2000 Nissan Xterra Owners Manual

In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clock- wise from the straight up position.

5-6 Starting and driving

Z X

ASD1014

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION On automatic transmission models, the ig- nition 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. If 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 in the ON

direction.

3) Turn the key toward 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 lever can be moved if the igni- tion switch is in the ACC position. This allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery is discharged. The shift lever can also 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 the OFF position, is not locked.

the steering wheel

In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clock- wise from the straight up position. 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. The shifter can be moved if the Starting and driving 5-7

Z X

ignition switch is in ACC position. ON (Normal operating position) (3) This position turns on the ignition system and electrical accessories. START (4) This position starts the engine. As soon as the engine has started, release the key. It automatically returns to the ON position.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE O Make sure the area around the vehicle is

clear.

O Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and win- dow washer fluid as frequently as pos- sible, at least whenever you refuel.

O Check that all windows and lights are

clean.

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

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

to do likewise.

O Check the operation of warning lights when key is turned to the ON (3) position. See and chimes9 in the 9Instruments and controls9
section.

9Warning/Indicator

lights

DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so equipped)

WARNING

O 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.

O 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.

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

CAUTION

O 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.

O On slippery roads, do not downshift.

This may cause a loss of control.

5-8 Starting and driving

Z X

The shift 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. If the battery charge is low, the shift lever can be moved if the ignition switch is in the ACC position.

The automatic transmission in your vehicle is electronically controlled by a transmission control module to produce maximum 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 O After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal to ensure the ve- hicle is at a complete stop before at- tempting to shift the selector lever.

O Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and shift the selector lever into a driving gear.

O Release the foot brake, then gradually

start the vehicle in motion.

This automatic transmission is designed so the foot brake pedal MUST be de- pressed before shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition switch is ON.

Starting and driving 5-9

Z X

Shifting with automatic transmission Push the button to shift into P (Park), R (Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All other positions can be selected without pushing the button. P (Park): Use this selector position when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Al- ways be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop. For maximum safety, depress the brake pedal, then push in the shift lever button and move the lever to the P (Park) position. Apply the parking brake. When 5-10 Starting and driving

ASD1024

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 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 en- gaged. The engine can be started in this position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.

Z X

forward

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.

Selector lever lock release If the battery charge is low, the selector lever may not be moved from the P position even with the brake pedal depressed and the selector lever button pushed. To move the selector lever, push the shift lock release and selector lever button. The selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral). To push the shift lock release, follow the following procedure: 1. Turn the ignition key to the lock position

and remove the key.

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

release slot, and push down.

5. Push the selector lever button and move the selector lever to N (Neutral) position while holding down the shift lock release.

6. Start the engine. If there is any problem moving the selector lever out of P (Park), take your vehicle to an authorized NISSAN dealership as soon as possible.

Starting and driving 5-11

Z X

ASD1025

Accelerator downshift In D position For rapid passing or hill climbing, while driving fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into second gear or first gear, depending on the vehicle speed.

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.

ASD1023

OVERDRIVE SWITCH ON: With the engine running and the se- lector lever in the D (Drive) position, the transmission upshifts into OVER- DRIVE as vehicle speed increases.

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 instrument panel comes on at this time.

5-12 Starting and driving

Z X

DRIVING WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION

WARNING

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

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

CAUTION

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

O Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

O 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.

SD1017M

Shifting with manual transmission To change gears, or when up shifting or down shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into the appropriate gear, then release the clutch slowly and smoothly. You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into R (Reverse). First shift into the N (Neutral) position, then into R (Reverse). If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R (Reverse) or 1st, shift into N (Neutral), then release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch pedal and shift into R (Reverse) or 1st again.

