2006 Nissan Pathfinder Owners Manual

c 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.

c 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, c Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO. c Drive carefully according to the road surface

conditions.

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

forward and backward movement crease the movement.

c 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

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

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

4WD shift switch operations

5-24 Starting and driving

LSD0144

LSD0145

Type A

c Shift the 4WD shift switch to either the 2WD, AUTO (Type A only), 4H or 4LO po- sition, depending on driving conditions.

c With the switch set to the AUTO position (Type A only), 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.

Type B

c 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 AUTO (Type A only), 4H or 4LO, you may feel a jolt. This is not abnormal.

c 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. This occurs because the transfer clutch is released and not because of a malfunction.

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CAUTION

c 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 reversing. c 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) for en- gine braking.

c Do not operate the 4WD shift switch

with the rear wheels spinning.

c Before placing the 4WD shift switch in the 4H position from 2WD or AUTO, ensure the vehicle speed is less than 62.5 MPH (100 km/h). Failure to do so can damage the 4WD system.

c Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-

tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

c Engine idling speed is high while warm- ing up the engine. Be especially careful when starting or driving on slippery sur- faces with the 4WD shift switch set in AUTO.

4WD shift indicator light

LSD0147
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. c 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. For all mode 4WD ve- hicles, if the indicator light does not 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. c If the 4WD warning light comes on, the

4WD indicator light goes out.

CAUTION

c When the 4WD shift switch is turned to the AUTO position at low ambient tem- peratures, the 4WD shift indicator light may show 4H. If this happens, all four wheels are driven as torque distribution 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.

c 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 temperatures, the 2WD mode may be being engaged due to malfunctioning 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.

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4WD warning light

Warning light

Comes on or blinks

when:

Comes on

There is a malfunc- tion in the 4(cid:150)wheel

drive system

Blinks rapidly

The transfer case oil temperature is abnormally high (all

mode 4WD ve-

hicles)

Blinks slowly

The difference in wheel rotation is

large

The 4WD warning light is located in the meter.

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.

5-26 Starting and driving

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

For all mode 4WD vehicles, high-temperature transfer case oil makes the warning light blink rapidly (about twice per second). If the warning light blinks rapidly during operation, stop the ve- hicle in a safe place immediately. Then if the light goes off after a while, you can continue driving.

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

c If the warning light comes on or blinks slowly during operation or rapidly after stopping the vehicle for a while, have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

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

c 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 driving. If corre- sponding parts are malfunctioning, the 4WD mode will not be engaged even if the 4WD shift switch is shifted.

c 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: (cid:150) in the AUTO or 4H position, shift the

4WD shift switch to 2WD.

(cid:150) in the 4LO position for all mode 4WD vehicles, stop the vehicle and shift the transmission selector to the N position and shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

(cid:150) in the 4LO position for part time 4WD vehicles, stop the vehicle and shift the transmission selector to the N position with the brake pedal de- pressed and shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

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PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

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

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

WARNING

c 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.

c Safe parking procedures require that both the parking brake be set and the transmission placed into P (Park). Fail- ure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and re- sult in an accident. Make sure the shift lever has been pushed as far forward as it can go and cannot be moved without depressing the foot brake pedal.

WSD0050

c Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

c 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. Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park)

position.

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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 much harder to operate.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good practice to turn the wheels as illustrated. c HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB: sA

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

c HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB: sB

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

c HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB: sC 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 key to the LOCK position

and remove the key.

The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. BRAKE PRECAUTIONS Vacuum assisted brakes The brake booster aids braking by using engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot 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 brakes and 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.

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WARNING

c 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.

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

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

To dry 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 BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes so the wheels do 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 main- tain steering control and helps to minimize swerv- ing and spinning on slippery surfaces. Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.

WARNING

in

result

increased

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may stopping distances. Normal operation The anti-lock brake system does not operate at speeds below 3 - 6 MPH (5 - 10 km/h). (The speeds vary according to road conditions.) When driving, the anti-lock brake system con- trols the wheels so they will not lock when brak-

ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road. Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the ve- hicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The system detects the wheel rotation rate and elec- tronically controls the pressure applied to each brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accom- panied by noise usually occurs while the ABS system is operating. Such vibration and noise encountered during abrupt braking is not a prob- lem, but indicates that the system is functioning properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by 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 (cid:147)clunk(cid:148) noise and/or feel a pulsa- tion 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 on the instrument panel. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti- lock assistance.

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c When installing a spare tire, make sure it is the proper size and type as speci- fied on the tire placard. For tire placard location information, refer to (cid:147)Tire plac- ard(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) section of this manual.

c Refer to (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) sec- tion of this manual.

If the light comes on during the self-test or while driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for repair.

WARNING

c 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 brake system. Stopping distances may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow cov- ered roads, or if you are using tire chains. Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness. Always maintain a safe distance from the ve- hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the re- sponsibility for safety of self and others rests in the hands of the driver.

c Tire type and condition of tires may also

affect braking effectiveness.

c When replacing tires, install the speci-

fied size of tires on all four wheels.

5-30 Starting and driving

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)

When accelerating or driving on slippery sur- faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors detect these movements and control the braking and engine output to help improve vehicle stability. c When the vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system is operating, the SLIP indicator in the instrument panel blinks.

c If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into 4LO the indicator light will come on and the VDC system will be turned off. See (cid:147)Transfer case shifting procedures(cid:148) earlier in this section.

c If the SLIP indicator blinks, the road condi- tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your speed and driving to these conditions. See (cid:147)Slip indicator light(cid:148), and (cid:147)Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off indicator light(cid:148) in the (cid:147)In- struments and controls(cid:148) section.

If the battery is removed or discharged, the trac- tion control system may be disabled and the SLIP and indicator lights will not turn off after 2 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. Perform the following proce- dure to reset the system: c Start the engine and set the steering wheel

in the straight forward position.

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c Drive the vehicle at speeds above 10 mph

(15 km/h) for at least 10 minutes.

c The VDC OFF indicator light should go off indicating the traction control system is op- erational.

c If you interrupt the reset procedure by turn- ing the ignition off, you will need to restart the reset procedure.

If after driving the vehicle for more than 10 min- utes and the SLIP and lights remain illumi- nated in the instrument panel, have the vehicle dynamic control system checked by a NISSAN dealer. If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dynamic control system off using the VDC OFF switch, most VDC functions will be turned off. The VDC system will still try to transfer power from a slip- ping drive wheel to one with more traction when the VDC system switch is OFF. The Slip indicator will flash if wheel spin is detected. The ABS will still operate with the VDC system off. When the VDC system is operating, 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. 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

c The vehicle dynamic control system is designed to help improve driving stabil- ity but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering operation at high speeds or by careless or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery sur- faces and always drive carefully.

c If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not stan- dard equipment or are extremely dete- riorated, the vehicle dynamic control system may not operate properly and the vehicle dynamic control off indica- tor light may come on.

c Do not modify the vehicle(cid:146)s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock ab- sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings are not NISSAN approved for your vehicle or are extremely dete- riorated the vehicle dynamic control

system may not operate properly. This could adversely affect vehicle handling performance, and the VDC OFF indica- tor light may come on.

c When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the vehicle dynamic control system may not operate properly and the VDC OFF indicator light may come on. Do not drive on these types of roads.

c When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the vehicle dynamic control off indicator light may illuminate. This is not a malfunction. Restart the engine after driving onto a stable surface

c If wheels or tires other than the recom- mended ones are used, the vehicle dy- namic control system may not operate properly and the vehicle dynamic con- trol off indicator light may come on.

c The vehicle dynamic control system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.

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HILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)

WARNING

c 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.

c 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. HDC is useful when engine braking alone in 4H or 4L cannot control vehicle speed. HDC applies the vehicle brakes to control vehicle speed allowing

5-32 Starting and driving

the driver to concentrate on steering while reduc- ing the burden of brake and accelerator opera- tion. c When additional braking is required on steep downhill roads activate the HDC sys- tem by pushing the switch ON, see (cid:147)Hill descent control (HDC) switch(cid:148) in the (cid:147)In- struments and controls(cid:148) section.

c Once the system is activated the indicator light will remain on in the instrument panel, see (cid:147)Hill descent control (HDC) system on indicator light(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Instruments and con- trols(cid:148) section.

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

HILL START ASSIST (HSA) SYSTEM (if so equipped)

WARNING

c 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.

c 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.

c 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.

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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: c The selector lever is shifted to a forward or

reverse gear.

c 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 selector lever is shifted to N or P or on a flat and level road.

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(cid:176)F (0(cid:176)C), check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection. For details, see (cid:147)Engine cooling system(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) 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 (cid:147)Battery(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Main- tenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section of this manual.

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 (cid:147)Changing engine coolant(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) 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. Starting and driving 5-33

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3. Tire chains may be used.

Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord- ing to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are the proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer(cid:146)s sug- gestions. Use only SAE Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains. Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains are used on ve- hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear- ance. Vehicles that can use Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains are designed to meet the minimum clear- ances between the tire and the closest ve- hicle suspension or body component re- quired to accommodate the use of a winter traction device (tire chains or cables). The minimum clearances are determined using the factory equipped tire size. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain ten- sioners when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibil- ity of whipping action damage to the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi- tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely affected.

5-34 Starting and driving

Never install tire chains on spare tires. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.

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

c A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the

jack to give it firm support.

c A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts. c Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-

voir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

c Wet ice (32(cid:176)F, 0(cid:176)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 (cid:147)grip(cid:148) under these conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet the road is salted or sanded.

ice until

c 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.

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

c Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

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

sudden

any

c Do not use the cruise control on slip-

pery roads.

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

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

WARNING

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

system or

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MEMO

5-36 Starting and driving

6 In case of emergency

First aid kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Tire pressure monitoring system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Changing a flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Push starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Towing your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Towing recommended by NISSAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) . . . . . . . . . 6-13

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FIRST AID KIT

FLAT TIRE

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM This vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure monitoring system. It monitors tire pressure of all tires except the spare. When the low tire pres- sure warning light is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. If equipped, the sys- tem also displays pressure of all tires (except the spare tire) on the display screen by sending a signal from a sensor that is installed in each wheel. If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure, the tire pressure monitoring system 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 (26 km/h). to (cid:147)Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Instruments and controls(cid:148) section, (cid:147)Tire pressure information(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems(cid:148) sec- tion and (cid:147)Tire pressure monitoring system(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Starting and driving(cid:148) section.

For more

details,

refer

A first aid kit is located on the back door trim panel. To remove the first aid kit: s1 Squeeze the latch buttons. s2 Pull the two straps apart to unfasten.

LCE0104

6-2 In case of emergency

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

c When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is replaced, tire pressure will not be indicated and the low tire pressure warning system will not function. Con- tact your NISSAN dealer as soon as possible for tire replacement and/or system resetting.

WARNING

c 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. Serious vehicle damage could occur and may lead to an accident and could result in serious personal injury. Check the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended COLD tire pres- sure shown on the Tire and Loading Information 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.

c When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is replaced, tire pressure will not be indicated and the low tire pressure warning system will not function. Con- tact your NISSAN dealer as soon as possible for tire replacement and/or system resetting.

c 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 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.

WARNING

c Make sure the parking brake is securely applied and the automatic transmission is shifted into P (Park).

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

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WCE0044

LCE0105

Blocking wheels Place suitable blocks s1 at both the front and back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire s2 to prevent the vehicle from moving when it is jacked up.

WARNING

Jack Jack tools

1. 2. Getting the spare tire and tools 1. Open the back door. 2. Lift the handle on the floor and open the

storage area.

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

3. Remove the jack and jack tools.

6-4 In case of emergency

LCE0106
4. Find the oval-shaped opening above the middle of the bumper. 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.

CAUTION

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

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6. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod into the T-shaped opening of the tire winch. Ap- ply pressure to keep the jack rod engaged in the spare tire winch and turn the jack rod counterclockwise to lower the spare tire.

7. 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.

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

c 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.

c 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.

LCE0107
5. Fit the square end of the jack rod into the square hole of the wheel nut wrench to form a handle.

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

c Never jack up the vehicle more than

necessary.

c Never use blocks on or under the jack. c Do not start or run 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

c Do not allow passengers to stay in the

vehicle while it is on the jack.

c 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 6-5

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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.

6-6 In case of emergency

WCE0097
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.

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5. Remove the wheel nuts and then remove the

tire.

WCE0063

Installing the spare tire The spare tire is designed for emergency use. See specific instructions under the heading (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Mainte- nance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) 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

the wheel nuts finger tight.

3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel nuts alternately and evenly as illustrated 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 illustrated. Lower the ve- hicle completely.

WARNING c Incorrect wheel nuts or

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

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

Retighten the wheel nuts after the vehicle has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire, etc.). As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench. Wheel nut tightening torque:

98 ft-lb (133 N•m)

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

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c 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.

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

c 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

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

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

c Do not allow battery fluid to come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a 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.

c Keep battery out of

children.

the reach of

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

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 affixed to the driver side center pillar. 5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking equip-

ment in the vehicle.

WARNING

c 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.

c The spare tire is designed for emer- gency use. See specific instructions un- der the heading (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section of this manual.

6-8 In case of emergency

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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.

WCE0054
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P (Park) (automatic transmission). Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (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 (sA , sB , sC , sD ).

CAUTION

c Always connect positive (1) to positive (1) and negative (2) to body ground (for example, strut mounting bolt, engine lift bracket, etc.) (cid:151) not to the battery.

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

5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and

let it run for a few minutes.

6. Keep the engine speed of the booster 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.

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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.

PUSH STARTING

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

CAUTION

WARNING

Automatic transmission models cannot be push-started or tow-started. Attempt- ing to do so may cause transmission damage.

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

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

c Do not open the hood if steam is com-

ing out.

If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge reading and the illumination of the engine oil pressure/engine coolant temperature high indicator light), 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 lever to P (Park). Do not stop the engine.

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

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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.

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.

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 when the coolant temperature is high.

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

c Never ride in a vehicle that is being

towed.

c Never get under your vehicle after it has

been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

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

c Always attach safety chains before

towing.

In case of emergency 6-11

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For information about towing your vehicle behind a recreational vehicle (RV), refer to (cid:147)Flat towing(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) sec- tion of this manual.

ACE1037

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.

6-12 In case of emergency

CAUTION

c 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.

c When towing automatic transmission models with the front wheels on the ground or on towing dollies: (cid:150) Turn the ignition key to the OFF po- sition, and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never secure the steering wheel by turning the ig- nition key to the LOCK position. This may damage the steering lock mechanism.

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

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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

c 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.

WSD0097

LCE0103

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck vehicle)

WARNING

c Stand clear of a stuck vehicle. c 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.

CAUTION

c Tow chains or cables must be attached only to the main structural members of the vehicle or the towing hooks (if so equipped). Otherwise, the vehicle body will be damaged.

c Use the towing hook (if so equipped) only to free a vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc. Never tow the vehicle for a long distance using only the tow- ing hook.

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c Apply the accelerator as little as possible

to maintain the rocking motion.

c Release the accelerator pedal before

shifting between R and D.

c 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.

c The towing hook is under tremendous force when used to free a stuck vehicle. Never pull the hook at an angle.

c Always pull the cable straight out from

the front or rear of the vehicle.

c Pulling devices should be routed so they do not touch any part of the sus- pension, steering, brake or cooling systems.

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

If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc., use the following procedure:

1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control System

(if so equipped).

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. c Shift back and forth between R (Reverse)

and D (Drive).

6-14 In case of emergency

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7 Appearance and care

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

Cleaning interior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

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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: c after a rainfall to prevent possible damage

from acid rain.

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

c when dust or mud builds up on the surface. Whenever possible, store or park your 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

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

c Avoid using tight-napped or

c 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. c Wax your vehicle only after a thorough wash- ing. Follow the instructions supplied with the wax.

c 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.

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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, especially during win- ter months in areas where road salt is used. If not removed, road salt can discolor the wheels.

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: c Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat- ing on the tire dissolves more easily with an oil-based tire dressing.

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

from entering

the

it

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

mended by tire dressing manufacturer.

CLEANING INTERIOR

Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth. Before using any fabric protector, read the manufacturer(cid:146)s recommendations. Some fab- ric protectors contain chemicals that may stain or bleach the seat material. Use a cloth dampened only with water to clean the meter and gauge lens.

CAUTION

c Never use benzine, thinner or any simi-

lar material.

c Small dirt particles can be abrasive and damaging to leather surfaces and should be removed promptly. Do not use saddle soap, polishes, oils, clean- ing fluids, solvents, detergents or ammonia-based cleaners as they may damage the leather(cid:146)s natural finish.

c Never use fabric protectors unless rec-

ommended by the manufacturer.

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

Appearance and care 7-3

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SEAT BELTS The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution. Allow the belts to dry completely in the shade before using them. See (cid:147)Seat belt maintenance(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Safety (cid:150) Seats, seat belts and supplemen- tal restraint system(cid:148) 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.

FLOOR MATS The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can ex- tend 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 be- come excessively worn.

7-4 Appearance and care

WAI0006
Floor mat positioning aid (driver(cid:146)s side only) This vehicle includes a front floor mat bracket to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor mats have been specially designed for your ve- hicle model. The driver(cid:146)s side floor mat has a grommet hole incorporated in it. Position the mat by placing the floor mat bracket hook through the floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the footwell. Periodically check to make certain the mats are properly positioned.

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CORROSION PROTECTION

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

c 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.

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 c Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the

vehicle clean.

c Always check for minor damage to the paint

and repair it as soon as possible.

c Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors

open to avoid water accumulation.

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

CAUTION

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

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

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

Appearance and care 7-5

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MEMO

7-6 Appearance and care

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Maintenance requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Maintenance precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Engine compartment check locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Engine cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Checking engine coolant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Changing engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Engine oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Changing engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Changing engine oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
5-speed automatic transmission fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Power steering fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Window washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-13
Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Variable Voltage Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Drive belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Spark plugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Replacing spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Air cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
In-cabin microfilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Windshield wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21
Checking parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21
Checking brake pedal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21
Brake booster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-22
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23
Passenger compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-24
Keyfob battery replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-25
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-26
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-26
Exterior and interior lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-27
Wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-30
Tire pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-30
Tire labeling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-33
Types of tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-36
Tire chains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-37
Changing wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-37

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MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

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 NIS- SAN(cid:146)s good mechanical condition, as well as its emission and engine performance.

It is the owner(cid:146)s responsibility to make sure that the scheduled maintenance, as well as general maintenance, is performed.

As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who can ensure that your vehicle receives proper maintenance. You are a vital link in the mainte- nance chain. Scheduled maintenance

For your convenience, both required and optional scheduled maintenance items are described and listed in your (cid:147)NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.(cid:148) You must refer to that guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is performed on your NISSAN at regular intervals. General maintenance

General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during normal day-to-day op- eration. They are essential for proper vehicle op- eration. It is your responsibility to perform these maintenance procedures regularly as prescribed. 8-2 Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Performing general maintenance checks requires minimal mechanical skill and only a few general automotive tools. These checks or inspections can be done by you, a qualified technician, or, if you prefer, a NISSAN dealer. Where to go for service If maintenance service is required or your vehicle appears to malfunction, have the systems checked and corrected by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists who are kept up-to-date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership training programs. They are completely qualified to work on NISSAN ve- hicles before they work on your vehicle, rather than after they have worked on it. You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer(cid:146)s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance requirements on your vehicle (cid:151) in a reliable and economic way.

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 smells, be sure to check for the cause or have a NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that repairs are required.

When performing any checks or maintenance work, closely observe the (cid:147)Maintenance precau- tions(cid:148) later in this section. EXPLANATION OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS information on the following Additional items with (cid:147)*(cid:148) is found later in this section. Outside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified. Doors and engine hood Check that the doors and engine hood operate properly. Also ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links as necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.

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When driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently. 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 operating properly and installed securely. Also check headlight aim. Road wheel nuts* When checking the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary. Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often and always prior to long distance trips. If neces- sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear. 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. c For additional

information regarding tires, refer to (cid:147)Important Tire Safety Information(cid:148) (US) or (cid:147)Tire Safety Information(cid:148) (Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet .

Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular basis. Check the windshield at least every six months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam- aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair facility. Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly. Inside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when per- forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve- hicle, etc. Additional information on the following items with an (cid:147)*(cid:148) is found later in this sec- tion.

Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure the pedal does not bind or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away from the pedal. Automatic transmission P (Park) position mechanism On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in the P (Park) position without applying any brakes. Brake pedal and booster* Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure it has the proper distance under it when depressed fully. Check

the brake booster function. Be certain to keep the floor mat away from the pedal. Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to one side when applied. Parking brake* Check that the lever/pedal has the proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake applied. Seats Check seat position controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in every position. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all latched positions. Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) operate properly and smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the belt web- bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage. Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer- ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard steering or strange noises. Warning lights and chimes Make sure all warning lights and chimes are operating properly. Windshield wiper and washer* Check that the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do not streak.

Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-3

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where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See the (cid:147)Appearance and care(cid:148) section of this manual. Windshield washer fluid* Check that there is adequate fluid in the reservoir.

in each cell.

Windshield defroster Check that the air comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient quantity when operating the heater or air conditioner. Under the hood and vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically (for example, each time you check the engine oil or refuel). Battery* Check the fluid level It should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve- hicles operated in high temperatures or under severe conditions require frequent checks of the battery fluid level. Brake fluid levels* Make sure that the brake fluid level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir. Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily. Engine oil level* Check the level after parking the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off. Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain