both the and the illuminate.

lights may

indicator

● If engine control related parts are not NISSAN recommended or are extremely deteriorated, both the indicator lights may illuminate.

and

5-36 Starting and driving

● When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the VDC system may not operate prop- indicator may flash or erly and the and indicator both the lights may illuminate. Do not drive on these types of roads.

● When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or indicator may flash or ramp, the indicator both the lights may illuminate. This is not a mal- function. Restart the engine after driv- ing onto a stable surface.

and

● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN recommended ones are used, the VDC system may not operate properly and indicator may flash or both the and indicator lights may the illuminate.

● The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.

HILL DESCENT CONTROL SYSTEM (if so equipped)

WARNING

● Never rely solely on the hill descent control system to control vehicle speed when driving on steep down hill grades. Always drive carefully and attentively when using the hill descent control sys- tem and decelerate the vehicle speed by depressing the brake pedal if neces- sary. Be especially careful when driving on frozen, muddy or an extremely steep downhill roads. Failure to control ve- hicle speed may result in a loss of con- trol of the vehicle and possible serious injury or death.

● The hill descent control may not control the vehicle speed on a hill under all load or road conditions. Always be prepared to depress the brake pedal to control vehicle speed. Failure to do so may re- sult in a collision or serious personal injury.

The hill descent control system helps maintain vehicle speed when driving under 15-21 MPH (25-35 km/h) on steeper downhill grades. Hill descent control is useful when engine braking alone in 4H or 4L cannot control vehicle speed. Hill descent control applies the vehicle brakes to control vehicle speed allowing the driver to con-

centrate on steering while reducing the burden of brake and accelerator operation. ● When additional braking is required on steep downhill roads activate the hill de- scent control system by pushing the switch ON, see “Hill descent control switch” in the “Instruments and controls” section.

● Once the system is activated the indicator light will remain on in the instrument panel, see “Hill descent control system on indicator light” in the “Instruments and controls” sec- tion.

If the accelerator or brake pedal is depressed while the hill descent control system is on, the system will stop operating temporarily. As soon as the accelerator or brake pedal is released, the hill descent control system begins to function again if the hill descent control operating condi- tions are fulfilled. For the best results, when descending steep downhill grades, the hill descent control switch should be ON and the shift selector in 2 (Second gear) or 1 (Low gear) for engine braking.

HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM (if so equipped)

WARNING

● Never rely solely on the hill start assist system to prevent the vehicle from mov- ing backward on a hill. Always drive carefully and attentively. Depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be especially careful when stopped on a hill on frozen or muddy roads. Failure to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards may re- sult in a loss of control of the vehicle and possible serious injury or death.

● The hill start assist system is not de- signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll backwards and may result in a collision or serious personal injury.

● The hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill under all load or road conditions. Al- ways be prepared to depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. Failure to do so may result in a collision or serious personal injury.

The hill start assist system automatically keeps the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards in the time it takes the driver to release the brake pedal and apply the accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill start assist will operate automatically under the following conditions: ● The shift selector is shifted to a forward or

reverse gear.

● The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill

by applying the brake.

The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and hill start assist will stop operating completely. Hill start assist will not operate when the shift selector is shifted to N or P or on a flat and level road.

Starting and driving 5-37

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de- icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key hole or use the remote keyless entry keyfob (if so equipped). ANTI-FREEZE In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem- perature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection. For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. BATTERY If the battery is not fully charged during extremely cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi- mum efficiency, the battery should be checked regularly. For details, see “Battery” in the “Main- tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

5-38 Starting and driving

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti- freeze, drain the cooling system, including the engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle. For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide superior performance on dry pave- ment. However, the performance of these tires will be substantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If you operate your ve- hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom- mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and availability informa- tion.

2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some U.S. states and Canadian provinces prohibit 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. For details see “Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it- yourself” section of this manual.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT It is recommended that the following items be carried in the vehicle during winter: ● A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice and snow from the windows and wiper blades.

● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the

jack to give it firm support.

● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts. ● Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-

washer fluid reservoir.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

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

ice until

● Whatever the condition, drive with cau- tion. Accelerate and slow down with care. If accelerating or downshifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction.

● Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be started sooner than on dry pavement.

● Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These may appear on an otherwise clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead, brake before reach- ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice, and avoid steering maneuvers.

sudden

any

● Do not use the cruise control on slip-

pery roads.

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

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so equipped)

WARNING

● Do not use your engine block heater with an ungrounded electrical system or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se- riously injured by an electrical shock if you use an ungrounded connection.

● Disconnect and properly store the en- gine block heater cord before starting the engine. Damage to the cord could result in an electrical shock and can cause serious injury.

● Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex- tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the proper extension cord or a grounded outlet can result in a fire or electrical shock and cause serious personal injury.

Engine block heaters are available through NISSAN dealers to assist in cold temperature starting. The engine block heater should be used when the outside temperature is 20° F (-7° C) or lower.

To use the engine block heater: 1. Turn the engine off. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block

heater cord.

3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension cord.

4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110- volt AC (VAC) outlet.

5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4hours, depending on outside temperatures, to properly warm the engine coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the engine block heater on.

6. Before starting the engine, unplug and prop- erly store the cord to keep it away from moving parts.

Starting and driving 5-39

MEMO

5-40 Starting and driving

6 In case of emergency

First aid kit (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Changing a flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

Push starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Towing your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Towing recommended by NISSAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) . . . . . . . . . 6-15

FIRST AID KIT (if so equipped)

The first aid kit is located in the under-seat stor- age bins. To access the first aid kit:

6-2 In case of emergency

LCE0108

LCE0113

King cab model

Crew cab model

For King cab model, lift up the rear jump seat and remove net to remove the first aid kit. Refer to “Jump Seats” in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section ear- lier in the manual.

For Crew cab model, lift up the rear bench seat and remove the net to remove the first aid kit. Refer to “Folding the rear bench seat” in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section earlier in the manual.

FLAT TIRE

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire pres- sure of all tires except the spare. When the low tire pressure warning light is lit, and the CHECK TIRE PRES (pressure) warning message is dis- played in the odometer, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn you of it by the low tire pressure warning light. This system will activate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). to “Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders” in the “Instruments and controls” section, and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving” section.

For more

details,

refer

WARNING

● If the low tire pressure warning light illuminates while driving, avoid sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road to a safe location and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Driving with under- inflated tires may permanently damage the tires and increase the likelihood of tire failure. Serious vehicle damage could occur and may lead to an acci- dent and could result in serious per- sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Informa- tion label to turn the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as possible.

● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not function and the low tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute. The light will remain on after 1 minute. Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as possible for tire replacement and/or system resetting.

● Replacing tires with those not originally specified by NISSAN could affect the proper operation of the TPMS.

● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may cause a malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions be- low: Stopping the vehicle 1. Safely move the vehicle off 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 transmission 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 person- nel that you need assistance.

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

In case of emergency 6-3

WARNING

● Make sure the parking brake is securely applied and the manual transmission is shifted into R (Reverse), or the auto- matic transmission into P (Park).

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

● Never change tires if oncoming traffic is close to your vehicle. Wait for profes- sional road assistance.

6-4 In case of emergency

WCE0044

Blocking wheels Place suitable blocks 䊊1 at both the front and back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire 䊊2 to prevent the vehicle from moving when it is jacked up.

WARNING

Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle may move and result in personal injury.

LCE0109

King Cab models

Getting the spare tire and tools For King Cab models: The tool storage compartment is located be- tween the two rear jump seats. 1. Turn the knob from the lock to the unlock position and remove the lid from the tool storage compartment.

2. Release the strap to remove the tool bag. 3. Collapse the jack to remove it from the stor-

age location.

4. Remove the jack and jacking tools.

2. 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 toward the spare tire winch, located directly above the spare tire.

King Cab models

LCE0110

LCE0111

Crew Cab models

For Crew Cab models:

The tools and tool case are located behind the rear bench seat.

1. Fold the rear bench seat down. Refer to “Folding the rear bench seat down” in the “Safety–Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section earlier in this manual.

2. Remove the jack 䊊1 and jacking tools 䊊2 . 1. Fit the square end of the jack rod into the square hole of the wheel nut wrench to form a handle.

In case of emergency 6-5

4. Once the spare tire is completely lowered, reach under the vehicle, remove the retainer chain, and carefully slide the tire from under the rear of the vehicle.

LCE2022
5. To reinstall the wheel, insert the tire chain through the wheel. Be sure the rubber spacer is centered on the wheel before lift- ing. Use the assembled jack rod and slowly rotate the winch clockwise to raise the wheel to the vehicle.

NOTE: Inspect the spacer every six years and re- place as necessary. Contact your NISSAN dealer for replacement parts if necessary.

WCE0070

All models: 3. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod into the T-shaped opening of the spare tire winch. Apply pressure to keep the jack rod engaged in the spare tire winch and turn the jack rod counterclockwise to lower the spare tire.

6-6 In case of emergency

CAUTION

● Be sure to center the spare tire sus- pending plate on the wheel and then lift the spare tire.

● Failure to use the spacer may allow the chain to get stuck on the wheel nut holes.

CAUTION

Be sure to center the spare tire suspend- ing plate on the wheel and then lift the spare tire.

Jacking up vehicle and removing the damaged tire

WARNING

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

● Use only the jack provided with your vehicle to lift the 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.

● Use the correct jack-up points. Never use any other part of the vehicle for jack support.

● Never jack up the vehicle more than

necessary.

● Never use blocks on or under the jack. ● Do not start or run the engine while vehicle is on the jack. It may cause the vehicle to move. This is especially true for slip differentials.

vehicles

limited

with

● Do not allow passengers to stay in the

vehicle while it is on the jack.

● Never run the engine with a wheel(s) off the ground. It may cause the vehicle to move.

Always refer to the illustration for the correct placement and jack-up points for your specific vehicle model and jack type. Carefully read the caution label attached to the jack body and the following instruc- tions. 1. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns by turning counterclockwise with the wheel nut wrench. Do not remove the wheel nuts until the tire is off the ground.

In case of emergency 6-7

2. Place the jack directly under the jack-up point as illustrated so the top of the jack contacts the vehicle at the jack-up point. The jack-up points are indicated by stamped ar- rows on the side of the frame.

6-8 In case of emergency

WCE0152
The jack should be used on firm and level ground.

3.

LCE0087
Install the assembled jack rod into the jack as shown.

4. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack lever and rod. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire clears the ground.

5. Remove the wheel nuts and then remove the

tire.

4. Lower

the vehicle slowly until

the tire touches the ground. Then, with the wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely in the sequence illustrated. Lower the ve- hicle completely.

WARNING ● Incorrect wheel nuts or

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

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

● Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve- hicle 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:

WCE0063

Installing the spare tire The spare tire is designed for emergency use. See specific instructions under the heading “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte- nance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface be-

tween the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten

98 ft-lb (133 N·m)

the wheel nuts finger tight.

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

The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to specification at all is recom- mended that wheel nuts be tightened to specifications at each lubrication interval.

times.

It

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 and Loading Information label located in the driver’s door opening. 5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking equip-

ment in the vehicle.

WARNING

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

● The spare tire is designed for emer- gency use. See specific instructions un- der the heading “Wheels and tires” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

In case of emergency 6-9

● Whenever working on or near a battery, always wear suitable eye protectors (for example, goggles or industrial safety spectacles) and remove rings, metal bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean over the battery when jump starting.

● Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery. It could explode and cause se- rious injury.

