1997 Nissan Quest Owners Manual

extremely cold or hot weather, de- press the accelerator pedal and hold it to help start the engine.

4-8

— In the summer, when restarting the engine within 30 minutes after it has been stopped, keep the accelerator pedal slightly depressed while start- ing.

CAUTION

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

4. Warm-up

Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate speeds for a short distance first, espe- cially in cold weather.

Z X

PARKING BRAKE OPERATION

ASD0012

To apply: Firmly depress the parking brake. To release: 1. Firmly apply the foot brake. 2. Move the gearshift lever to the P (Park)

position.

3. Pull the parking brake release lever. 4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

WARNING

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

c Do not release the parking brake

from outside the vehicle.

c Do not use the gearshift in place of the parking brake. When parking, be sure the parking brake is fully engaged.

c Do not leave children unattended in a vehicle. They could release the parking an accident.

cause

brake

and

4-9

Z X

CRUISE CONTROL

The cruise control allows driving at speeds between 30 and 90 MPH (48 and 144 km/h) without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. To turn the cruise control on, push the CRUISE CONT main switch. The indicator light on the switch comes on. To set at cruising speed, accelerate your vehicle to the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it. The CRUISE light in the instrument cluster comes on. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set speed.

c To pass another vehicle, depress the accelerator pedal. When you release the pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ- ously set speed.

c The vehicle may not maintain the set speed when going up or down steep hills. If this happens, drive without the cruise control.

To cancel the preset speed, follow any of these three methods: a) Push the CANCEL button; the CRUISE

light goes out.

4-10

ASD0562

b) Tap the brake pedal; the CRUISE light

goes out.

c) Push the cruise control OFF switch. Both the ON indicator and CRUISE lights go out. c If you depress the brake pedal while the

pushing the RES/ACCEL switch, RES/ ACCEL function is cancelled. In order for the RES/ACCEL switch to operate, the COAST/SET must be used to re-engage the system.

c The cruise control automatically cancels if the vehicle slows down more than 8
MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed.

Z X

c Move the selector lever to N (Neutral).

The CRUISE light goes out.

this, the set speed decreases by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).

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

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

c) Push,

then

quickly

the RES/ACCEL switch. Each time you do this, the set speed increases by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).

release

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

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

the COAST/SET switch. Each time you do

c) Push,

quickly

then

To resume the preset speed, push and release the RES/ACCEL switch. The ve- hicle resumes the last set cruising speed when the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48
km/h). Precautions c If the cruise control system malfunctions, it cancels automatically. The CRUISE indicator in the instrument cluster then blinks to warn the driver.

c When the cruise indicator blinks, turn the cruise control switch (main switch) OFF and have the system checked by your NISSAN dealer.

c The cruise indicator may blink when the cruise control main switch is turned ON while pushing either the RES/ACCEL, COAST/SET, or the CANCEL switch (lo- cated on the steering wheel). To properly set the cruise control system, perform the steps above in the order indicated.

4-11

WARNING

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

at a set speed.

c in heavy traffic or in traffic that var-

ies in speed.

c on winding or hilly roads. c on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,

etc.).

c in very windy areas. Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in an accident.

Z X

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), follow these recommendations for the future reliability and fuel economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommen- dations may result in vehicle damage or shortened engine life. c Do not drive over 55 MPH (90 km/h) and do not run the engine over 4,000 RPM. Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow.

c Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

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

(800 km).

SD1001M

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

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

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

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

c Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

4-12

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

tenance schedule.

c Keep the tires inflated at

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

c Keep the front wheels in correct align- Improper alignment causes not fuel

ment. only tire wear but also lower economy.

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

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

Z X

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

ASD0007

WARNING

WARNING

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

1. Firmly apply the parking brake. 2. Move the gearshift lever to the P (Park)

position.

Safe parking procedures require that both the parking brake be set and the transmission placed into P (Park) position. Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result in an accident. Make sure the shift lever has been pushed up as far as it can go and cannot be moved without pulling it to- wards you.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling

4-13

into the street when parked on a sloping driveway, it is a good practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.

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

c HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB: s2

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

c HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

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

4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-

tion and remove the key.

WARNING

c Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

c Never leave children unattended in

the vehicle.

