2002 Nissan Pathfinder Owners Manual

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

I Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

I Keep your engine tuned up. I Follow the recommended periodic mainte-

nance schedule.

I Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres- sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear and waste fuel.

I Keep the front wheels in correct alignment. Improper alignment will cause increased tire wear and lower fuel economy.

I Air

conditioner operation lowers

fuel economy. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.

I When cruising at highway speeds,

is more economical to use the air conditioner and leave the windows closed to reduce drag.

it

Use 4H or 4L position only when neces- sary. Four wheel drive operation lowers fuel economy.

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USING PART TIME FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)

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2H — (2WD, high range) Only the rear wheels are driven. Use for driving under the same conditions as standard 2WD vehicle, or state dynamometer I/M testing. 4H — (4WD, high range) Four wheels are driven. Use when driving on roads where it is difficult to drive in the 2H position (i.e., driving at normal speeds on snow covered, icy, wet, muddy or sandy roads). The 4H position provides maximum power and traction. Avoid excessive speed, as it will cause loss of traction. Speed over 50
MPH (80 km/h) in 4H is not recommend. 4L — (4WD, 5-20 Starting and driving

low range) Four wheels are

driven. Use when climbing or descending steep hills, or during hard driving in sand, mud or deep snow. The 4L position provides maxi- mum power and traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed excessively, as the maximum speed is approximately 30 MPH (50 km/h). N — No wheels are driven. Always keep the transfer lever out of the N position. Shift the lever quickly and smoothly when moving across the N position with the vehicle stopped.

CAUTION

Do not drive the vehicle in 4H or 4L on dry hard surface roads. Driving on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4L may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear and in- creased fuel consumption.

WARNING

I When parking the vehicle, apply the parking brake and shift the transfer control lever in the 2H, 4H or 4L position.

I Do not leave the transfer control lever in the N position. Otherwise, the ve- hicle could roll unexpectedly even if the manual transmission is in any gear or the automatic transmission in the P position. If the ATP light is on, this indicates that the automatic transmission P position will not func- tion and the transfer lever is in neu- tral.

I Failure to engage the transfer control lever in 2H, 4H or 4L could result in the vehicle moving unexpectedly, re- sulting in serious personal injury or property damage.

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TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING PROCEDURES

TO SHIFT

TRANSFER CASE:

From 2H to 4H

From 4H to 2H

MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS SHIFT PROCEDURE

Move the transfer lever to 4H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Perform this operation when driving straight.

Move the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Perform this operation when driving straight.

From 4H or 4L to 4L or 4H

1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Depress the clutch pedal. 3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position.

From 2H to 4L

From 4L to 2H

1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Depress the clutch pedal. 3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.

1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Depress the clutch pedal. 3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H.

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TO SHIFT

TRANSFER CASE:

From 2H to 4H

From 4H to 2H

From 4H or 4L to 4L or 4H

From 2H to 4L

From 4L to 2H

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODELS SHIFT PROCEDURE

Move the transfer lever to 4H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to move the selector lever to the N position. Perform this operation when driving straight.

Move the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to move the selector lever to the N position. Perform this operation when driving straight.

1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Move the selector lever to the N position. 3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position. When moving the transfer lever from 4H to 4L, you must always move it quickly through the N position. If you are slow to shift, the engine idle speed will allow the transfer gears to speed up and gear clashing will occur.*

1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Move the selector lever to the N position. 3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.

1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Move the selector lever to the N position. 3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H.

* Do not leave the transfer lever in the N position. Stopping in the N position of the transfer case may cause gear grinding when selecting another gear. Changing the transfer case gear quickly and smoothly will eliminate this. If the transfer is left in N for longer than a few seconds and you have difficulty in selecting another gear, turn off the engine, make the gear selection and restart the engine.

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the desired drive mode according to the driving conditions. 2WD or 4WD shift procedure

USING ALL-MODE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)

CAUTION

I Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO position on dry hard surface roads.

