2001 Nissan Sentra Owners Manual

avoid driving when tired. Never drive when under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription or over-the-counter drugs which may cause drowsiness). Al- ways wear your seat belt as outlined in the ‘‘Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems’’ section of this manual, and also instruct your passengers to do so. DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND DRIVING

WARNING

Never drive under the influence of alco- hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream reduces coordination, delays reaction time and impairs judgement. Driving after drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident injuring yourself and others. Additionally, if you are injured in an accident, alcohol can increase the severity of injury.

NISSAN is committed to safe driving. How- ever, you must choose not to drive under Starting and driving 5-3

Z X

the influence of alcohol. Every year thou- sands of people are injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents. Although the lo- cal laws vary on what is considered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol affects all people differently and most people underestimate the effects of alcohol. Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And that is true for drugs, too (over-the- counter, prescription, and illegal drugs). Do not drive if your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical condition.

5-4 Starting and driving

IGNITION SWITCH

WSD0004

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION On automatic transmission models the igni- tion lock is designed so the key cannot be turned to LOCK and removed until the shift selector lever is moved to the P (Park) position. When removing the key from the ignition, make sure the shift selector lever is in the P (Park) position. When the key cannot be turned to the LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove the key.

1) Move the shift selector lever into the P

(Park) position.

2) Turn the ignition key slightly toward the

ON position.

3) Turn the key to the LOCK position. 4) Remove the key. The shift lever is designed so it cannot be moved out of P(Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to OFF or if the key is removed from the switch. The shift selector lever can be moved if the ignition switch is in the ON position and the foot brake pedal is depressed. There is an OFF position between the LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF posi- tion is indicated by a ‘‘1’’ on the key cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF, the steering wheel is not locked. In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise from the straight up posi- tion. To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to the LOCK position. To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key and turn it

Z X

gently while rotating the steering wheel slightly right and left.

WARNING

Never remove or turn the key to the LOCK position while driving. The steer- ing wheel will lock. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and could result in serious vehicle damage or personal injury.

WSD0005

MANUAL TRANSMISSION The ignition switch includes an anti-theft steering lock device. The key can be removed only when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. On manual to turn the ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, push in the key, then turn the key to LOCK. In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise from the straight up posi- tion.

transmission models,

To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to the LOCK position. Remove the key. To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key and turn it gently while rotating the steering wheel slightly right and left.

WARNING

Never remove or turn the key to the LOCK position while driving. The steer- ing wheel will lock. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and could result in serious vehicle damage or personal injury. KEY POSITIONS LOCK: Normal parking position (0) OFF: (Manual transmission model) (1) The engine can be turned off without locking the steering wheel. ACC: (Accessories) (2) This position activates electrical accesso- ries such as the radio when the engine is not running. ON: Normal operating position (3) This position turns on the ignition system and the electrical accessories.

Starting and driving 5-5

Z X

NISSAN recommends placing the regis- tered NVIS key on a separate key ring to avoid interference from other devices.

START: (4) This position activates the starter motor, which starts the engine. NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM (NVIS) (if so equipped) The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS) will not allow the engine to start without the use of a registered NVIS key. If the engine fails to start using a registered NVIS key, it may be due to interference caused by another NVIS key, an automated toll road device or automated payment de- vice on the key ring. Restart the engine using the following procedures: 1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-

tion for approximately 5 seconds.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK position and wait approximately 5
seconds.

3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again. 4. Restart the engine while holding the de- vice (which may have caused the inter- ference) separate from the registered NVIS key.

If this procedure allows the engine to start, 5-6 Starting and driving

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

c Make sure the area around the vehicle is

clear.

c Maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically, for example, each time you check engine oil.

c Check that all windows and lights are

clean.

c Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper inflation.

c Lock all doors. c Position seat and adjust head restraints. c Adjust inside and outside mirrors. c Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers

to do likewise.

c Check the operation of warning lights when key is turned to the ON (3) position. See ‘‘Warning/indicator lights and chimes’’ in the ‘‘Instrument and controls’’ section.

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STARTING THE ENGINE

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

press and hold the accelerator pedal to help start the engine. — In the summer, when restarting the engine within 30 minutes after it has been stopped, keep the accelerator pedal fully depressed while starting.

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 speed for a short distance first, especially in cold weather.