Z X

POWER STEERING SYSTEM

BRAKE SYSTEM

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

and reduces gas mileage. To help save the brakes and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a lower gear before going down a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may reduce braking performance and could result in loss of vehicle control.

WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking, accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt braking actions or sudden acceleration could cause the wheels to skid and result in an acci- dent.

The brake system has two separate hydrau- lic circuits. If one circuit develops a problem you will still have braking at two wheels. Vacuum assisted brake The brake booster aids braking by using engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal is required to stop the vehicle, and the stopping distance is longer. Wet brakes When the vehicle is washed or driven through water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your braking distance is longer and the vehicle may pull to one side during braking. To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes function correctly. Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This overheats the brakes, wears out the brake linings and pads faster

4-14

Z X

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) (if so equipped)

The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes at each wheel 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 maintain 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

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

Normal operation The anti-lock brake system does not operate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds vary according to road conditions.) When the anti- lock system senses 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 the anti-lock system is working properly. How- ever, the pulsation may indicate road condi- tions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving. 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 then operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance. If the light comes on during the self-test, or while driving, take your vehicle to your NIS- SAN dealer for repair at your earliest conve- nience.

4-15

WARNING

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

the specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.

Z X

c When installing a spare tire, make sure it is the proper size and type as specified on the tire placard. For tire placard location information, refer to ‘‘Tire placard’’ in the Owner’s Manual index.

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

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 the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure proper winter protection. For de- tails, see ‘‘Engine cooling system’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself operations’’ section. Battery If fully charged during extremely cold weather conditions, the bat- tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat- tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the battery should be checked regularly. For details, see ‘‘Battery’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself operations’’ section. Draining of coolant water If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the drain valves located under the radiator and on the engine block. Refill

the battery is not

4-16

before operating the vehicle. See ‘‘Chang- ing engine coolant’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself operations’’ section. Tire equipment 1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to provide superior performance on dry pavement. However, the performance of these tires is substantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NIS- SAN recommends using MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. Please consult your NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and avail- ability information.

2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud- ded tires may be used. However, some provinces and states prohibit their use. Check local, state and provincial laws before installing studded tires.

Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires. 3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure they are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed accord-

Z X

ing to the chain manufacturer’s sugges- tions. In addition, drive at a reduced speed, otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely affected.

Tire chains Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord- ing to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer’s sug- gestions. Use only SAE Class ‘‘S’’ chains. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibil- ity of whipping action damage to the fenders or undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Do not exceed maximum speed suggested by chain manufacturer. Otherwise, your ve- hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle han- dling and performance may be adversely affected.

Never install tire chains on T-type and small size 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: 1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re- move ice and snow from the windows and wiper blades.

2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under

the jack to give it firm support.

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

drifts.

4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the

reservoir tank.

Driving on snow or ice

WARNING

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

4-17

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

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

sooner

than

on

c Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

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

c Do not use the cruise control on

slippery roads.

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

Z X

Engine block heater/Engine heater (if so equipped) An engine block heater/engine 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.

4-18

Z X

5 In case of emergency

Flat tire ...................................................................5-2
Jump starting..........................................................5-8
Push starting ........................................................5-10
If your vehicle overheats......................................5-10

After an accident ..................................................5-11
Tow truck towing ..................................................5-12
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle)...........5-14

Z X

FLAT TIRE

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions below: 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. Move the gearshift lever to the P (Park) position.

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

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

WARNING

c Make sure the parking brake is se- curely applied and the automatic transmission is shifted into P.

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

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

ACE0015

Getting the tools and spare tire Remove the jack and the tool kit from the jack storage compartment in the luggage area. Remove the lug wrench from the tool kit.

5-2

Z X

ACE0001

ACE0006

ACE0014

3. Carefully slide the tire from under the

rear of the vehicle.

4. Stand the tire up to easily remove the

retainer.

1. Remove the plastic hex nut cover in the carpeting of the cargo area. The hex nut is used to lower and raise the spare tire located underneath the vehicle.

2. Place the lug wrench over the hex nut and turn counterclockwise until the cable extends completely. The spare tire hex nut rachets when the cable is fully ex- tended.

5-3

Z X

CE1003M

ACE0561

ACE0563

Blocking wheels Place suitable blocks at both the front and back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. This prevents the vehicle from roll- ing when it is jacked up.

WARNING

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

Removing wheel cover Remove the jack rod from the tool kit. For wheel cover removal, place the screwdriver tip of the jack rod between the wheel cover and the edge of the rim. Push and twist gently.

Removing wheel cap For cap removal, place the screwdriver tip of the jack rod into the indentation between the cap and the wheel. Push and twist gently.

CAUTION

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

5-4

Z X

ACE0009

Jacking up and removing tire Carefully read the caution label attached to the jack body and the following in- structions. 1. Place the jack directly under the jack-up point as illustrated above so the top of the jack contacts the vehicle at the jack-up point. Align the center of both the jack head and the notch at the jack-up point as shown. Also fit the notched portion of the vehicle in the groove of the jack head as shown.

The jack should be used on level, firm ground.

2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns by turning counterclockwise with the lug wrench. Do not remove the wheel nuts until the tire is off the ground.

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

CE1063M

WARNING

c Never get under the vehicle while it

is supported only by the jack.

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

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

5-5

Z X

c Never jack up the vehicle more than

necessary.

c Never use blocks on or under the

jack.

c Do not start or run engine while vehicle is on the jack as it may cause the vehicle to move.

c Do not allow passengers to stay in

the vehicle while it is on the jack.

c Never run the engine with the wheels off of the ground. It may cause the vehicle to move.

CE1003

Installing wheel The T-type spare tire is designed for emergency use. See specific instruc- tions under the heading ‘‘Wheels and tires’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself operations’’ section. 1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface

between the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten

the lug nuts finger tight.

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

5-6

4. Lower the vehicle slowly until

the tire touches the ground. Then, with the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts securely in the sequence as illustrated.

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 nut use oil or grease on the wheel studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts to become loose.

As soon as possible, tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench.

Lug nut tightening torque:

72 to 87 ft-lb (98 to 118 Nzm)

Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pres- sure. COLD pressure: After the 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

Z X

tire placard affixed to the driver side center pillar. c Retighten the lug nuts when the ve- hicle has been run for 600 miles (1,000
km) after installing the aluminum wheel.

ACE0016

5. Securely store the jacking equipment in the vehicle. The tool kit is stored behind the jack.

Stowing the spare tire or flat tire 1. To raise the tire to the stowed position, the retainer through the wheel install center and turn the wheel lug wrench clockwise until the tire is raised to its original position underneath the vehicle. The spare tire hex nut ratchets when the tire is raised. It won’t allow you to over-tighten.

2. Check for proper seating against under-

5-7

body supports. If necessary, loosen tire, reposition and retighten.

WARNING

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

c The T-type spare tire is designed for emergency use. See specific instruc- tions under the heading ‘‘Wheels and tires’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself op- erations’’ section.

Z X

JUMP STARTING

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

WARNING

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

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

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

c Keep battery out of the reach of

children.

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

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

spectacles)

safety

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

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

5-8

Z X

Always follow the instructions below. Failure to do so could result in damage to the charging system and cause per- sonal injury. 1. If the booster battery is in another ve- hicle, position the two vehicles to bring their batteries close to each other. Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply the parking brake. Move the gear- shift lever to the P (Park) position. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).

CE1071M

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

4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence

as illustrated.

CAUTION

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

5-9

c Make sure that cables do not touch moving parts in the engine compart- ment and that clamps do not contact any other metal.

5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and

let it run for a few minutes.

6. Keep the engine speed of the other ve- hicle at about 2,000 RPM, and start your engine in the normal manner.

CAUTION

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

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

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

Z X

PUSH STARTING

CAUTION

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

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

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

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

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

WARNING

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

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

c Do not open the hood if steam is

coming out.

1. Move the vehicle safely off

the road, apply the parking brake and move the gearshift lever to the P (Park) position. Do not stop the engine.

2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all the windows, move the temperature control dial to warm and fan control knob to 4.

5-10

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

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

5. Open the 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 to make sure the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not If coolant is leaking, the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.

leak water.