If the 4WD warning light turns on when you are driving on dry hard surface roads I in the AUTO or 4H position, shift

the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

I in the 4LO position, stop the ve- hicle, move the automatic trans- mission lever to the N position, and shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

Have your vehicle checked by an autho- rized NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING PROCEDURES All mode 4WD system provides 4 positions (AUTO, 2WD, 4H and 4LO), so you can select

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5-24 Starting and driving

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*1:I The transfer 4LO position indicator light may blink. Stop the vehicle. Be sure to shift the 4WD shift switch after the auto- matic transmission lever has been shifted to the N position. If the indicator light keeps blinking after the 4WD shift procedure in the previous page, drive slowly without abrupt maneuvers for a while. Then the light will turn on or off. I Avoid making a turn or abrupt starts while shifting to 4LO. Otherwise gears may grind, damaging the drive system. *2:Make sure the transfer 4LO position indica- tor light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO.

The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the driving conditions. There are four types of drive modes available, AUTO, 2WD, 4H and 4LO. The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to move between each mode, 2WD, AUTO, 4H and 4LO. You must push the switch in to select 4LO, and the vehicle MUST be stationary and the automatic transmission selector lever is in the N position when changing into or out of 4LO.

WARNING

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.

CAUTION

I Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-

tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

I The 4H position provides greater power and traction. Avoid excessive speed, as it will cause loss of trac- tion. Speed over 50 MPH (80 km/h) in 4H is not recommend.

I The 4LO position provides maximum power and traction. Avoid raising ve- hicle speed excessively, as the maxi- mum speed is approximately 30 MPH (50 km/h).

I When driving straight, shift the 4WD shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO or 4H position. Do not move the 4WD shift switch when making a turn or revers- ing.

I Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (between 2WD, AUTO and 4H) while driving on steep downhill grades. Use the engine brake.

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

I Do not drive on dry hard surface roads in the 4H or 4LO position. Driv- ing on dry hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause unnecessary noise and tire wear. We recommend driving in the 2WD or AUTO position under these conditions.

I Vehicles equipped with a limited slip differential (LSD) have improved driv- ing performance on rough roads. They have increased traction perfor- mance, so when making a turn

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chains may be effective.

CAUTION

I Do not increase the tire rotation ex- cessively. Tires will sink deep into the mud, making it difficult to free the vehicle.

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

4WD shift switch operations I Shift

the 4WD shift switch to either the 2WD, AUTO, 4H or 4LO position, depend- ing on driving conditions.

on paved roads, vibration and tire squealing may occur.

I The 4WD transfer case may not be shifted between 4H and 4LO at low ambient temperatures and the trans- fer 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, I Set the 4WD shift switch to AUTO, 4H or

4LO.

I Drive carefully according to the road sur-

face conditions.

When the vehicle is stuck, I Place stones or wooden blocks under the

tires to free the vehicle.

I Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO. I If it is difficult to free the vehicle, repeat to in-

forward and backward movement crease the movement.

I If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, tire 5-26 Starting and driving

SSD0182
I With the switch set to the AUTO position, distribution of torque to the front and rear wheels changes automatically, depending on road conditions encountered [ratio; 0 : 100 (2WD) , 50 : 50 (4WD)]. This results in improved driving stability.

I If the 4WD shift switch is operated while making a turn, accelerating or deceler- ating or if the key switch is turned off while in the AUTO, 4H or 4LO, you may feel a jerk. This is not abnormal.

I When the vehicle is stopped after mak- ing a turn, you may feel a slight jolt after the selector lever is shifted to N or P.

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This occurs because the transfer clutch is released and not because of a mal- function.

CAUTION

I When driving straight, shift the 4WD shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO, or 4H position. Do not move the 4WD shift switch when making a turn or revers- ing.

I Do not shift the 4WD shift switch while driving on steep downhill grades. Use the engine brake.

I Do not operate the 4WD shift switch

with the rear wheels spinning.

I Before placing the 4WD shift switch in the 4H position from 2WD or AUTO, ensure the vehicle speed is less than 50 MPH (80 km/h). Failure to do so can damage the 4WD system.

I Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-

tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

I Engine idling speed is high while warming up the engine. Be espe-

cially careful when starting or driving on slippery surfaces with the 4WD shift switch set in AUTO.

SSD0141

4WD shift indicator light The 4WD shift indicator light is located in the tachometer.