If your vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel Transfer case shifting pro- drive, see ‘‘ cedures for four-wheel drive vehicles’’ later in this section. Suggested up-shift speeds The folllowing table provides suggested speed ranges for shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance. Actual shift ranges should be adjusted for specific road conditions, weather conditions and individual driving habits. O Two-wheel drive models and four-wheel

drive models (2H and 4H position):

Shift from

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th O 4-wheel drive model (4L posi-

15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (64) 45 (72)

tion): Shift from

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

MPH (km/h)

8 (13) 12 (19) 20 (32) 22 (35)

Starting and driving 5-13

Z X

Suggested maximum speed in each gear Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate. Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed (shown below) in any gear. For level road driving, use the highest gear suggested for that speed. Always observe posted speed limits, and drive according to the road conditions, which will ensure safe operation. Allowable maximum speed in each gear: 2-wheel drive models

MPH (km/h)

4-wheel drive models

2H/4H position

1st 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th

1st 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th

1st 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th

4L position

30 (48) 55 (88) 80 (129) − (−)

MPH (km/h)

25 (40) 43 (69) 68 (109) − (−)

12 (19) 22 (35) 30 (48) − (−)

STARTING THE ENGINE

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

Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). P (Park) is preferred. The shift lever 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 ignition switch. The starter is designed not to operate if the selector lever is in one of the driving positions. Manual transmission: Move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral), and fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine. The starter is designed not to operate unless the clutch pedal is fully de- pressed.

3. With your foot off

the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure.

O If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold or hot weather, depress the accelerator pedal fully and hold it to help start the engine.

O 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

Always allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds after starting. Drive at a moderate speed for a short distance first, especially in cold weather.

5-14 Starting and driving

Z X

PARKING BRAKE OPERATION

WARNING

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

O Do not release the parking brake

from outside the vehicle.

O Do not use the gear shift in place of the parking brake. When parking, be sure the parking brake is fully en- gaged.

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

ASD1010

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

Place the gearshift position.

in the N (Neutral)

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

3. While pulling out on the parking brake lever slightly, push and hold the release

button, completely.

turn the lever and push it

in

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

Starting and driving 5-15

Z X

CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)

Precautions O The cruise indicator light in the instru- ment panel may blink when the cruise control main switch is turned ON while pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch. To properly set the cruise control system, perform the follow- ing steps in the order indicated.

O If the cruise control system malfunctions, it cancels automatically. The CRUISE light in the instrument panel then blinks to warn the driver.

O If the cruise light blinks, turn the cruise 5-16 Starting and driving

ASD1020

control main switch off and have the system checked by an authorized NIS- SAN dealer.

WARNING

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

vehicle at a set speed.

O In heavy traffic or in traffic that var-

ies in speed.

O On winding or hilly roads.

O On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,

etc.).

O 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.

The cruise control allows driving at a fixed speed between 30 and 90 MPH (48 and 145
km/h) without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. To turn on the cruise control, push the main switch on. The CRUISE CONT indica- tor light 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 panel comes

Z X

on. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set speed. To pass another vehicle, depress the ac- celerator pedal. When you release the pedal, the vehicle returns to the previously set speed. O 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, use one of the following three methods: a) Push the CANCEL button; the CRUISE

light in the instrument panel goes out.

b) Tap the brake pedal; the CRUISE light

goes out.

c) Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE

CONT and CRUISE lights go out.

The cruise control celled and the CRUISE light goes out if: O you depress the brake pedal while push-

is automatically can-

ing the RES/ACCEL set switch.

O the vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH

(13 km/h) below the set speed.

O you depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission), or move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position (automatic trans- mission).

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 set switch. When the vehicle attains the speed you desire, release the switch.

c) Push, and release the RES/ACCEL 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 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.

c) Push, and release the COAST/SET

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

To resume the preset speed, push and release the RES/ACCEL switch. The ve- hicle returns to the last set cruising speed when the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48
km/h).

Starting and driving 5-17

Z X

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

During the first 1,000 miles (1,609 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. O Do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm. Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow.

O Do not drive over the following speed limits: two-wheel drive models and four- wheel drive models (2H position):

Do not exceed the legal speed limit.

four-wheel drive models (4H position):

55 MPH (88 km/h)

four-wheel drive models (4L position):

30 MPH (48 km/h)

O Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

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

(805 km).

5-18 Starting and driving

SD0001
O Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain cruising speeds with a constant accelera- tor position.

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

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

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

O Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

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

tenance schedule.

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

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

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

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

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

Z X

TRANSFER CASE

SHIFTING PROCEDURES FOR 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES

CAUTION

Do not drive on dry, hard surface roads in four-wheel drive. Driving on dry hard surfaces in 4H or 4L may cause unnec- essary noise, tire wear and increased fuel consumption. NISSAN recom- mends driving in the 2H position under these conditions.