Z X

WARNING

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

c The fan motor may start at any time when the coolant temperature is high.

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

1. Turn the key in the ignition to OFF. 2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel. 3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push down the red reset button on the fuel pump shut-off switch.

4. Turn the ignition key ON for a few sec-

onds, then turn it OFF.

5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If no fuel is detected, try to start your vehicle again.

WARNING

If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to start your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Have all the passengers get out of the vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing service.

AFTER AN ACCIDENT

ACE0018

Inertia fuel shut-off switch When the vehicle is involved in a collision, the inertia fuel shutoff switch is designed to automatically stop the flow of fuel to the engine. The impact forces needed to trigger the switch do not have to be great. Parking lot bumping or road impacts (such as driving over potholes) may trigger the switch. Once the inertia fuel shutoff switch is trig- gered, it must be reset before the engine can be started. If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision, take the following steps to correctly reset the switch:

5-11

Z X

TOW TRUCK TOWING

When towing your vehicle, all state (provin- cial in Canada) and local regulations for towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could damage your vehicle. Towing instructions 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 prevent accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recom- mends that you have a service operator tow your vehicle. is advisable to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions.

It

WARNING

c Never ride in a vehicle that is being

towed.

c Never get under your vehicle after it

has been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

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

c Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper when you tow your ve- hicle. It may damage the bumper and cause damage to the transmission. c When towing with the front wheels

on dollies: Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never place the ignition key in the LOCK position. This will result in damage to the steering lock mechanism. Move the gearshift lever to the N (Neutral) position.

c When towing with the rear wheels on release the parking

the ground, brake.

c Attach safety chains for all towing.

5-12

Z X

NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (front) wheels off the ground as illustrated. c Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h) c Distance: Less than 500 miles (800 km)

5-13

ACE0560

Z X

CAUTION

Never tow the vehicle with the rear wheels raised (with the front wheels on the ground) as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transmis- sion. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle with the rear wheels raised, always use towing dollies under the front wheels. c If you have to tow the vehicle with four wheels on ground, observe the following restricted towing speeds and distances: c Speed: Below 30 MPH (50 km/h) c Distance: Less than 40 miles

(65 km)

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

c Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front or the rear. It may cause body damage.

c Never utilize the rear tie down brack- ets or slots to tow another vehicle as this may cause body damage.

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck vehicle) c Tow chains or cables must only be at- tached to the main structual members of the vehicle.

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

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

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

c Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.

WARNING

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

5-14

Z X

6 Appearance and interior care

Cleaning exterior and interior.................................6-2

Corrosion protection...............................................6-4

Z X

CLEANING EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

AI1002M

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

age from acid rain.

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

c when dust or mud builds up on the surface. Whenever possible, store or park your ve- hicle inside a garage or in a covered area. When it is necessary to park outside, park in a shady area or protect the vehicle with a body cover. Be careful not to scratch the paint sur- face when putting on or removing a 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 dish-washing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.

CAUTION

c Do not use strong household soap, strong chemical detergents, gaso- line or solvents.

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

6-2

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

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

Z X

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

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

c If the surface does not polish easily, use

a ‘‘road tar’’ remover and wax again.

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

again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated. Cleaning glass Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor- mal for glass to become coated with a film after the vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth easily remove this film.

CAUTION

When cleaning the inside of the win- dow, do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They could dam- age the rear window defogger.

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

6-3

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

CAUTION

c Never use benzine, thinner, or any

similar material.

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

c Never use fabric protectors unless recommended by the manufacturer.

Front floor mat positioning aid This model floor mat bracket to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor mats, specially designed for your vehicle, incorporate grommets. To in-

includes a front

Z X

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.

stall, simply position the mat using the floor mat bracket hook through the floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the floor pan contour. Periodically check to make certain the mat is properly positioned. Floor mats The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can extend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it easier to clean the interior. No matter what mats are used, be sure they are fitted for your vehicle and are prop- erly positioned in the footwell to prevent interference with pedal operation. Mats should be maintained with regular cleaning and replaced if they become excessively worn. Seat belts The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution. Allow the belts to dry com- pletely before using them.

CORROSION PROTECTION

Most common factors contributing to vehicle corrosion: 1. The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavities, and other areas.