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

While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indicator light will illuminate the position se- lected by the 4WD shift switch. I 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. If the indicator light does not Starting and driving 5-27

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come on immediately, make sure the area around the vehicle is safe, and drive the vehicle straight, accelerate or decelerate or move the vehicle in re- verse, then shift the 4WD shift switch. I If the 4WD warning light comes on, the

4WD shift indicator light goes out.

CAUTION

I When the 4WD shift switch is turned to the AUTO position at low ambient temperatures, the 4WD shift indicator light may show 4H. If this happens, all four wheels are driven as torque dis- tribution is in the 4H position. Be careful as the vehicle may become difficult to turn. When the vehicle is driven, the 4WD shift indicator light should change to AUTO.

I If the 4WD shift indicator light indica- tion changes to 2WD when the 4WD shift switch is shifted to the AUTO or 4H position at low ambient tempera- tures, the 2WD mode may be being engaged due to malfunctioning drive

5-28 Starting and driving

system. If the indicator does not re- turn to normal and the 4WD warning light comes on, have the system checked by the nearest NISSAN dealer.

SSD0142A

4WD warning light The 4WD warning light is located in the meter.

If the transfer shift lever is set in the N position, the 4WD warning light may illuminate. When

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hicle, move the automatic transmis- sion lever to the N position, and shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

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

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

this occurs, move the 4WD shift switch to the 4H or 4LO position.

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

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

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

High-temperature transfer case oil makes the warning light blink rapidly (about twice per second). the warning light blinks rapidly during operation, stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately. Then if the light goes off after a while, you can continue driving.

If

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

CAUTION

I If

the warning light comes on or blinks slowly during operation or rap-

idly after stopping the vehicle for a while, have your vehicle checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

I Shifting between 4H and 4LO is not recommended when the 4WD warn- ing light turns on.

I When the warning light comes on, the 2WD mode may be engaged even if the 4WD shift switch is in AUTO or 4H. Be especially careful when driv- ing. If corresponding parts are mal- functioning, the 4WD mode will not be engaged even if the 4WD shift switch is shifted.

I Do not drive on dry hard surface

roads in the 4H or 4LO position.

If the 4WD warning light turns on when you are driving on dry hard surface roads I in the AUTO or 4H position, shift

the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

I in the 4LO position, stop the ve-

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PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

WARNING

I 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.

The transfer shift lever must be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position and the parking brake must be set to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

I Never place the transfer shift lever in

5-30 Starting and driving

SSD0067

the N position, otherwise, the vehicle could roll unexpectedly even if the manual transmission is in gear or the automatic transmission is in the P position. This could result in serious personal injury or property damage. I Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

I Never leave children unattended in

the vehicle.

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

Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) position. When parking on an uphill grade, place the gearshift lever in the 1st position. Automatic transmission models:

Move the selector lever to the P (Park) position.

WARNING

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

I Make sure the automatic transmis- sion selector lever has been pushed as far forward as it can go and cannot be moved without depressing the button at the end of the lever.

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POWER STEERING

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

WARNING

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

it is a good practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.

I HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB: q1

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

I HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB: q2

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

I HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB: q3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road so the vehicle will move away from the center of the road if it moves.

Make sure the ATP light is off before stop- ping the engine. 4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position

and remove the key.

Part time 4WD models: I If the ATP light is ON, this indicates that the automatic transmission P (park) position will not function and the transfer shift lever is in the N position. Failure to engage the trans- fer shift lever in H or 4L could result in the vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting in serious personal injury or property damage.

All-mode 4WD models: I If the ATP light is ON, this indicates that the automatic transmission P (park) position will not function and the transfer case is in neutral. Make sure that the 4WD shift indicator light (and transfer 4LO position indicator) light remains illuminated before stop- ping the engine. Otherwise, the ve- hicle could unexpectedly move even if the automatic transmission is in the P (park) position.

3. To help prevent the vehicle rolling into the street when parked on a sloping drive way,

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BRAKE SYSTEM

BRAKING PRECAUTIONS The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. Vacuum assisted brake The brake booster aids braking by using en- gine 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 the stopping distance will be longer. Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the brake linings and pads faster and reduce gas mileage.