● Your vehicle has an automatic engine cooling fan. It could come on at any time. Keep hands and other objects away from it.

JUMP STARTING

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

WARNING

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

● Explosive hydrogen gas is always pres- ent in the vicinity of the battery. Keep all sparks and flames away from the battery.

● Do not allow battery fluid to come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a cor- rosive sulfuric acid solution which can cause severe burns. If the fluid should come into contact with anything, imme- diately flush the contacted area with water.

● Keep battery out of

children.

the reach of

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

6-10 In case of emergency

WARNING

Always follow the instructions below. Failure to do so could result in damage to the charging system and cause personal injury.

1.

If the booster battery is in another vehicle, position the two vehicles to bring their bat- teries near each other. Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.

2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift se- lector to N (Neutral) (manual transmission) (automatic transmission). or

to P (Park)

WCE0066
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 il-

lustrated (䊊A , 䊊B , 䊊C , 䊊D ).

CAUTION

● Always connect positive (⫹) to positive (⫹) and negative (⫺) to body ground (for example, strut mounting bolt, engine lift bracket, etc.) — not to the battery.

● 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 ve- hicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the en- gine of the vehicle being jump started.

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 the engine, carefully discon- nect 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 contaminated with corrosive acid.

In case of emergency 6-11

PUSH STARTING

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

CAUTION

WARNING

● Do not push start this vehicle. The

three-way catalyst may be damaged.

● Automatic transmission models cannot be push-started or tow-started. At- tempting to do so may cause transmis- sion damage.

● For manual transmission models, never try to start the vehicle by towing it. When the engine starts, the forward surge could cause the vehicle to collide with the tow vehicle.

6-12 In case of emergency

● Do not continue to drive if your vehicle overheats. Doing so could cause engine damage or a vehicle fire.

● 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.

● Do not open the hood if steam is com-

ing out.

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.

1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift selector to N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P (Park) (automatic transmission). Do not stop the engine.

2. Turn off the air conditioner (if so equipped). Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner temperature control to maximum hot and fan control to high speed.

3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator before opening the hood. (If steam or cool- ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not open the hood further until no steam or coolant can be seen.

4. Open the engine hood.

WARNING

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

5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator 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 en- gine.

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 can start at any time.

6. After the engine cools down, check the cool- ant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN dealer.

TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in Canada) and local regulations for towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam- age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail- able from a NISSAN dealer. Local service opera- tors 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 advisable to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions:

WARNING

● Never ride in a vehicle that is being

towed.

● Never get under your vehicle after it has

been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

● When towing, make sure that the trans- mission, axles, steering system and powertrain are in working condition. If any of these conditions apply, dollies or a flatbed tow truck must be used.

● Always attach safety chains before

towing.

For information about towing your vehicle behind a recreational vehicle (RV), refer to “Flat towing” in the “Technical and consumer information” sec- tion of this manual.

In case of emergency 6-13

● If you have to tow manual transmission models with the rear wheels on the ground (if you do not use towing dol- lies) or four wheels on the ground: ● Always release the parking brake. ● Move the transmission shift selector

to the N (Neutral) position

● Observe the following restricted tow- ing speeds and distances for manual transmission models only: Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h) Distance: Less than 500 miles (805
km)

If the speed or distance must necessarily be greater, remove the propeller shaft before towing to prevent damage to the transmission.

Two-wheel drive models NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.

CAUTION

● Never

tow automatic transmission models with the rear wheels on the ground or four wheels on the ground (forward or backward), as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transmission. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels raised always use towing dollies under the rear wheels.

● When towing automatic or manual transmission models with the front wheels on the ground or on towing dollies: – Place the ignition switch in the OFF position, and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never secure the steering wheel by placing the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion. This may damage the steering lock mechanism (for models with a steering lock mechanism).