1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Automatic transmission:

Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). (P is recommended.) The shift selector lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if the key is removed. The starter is designed not to operate if the shift selector lever is in one of the driving positions. Manual transmission: Move the selector lever to N (Neutral), and depress the clutch pedal to the floor. The starter is designed to operate only when the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

3. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition key to START. Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure. — If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold or hot weather, de-

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so equipped)

WARNING

c Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2
or 1. Always depress the brake pedal until shifting is completed. Failure to do so could cause you to lose con- trol and have an accident.

c Cold engine idle speed is high, so use caution when shifting into a for- ward or reverse gear before the en- gine has warmed up.

c Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving. This could cause an accident.

CAUTION

c When stopping the vehicle on an uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by depressing the accelerator pedal. The foot brake should be used for this purpose.

Starting and driving 5-7

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c Do not downshift abruptly on slip- pery roads. This may cause a loss of control.

The automatic transmission in your vehicle is electronically controlled to produce maxi- mum power and smooth operation. The recommended operating procedures for this transmission are shown on the following pages. Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle performance and driving enjoyment. Starting the vehicle c After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before shifting the shift selector lever to the D (Drive), R (Reverse), 2 or 1 position. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop before attempting to shift the shift selector lever. c Keep the foot brake pedal depressed

and shift into a driving gear.

c Release the foot brake, then gradually

start the vehicle in motion.

The automatic transmission is designed so the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed before shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition switch is ON. 5-8 Starting and driving

The shift selector lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if the key is removed. The shift selector lever can be moved if the ignition switch is in the ON position and the foot brake pedal is depressed. Shifting Push the button to shift into P (Park), R (Re- verse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All other positions can be selected without pushing the button.

WSD0006

P (Park): Use this selector position when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Always be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop. For maximum safety, depress the brake pedal, then push in the shift selector lever button and move the lever to the P (Park) position. Apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift the lever into the P (Park) position. Shifting from P (Park) If the ignition switch is in the ON position and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but the shift selector lever still cannot be moved

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forward

You may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving. D (Drive) Use this position for all normal driving. 2 (Second gear) Use this position for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill grades. Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds above 68 MPH (110 km/h). Do not exceed 68 MPH (110 km/h) in the 2 position. 1 (Low gear) Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak- ing on steep downhill grades. Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds above 34 MPH (55 km/h). Do not exceed 34
MPH (55 km/h) in the 1 position.

out of P (Park), follow these instructions. 1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-

tion.

2. Apply the parking brake. 3. Reinsert the key and turn it to the ACC

position.

4. Depress the foot brake pedal and move

the shift selector lever to N (Neutral).

5. Start the engine. These instructions for starting the vehicle in N (Neutral) should only be used until service can be obtained at an authorized NISSAN dealership. R (Reverse) Use this position to back up. Always be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop before shifting into the R (Reverse) position. For maximum safety, check to ensure the area behind the vehicle is clear. With the brake pedal depressed, push in the shift selector lever button and move the shift selector lever to the R (Reverse) position. N (Neutral) Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The engine can be started in this position.

WSD0008

Starting and driving 5-9

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take your vehicle to an out of P (Park), authorized NISSAN dealership as soon as possible. Accelerator downshift in D position For rapid passing or hill climbing while driv- ing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into third gear, second gear or first gear, depending on vehicle speed.

Selector lock release If the battery is discharged, the shift selector lever may not be moved from the P (Park) position even with the brake pedal de- pressed and the shift selector lever button pushed. To move the shift selector lever, release the shift lock and push shift selector lever but- ton. The shift selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral). However, the steering wheel will be locked unless the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. To release the shift lock, complete the fol- lowing procedure: 1. Turn the ignition key to the lock position

and remove the key

2. Apply the parking brake. 3. Remove the shift lock cover. 4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock

slot, and push down.

5. Push the shift selector lever button and move the shift selector lever to N (Neu- tral) position while holding down the shift lock.

If the shift selector lever cannot be moved 5-10 Starting and driving

WSD0007

Overdrive Switch ON: With the engine running and the shift selector lever in the D (Drive) posi- tion, the transmission upshifts into OVERDRIVE as vehicle speed in- creases.

OVERDRIVE does not engage until the engine has reached operating tempera- ture. OFF: For driving up and down long slopes where engine braking is necessary push the OVERDRIVE switch once. The O/D OFF indicator light in the

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instrument panel comes on at this time. When cruising at a low speed or climbing a gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift shocks as the transmission shifts between third gear and overdrive repeatedly. In this case, depress the OVERDRIVE switch to turn the OVERDRIVE off. The O/D OFF indicator light in the instrument panel comes on at this time.

When driving conditions change, depress the overdrive switch to turn the OVER- DRIVE on. Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended periods of time with the OVER- DRIVE off. This reduces fuel economy.

WSD0014

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

WARNING

c Do not downshift abruptly on slip- pery roads. This may cause a loss of control.

c Do not over-rev the engine when shifting to a lower gear. This may cause a loss of control or engine damage.

CAUTION

c Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This may cause clutch damage.

c Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

c When the vehicle is stopped with the engine running (for example, at a stop light), shift to N (Neutral) and release the clutch pedal with the foot brake applied.

Shifting To change gears, or when upshifting or downshifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into the appropriate gear, then release the clutch slowly and smoothly. You cannot shift directly from fifth gear into R (Reverse). First shift into N (Neutral), then into R (Reverse). If it is difficult to move the selector lever into R (Reverse) or 1 (First), shift into N (Neu- tral), then release and depress the clutch pedal again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1
(First).

Starting and driving 5-11

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Suggested up-shift speeds The following are suggested vehicle speeds for shifting into a higher gear. These sug- gestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance. Actual up-shift speeds will vary according to road conditions, the weather and individual driving habits. For quick acceleration in low altitude areas (less than 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) and normal acceleration in high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]): GEAR CHANGE 1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th

MPH (km/h) 15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (64) 45 (72)

For quick acceleration in high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]): For QG18DE engine models:

Gear change 1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th

MPH (km/h) 15 (25) 35 (55) 45 (75) 50 (80)

For SR20DE engine models:

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th

15 (25) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (75)

5-12 Starting and driving

Suggested maximum speed in each gear Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not running smoothly, or if you need to acceler- ate. Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed (shown below) in any gear. For level road driving, use the highest gear sug- gested for that speed. Always observe posted speed limits, and drive according to the road conditions, which will ensure safe operation. Do not over-rev the engine when shifting to a lower gear as it may cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control. QG18DE engine models:

GEAR 1st 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th

MPH (km/h) 30 (50) 55 (90) 85 (135) —

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SR20DE engine models:

GEAR 1st 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th

MPH (km/h) 35 (55) 60 (95) 85 (135) —

PARKING BRAKE

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 gear shift in place of the parking brake. When parking, be sure the parking brake is fully en- gaged.

c Do not leave children unattended in a vehicle. They could release the park- ing brake and cause an accident.

ASD0603

To engage: pull the lever up. To release: 1. Firmly apply the foot brake. 2. Manual transmission models:

Place the selector lever in the N (Neutral) position. Automatic transmission models: Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park) position.

3. While pulling up on the lever slightly,

push the button and lower completely.

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

Starting and driving 5-13

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CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)

WSD0009

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CONTROL c If the cruise control system malfunctions, it cancels automatically. The SET light in the instrument panel then blinks to warn the driver.

c If the SET light in the instrument panel blinks, turn the CRUISE ON z OFF switch off and have the system checked by your NISSAN dealer.

c The SET light in the instrument panel may blink when the CRUISE ON z OFF switch is turned ON while pushing the

5-14 Starting and driving

ACCEL/RES, SET/COAST, or CANCEL switch (located on the steering wheel). To properly set the cruise control system, perform the following steps in the order indicated.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driving under the following conditions: c When 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.

CAUTION

On manual transmission models, do not shift into N (Neutral) without de- pressing the clutch pedal when the cruise control is set. Should this occur,

depress the clutch pedal and turn the main switch off immediately. Failure to do so may cause engine damage.

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS The cruise control allows driving at a speed between 25 to 90 MPH (40 to 144 km/h) without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. To turn on the cruise control, push the CRUISE ON z OFF switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instrument panel comes on. To set cruising speed, accelerate your vehicle to the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET light in the instrument panel 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

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speed when going up or down steep hills. If this happens, drive without the cruise control.

To cancel the preset speed, use one of the following three methods. a) Push the CANCEL button; the SET light

in the instrument panel goes out.

b) Tap the brake pedal; the SET light in the

instrument panel goes out.

c) Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE indicator and SET lights in the instrument panel go out. The preset speed is deleted from memory.

The cruise control will also automatically cancel and the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if: c you depress the brake pedal while push- ing the ACCEL/RES or SET/COAST but- tons. The preset speed is deleted from memory.

c the vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH

(13 km/h) below the set speed.

lever to N (Neutral) (automatic transmis- sion).

speed decreases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).