To help save the brakes and to prevent the brakes from overheating, before going down a slope or long grade, reduce speed and down- shift to a lower gear. 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. 5-32 Starting and driving

To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat-up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes function correctly.

trol and helps to minimize swerving and spin- ning on slippery surfaces. Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.

WARNING

WARNING

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

I 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.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when braking abruptly or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver maintain steering con-

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

Normal operation The anti-lock brake system will not operate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will vary according to road conditions.) When the anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels are close to locking up, the actuator (under the hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly). While the actuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system is working properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road

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conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving. If a tire slips on rough roads for more than 10 seconds, the ABS brake warning light may come on. Turn OFF the ignition key, restart the engine and drive the vehicle at speeds above 20 MPH (30 km/h). If the warning light does not go out, have the vehicle checked at a NISSAN dealer. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of elec- tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a computer. The com- puter 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 is not an indication of any malfunction. If the computer senses any malfunction, it switches the anti- lock brake system OFF and turns on the ABS brake warning light in the dashboard. The brake system will then behave normally, but without anti-lock assistance. If the light comes on during the self check, or while you are driving, you should take your vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at your earliest convenience.

specified on the tire placard. See “Tire placard” in the “9. Technical and consumer information” section for tire placard location information.

WARNING

The anti-lock brake system is a sophis- ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac- cidents resulting from careless or dan- gerous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces, but remember that the stopping distance on slippery sur- faces will be longer than on normal surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys- tem. Stopping distances 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 responsibility for safety of self and others rests in the hands of the driver.

Tire type and condition of tires may also affect braking effectiveness. I When replacing tires,

install tires on all

the four

specified size of wheels.

I When installing a spare tire, make sure it is the proper size and type as

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COLD WEATHER DRIVING

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key hole. ANTI-FREEZE In the winter when it is anticipated that the temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure proper winter protection. For details, see “En- gine cooling system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. BATTERY If the battery is not fully charged during ex- tremely cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the battery should be checked regularly. For details, see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it- yourself” section. DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open- ing the drain valves located under the radiator and on the engine block. Refill before operat- ing the vehicle. See “Engine cooling system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section 5-34 Starting and driving

for Changing Engine Coolant. TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design 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 vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. Please consult your NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and availability information.

2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some Prov- inces and States prohibit their use, so, before installing studded tires, check local, state and provincial laws.

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 if desired. Make sure they are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed ac- cording to the chain manufacturer’s sug- gestions. Use of tire chains may be prohib- ited according to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When

installing tire chains, make sure they are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manu- facturer’s suggestions. Use only SAE Class S chains. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recommended by the tire chain manufac- turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibility of whipping action damage to the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely af- fected. Do not use the chains on dry roads.

Tire chains must be installed only on the rear wheels and not on the front wheels.

Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads which are clear of snow. Driving with chains in such conditions can cause damage to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to some overstress. When driving on clear paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.

4. For four wheel drive:

If you install snow tires, they must also be the same size, brand, construction and

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tread pattern on all four wheels.

CAUTION

ONLY use spare tires specified for each four wheel drive model.

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

I A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the

jack to give it firm support.

I A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-

drifts.

I Extra window washer fluid to refill the res-

ervoir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

I 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 a lot less traction or grip under these conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted or sanded.

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

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

slippery roads.

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

I Do not use cruise control on slippery

roads.

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

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

WARNING

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

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MEMO

5-36 Starting and driving

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6 In case of emergency

Flat tire ...................................................................... 6-2
Changing a flat tire............................................... 6-2
Jump starting............................................................. 6-9
Push starting ........................................................... 6-10

If your vehicle overheats......................................... 6-11
Towing your vehicle ................................................ 6-12
Towing recommended by Nissan....................... 6-13
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck vehicle) ........ 6-15

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FLAT TIRE

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

from traffic.

2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.

3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Shift the manual transmis- sion into reverse (automatic transmission in P).

All-mode 4WD models: I Make sure the 4WD shift indicator and/or transfer 4LO position indicator light remains illuminated before stop- ping the engine.