䊊A Automatic Transmissions (A/T) 䊊B Manual Transmissions (M/T)

WCE0197

TOWING RECOMMENDED BY NISSAN

6-14 In case of emergency

Four-wheel drive models NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be used when towing your vehicle or place the ve- hicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.

CAUTION

Never tow 4WD models with any of the wheels on the ground as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transfer case and transmission.

WCE0161

LCE0103

Hooks (if so equipped)

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck vehicle) Pulling a stuck vehicle

WARNING

To avoid vehicle damage, serious per- sonal injury or death when recovering a stuck vehicle: ● Contact a professional towing service to recover the vehicle if you have any questions recovery procedure.

regarding

the

In case of emergency 6-15

● Apply the accelerator as little as possible

to maintain the rocking motion.

● Release the accelerator pedal before shifting between R and D (automatic transmission models) or 1st and R (manual transmission models).

● Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55

km/h).

5.

If the vehicle can not be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service to remove the vehicle.

● Attach recovery devices only to main structural members of the vehicle or the recovery hooks.

● Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow

or free a stuck vehicle.

● Only use devices specifically designed for vehicle recovery and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

● Always pull the recovery device straight out from the front of the vehicle. Never pull at an angle.

● Route recovery devices so they do not touch any part of the vehicle except the attachment point.

If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc., use a tow strap or other device designed specifi- cally for vehicle recovery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery de- vice. Do not use the tie-down hooks for towing or vehicle recovery.

Rocking a stuck vehicle

WARNING

● Stand clear of a stuck vehicle. ● 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.

If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc., use the following procedure: 1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control Sys-

tem.

2. Make sure the area in front and behind the

vehicle is clear of obstructions.

3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear

an area around the front tires.

4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back-

ward. ● Shift back and forth between R (reverse) and D (drive) (automatic transmission models) or 1st (low) and R (reverse) (manual transmission models).

6-16 In case of emergency

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Tire dressings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Cleaning interior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Air fresheners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

CLEANING EXTERIOR

In order to maintain the appearance of your ve- hicle, it is important to take proper care of it.

To protect the paint surfaces, please wash your vehicle as soon as you can: ● after a rainfall to prevent possible damage

from acid rain.

● after driving on coastal roads. ● when contaminants such as soot, bird drop- pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on the paint surface.

● when dust or mud builds up on the surface. Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle 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 surface 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. 7-2 Appearance and care

CAUTION

● Do not use car washes that use acid in the detergent. Some car washes, espe- cially brushless ones, use some acid for cleaning. The acid may react with some plastic vehicle components, causing them to crack. This could affect their appearance, and also could cause them not to function properly. Always check with your car wash to confirm that acid is not used.

● Do not wash the vehicle with strong household soap, strong chemical deter- gents, gasoline or solvents.

● Avoid using tight-napped or

● Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun- light or while the vehicle body is hot, as the surface may become water-spotted. rough cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must removing caked-on dirt or other foreign sub- stances so the paint surface is not scratched or damaged.

taken when

be

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. Therefore, these areas must be cleaned regularly. 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. Polishing is recommended to remove built-up wax residue and to avoid a weathered appearance before re-applying wax. A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing the proper product. ● Wax your vehicle only after a thorough wash- ing. Follow the instructions supplied with the wax.

● Do not use a wax containing any abrasives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may damage the vehicle finish.

Machine compounding or aggressive polishing 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 products are available at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive accessory store. UNDERBODY In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is necessary to clean the underbody regularly in order to prevent dirt and salt from building up and causing the acceleration of corrosion on the un- derbody and suspension. Before the winter pe- riod and again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if necessary, retreated. GLASS Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to become coated with a film 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 windows, do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They could damage the electri- cal conductors, radio antenna elements or rear window defroster elements.

ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS Wash the wheels regularly with a sponge damp- ened in a mild soap solution, especially during winter months in areas where road salt is used. If not removed, road salt can discolor the wheels.

CAUTION

Follow the directions below to avoid staining or discoloring the wheels: ● Do not use a cleaner that uses strong acid or alkali contents to clean the wheels.