To resume the preset speed, push and release the ACCEL/RES switch. The ve- hicle returns to the last set cruising speed when the vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40
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 SET/COAST switch.

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

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

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 SET/COAST switch and release it.

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

c you depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission), or move the shift selector

c) Push and release the SET/COAST switch. Each time you do this, the set

Starting and driving 5-15

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BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), follow these recommendations for the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in vehicle damage or shortened engine life. c Do not drive over the legal speed limit 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).

5-16 Starting and driving

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.

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

tenance schedule.

c Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear and wastes fuel.

c Keep the front wheels in correct align- ment. Improper alignment increases tire wear and lowers fuel 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.

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PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

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. Manual transmission models:

Place the selector lever in the R (Re- verse) position. When parking on an up- hill grade, place the selector lever in 1
(First) gear.

MSD0002

Automatic transmission models: Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park) position.

WARNING

c Safe parking procedures require that both the parking brake be set and the transmission placed into P (Park) for automatic transmission models or in an appropriate gear for manual transmission models. 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 as far forward as it can go and cannot be moved without depressing the button at the end of the lever.

c Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

c Do not leave children unattended in- side the vehicle. They could unknow- inly activate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in serious accidents.

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: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.

Starting and driving 5-17

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POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

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.

The power assisted steering is designed to use 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.

5-18 Starting and driving

The brake system has two separate hydrau- lic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. BRAKING 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 distance will be longer. Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This overheats the brakes, increases wear on the brake linings and pads, 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.

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WARNING

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

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.

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 oper- ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). The speeds vary according to road conditions. When the anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels are close to

locking up, the actuator (under the hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres- sure (like pumping the brakes very quickly). While the actuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system is working properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system is a sophisti- cated device with electronic sensors, elec- tric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids con- trolled by a computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the sys- tem 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 op-

Starting and driving 5-19

Z X

erates normally, but without anti-lock assis- tance. If the light comes on during the self-test or while driving, take the vehicle to an autho- rized NISSAN dealer for repair.

WARNING

c The anti-lock brake system is a so- phisticated device, but it cannot pre- vent accidents resulting from care- less or dangerous driving tech- niques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces, but remember that the stop- ping distance on slippery surfaces will be longer than on normal sur- faces, even with the anti-lock brake 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, for safety of self and others rests in the hands of the driver. Tire type and condition of tires may also affect braking effectiveness.

responsibility

the

5-20 Starting and driving

install

c When replacing tires,

the specified tire size on all four wheels. 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 ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section of this manual.

c For additional information, refer to in the ‘‘Do-it-

‘‘Wheels and tires’’ yourself’’ section of this manual.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be- fore inserting it in 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’’ section of this manual. 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’’ section of this manual. DRAINING OF COOLANT If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the drain valves located under the

the battery is not

Z X

radiator and on the engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle. See ‘‘Chang- ing engine coolant’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself’’ section of this manual. TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to provide superior performance on dry pavement. However, the performance of these tires will be substantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NIS- SAN recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please consult an authorized NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and availability information. 2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud- ded tires may be used. However, most U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro- hibit 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. Make sure they

are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use only SAE Class “S” chains. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain tension- ers when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be se- cured or removed to prevent the possi- bility of whipping action damage to the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely affected. Never tire chains on TEMPO- RARY USE ONLY spare tires. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.

install

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 much less traction or ‘‘grip’’ under these conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted or sanded.

Starting and driving 5-21

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

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 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 reaching it. Try not to brake while on the ice, and avoid any sudden steer- ing maneuvers.

c Do not use 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.

5-22 Starting and driving

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6 In case of emergency

Flat tire ...................................................................6-2
Changing a flat tire............................................6-2
Jump starting..........................................................6-8
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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verse), or the automatic transmis- sion into P (Park).

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.

FLAT TIRE

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

away from traffic.

2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. 3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Shift the manual transmis- sion into R (Reverse), or the automatic transmission into P (Park).

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

6. Have all passengers get out of the ve- hicle 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 manual trans- mission is shifted into R (Re-

6-2 In case of emergency

MCE0001

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

WARNING

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

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WCE0012

WCE0009

Getting the spare tire and tools 1. Open the trunk. Lift the trunk floor carpet- ing and spare tire cover. Remove the tool bag (which contains the jack rod and wheel nut wrench) and the spare tire. If necessary, use the flat end of the jack rod as shown to loosen the spare tire hold-down bolt.