I Make sure the ATP light is off before stopping the engine. Otherwise, the vehicle could roll unexpectedly even if the automatic transmission is in the P position. This could result in seri- ous personal injury or property dam- age.

This is hazardous.

I Never change tires if oncoming traffic is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro- fessional road assistance.

5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road assistance person- nel that you need help.

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

WARNING

4. Turn off the engine.

The transfer control

lever must be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position. I Never place the transfer control lever in the N position. Otherwise, the ve- hicle could roll unexpectedly even if the manual transmission is in gear or the automatic transmission is in the P position. This could result in serious personal injury or property damage.

WARNING

I Make sure that the parking brake is securely applied and the manual transmission is shifted into R (re- verse), on the automatic transmis- sion in P (Park).

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

6-2 In case of emergency

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MCE0001

SCE0339C

SCE0120

Getting the spare tire and tools Remove jacking tools and spare tire from storage area.

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 vehicle may move and could cause personal injury.

In case of emergency 6-3

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SCE0377

SCE0326

SCE0116B

CAUTION

I Do not insert the jack rod straight as it is designed to be inserted at an angle as shown.

I Make sure the rod tip fits in the fitting portion of the spare tire hanger and turn the rod.

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

SCE0327

6-4 In case of emergency

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SCE0139C

SCE0338C

Removing wheel cap

CAUTION

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

Jacking up the vehicle and removing the damaged tire

WARNING

during a tire change.

I Use the correct jack up points; never use any other part of the vehicle for jack support.

I Never get under the vehicle while it is

I Never jack up the vehicle more than

supported only by the jack.

necessary.

I 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 de- signed only for lifting your vehicle

I Never use blocks on or under the

jack.

I Do not start or run engine while ve- hicle is on the jack, as it may cause

In case of emergency 6-5

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the vehicle to move. This is especially true for vehicle with limited slip dif- ferential carriers.

I Do not allow passengers to stay in

the vehicle while it is on the jack.

Carefully read the following instructions. 1. Place the jack directly under the jack-up

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

2. 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. 3. Carefully raise the vehicle until

the tire clears the ground. To lift the vehicle, se- curely hold the jack lever and rod with both hands as shown above. Remove the wheel nuts, and then remove the wheel. Do not remove the brake drum with the wheel.

6-6 In case of emergency

SCE0122

Installing the spare tire 1. Clean any mud or dirt

from the surface

between the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten the

wheel nuts finger tight.

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

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 as illustrated.

WARNING

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

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

As soon as possible tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench. Wheel nut tightening torque:

98 ft-lb (133 N(cid:215) m)

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.

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WARNING

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.).

5. Securely store the spare tire and jacking

equipment in the vehicle.

for emergency use. See “Tires and wheels” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.

SCE0339C

Stowing the damaged tire and tools Securely store the tire and jacking equipment in the vehicle as illustrated.

WARNING

I 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.

I The small size spare tire is designed

In case of emergency 6-7

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designed to be inserted at an angle as shown.

When stowing the 17 inch wheel, remove the cap pushing it from the inside of the wheel.

SCE0244

Tightening torque of nuts:

48 to 66 ft-lb (66 to 89 N(cid:215) m) Use a suitable padlock.

SCE0245

CAUTION

Do not insert the jack rod straight as it is

6-8 In case of emergency

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JUMP STARTING

If you try to start your engine with a booster battery, follow the instructions and precautions below:

WARNING

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

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

I 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.

I Keep battery out of the reach of chil-

dren.

I The booster battery must be rated at

12 volts. Use of an improperly rated battery can damage your vehicle.

I Whenever working on or near a bat- tery, always wear suitable eye protec- tors (for example, goggles or indus- trial safety spectacles) and remove rings, metal bands, or any other metal jewelry. Do not lean over battery when jump starting.

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

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

SCE0149

WARNING

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

1. Position the two vehicles to bring their batteries into close proximity to each other if the booster battery is in another vehicle. Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.

2. Apply parking brakes. Move the shift lever In case of emergency 6-9

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PUSH STARTING

at about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in the normal manner.

CAUTION

CAUTION

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

7. After starting your engine, carefully discon- nect the negative cable and then the posi- tive 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.