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

Environmental factors influence the rate of corrosion: Moisture Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the vehicle body underside can accelerate cor- rosion. Wet floor coverings do not dry com- pletely inside the vehicle, and should be removed for drying to avoid floor panel corrosion. Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated: c in areas of high relative humidity. c especially in those areas where the tem-

peratures stay above freezing.

c where atmospheric pollution exists.

6-4

Z X

CAUTION

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

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

c where road salt is used. Temperature A temperature increase accelerates the rate of corrosion to those parts which are not well ventilated. Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use accelerates the corrosion process. Road salt also accelerates the disintegra- tion of paint surfaces. To protect your vehicle from corro- sion: c Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep

the vehicle clean.

c Always check for minor damage to the paint and repair it as soon as possible. c Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors 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.

6-5

Z X

Z X

7 Do-it-yourself operations

Maintenance precautions .......................................7-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................7-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................7-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................7-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................7-5
Engine oil ...............................................................7-5
Checking engine oil level .......................................7-5
Changing engine oil ...............................................7-6
Changing engine oil filter .......................................7-7
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)........................7-8
Temperature conditions for checking ATF.............7-8
Power steering fluid................................................7-9
Brake fluid ............................................................7-10
Window washer fluid ............................................7-10
Battery ..................................................................7-11
Jump starting........................................................7-12

Drive belts ............................................................7-12
Spark plug replacement .......................................7-12
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................7-13
Wiper blades ........................................................7-14
Parking brake check.............................................7-16
Brake pedal ..........................................................7-16
Brake booster.......................................................7-17
Fuses....................................................................7-17
Fusible links..........................................................7-18
Light bulbs............................................................7-19
Headlights ............................................................7-19
Bulb replacement .................................................7-21
Wheels and tires ..................................................7-25
Types of tires........................................................7-26
Tire chains............................................................7-26

Z X

MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

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

WARNING

c Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake securely and block the wheels to prevent the ve- hicle from moving. Move the gear- shift lever to N (neutral).

c Be sure the ignition key is OFF when replacement or

performing any repair.

c Be sure to turn the ignition key to the OFF or LOCK position. When the ignition key is in the ON or ACC position, the cooling fan may start to operate suddenly even when the en- gine is not running. To avoid injury always disconnect the negative bat- tery cable before working near the fan.

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

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

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

c Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack. If it is necessary to work under the vehicle, support it with safety stands.

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

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

7-2

CAUTION

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

c Never connect or disconnect either the battery or any transistorized component connector while the igni- tion is ON.

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

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

Z X

ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

7-3

ADI0570

Z X

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

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

CAUTION

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

Outside tempera- ture down to

°C

−35

°F

−30

Anti- freeze

Distilled water

50%

50%

WARNING

c Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Wait until the en- gine and radiator cool down. Serious burns could be caused by high pres- sure from the radiator.

escaping

fluid

c The radiator is equipped with a pres- sure an appropriate NISSAN genuine cap or its equiva- lent when replacement is required.

cap. Use

ADI0571

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL With coolant reservoir Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant level in the radiator when the engine is cold. If there is insufficient cool- ant the radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and also add it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.

in the radiator,

fill

7-4

Z X

ENGINE OIL

If the cooling system frequently requires coolant, have it checked by your NISSAN dealer. CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT Your NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant. The service procedure is found in NISSAN’s service manual. Improper servicing can result in reduced heater engine overheating.

performance

and

WARNING

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

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

ADI0008

ADI0009

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

apply the parking brake.

2. Run the engine until it reaches operating

temperature.

3. Turn the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.

4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.

Reinsert it all the way.

5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be between the H and L marks. If the oil is below the L mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the opening. Do not overfill.

level

6. Recheck the oil level with the dipstick. It is normal to add some oil between oil maintenance intervals or during the break-in period, depending on the sever- ity of operating conditions.

7-5

Z X

CAUTION

c Oil

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

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

WARNING

c Be careful not to burn yourself, as

the engine oil is hot.

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

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

c Keep used engine oil out of reach of

children.

ADI0057

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

apply the parking brake.

2. Run the engine until it reaches operating

temperature, then turn it off.

Waste oil must be disposed of properly. Check your local regulations.

3. Place a large drain pan under the drain

plug.

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

completely drain the oil.

6. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a wrench.

7-6

Z X

Drain plug tightening torque:

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

Do not use excessive force.

7. Refill the engine with a recommended oil and install the cap securely. See the ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section for refill capacity.

8. Start

the engine. Check for

leakage around the drain plug. Correct as re- quired.

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

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

ADI0010

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

apply the parking brake.

4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur- face with a clean rag. Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket remaining on the mounting surface of the engine.

5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter

with clean engine oil.

6. Screw the oil filter in until a slight resis- then tighten additionally

tance is felt, more than 2/3 turn.

7. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required. 8. Turn the engine off and wait several minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if necessary.

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

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

filter with an oil

CAUTION

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

7-7

Z X

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF)

ADI0572

ADI0573

ADI0582

WARNING

c When engine is running, keep hands, jewelry and clothing away from any moving parts such as cool- ing fan and drive belt.

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

TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FOR CHECKING ATF c Check the fluid level using the HOT range on the dipstick after the following conditions have been met:

— The engine is warmed up to operating

temperature.

— The vehicle is driven at least 15 minutes. — The automatic transmission fluid is warmed to between 151°F and 171°F (66°C to 77°C).

c The fluid can be checked at fluid tem-

7-8

peratures of 70°F to 95°F (21°C to 35°C) using the COLD range on the dipstick after the engine is warmed up and before driving. However, the fluid should be re-checked using the HOT range.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

set the parking brake.

2. Start the engine, then move the gearshift lever through the range of gears, ending in P (Park).

Z X

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

3. Check the fluid level with the engine

idling.

4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean

with lint-free paper.

5. Reinsert the dipstick into the charging

pipe as far as it goes.

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

CAUTION

Transmission

DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Nissan Matic ‘D’ (Continen- tal U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Automatic Fluid (Canada). Dexron® III/Mercon® or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, recommended brand(s) of Dexron® III/Mercon® or Dexron® IIE/Mercon® Automatic Trans- mission Fluid.

including

NOTE: If the vehicle has been driven for a long

7-9

POWER STEERING FLUID

ADI0017

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. The fluid level should be checked by looking at the MAX and MIN lines at fluid tempera- tures of 32°F to 86°F (0°C to 30°C). If the fluid is below the MIN line, add auto- matic transmission fluid type F up to the MAX line.

CAUTION

c Do not overfill. c The recommended fluid is type F automatic transmission fluid or equivalent.

Z X

BRAKE FLUID

WINDOW WASHER FLUID

ADI0018

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is below the MIN line or the brake warning light comes on, add DOT 3 fluid up to the MAX line. fluid must be added frequently, the system should be thoroughly checked by your NISSAN dealer. For further brake fluid specification information, refer to the ‘‘Technical and Consumer Information’’ section in this manual.

If

WARNING Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or contaminated fluid may damage the brake system. The use of improper flu- ids can damage the brake system and affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.

CAUTION

Do not spill the fluid on painted sur- faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is spilled, wash with water.

ADI0019

Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning light comes on. To check the fluid level, look down the fill tube of the washer fluid reser- voir in the engine compartment. To add fluid, remove the reservoir cap and refill the reservoir. This reservoir serves both the front and rear washer systems.

CAUTION

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

7-10

Z X

BATTERY

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

c Make certain the terminal connections

are clean and securely tightened.

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

WARNING

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

c When working on or near a battery, always wear suitable eye protection and remove all jewelry.

c Keep the battery out of the reach of

children.

ADI0037

it

Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be between the MAX and MIN lines. If is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled water to bring the level to the indi- cator in each filler opening. Do not overfill. 1. Remove the cell plugs using a suitable

tool.

2. Add distilled water up to the MAX level. 3. Tighten cell plugs.

7-11

Z X

DRIVE BELTS

SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT

JUMP STARTING If jump starting is necessary, see the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section. If the engine does not start by jump starting, the battery may have to be replaced. Contact your NISSAN dealer.

ADI0060

ADI0061

WARNING

WARNING

Be sure the ignition key is OFF. The engine could rotate unexpectedly.

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

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

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