2. To remove the jack, turn the jack screw counterclockwise. Use the tapered end of the jack rod to loosen the jack from its storage position.

In case of emergency 6-3

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Removing wheel covers Remove the wheel covers as shown.

WCE0018

CAUTION

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

6-4 In case of emergency

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Bolt-on wheel covers is Wheel cover attachment made by one of the wheel lug nuts. This wheel lug nut needs to be removed before the wheel cover can be removed from the wheel.

to the wheel

LCE0010

WCE0006

Jacking up vehicle and removing the damaged tire

WARNING

c Never get under the vehicle while it

is supported only by the jack.

c Use only the jack provided with your 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.

c Use the correct

jack-up points. Never use any other part of the ve- hicle for jack support.

In case of emergency 6-5

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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. It may cause the vehicle to move.

c Do not allow passengers to stay in

the vehicle while it is on the jack.

6-6 In case of emergency

SCE0002

c Never run the engine with a wheel off the ground. It may cause the vehicle to move.

Carefully read the caution label attached to the jack body and the following in- structions. 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.

2. 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 the jack head with 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 firm and level ground.

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

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specification at each lubrication interval. Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure. COLD pressure: After vehicle has been parked for three hours or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed to the driver’s door center pillar. 5. With the spare tire installed on the vehicle, place the damaged tire in the spare tire storage area. Put the jack rod and wheel nut wrench in the tool bag and place the tool bag in the spare tire storage area.

6. Place the spare tire cover and the trunk

floor carpeting over the damaged tire.

4. Lower the vehicle slowly until

the tire touches the ground. Then, with the wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts se- curely in the sequence as illustrated. Lower the vehicle 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.

c Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of flat tire, etc.).

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

73 to 86 ft-lb (98 to 117 Nzm)

WCE0007

Installing the spare tire The TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire is designed for emergency use. See spe- cific instructions under the heading ‘‘Wheels and tires’’ in the ‘‘Do-it- your- self’’ section of this owner’s manual. 1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface

between the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten

the wheel nuts finger tight.

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

The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to specifications at all times. It is recom- mended that wheel nuts be tightened to

In case of emergency 6-7

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WARNING

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

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

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, clothing 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 the battery out of the reach of

children.

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

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WCE0008

7. Install the jack in its storage area and

tighten the jack screw clockwise.

8. Close the trunk.

6-8 In case of emergency

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 the battery 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.

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 vehicle, position the two vehicles to bring their batteries into close proximity to each other. Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply the parking brake. Move the selec- tor lever to N (Neutral) (on automatic transmission models, move the shift se- lector lever to P (Park)). Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (lights,

ACE1013

heater, air conditioner, etc.).

3. Cover the battery with an old cloth to

reduce explosion hazard.

4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence

illustrated.

CAUTION

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

In case of emergency 6-9

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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. The three way catalyst may be dam- aged.

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.

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 vehicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the engine 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 dis- connect the negative cable and then the positive cable.

8. Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes as it may be con- taminated with corrosive acid.

6-10 In case of emergency

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 selector lever to N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or the shift selector lever to P (Park) (automatic transmission). Do not stop the engine.

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

Z X

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.

7. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the res- ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve- hicle repaired at an authorized NISSAN dealer.

hot and fan control to high speed.

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

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

5. Open the hood.

WARNING

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

6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radia- tor should not leak water. If coolant is leaking, the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.

TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

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 an authorized 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 recommends having 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.

In case of emergency 6-11

Z X

c Always attach safety chains before

towing.

ACE0511

TOWING RECOMMENDED BY NISSAN NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (front) wheels off the

6-12 In case of emergency

ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.

CAUTION

c Never tow automatic transmission models with the front wheels on the ground or four wheels on the ground (forward or backward), as this may cause serious and expensive dam- age to the transmission. If it is nec- essary to tow the vehicle with the rear wheels raised, always use tow- ing dollies under the front wheels.

c When towing automatic transmis- sion models with the front wheels on towing dollies, or when towing manual transmission models with the front wheels on the ground:

c Turn the ignition key to the OFF position, and secure the steer- ing wheel in a straight ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never secure the steer- ing wheel by turning the igni- tion key to the LOCK position. This may damage the steering lock mechanism.

c Move the shift lever to the N

(Neutral) position.