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

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

I 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.

to Neutral position (On automatic transmis- sion models, move the selector lever to P (Park)). Switch off all unnecessary electri- cal systems (light, 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

I Always connect positive (+) to posi- tive (+) and negative (−) to body ground, (for example, strut mounting bolt, engine lift bracket, etc. — not to the battery).

I 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 other vehicle and let

it run for a few minutes.

6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle 6-10 In case of emergency

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IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

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

WARNING

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

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

I 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 lever to the neutral position (automatic transmission to P (Park)). Do not stop the engine.

2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-

tioner temperature control to maximum hot and fan control to high speed.

3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing 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 radiator before opening the hood. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before pro- ceeding.

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 radiator should not leak water. If coolant is leaking, the cooling fan belt is missing or loose or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.

WARNING

I Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry or clothing to come into contact with, or to get caught in, the cooling fan, or drive belt.

I The engine cooling fan can start at any time when the coolant tempera- ture is high.

7. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re- paired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.

In case of emergency 6-11

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TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in Canada) and local regulations for towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could damage your vehicle. Towing instruc- tions are available from your NISSAN dealer. Local service operators are generally familiar with the applicable laws and procedures for towing. To assure proper towing and to pre- vent accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service opera- tor tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions:

WARNING

I Never ride in a vehicle that is being

towed.

I Never get under your vehicle after it

has been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

I When towing, make sure that

the transmission, axles, steering system and powertrain are in working condi-

6-12 In case of emergency

tion. If any unit is damaged, dollies must be used.

I Always attach safety chains before

towing.

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TOWING RECOMMENDED BY NISSAN 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

I 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 dol- lies under the rear wheels.

I When towing automatic or manual transmission models with the front wheels on the ground or on towing dollies: I Turn the ignition key to the OFF position, and secure the steering

wheel in a straightahead position with a rope or similar device. Never secure the steering wheel by turn- ing the ignition key to the LOCK position. This may damage the steering lock mechanism.

I If you have to tow manual transmis- sion models with the rear wheels on the ground or four wheels on the ground (if you do not use towing dollies): I Always release the parking brake. I Move the transmission shift lever

to the N (Neutral) position.

I Observe the following restricted tow- ing speeds and distances for manual transmission models only: I Speed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h) I Distance: Less than 500 miles (800

km)

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

In case of emergency 6-13

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SCE0197A

CAUTION

I Never tow automatic transmission models with the rear wheels on the ground or four wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious and expen- sive 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. I When towing automatic or manual transmission models with the front wheels on the ground or on towing dollies: I Move the transfer case shift lever

to the 2H position.

I 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 secure the steering wheel by turn- ing the ignition key to the LOCK position. This may damage the steering lock mechanism.

I If you have to tow manual transmis- sion models with the rear wheels on the ground (if you do not use towing dollies) or four wheels on the ground: I Move the transfer case shift lever

to the 2H position.

I Move the transmission shift lever

to the N (Neutral) position.

I Always release the parking brake. I Observe the following restricted tow- ing speeds and distances manual transmission models only: I Speed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h) I Distance: Less than 500 miles (800

km)

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

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SCE0198

Part time four wheel drive models NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be used when towing your vehicle or the vehicle be placed on a flat bed truck as illustrated.

6-14 In case of emergency

age to the transfer case.

All-mode four wheel drive models NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be used when towing your vehicle or the vehicle be placed on a flat bed truck as illustrated.

CAUTION

Never tow All-mode 4WD models with any of the wheels on the ground as this may cause serious and expensive dam

SCE0328

SCE0322

VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a stuck vehicle) I Use the towing hook only, not other parts of the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle body will be damaged.

I Use the towing hook only to free a vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc. Never tow the vehicle for a long distance using only the towing hook.

In case of emergency 6-15

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vehicle could also overheat and be dam- aged.

SCE0138
I The towing hook is under tremendous force when used to free a stuck vehicle. Always pull the cable straight out from the front of the vehicle. Never pull on the hook at an angle.

I Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.

WARNING

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

6-16 In case of emergency

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MEMO

In case of emergency 6-17

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MEMO

6-18 In case of emergency

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7 Appearance and care

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

Cleaning interior ........................................................ 7-3
Floor mats ............................................................ 7-4
Seat belts ............................................................. 7-4
Corrosion protection.................................................. 7-4

Most common factors contributing to vehicle corrosion............................................................... 7-4
To protect your vehicle from corrosion ................ 7-5

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CLEANING EXTERIOR

MAI0001

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

In the following cases, please wash your ve- hicle as soon as possible to protect the paint surface. I After a rainfall to prevent possible damage

from acid rain

I After driving on coastal roads I When contaminants such as soot, bird droppings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on the paint surface

I When dust or mud builds up on the surface

7-2 Appearance and care

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 such as Nissan Car Wash, or a general purpose dish-washing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.

CAUTION

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

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

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

Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water.

Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors, hatches and hood are particularly 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 paintwork and keeps the finish. After waxing, polishing is recommended to remove built-up residue and avoid a “weathered” appearance. Your NISSAN dealer can assist you in choos- ing the proper product.

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I Wax your vehicle only after a thorough washing. Follow the instructions supplied with the wax.

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

I If the surface does not polish easily, use a

road tar remover and wax again.

Machine compounding or aggressive pol- ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.

Only apply black wax or black shoe polish to the black urethane or polypropylene bumper. REMOVING SPOTS Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, in- sects and tree sap as quickly as possible from the surface of the paint to avoid lasting dam- age or staining. Special cleaning products are available at your NISSAN dealer or any auto- motive accessories 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 corrosion on the underbody and suspension. Before the winter period and

again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated. GLASS Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to be 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 window, do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine based disinfectant cleaners. They could damage the elec- trical conductors, radio antenna ele- ments or rear window defogger ele- ments.

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.

CLEANING INTERIOR

Occasionally remove loose dust from the inte- rior 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 manufacturer’s rec- ommendations. Some fabric protectors con- tains chemicals that stain or bleach the seat material. Use a cloth dampened only with water, to clean the meter and gauge lens.

CAUTION

I Never use gasoline, thinner or any

similar material.

I The leather seats should be regularly coated with a leather wax like saddle soap. Never use car wax.

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

Appearance and care 7-3

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Floor mat positioning aid (Driver side only) This model includes a front floor mat bracket to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor mats have been specially designed for your vehicle model. The driver side floor mat has a grommet hole incorporated in it. Simply posi- tion the mat by placing the floor mat bracket through the floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the floorpan contour. Periodically check to make certain the mats are properly positioned. SEAT BELTS The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solu- tion. Allow the belts to dry completely before using them.

WARNING

Do not allow wet belts to roll up in the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or chemical solvents since these may se- verely 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 coat- ings caused by gravel and stone chips or minor traffic accidents.

Moisture The accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the underside of the body will accelerate cor- rosion. Floor sections which have snow and ice trapped under the floor matting will not dry. Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated: I in areas of high relative humidity I especially in areas where the temperatures

stay above freezing

I where atmospheric pollution exists I where road salt is used

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SAI0009

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 positioned in the footwell to prevent interference with pedal operation. Mats should be maintained with regular cleaning and replaced if they become excessively worn.

7-4 Appearance and care

Temperature A temperature increase will accelerate the rate of corrosion to those parts which are not well ventilated. Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt will also accelerate the disintegration of paint surfaces. TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM CORROSION I Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep

the vehicle clean.

I Always check for minor damage to the paint

and repair it as soon as possible.

I Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors and tailgate open to avoid water accumula- tion.

I Check the underbody. If any sand, dirt or salt is accumulated, wash it off with water as soon as possible.

CAUTION

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

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

Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are extremely corrosive and will accelerate corro- sion and the deterioration of underbody com- ponents such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fend- ers. In winter, the underbody must be cleaned periodically. For additional protection against rust and cor- rosion, which may be required in some areas, consult your local NISSAN dealer.