● Do not apply wheel cleaners to the wheels when they are hot. The wheel temperature should be the same as am- bient temperature.

● Rinse the wheel to completely remove the cleaner within 15 minutes after the cleaner is applied.

CHROME PARTS Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non- abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish. TIRE DRESSINGS NISSAN does not recommend the use of tire dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to the tires to help reduce discoloration of the rub- ber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it may react with the coating and form a compound. This compound may come off the tire while driving and stain the vehicle paint. If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the following precautions: ● Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat- ing on the tire dissolves more easily than with an oil-based tire dressing.

● Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help prevent tire tread/grooves (where it would be difficult to remove).

from entering

the

it

● Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com- pletely removed from the tire tread/grooves. ● Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom- mended by the tire dressing manufacturer.

Appearance and care 7-3

CLEANING INTERIOR

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

WARNING

Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot steam cleaners) on the seat. This can damage the seat or occupant classifica- tion sensor. This can also affect the opera- tion of the air bag system and result in serious personal injury.

7-4 Appearance and care

CAUTION

● Never use benzine, thinner or any simi-

lar material.

● Small dirt particles can be abrasive and damaging to leather surfaces and should be removed promptly. Do not use saddle soap, car waxes, polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter- gents or ammonia-based cleaners as they may damage the leather’s natural finish.

● Never use fabric protectors unless rec-

ommended by the manufacturer.

● Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on meter or gauge lens covers. It may dam- age the lens cover.

AIR FRESHENERS Most air fresheners use a solvent that could affect the vehicle interior. If you use an air freshener, take the following precautions: ● Hanging-type air fresheners can cause per- manent discoloration when they contact ve- hicle interior surfaces. Place the air fresh- ener in a location that allows it to hang free and not contact an interior surface.

● Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip on the vents. These products can cause imme- diate damage and discoloration when spilled on interior surfaces.

Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s in- structions before using the air fresheners. FLOOR MATS

WARNING

To avoid potential pedal interference that may result in a collision or injury: ● NEVER place a floor mat on top of an- front

in the driver

floor mat

other position.

● Use only genuine NISSAN floor mats specifically designed for use in your ve- hicle model. See your NISSAN dealer for more information.

● Properly position the mats in the floor- well using the floor mat positioning aid. See ⴖFloor mat positioning aidⴖ in this section.

The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can ex- tend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it easier to clean the interior. 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 completely in the shade before using them. See “Seat belt maintenance” in the “Safety – Seats, seat belts and supplemen- tal restraint system” section of this 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 materials may severely weaken the seat belt webbing.

CORROSION PROTECTION

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

● Damage to paint and other protective coat- ings caused by gravel and stone chips or minor traffic accidents.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCE THE RATE OF CORROSION Moisture Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the ve- hicle body underside can accelerate corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not dry completely inside the vehicle and should be removed for drying to avoid floor panel corrosion. Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high relative humidity, especially those areas where the temperatures stay above freezing and where atmospheric pollution exists and road salt is used.

Appearance and care 7-5

LAI0009

Floor mat positioning aid This vehicle includes two driver’s side front floor mat brackets and one passenger’s side front floor mat bracket to help keep your floor mats in place. Genuine NISSAN floor mats have been specially designed for your vehicle model. The driver’s side floor mat has two grommet holes incorporated in it and the passenger’s side has one grommet hole. Position each mat by placing the floor mat bracket hook through the floor mat grommet holes while centering the mat in the floorwell. Periodically check to make certain the mats are properly positioned.

Temperature High temperatures accelerate the rate of corro- sion 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 acceler- ates the corrosion process. Road salt also accel- erates the disintegration of paint surfaces. TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM CORROSION ● Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the

vehicle clean.

● Always check for minor damage to the paint

and repair it as soon as possible.

● Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors

open to avoid water accumulation.

● Check the underbody for accumulation of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water as soon as possible.