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When towing automatic or manual transmission models with the rear wheels on the ground (if you do not use towing dollies): Always release the parking brake.

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck vehicle) c Tow chains or cables must be attached only to the main structural 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 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.

CE1052

In case of emergency 6-13

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MEMO

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.................................................7-3
Underbody .........................................................7-3
Glass..................................................................7-3
Aluminum alloy wheels......................................7-3
Chrome parts.....................................................7-3

Cleaning interior .....................................................7-4
Seat belts ..........................................................7-5
Corrosion protection...............................................7-5

Most common factors contributing to vehicle corrosion................................................7-5
Environmental factors influence the rate of corrosion........................................................7-5
To protect your vehicle from corrosion .............7-5

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CLEANING EXTERIOR

MAI0001

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

7-2 Appearance and care

c when dust or mud builds up on the paint

surface.

Whenever possible, store or park your ve- hicle inside a garage or in a covered area. When it is necessary to park outside, park in a shady area or protect the vehicle with a body cover. Be careful not to scratch the paint sur- face when putting on or removing the body cover. WASHING Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.

CAUTION

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

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

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 that the paint surface is not scratched or damaged.

Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors, hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to the effects of road salt. There- fore, 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. After waxing, polishing is recommended to remove built-up residue and to avoid a ‘‘weathered’’ appearance. An authorized NISSAN dealer can assist

Z X

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

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

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. Only use black wax or black shoe polish on black urethane or polypropylene bumpers. 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 an authorized 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 winter and again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated. GLASS Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is 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- dows, do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine based disinfectant cleaners. They could dam- age the electrical conductors, radio an- tenna elements or rear window defog- ger elements.

ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS Wash the wheels regularly, especially dur- ing winter months in areas where road salt is used. If not removed, road salt could discolor the wheels.

CHROME PARTS Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.

Appearance and care 7-3

Z X

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.

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. Use a cloth dampened only with water, to clean the meter and gauge lens.

CAUTION

c Never use benzine, thinner, or any

similar material.

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

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 7-4 Appearance and care

WAI0002

Floor mat positioning aid All models include front floor mat brackets to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NIS- SAN floor mats have been specially de- signed for your vehicle model. The floor mat has a grommet hole incorporated in it. Po- sition 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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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 in the shade before using them. See ‘‘Seat belt maintenance’’ in the ‘‘Seats, re- straints and supplemental air bag systems’’ section of this owner’s 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 se- verely weaken the seat belt webbing.

CORROSION PROTECTION

MOST COMMON FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE CORROSION 1. The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavities, and other areas.

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

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN- FLUENCE THE RATE OF COR- ROSION Moisture Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the vehicle body underside can accelerate cor- rosion. Wet floor coverings will 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 in areas where the temperatures stay

above freezing.

c where atmospheric pollution exists. c where road salt is used. Temperature High temperatures accelerate the rate of corrosion to those parts which are not well ventilated. Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use accelerates the corrosion process. Road salt also accelerates the disintegra- tion 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 Appearance and care 7-5

Z X

sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water as soon as possible. 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 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, cleaned periodically. For additional protection against rust and corrosion, which may be required in some areas, consult an authorized NISSAN dealer.

the underbody must be

7-6 Appearance and care

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MEMO

Appearance and care 7-7

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8 Do-it-yourself

Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations - QG engine .............................................................8-4
Engine compartment check locations - SR engine..............................................................8-5
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-6
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-6
Changing engine coolant ..................................8-8
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ..................................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-13
Temperature conditions for checking..............8-14
Power steering fluid..............................................8-15
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-15
Brake fluid........................................................8-15
Clutch fluid.......................................................8-16
Window washer fluid ............................................8-16
Battery ..................................................................8-17
Jump starting...................................................8-18
Drive belts ............................................................8-19

Spark plug ............................................................8-20
Replacing spark plugs.....................................8-20
Air cleaner ............................................................8-21
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-22
Cleaning ..........................................................8-22
Replacing.........................................................8-22
Parking brake and brake pedal............................8-23
Checking park brake .......................................8-23
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-23
Brake booster ..................................................8-24
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-25
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-25
Fuses....................................................................8-25
Engine compartment .......................................8-25
Passenger compartment .................................8-27
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-28
Lights....................................................................8-29
Headlights........................................................8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped)...............................8-32
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-33
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-36
Tire pressure ...................................................8-36

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Types of tires...................................................8-37
Tire chains.......................................................8-38

Changing wheels and tires..............................8-38

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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.