WARNING

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

if

even

O Do not leave the transfer control le- ver in the N (Neutral) position. Oth- erwise, the vehicle could roll unex- pectedly the manual transmission is in any gear or the automatic transmission is in the P (Park) position. If the ATP light is on, this indicates that the automatic transmission P position will not function and the transfer control le- ver is in the N position.

ASD1022

O Failure to engage the transfer con- trol lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result in the vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting in serious personal injury or property damage.

2H — (2WD, high range) Only the rear wheels are driven. Use for driving under the same conditions as standard 2WD vehicles or state dynamometer I/M testing. 4H — (4WD, high range) Four wheels are driven. Use when driving on roads where it is difficult to drive in the 2H position (i.e., driving at normal speeds on snow covered, icy, wet, muddy or sandy roads). 4L — (4WD, low range) Four wheels are driven. Use when climbing or descending steep hills, or during hard driving in sand, mud or deep snow. The 4L position provides maximum power and traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed excessively, as the maximum speed is approximately 30 MPH (48 km/h). N — No wheels are driven. Always keep the transfer lever out of the N (Neutral) position. Shift the lever quickly and smoothly when moving across the N (Neutral) position with the vehicle stopped.

Starting and driving 5-19

Z X

AUTO-LOCK

FREE-RUNNING HUBS

SD0021

Your NISSAN is equipped with auto-lock free-running hubs. The auto-lock free-running hub is designed to allow for automatic four-wheel drive en- gagement when the shift lever is moved to the 4H or 4L position. Follow these opera- tional cautions:

CAUTION

O The auto-locking hubs will make a clicking noise when engaging and disengaging. This is normal.

5-20 Starting and driving

O In cold weather, it may be necessary to reduce speed or stop the vehicle in order to shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive.

O When shifting into or out of four- wheel drive while driving, do not stop shift lever movement midway. An incomplete shift may cause a clattering noise from the auto- locking hubs. Continued use of the vehicle with this noise may damage the hub lock. Drive in four-wheel drive to stop the noise. Shift to two- wheel drive as described.

O Accelerating quickly from a stop af- ter shifting from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive may not allow en- gagement of the auto-locking free- running hubs and may cause a clat- tering noise. Continued use of the vehicle with this noise may damage the hub lock. In such a case, release the accelerator pedal to reduce the engine speed or stop the vehicle.

O If the auto-locking hubs make a clat- tering noise after shifting from four- wheel drive to two-wheel drive, stop and move the vehicle about 7 to 10
feet (2 to 3 m) in reverse.

O Under extremely cold conditions [below 5°F (-15°C)], the front axle shafts may rotate even with the transfer lever in the 2H position. If this occurs, the auto-locking hubs may make a clattering noise. To avoid this, drive first in four-wheel drive to warm up the vehicle and differential gear oil. Then, shift to two-wheel drive.

Z X

TO SHIFT

TRANSFER CASE:

SHIFT PROCEDURE FOR AUTO-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUBS

From 2H to 4H

Move the transfer lever to 4H at speeds below 25 MPH (40 km/h). It is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Perform this operation when driving straight.

From 4H to 2H

Move the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed, and it is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Perform this operation when driving straight. NOTE: AUTO-LOCK hubs will not disengage until the vehicle is moved about 3 feet (1 m) in the opposite direction of travel: O When driving forward, stop and move the vehicle 3 feet (1 m) in reverse. O When backing up, stop and move 3 feet (1 m) forward, then move the vehicle about 3 feet (1 m) in reverse.

Disengaging the AUTO LOCK hubs will allow for better fuel economy, quieter ride and less component wear.

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

1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the N (Neutral) position. 3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the 4L or 4H position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.

From 2H to 4L

From 4L to 2H

1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the N (Neutral) position. 3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.

1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the N (Neutral) position. 3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H. Change gears quickly and smoothly. NOTE: Follow the NOTE shown in shifting from 4H to 2H.

Starting and driving 5-21

Z X

pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed to the glove box. Tire chain Tire chains must be installed only on the rear wheels and not on the front wheels. Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads which are clear of snow. Driving with chains in such conditions can cause damage to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to some overstress. When driving on clear paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.

TIRES OF FOUR-WHEEL

DRIVE

CAUTION

Always use tires of the same type, size, brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or radial), and tread pattern on all four wheels. Failure to do so may result in a circumference difference between tires on the front and rear axles which will cause excessive tire wear and may damage the transmission, transfer case and differential gears.

If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom- mended that all four tires be replaced with tires of the same size, brand, construction and tread pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment should also be checked and corrected as necessary. Contact an authorized NISSAN dealer. Snow tires If you install snow tires, they must also be the same size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all four wheels. Tire inflation pressure Periodically check the pressure in all tires, including the spare, with a gauge. Adjust to the specified pressure if necessary. Tire 5-22 Starting and driving

Z X

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

WARNING

O Do not park the vehicle over flam- mable materials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags. They may ignite and cause a fire.

The transfer control

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

O Never place the transfer control le- ver in the N (Neutral) position. Oth- erwise, the vehicle could roll unex-

MSD0002

pectedly even if the manual trans- mission is in gear or the automatic transmission is in the P (Park) posi- tion. This could result in serious in- jury or property damage.

O 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.

O Never leave children unattended in

the vehicle.

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

O If the ATP lamp is ON, this indicates that the automatic transmission P (park) position will not function and the transfer control lever is in the N (neutral) position. Failure to engage the transfer control lever in the 2H, 4H or 4L position could result in the vehicle moving unexpectedly, result- ing in serious personal injury or property damage.

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

Place the gearshift lever in the R (Re-

Starting and driving 5-23

Z X

POWER STEERING SYSTEM

BRAKE SYSTEM

The power assisted steering is designed to use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering. If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will still have control of the vehicle. How- ever, 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.

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 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. 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 the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes function cor- rectly.

verse) position. When parking on an up- hill grade, place the gearshift lever in the 1st position. Automatic transmission models: Move the gearshift lever to the P (Park) position.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into the street when parked on an incline, it is a good practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.

O 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.

O 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.

O 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. 5-24 Starting and driving

Z X

Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the brake linings and pads faster, and reduce gas mileage. To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a lower gear before going down a slope or long grade.

WARNING

O 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.

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

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

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 driving, the anti-lock brake system controls the wheels so they will not lock when braking abruptly or when braking on a slippery road. Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the vehicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The system detects the wheel rotation rate and electronically controls the pressure applied to each brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accom- panied by noise usually occurs while the ABS system is operating. Such vibration and noise encountered during abrupt brak- ing is not a problem, but indicates that the system is functioning. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of elec- tronic sensors 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 operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance. If an abnormality occurs in the system, the anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary brakes will continue to operate normally. The ABS brake warning light will then come on. If the light comes on while you are driving, contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for repair. 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.

Starting and driving 5-25

Z X

WARNING

The anti-lock brake system is a sophisti- cated device, but it cannot prevent acci- dents resulting from careless or danger- ous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control under braking on slippery surfaces, but remember that the stopping distance on slippery surfaces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with the anti-lock brake system. Stopping distances may also be longer on rough, gravel, or snow covered roads, or if you are using tire chains. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the responsi- bility for safety of self and others rests in the hands of the driver. Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness. O When replacing tires, install the speci-

fied tire size on all four wheels.

O When installing a spare tire, make sure it is the proper size and type as speci- fied on the tire placard. For tire placard location information refer to ‘‘Tire plac- ard’’ in the ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section of this manual.

5-26 Starting and driving

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 anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure proper winter protection. For details, 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 water If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open- ing the drain valves located under the radiator and on the engine block. Refill before operat-

the battery is not

ing the vehicle. For details, see ‘‘Changing engine coolant’’ in the ‘‘Do-it-yourself’’ section of this manual. Tire equipment 1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide superior performance on dry pavement. However, the performance of these tires will be substantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper- ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends the use on all four wheels of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEA- SON tires. Please consult your 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, some U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro- hibit their use. Check local, state and pro- vincial 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. Use of

tire chains may be prohibited according to location. Check the local laws before

Z X

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 manufac- turer’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 undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed, otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely af- fected. Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire. 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

O 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.

O 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.

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

slippery roads.

O 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.

O Do not use the cruise control on

slippery roads.

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

Engine block heater (if so equipped) An engine block heater to assist extreme cold temperature starting is available through 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.

Starting and driving 5-27

Z X

MEMO

5-28 Starting and driving

Z X

6 In case of emergency

First aid kit..............................................................6-2
Flat tire ...................................................................6-2
Pantograph type jack .............................................6-6
Jump starting..........................................................6-8
Push starting ........................................................6-10

If your vehicle overheats......................................6-10
Tow truck towing...................................................6-11
Two-wheel drive models.......................................6-12
Four-wheel drive models......................................6-13
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ...........6-14

Z X

FIRST AID KIT

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).

A first aid kit is located on the back door trim panel. To remove the first aid kit, unfasten the two straps.

ACE1041

WARNING

The transfer control

lever must be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position. O Do not leave the transfer control le- ver in the N (Neutral) position. Other- wise, the vehicle could roll unexpect- edly even if the manual transmission is in any gear or the automatic trans- mission is in the P (Park) position. This could result in serious personal injury or property damage.

6-2 In case of emergency

4. Turn off the engine.

Z X

5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road assistance personnel that you require 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

O Make sure the parking brake is se- curely applied and the manual trans- mission is shifted into R (Reverse), or the automatic transmission into P (Park).

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

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

MCE0001

ACE1051

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.

Getting the spare tire and tools 1. Open the back door. 2. Roll back the cargo area carpet. 3. Remove the wheel nut wrench and jack rod. 4. Unscrew the tool tray hold down and

remove the tool tray.

5. Use the tool tray to store lug nuts during

a tire change.

WARNING

Never use the tool tray as a jacking surface.

In case of emergency 6-3

Z X

ACE1033

ACE1034

ACE1035

6. Unscrew the jack hold down and re-

move the jack.

7. Find the oval shaped opening above the middle of the license plate. Pass the T-shaped end of the jack rod through the opening and direct it towards the spare tire winch, located directly above the spare tire.

CAUTION

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

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

9. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod into the T-shaped opening of the tire winch, and turn the jack rod counter clockwise to lower the spare tire.

10. Once the spare tire is completely low- ered, reach under the vehicle, remove the retainer chain, and carefully slide the tire from under the rear of the ve- hicle.

6-4 In case of emergency

Z X

CAUTION

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

CE0047M

ACE1040

In case of emergency 6-5

Z X

PANTOGRAPH TYPE JACK

Removing wheel cover

CAUTION

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

Use caution not to scratch the wheel cover or wheel surface.

Jacking up the vehicle and remov- ing the wheel Always refer to the proper illustrations for the correct placement and jack-up points for your specific vehicle model and jack type.

6-6 In case of emergency

ACE1042

WARNING

O Never get under the vehicle while it

is supported only by the jack.

O Use only the jack provided with your vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use the jack provided with your vehicle on other vehicles. The jack is de- signed for lifting only your vehicle during a tire change.

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

Z X

O Never jack up the vehicle more than

necessary.

O Never use blocks on or under the

jack.

O Never use the tool tray as a jacking

surface.

O Do not allow passengers to stay in

the vehicle while it is on the jack.

O Do not start or run engine while vehicle is on the jack. It may cause the vehicle to move. This is espe- cially true for vehicles with limited slip differential carriers.

CE0116

WARNING

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

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

Installing the spare tire 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 the wheel nuts alternately and evenly until they are tight.

4. Lower the vehicle slowly until

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

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

87 to 108 ft-lb (118 to 147 Nzm)

The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to specification at all times. It is recom- mended that wheel nuts be tightened to specification at each lubrication interval. Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pres- sure.

In case of emergency 6-7

Z X

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

O 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

JUMP STARTING

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

WARNING

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

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

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

O Keep battery out of the reach of

children.

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

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 inside of the glove box lid. O Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire, etc.).

5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking

equipment in the vehicle.

WARNING

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

6-8 In case of emergency

Z X

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

WARNING

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

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

ACE1018

2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift selector lever to N (Neutral) (on auto- matic transmission models, move the lever to P (Park)). Switch off all unneces- sary electrical systems (lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).

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

4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence

as illustrated.

CAUTION

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

O Make sure the jumper cables do not touch moving parts in the engine compartment 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 r/min, 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 your engine, carefully dis- connect the negative cable and then the positive cable.

In case of emergency 6-9

Z X

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.

PUSH STARTING

CAUTION

O Automatic transmission models can- not be push or tow started. This may cause transmission or other vehicle damage.

O 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, or detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow- ing steps:

WARNING

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

O 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.

O 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 N (Neutral), or the au- tomatic transmission into P (Park). Do not stop the engine.

2. Turn off

the air conditioner

(if so equipped). Open all of the windows, move the heater or air conditioner tem-

6-10 In case of emergency

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 reser- voir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at an authorized NISSAN dealer.

perature control to maximum 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 r/min) until the temperature gauge indicator re- turns 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 radiator should not leak water. If coolant is leak- ing, or the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.

TOW TRUCK TOWING

Incorrect

When towing your vehicle, U.S. States, Ca- nadian provinces and local regulations for towing must be followed. towing equipment could damage your vehicle. Tow- ing instructions are available from an autho- rized 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. It is advis- able to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions:

O Never ride in a vehicle that is being

WARNING

towed.

O Never get under your vehicle after it

has been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

O 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

O Be sure to place the transfer control lever into the 2H position, and the transmission selector lever into the N (Neutral) position.

O Always attach safety chains before

towing.

O When towing with the front wheels on the ground or with the rear wheels on the ground (if you do not use towing dollies): Move the trans- fer control lever into the 2H position. O When towing with the front wheels on the ground: Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and move the transmission shift lever to the N (Neutral) position. To move the se- lector lever to the N (Neutral) posi- tion on automatic transmission mod- els, turn the ignition key to the ACC position. After moving the selector lever to the N (Neutral) position, turn the ignition key to the OFF position and secure the steering wheel in the 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.

O When towing manual transmission models with rear wheels on the ground: Always release the parking brake and move the transmission shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.

6-12 In case of emergency

ACE1037

TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground as illustrated.

Z X

CAUTION

If you have to tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground or with front wheels raised (with rear wheels on the ground), observe the following re- stricted towing speeds and distances: Automatic transmission model: O Speed: Below 30 MPH (48 km/h) O Distance: Less than 40 miles (64 km) Manual transmission model: O Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h) O Distance: Less than 500 miles (805

km)

If the speed or distance must necessarily be greater, remove the propeller shaft before- hand to prevent damage to the transmis- sion.

CAUTION

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

ACE1038

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS NISSAN recommends that a dolly be used as illustrated when towing your vehicle.

CAUTION

If you have to tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground or with the front or rear wheels raised, observe the fol- lowing restricted towing speeds and distances: Automatic transmission model: O Speed: Below 30 MPH (48 km/h) O Distance: Less than 40 miles (64 km) Manual transmission model: O Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h) O Distance: Less than 500 miles (805

km)

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

CAUTION

O Never tow your 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.

In case of emergency 6-13

Z X

O Be sure to place the transfer control lever into the 2H position, and the transmission selector lever into the N (Neutral) position.

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

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

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

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

O 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.

6-14 In case of emergency

Z X

7 Appearance and care

Cleaning exterior and interior.................................7-2

Corrosion protection...............................................7-4

Z X

CLEANING EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

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: O after a rainfall to prevent possible dam-

age from acid rain.

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

7-2 Appearance and care

O 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 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

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

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

O 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 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. An authorized NISSAN dealer can assist

Z X

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

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

O 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 per- manent damage or staining. Special clean- ing products are available at an authorized NISSAN dealer or any automotive accesso- ries store. Underbody In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is necessary to clean the underbody regu- larly in order to prevent dirt and salt from building up and causing corrosion on the

underbody and suspension. Before the win- ter period and again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if neces- sary, retreated. Cleaning glass Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor- mal for glass to be 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 or abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They could dam- age the electrical conductors, radio an- tenna elements or rear window defog- ger elements.

Chrome parts Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish. Cleaning interior Occasionally remove loose dust from the 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 stain or bleach the seat material. Use a cloth damp- ened only with water, to clean the meter and gauge lens.

CAUTION

O Never use benzine, thinner or any