Appearance and care 7-5

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MEMO

7-6 Appearance and care

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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Maintenance requirements........................................ 8-2
General maintenance................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.......... 8-2
Interior maintenance............................................. 8-3
Maintenance precautions .......................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-7
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................... 8-10
Engine oil ................................................................ 8-13
Checking engine oil level ................................... 8-13
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-14
Changing engine oil filter ................................... 8-15
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-16
Temperature conditions for checking................. 8-17
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-18
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-18
Brake fluid .......................................................... 8-18
Clutch fluid.......................................................... 8-19
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-20
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................... 8-20
Battery ..................................................................... 8-21
Jump starting...................................................... 8-21
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-22

Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-23
Replacing spark plugs........................................ 8-23
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-23
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-24
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-24
Replacing............................................................ 8-24
Parking brake and brake pedal............................... 8-25
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-25
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-26
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-26
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-27
Checking clutch pedal ........................................ 8-27
Fuses....................................................................... 8-27
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-27
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-28
Keyfob battery replacement ............................... 8-29
Lights....................................................................... 8-30
Headlights........................................................... 8-31
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-34
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-34
Types of tires...................................................... 8-35
Tire chains.......................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires................................. 8-37
Clutch housing drain............................... 8-40

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MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

Your new NISSAN has been designed to have minimum maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to save you both time and money. However, some day-to-day and regular maintenance is essential to maintain your NISSAN’s good mechanical condition, as well as its emission and engine performance. It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that scheduled maintenance, as well as gen- eral maintenance, is performed. As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper maintenance care. You are a vital link in the maintenance chain. Scheduled maintenance: For your convenience, both required and op- tional scheduled maintenance items are de- scribed and listed in your “Service and Main- tenance Guide”. You must refer to that guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is per- formed on your NISSAN at regular intervals. General maintenance: General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during normal day- to-day operation of the vehicle. They are es- sential if your vehicle is to continue to operate properly. It is your responsibility to perform these procedures regularly as prescribed. 8-2 Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Performing general maintenance checks re- quire minimal mechanical skill and only a few general automotive tools. These checks or inspections can be done by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, your NISSAN dealer. Where to go for service: If maintenance service is required or your vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys- tems checked and tuned by an authorized NISSAN dealer. NISSAN technicians are well-trained special- ists and are kept up to date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership training pro- grams. They are completely qualified to work on NISSAN vehicles before they work on your vehicle, rather than after they have worked on it. You can be confident that your NISSAN deal- er’s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance requirements of your vehicle — in a reliable and economic way.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

During the normal day-to-day operation of the vehicle, general maintenance should be per- formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or smell, be sure to check for the cause or have your NISSAN dealer check it promptly. In addition, you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you think that repairs are required. When performing any checks or maintenance work, closely observe the “Maintenance pre- cautions” later in this section. EXPLANATION OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS Additional information on the following items with “*” is found later in this section. Outside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified. Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge at least once a month and always prior to long distance trips, including the spare, and adjust to the specified pressure if necessary. Check care- fully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.

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Wheel nuts*:

Windshield wiper blades*:

Warning lights and chimes:

When checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary. Tire rotation*:

Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). However, the timing for tire rota- tion may vary according to your driving habits and road surface conditions. Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle should pull to either side while driving on a straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be needed. For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety Information” in the Warranty Information Booklet (US) or “Tire Safety Information” in the Warranty Informa- tion booklet (Canada). Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regu- lar basis. Check the windshield at least every six months for cracks or other damage. Have a damaged windshield repaired by a qualified repair facility.

Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly. Doors and engine hood:

Make sure that all warning lights and chimes are operating properly. Windshield wiper and washer*:

Check that all doors and the engine hood, operate properly. Also ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and links if necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.

When driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials, check lubrication fre- quently. Inside the vehicle Lights*:

Clean the headlights on a regular basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all oper- ating properly and installed securely. Also check headlight aim. INTERIOR MAINTENANCE The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

Check that the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do not streak. Windshield defroster:

Check that the air comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient quantity when operating the heater or air conditioner. Steering wheel:

Check for changes in the steering conditions, such as excessive freeplay, hard steering or strange noises. Seats: Check seat position controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they operate smoothly and that all latches lock securely in every position. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all latched positions. Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters and retrac- Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-3

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tors) operate properly and smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage. Accelerator pedal: