Get Starting and driving Guide for Nissan X Trail SUV First Generation (2000-2006)

5 Starting and driving

Precautions when starting and driving ............................ 5-2

Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................................. 5-2

Three way catalyst .......................................................... 5-3

Avoiding collision and rollover ..................................... 5-3

On-pavement and offroad driving precautions ....... 5-4

Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-4

Driving safety precautions ............................................ 5-4

Ignition switch ....................................................................... 5-6

Automatic transmission ................................................. 5-6

Manual transmission ....................................................... 5-7

Key positions ................................................................... 5-8

Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ........................... 5-8

Before starting the engine ................................................. 5-9

Starting the engine ............................................................... 5-9

Driving the vehicle ............................................................. 5-10

Automatic transmission ............................................... 5-10

Manual transmission .................................................... 5-14

Parking brake ...................................................................... 5-15

Cruise control ..................................................................... 5-16

Precautions on cruise control ................................... 5-16

Cruise control operations ........................................... 5-17

Break-in schedule .............................................................. 5-18

Increasing fuel economy .................................................. 5-18

Using four wheel drive (4WD) (if so equipped) ........ 5-19

4WD mode switch operations .................................. 5-20

4WD warning light ....................................................... 5-21

Parking/parking on hills .................................................... 5-23

Power steering .................................................................... 5-24

Brake system ....................................................................... 5-24

Braking precautions ..................................................... 5-24

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................. 5-25

Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system

(if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-26

Cold weather driving ......................................................... 5-27

Freeing a frozen door lock ......................................... 5-27

Antifreeze ........................................................................ 5-27

Battery ............................................................................. 5-27

Draining of coolant water ........................................... 5-27

Tire equipment .............................................................. 5-28

Special winter equipment .......................................... 5-28

Driving on snow or ice ................................................ 5-28

Engine block heater (if so equipped) ..................... 5-29

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WARNING

쐌 Do not leave children or adults who

would normally require the support

of others alone in your vehicle. Pets

should not be left alone either. They

could accidentally injure themselves

or others through inadvertent opera-

tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot,

sunny days, temperatures in a closed

vehicle could quickly become high

enough to cause severe or possibly

fatal injuries to people or animals.

쐌 Properly secure all cargo to help pre-

vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not

place cargo higher than the seat-

backs. In a sudden stop or collision,

unsecured cargo could cause per-

sonal injury.

EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)

WARNING

Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-

tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-

oxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous.

It can cause unconsciousness or death.

쐌 If you suspect that exhaust fumes are

entering the vehicle, drive with all

windows fully open, and have the

vehicle inspected immediately.

쐌 Do not run the engine in closed

spaces such as a garage.

쐌 Do not park the vehicle with the en-

gine running for any extended length

of time.

쐌 Keep the back door closed while driv-

ing, otherwise exhaust gases could

be drawn into the passenger com-

partment. If you must drive with the

back door open, follow these precau-

tions:

1. Open all the windows.

2. Set the air recirculation button off

and the fan control at the highest

position to circulate the air.

쐌 If electrical wiring or other cable con-

nections must pass to a trailer

through the seal on the back door or

the body, follow the manufacturer’s

recommendation to prevent carbon

monoxide entry into the vehicle.

쐌 If a special body or other equipment

is added for recreational or other

usage, follow the manufacturer’s rec-

ommendation to prevent carbon

monoxide entry into the vehicle.

(Some recreational vehicle appli-

ances such as stoves, refrigerator,

heaters, etc. may also generate car-

bon monoxide.)

쐌 The exhaust system and body should

be inspected by a qualified mechanic

whenever:

a. The vehicle is raised for service.

b. You suspect that exhaust fumes

are entering into the passenger

compartment.

c. You notice a change in the sound

of the exhaust system.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING

AND DRIVING

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d. You have had an accident involv-

ing damage to the exhaust system,

underbody, or rear of the vehicle.

THREE WAY CATALYST

The three way catalyst is an emission control

device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust

gases in the converter are burned at high tem-

peratures to help reduce pollutants.

WARNING

쐌 The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-

tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-

mals or flammable materials away

from the exhaust system compo-

nents.

쐌 Do not stop or park the vehicle over

flammable materials such as dry

grass, waste paper or rags. They may

ignite and cause a fire.

CAUTION

쐌 Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits

from leaded gasoline seriously re-

duce the three way catalyst’s ability

to help reduce exhaust pollutants.

쐌 Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-

tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or

electrical systems can cause overrich

fuel flow into the three way catalyst,

causing it to overheat. Do not keep

driving if the engine misfires, or if

noticeable loss of performance or

other unusual operating conditions

are detected. Have the vehicle in-

spected promptly by a NISSAN

dealer.

쐌 Avoid driving with an extremely low

fuel level. Running out of fuel could

cause the engine to misfire, damag-

ing the three way catalyst.

쐌 Do not race the engine while warm-

ing it up.

쐌 Do not push or tow your vehicle to

start the engine.

AVOIDING COLLISION AND

ROLLOVER

WARNING

Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe

and prudent manner may result in loss

of control or an accident.

Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey

all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed,

high speed cornering, or sudden steering ma-

neuvers, because these driving practices could

cause you to lose control of your vehicle. As

with any vehicle, a loss of control could

result in a collision with other vehicles or

objects, or cause the vehicle to rollover,

particularly if the loss of control causes the

vehicle to slide sideways. Be attentive at all

times, and 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). Always

wear your seat belt. See “Seat belts” in the “1.

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental

restraint system” section. Also instruct your pas-

sengers to do so.

Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in

collisions and rollovers. In a rollover crash, an

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unbelted or improperly belted person is

significantly more likely to be injured or

killed than a person properly wearing a

seat belt.

ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD

DRIVING PRECAUTIONS

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher

rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

Utility vehicle have a higher ground clearance

than passenger vehicles to make them capable

of performing in a variety of on-pavement and

offroad applications. Higher ground clearance

gives the utility vehicle a higher center of gravity

than passenger vehicles. An advantage of higher

ground clearance is a better view of the road,

allowing you to anticipate problems. However,

utility vehicles are not designed for cornering at

the same speeds as passenger two-wheel drive

vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars are

designed to perform satisfactorily under offroad

conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or

abrupt maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.

As with other vehicles of this type, failure to

operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss

of control or vehicle rollover.

Be sure to read the driving safety precautions

later in this section.

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 judgment. Driving after

drinking alcohol increases the likeli-

hood of being involved in an accident

injuring yourself and others. Addition-

ally, if you are injured in the accident,

alcohol can increase the severity of the

injury.

NISSAN is committed to safe driving. You must

not drive under the influence of alcohol. Every

year thousands of people are injured or killed in

alcohol related accidents. Although the local

laws vary on what is considered to be legally

intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol affects all

people differently and most people underesti-

mate the effects of alcohol.

Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!

And that’s true for drugs too (over the counter,

prescription, and illegal drugs). Don’t drive if

your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by

alcohol, drugs, or some other physical condition.

DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please observe the following precautions:

WARNING

쐌 Drive carefully when off the road and

avoid dangerous areas. Every person

who drives or rides in this vehicle

should be seated with their seat belt

fastened. This will keep you and your

passengers in position when driving

over rough terrain.

쐌 Before driving up or down grades,

check the road surface for bumps or

potholes. Be sure to climb a gentle

slope and descend a gentle slope.

쐌 Do not drive across steep slopes.

Instead drive either straight up or

straight down the slopes. Off-road

vehicles can tip over sideways much

more easily than they can forward or

backward.

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쐌 Many hills are too steep for any ve-

hicle. If you drive up them, you may

stall. If you drive down them, you may

not be able to control your speed. If

you drive across them, you may roll

over.

쐌 Do not shift gears while driving on

downhill grades as this could cause

loss of control of the vehicle.

쐌 Be sure to use the engine brake. The

foot brake performance may be re-

duced, resulting in a possible acci-

dent.

쐌 Stay alert when driving to the top of a

hill. At the top there could be a drop-

off or other hazard that could cause

an accident.

쐌 If your engine stalls or you cannot

make it to the top of a steep hill,

never attempt to turn around. Your

vehicle could tip or roll over. Always

back straight down in R (Reverse)

gear. Never back down in N (Neutral)

or with the clutch depressed (manual

transmission vehicles), using only the

brake, as this could cause loss of

control.

쐌 Heavy braking going down a hill

could cause your brakes to overheat

and fade, resulting in loss of control

and an accident. Apply brakes lightly

and use a low range to control your

speed.

쐌 Unsecured cargo can be thrown

around when driving over rough ter-

rain. Properly secure all cargo so it

will not be thrown forward and cause

injury to you or your passengers.

쐌 To avoid raising the center of gravity

excessively, do not exceed the rated

capacity of the roof rack (if so

equipped) and evenly distribute the

load. Secure heavy loads in the cargo

area as far forward and as low as

possible. Do not equip the vehicle

with tires larger than specified in this

manual. This could cause your ve-

hicle to roll over.

쐌 Do not grip the inside or spokes of

the steering wheel when driving off-

road. The steering wheel could move

suddenly and injure your hands. In-

stead drive with your fingers and

thumbs on the outside of the rim.

쐌 Before operating the vehicle, ensure

that the driver and all passengers

have their seat belts fastened.

쐌 Always drive with the floor mats in

place as the floor may become hot.

쐌 Lower your speed when encountering

strong crosswinds. With a higher

center of gravity, your NISSAN is

more affected by strong side winds.

Slower speeds ensure better vehicle

control.

쐌 Do not drive beyond the performance

of the tires, even with 4WD engaged.

Accelerating quickly, sharp steering

maneuvers or sudden braking may

cause loss of control.

쐌 If at all possible, avoid sharp turning

maneuvers, particularly at high

speeds. Your NISSAN four wheel

drive vehicle has a higher center of

Starting and driving 5-5

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gravity than a two wheel drive ve-

hicle. The vehicle is not designed for

cornering at the same speeds as con-

ventional two wheel drive vehicles.

Failure to operate this vehicle cor-

rectly could result in loss of control

and/or a roll over accident.

쐌 Always use tires of the same type,

size, brand, construction (bias, bias-

belted or radial), and tread pattern on

all four wheels. Install tire chains on

the front wheels when driving on slip-

pery roads and drive carefully.

쐌 Be sure to check the brakes immedi-

ately after driving in mud or water.

See “Brake system” later in this sec-

tion for wet brakes.

쐌 Avoid parking your vehicle on steep

hills. If you get out of the vehicle and

it rolls forward, backward or side-

ways, you could be injured.

쐌 Whenever you drive off-road through

sand, mud or water as deep as the

wheel hub, more frequent mainte-

nance may be required. See “Peri-

odic maintenance” in the “Service

and Maintenance Guide”.

쐌 Do not drive continuously on sandy

or muddy roads with the front wheels

spinning. The 4WD warning light

blinks and the driving mode changes

to 2WD. This could reduce traction

force remarkably. Be especially care-

ful when towing a trailer. (4WD mod-

els)

쐌 Do not use 2-wheel chassis dyna-

mometers or 2-wheel free rollers.

(4WD models)

쐌 Never operate the accelerator pedal

with any wheels raised and the other

wheels on the ground while jacking

up or with any wheels on a roller and

the other wheels on the ground. Oth-

erwise, the vehicle could lurch for-

ward or backward. (4WD models)

쐌 When a wheel is off the ground due

to an unlevel surface, do not spin the

wheel excessively. (4WD models)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The ignition lock is designed so that the key

cannot be turned to LOCK and removed until the

selector lever is moved to the P (Park) position.

When removing the key from the ignition, make

sure the selector lever is in the P (Park) position.

If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)

position, the key cannot be moved toward

LOCK.

When the key cannot be turned toward the

LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove

the key:

SSD0083F

IGNITION SWITCH

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1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)

position.

2. Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON direc-

tion.

3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.

4. Remove the key.

If the key is removed from the ignition switch, the

selector lever cannot be moved from P (Park)

position. The 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 in between LOCK and

ACC, although it does not show on the lock

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 1/6 of a turn clockwise

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 steer-

ing 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

and/or personal injury.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

The ignition switch includes an anti-theft steer-

ing lock device.

On manual transmission models, the ignition

lock is designed so that the key cannot be

turned to LOCK and removed unless the key is

pushed in while turning the key between ACC

and LOCK.

In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it

must be turned about 1/6 of a turn clockwise

from the straight up position.

To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to

the LOCK position. Remove the key.

SSD0082C

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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

and/or personal injury.

KEY POSITIONS

The switch includes an anti-theft steering lock

device.

LOCK (Normal parking position) (0)

The ignition key can only be removed when the

switch is in this position.

OFF (1)

The engine can be turned off without locking the

steering wheel.

ACC (Accessories) (2)

This position activates electrical accessories

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.

START (4)

This position activates the starter motor, starting

the engine.

NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER

SYSTEM

The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System will not

allow the engine to start without the use of the

registered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System

key.

If the engine fails to start using the registered

Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key, it may be

due to interference caused by another Nissan

Vehicle Immobilizer System key, an automated

toll road device or automated payment device on

the key ring. Restart the engine using the follow-

ing procedures:

1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position

for approximately 5 seconds.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK

position and wait approximately 10 seconds.

3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.

4. Restart the engine while holding the device

(which may have caused the interference)

separate from the registered Nissan Vehicle

Immobilizer System key.

If this procedure allows the engine to start,

NISSAN recommends placing the registered

Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key on a

separate key ring to avoid interference from

other devices.

5-8 Starting and driving

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쐌 Make sure the area around the vehicle is

clear.

쐌 Maintenance items should be checked peri-

odically, for example, each time you check

engine oil.

쐌 Check that all windows and lights are clean.

쐌 Visually inspect tires for their appearance and

condition. Also, check tires for proper infla-

tion.

쐌 Lock all doors.

쐌 Position seat and adjust head restraints.

쐌 Adjust inside and outside mirrors.

쐌 Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to

do likewise.

쐌 Check the operation of warning lights when

key is turned to the ON (3) position.

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Automatic transmission:

Move the selector lever to P or N. (P is

preferred.)

The starter is designed so that the starter

does not operate unless the selector lever is

in either one of the above positions.

Manual transmission:

Move the shift lever to the N position. De-

press the clutch pedal fully to the floor.

The starter is designed so that it does not

operate unless the clutch pedal is fully de-

pressed.

3. Turn the ignition switch to START (4) to

crank the engine with your foot off the

accelerator pedal. Release the key when

the engine starts.

If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the

above procedure.

쐌 If the engine is very hard to start in extremely

cold weather or when restarting, depress the

accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/3

to the floor) and hold it then crank the engine.

Release the key and the accelerator pedal

when the engine starts.

쐌 If the engine is very hard to start because it is

flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all the

way to the floor and hold it. Crank the engine

for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking the engine,

release the accelerator pedal. Crank the en-

gine 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.

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. Do not race the en-

gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate

speed for a short distance first, especially in

cold weather.

In cold weather, keep the engine running for

a minimum of2-3minutes before shutting it

off. Starting and stopping the engine over a

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE

Starting and driving 5-9

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short period of time may make the vehicle

more difficult to start.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The automatic transmission in your vehicle is

electronically controlled by a transmission con-

trol module to produce maximum efficiency and

smooth operation.

Shown on the following pages are the recom-

mended operating procedures for this transmis-

sion. Follow these procedures for maximum ve-

hicle performance and driving enjoyment.

Starting the vehicle

After starting the engine, fully depress the foot

brake pedal and push the selector lever button

before shifting the selector lever to the R (Re-

verse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), 2 (Second) or 1

(Low) position. Be sure the vehicle is fully

stopped before attempting to shift the selector

lever.

This automatic transmission model is de-

signed so that the foot brake pedal must

be depressed before shifting from P (Park)

to any drive position while the ignition

switch is ON.

The selector lever cannot be moved out of

the P (Park) position and into any of the

other gear positions if the ignition key is

turned to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position

or if the key is removed from the switch.

1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and

push the selector lever button to shift into a

driving gear.

2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,

then gradually start the vehicle in motion.

WARNING

쐌 Do not depress the accelerator pedal

while shifting from P (Park) or N

(Neutral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive).

Always depress the brake pedal until

shifting is complete. Failure to do so

could cause you to lose control and

have an accident.

쐌 Cold engine idle speed is high, so use

caution when shifting into a forward

or reverse gear before the engine has

warmed up.

쐌 On slippery roads, do not downshift.

This may cause a loss of control.

쐌 Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)

while vehicle is moving forward.

Never shift to P (Park) or D (Drive)

while vehicle is moving rearward.

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

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These could cause you to lose control

and have an accident.

CAUTION

When stopping the vehicle on an uphill

grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-

pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot

brakes should be used for this purpose.

Shifting

After starting the engine, fully depress the brake

pedal and shift the selector lever from P (Park) to

R (Reverse), D (Drive), or any of the desired shift

positions.

Push the button to shift into P (Park) or R

(Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2 (Second). All

other positions can be selected without pushing

the button.

WARNING

Apply the parking brake if the selector

lever is in any position while the engine

is not running. Failure to do so could

cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly

or roll away and result in serious per-

sonal injury and/or property damage.

If the key is turned to OFF or ACC for any reason

while the vehicle is in R (Reverse), N (Neutral), or

any D (Drive) position, the key cannot be turned

to LOCK and be removed from the ignition

switch. Move the selector lever to P (Park)

position, then the key can be turned to LOCK.

P (Park):

Use this selector position when the vehicle is

parked or when starting the engine. Make sure

the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake

pedal must be depressed to move the se-

lector lever from N (Neutral) or any drive

position to P (Park). Apply the parking brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake

first, then move the lever to the P (Park) position.

SSD0372

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CAUTION

Use this position only when the vehicle

is completely stopped.

R (Reverse):

Use this position to back up. Always be sure the

vehicle is completely stopped when selecting R

(Reverse). The brake pedal must be de-

pressed to move the selector lever from P

(Park) to R (Reverse).

N (Neutral):

Neither forward nor reverse is engaged. The

engine can be started in this position. You may

shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine

while the vehicle is moving.

D (Drive):

Use this position for all normal forward driving.

2 (Second):

Use this position for hill climbing or engine

braking on downhill grades.

Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds above

110 km/h (69 MPH). Do not exceed 110 km/h

(69 MPH) in the 2 position.

1 (Low):

Use this position for maximum engine braking on

steep downhill gradients/climbing steep slopes

and whenever approaching sharp bends. Do not

use the L position in any other circumstances.

Shift from the D to 2 or 1 position after releasing

the accelerator pedal.

Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds above

60 km/h (38 MPH). Do not exceed 60 km/h (38

MPH) in the 1 position.

Shift lock release

If the battery charge is low or discharged, the

selector lever may not be moved from the P

(Park) position even with the brake pedal de-

pressed.

To move the selector lever, depress the brake

pedal, remove the cover using a suitable tool and

push the shift lock release button. The selector

lever can be moved to N (Neutral). This allows

the vehicle to be moved if the battery is dis-

charged.

If the selector lever cannot be moved out of P

(Park), have your NISSAN dealer check the

SSD0370

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automatic transmission as soon as possible.

Accelerator downshift

— In D position —

For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress

the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the

transmission down into lower range, depending

on the vehicle speed.

Overdrive switch

Each time your vehicle is started, the transmis-

sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.

ON: With the engine running and the shift

selector lever in the D (Drive) position, the

transmission upshifts into Overdrive as ve-

hicle speed increases.

Overdrive does not engage until the engine

has reached operating temperature.

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.

When cruising at a low speed or climbing a

gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift

shocks as the transmission shifts into and out of

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 Overdrive on.

Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-

tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.

This reduces fuel economy.

Fail-safe

If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-

ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning

and subsequent hard braking, the Fail-safe

system may be activated. This will occur

even if all electrical circuits are functioning

properly. In this case, turn the ignition key

OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the

key back to the ON position. The vehicle

may return to its normal operating condi-

tion. If it does not return to its normal

operating condition have your NISSAN

dealer check the transmission and repair if

necessary.

SSD0371

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WARNING

When the high fluid temperature protec-

tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs,

vehicle speed may be gradually re-

duced. On highways, the reduced speed

may be lower than other traffic which

could increase the chance of a collision.

Be especially careful when driving. If

necessary, pull to the side of the road at

a safe place and allow the transmission

to return to normal operation, or have it

repaired if necessary.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Starting the vehicle

1. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor and

move the shift lever to the 1 (Low gear) or R

(Reverse) position.

2. Slowly depress the accelerator pedal, releas-

ing the clutch pedal and parking brake lever

at the same time.

Shifting

To change gears, or when upshifting or down-

shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into

the appropriate gear, then release the clutch

slowly and smoothly.

To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress

the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever.

If the clutch pedal is not fully depressed before

the transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be

heard. Transmission damage could occur.

Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd,

4th and 5th gear in sequence according to the

vehicle speed.

You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into R

(Reverse). First shift into the N (Neutral) position,

then into R.

If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R or 1st,

shift to N, then release the clutch pedal. Fully

depress the clutch pedal again and shift into R

or 1st again.

WARNING

쐌 Do not downshift abruptly on slip-

pery roads. This may cause a loss of

control.

쐌 Do not over-rev the engine when

shifting to a lower gear. This may

cause a loss of control or engine

damage.

SSD0002

5-14 Starting and driving

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

CAUTION

쐌 Do not rest your foot on the clutch

pedal while driving. This may damage

the clutch.

쐌 Fully depress the clutch pedal before

shifting to help prevent transmission

damage.

쐌 Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

쐌 When the vehicle is stopped for a

period of time, for example at a stop

light, shift to N (Neutral) and release

the clutch pedal with the foot brake

applied.

Suggested upshift speeds

Shown below are suggested vehicle speeds for

shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions

relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance.

Actual upshift speeds will vary according to road

conditions, the weather and individual driving

habits.

Gear change km/h (MPH)

1st to 2nd 24 (15)

2nd to 3rd 40 (25)

3rd to 4th 64 (40)

4th to 5th 72 (45)

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. Do not over-rev the en-

gine when shifting to a lower gear as it may

cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control.

Gear km/h (MPH)

1st 45 (28)

2nd 85 (53)

3rd 135 (84)

4th to 5th — (—)

To apply: pull the lever up.

To release:

1. Firmly apply foot brake.

2. Manual transmission models:

Place the gearshift lever in the N (Neutral)

position.

Automatic transmission models:

Move the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-

tion.

3. While pulling up on the lever slightly, push

the button and lower completely.

PD1001M

PARKING BRAKE

Starting and driving 5-15

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

WARNING

쐌 Be sure the parking brake is fully

released before driving. Failure to do

so can cause brake failure and lead

to an accident.

쐌 Do not release the parking brake

from outside the vehicle.

쐌 Do not use the gear shift in place of

the parking brake. When parking, be

sure the parking brake is fully en-

gaged.

쐌 Do not leave children unattended in a

vehicle. They could release the park-

ing brake and cause an accident.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driv-

ing under the following conditions:

쐌 it is not possible to keep the vehicle

at a set speed.

쐌 in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies

in speed.

쐌 on winding or hilly roads.

쐌 on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,

etc.).

쐌 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 depressing

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.

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE

CONTROL

쐌 If the cruise control system malfunctions, it

cancels automatically. The SET indicator light

on the meter panel then blinks to warn the

driver.

쐌 If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the

cruise control main switch off and have the

system checked by your NISSAN dealer.

쐌 The SET indicator light may blink when the

cruise control main switch is turned on while

pushing the ACCEL/RES, SET/COAST, or

CANCEL switch (located on the steering

wheel). To properly set the cruise control

system, perform the preceding steps in the

order indicated.

CRUISE CONTROL

5-16 Starting and driving

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

The cruise control allows driving at a speed

between 40 to 144 km/h (25 to 89 MPH)

without keeping your foot on the accelerator

pedal.

To turn on the cruise control, push the main

switch on. The CRUISE indicator light on the

meter panel will come on.

To set at cruising speed, accelerate your

vehicle to the desired speed, push the

SET/COAST switch and release it. (The SET

indicator light will come on.) Take your foot off

the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will maintain

the set speed.

쐌 To pass another vehicle, depress the ac-

celerator pedal. When you release the pedal,

the vehicle will return to the previously set

speed.

쐌 The vehicle may not maintain the set speed

when going up or down steep hills. If this

happens, drive without the cruise control.

To cancel the preset speed, follow either of

these three methods:

a) Push the cancel switch; The SET indicator

light will go out.

b) Tap the brake pedal; The SET indicator light

will go out.

c) Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE

indicator and SET indicator lights will go out.

쐌 If you depress the brake pedal while pushing

the ACCEL/RES set switch and reset at the

cruising speed, turn the main switch off once

and then turn it on again.

쐌 The cruise control will automatically be can-

celled if the vehicle slows down below ap-

proximately 13 km/h (8 MPH).

쐌 Move the selector lever to N (Neutral) posi-

tion. The SET indicator light will go out.

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, then quickly release the ACCEL/RES

set switch. Each time you do this, the set

speed will increase by about 1.6 km/h (1

MPH).

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. Re-

lease the switch when the vehicle slows

down to the desired speed.

c) Push, then quickly release the SET/

COAST switch. Each time you do this, the set

speed will decrease by about 1.6 km/h (1

MPH).

To resume the preset speed, push and re-

lease the ACCEL/RES set switch. The vehicle

will resume the last set cruising speed when the

vehicle speed is over 40 km/h (25 MPH).

SSD0236

Starting and driving 5-17

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

During the first 2,000 km (1,200 miles), follow

these recommendations to obtain maximum en-

gine performance and ensure the future reliability

and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to

follow these recommendations may result in

shortened engine life and reduced engine per-

formance.

쐌 Avoid driving for long periods at constant

speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the

engine over 4,000 rpm.

쐌 Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.

쐌 Avoid quick starts.

쐌 Avoid hard braking as much as possible.

쐌 Do not tow a trailer for the first 800 km (500

miles).

쐌 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain

cruising speeds with a constant accelerator

position.

쐌 Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.

Driving at high speed will lower fuel economy.

쐌 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.

Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-

hicles.

쐌 Use a proper gear range which suits road

conditions. On level roads, shift into high gear

as soon as possible.

쐌 Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

쐌 Keep your engine tuned up.

쐌 Follow the recommended periodic mainte-

nance schedule.

쐌 Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres-

sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear and

waste fuel.

쐌 Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.

Improper alignment will cause not only tire

wear but also lower fuel economy.

쐌 Air conditioner operation lowers fuel

economy. Use the air conditioner only when

necessary.

쐌 When cruising at highway speeds, it is more

economical to use the air conditioner and

leave the windows closed to reduce drag.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

5-18 Starting and driving

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

The ALL MODE 4X4 system is used to select

2WD, AUTO or LOCK depending on the driving

conditions.

ALL MODE 4X4 system electronically controls

the coupling. Move the 4WD mode switch to

select 2WD, AUTO or LOCK.

WARNING

A vehicle equipped with 4WD (Four

Wheel Drive) should never be tested

using a two wheel dynamometer, or

similar equipment. Make sure you in-

form the test facility personnel that your

vehicle is a 4WD equipped vehicle be-

fore it is placed on a dynamometer.

Failure to do so may result in transmis-

sion damage or unexpected vehicle

movement which could result in serious

vehicle damage or personal injury.

SSD0349A

4WD MODE SWITCH

USING FOUR WHEEL DRIVE

(4WD) (if so equipped)

Starting and driving 5-19

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

4WD MODE SWITCH OPERATIONS

The 4WD mode switch electronically controls

the coupling. Move the switch to select between

each mode, 2WD, AUTO and LOCK, depending

on driving conditions.

WARNING

Depending on the driving condition, the

4WD mode may automatically change

from 2WD to 4WD even when the 2WD

mode switch is selected.*

Do not start engine while in the 2WD,

AUTO or LOCK mode in the following

cases:

쐌 When on a free-roller or jacking up

the front tires with the rear tires on

the ground.

쐌 When towing with the rear tires

raised from the ground.

* The 4WD mode indicator light does not illumi-

nate even if the mode automatically changes

from 2WD to 4WD while driving.

4WD shift tips

쐌 If the 4WD mode switch is operated while

making a turn, accelerating or decelerating,

or if the key switch is turned off while in the

AUTO or LOCK, you may feel a jerk. This is

not abnormal.

쐌 The oil temperature of power train parts will

increase if the vehicle is continuously oper-

ated under conditions where the difference in

rotation between the front and rear wheels is

large (wheels slip) by driving the vehicle

SSD0223A

5-20 Starting and driving

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

off-road through sand, mud or water or free-

ing a stuck vehicle. In this case, the 4WD

warning light blinks rapidly and the 4WD

mode changes to the 2WD mode to protect

the power train parts. If you stop driving with

the engine idling and wait until the warning

light stops blinking, the 4WD returns to the

AUTO mode.

쐌 Brake distance in the 4WD mode is the same

as 2WD.

쐌 Even if the mode automatically changes to

the AUTO mode when driving with the LOCK

mode selected, the indicator light stays in the

LOCK mode.

WARNING

쐌 Do not place a 4WD equipped vehicle

on a two wheel dynamometer or raise

two wheels off the ground and shift

the transmission to any D (drive) or R

(reverse) position. Doing so may re-

sult in transmission damage or unex-

pected vehicle movement which

could result in serious vehicle dam-

age or personal injury.

쐌 When driving straight, shift the 4WD

lock switch to 2WD, AUTO or LOCK.

Do not operate the 4WD lock switch

when making a turn or reversing.

쐌 Do not operate the 4WD mode switch

(2WD, AUTO and LOCK) with the front

wheel spinning.

쐌 Engine idling speed is high while

warming up the engine. Be especially

careful when starting or driving on

slippery surfaces with the 4WD lock

switch set in AUTO.

4WD WARNING LIGHT

The 4WD warning light is located in the instru-

ment panel.

The 4WD warning light comes on when the key

SSD0142B

Starting and driving 5-21

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the

engine is started.

If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system

when the key switch is ON, the warning light will

either remain illuminated or blink.

High-temperature power-train oil makes the

warning light blink rapidly (about twice per sec-

ond). The driving mode will change to 2WD.

AUTO mode may change to LOCK mode before

the warning light blinks. This is normal. If the

warning light blinks rapidly during operation,

stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately.

Then if the light goes off after a while, you can

continue driving.

A large difference between the diameters of

front and rear wheels will make the warning light

blink slowly (about once per two seconds).

Change the 4WD mode switch into 2WD and

do not drive fast.

WARNING

Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped

vehicle with two wheels on a two wheel

dynamometer and the other two wheels

raised. Doing so may result in transmis-

sion damage or unexpected vehicle

movement which could result in serious

vehicle damage or personal injury.

CAUTION

쐌 If the warning light comes on while

driving, 4WD mode will be changed

to 2WD mode. Reduce the vehicle

speed and have your vehicle checked

by a NISSAN dealer as soon as pos-

sible.

쐌 When the warning light comes on,

the 2WD mode may be engaged even

if the 4WD mode switch is in AUTO or

LOCK. Be especially careful when

driving.

쐌 Never drive on dry hard surface roads

in the LOCK mode, as this will over-

load the power-train and may cause a

serious malfunction.

쐌 If the warning light is still on, have

your vehicle checked by a NISSAN

dealer as soon as possible.

쐌 The power-train may be damaged if

you continue driving with the warning

light blinking rapidly.

5-22 Starting and driving

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

WARNING

쐌 Do not stop or park the vehicle over

flammable materials such as dry

grass, waste paper or rags. They may

ignite and cause a fire.

쐌 Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

쐌 Never leave children unattended in

the vehicle.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Manual transmission models:

Place the gearshift lever in the R (Reverse)

position. When parking on an uphill grade,

place the gearshift lever in the 1st position.

Automatic transmission models:

Move the automatic transmission select lever

to the P (Park) position.

WARNING

쐌 Safe parking procedures require that

both the parking brake be set and the

transmission be 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.

쐌 Make sure the automatic transmis-

sion selector lever has been pushed

as far forward as it can go and cannot

be moved without depressing the

button on the side of the lever.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into

the street when parked on a sloping drive

way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels

as illustrated.

쐌 HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:

쎻

Turn the wheels into the curb and move the

vehicle forward until the curb side wheel

gently touches the curb.

MSD0002

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

Starting and driving 5-23

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

쐌 HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:

쎻

Turn the wheels away from the curb and

move the vehicle back until the curb side

wheel gently touches the curb.

쐌 HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB:

쎻

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 position

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 drive belt breaks, you will

still have control of the vehicle. However, much

greater steering effort is needed, especially in

sharp turns or at low speeds.

WARNING

If the engine is not running or is turned

off while driving, the power assist for

the steering will not work. Steering will

be much harder to operate.

BRAKING PRECAUTIONS

The brake system has two separate hydraulic

circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still

have braking at two wheels.

Vacuum assisted brake

The brake booster aids braking by using 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 the 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 brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed

while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat-up

the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to

normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds

until the brakes function correctly.

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while

driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes,

increases wear on the brake linings and pads,

and reduces gas mileage.

POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM

5-24 Starting and driving

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

To help save the brakes and to prevent the

brakes from overheating, reduce speed and

downshift to a lower gear before going down a

slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may

reduce braking performance and could result in

loss of vehicle control.

WARNING

쐌 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.

쐌 If the engine is not running or is

turned off while driving, the power

assist for the brakes will not work.

Braking will be harder.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes

at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when

braking abruptly or when braking on slippery

surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed

at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure

to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding.

By preventing wheel lockup, the system helps

the driver maintain steering control and helps to

minimize swerving and spinning on slippery sur-

faces.

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 will not operate at

speeds below 5 to 10 km/h (3 to 6 MPH) to

completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will

vary according to road conditions.) When the

anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels

are close to locking up, the actuator (under the

hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic

pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).

While the actuator is working, you may feel a

pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or

vibration from the actuator under the hood. This

is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system

is working properly. However, the ABS operation

may indicate that road conditions are hazardous

and extra care is required while driving.

Self-test feature

The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic

sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids

controlled by a computer. The computer has a

built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system

each time you start the engine and move the

vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.

When the self-test occurs, you may hear a 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 mal-

function, it switches the anti-lock brake system

OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the

meter. The brake system will then behave nor-

mally, but without anti-lock assistance.

If the light comes on during the self check, or

while you are driving, you should take your

vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at your

earliest convenience.

WARNING

The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-

ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-

Starting and driving 5-25

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

cidents resulting from careless or dan-

gerous driving techniques. It can help

maintain vehicle control during braking

on slippery surfaces, but remember that

the stopping distance on slippery sur-

faces will be longer than on normal

surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-

tem. Stopping distances may also be

longer on rough, gravel or snow covered

roads, or if you are using tire chains.

Always maintain a safe distance from

the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,

the responsibility for safety of self and

others rests in the hands of the driver.

Tire type and condition of tires may also

affect braking effectiveness.

쐌 When replacing tires, install the

specified size of tires on all four

wheels.

쐌 When installing a spare tire, make

sure it is the proper size and type as

specified on the tire placard. See

“Vehicle identification” in the “9.

Technical and consumer informa-

tion” section for tire placard location.

When driving on slippery surfaces or suddenly

avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle might

swerve or slip. With the vehicle dynamic control

(VDC) system, sensors detect these movements

and control the braking and engine output to

help improve vehicle stability while driving.

쐌 When the VDC system is operating, the slip

indicator in the instrument panel blinks.

쐌 When only the traction control system portion

of the VDC system is operating, the slip

indicator in the instrument panel blinks.

쐌 If the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is under

slippery conditions. Be sure to drive carefully.

See “Slip indicator light”, and “VDC off indi-

cator light” in the “2. Instruments and con-

trols” section.

쐌 Indicator light — If a malfunction occurs in the

system, the

and indicator lights

illuminate in the instrument panel. As long as

these warning lights are illuminated, the ve-

hicle dynamic control is cancelled.

The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited

Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction.

The ABLS system works when one of the driving

wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The

ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel which

distributed the driving power to the other drive

wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle

dynamic control system turned off, all VDC and

TCS functions will be turned off. The ABLS

system and ABS will still operate with the ABS

activated, the slip indicator light will blink and

you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a

pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is

not an indication of a malfunction.

While the VDC system is operating, you may feel

a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or

vibration from under the hood. This is normal and

indicates that the VDC system is working prop-

erly.

The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-

nostic feature that tests the system each time

you start the engine and move the vehicle at a

low speed forward or backward. When the

self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise

and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is

normal and is not an indication of a malfunction.

WARNING

쐌 The vehicle dynamic control system

is designed to help improve driving

stability but does not prevent acci-

dents due to abrupt steering opera-

tion at high speeds or by careless or

dangerous driving techniques. Re-

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL

(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)

5-26 Starting and driving

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

duce vehicle speed and be especially

careful when driving and cornering

on slippery surfaces and always drive

carefully.

쐌 If engine related parts such as muf-

fler are not standard equipment or

are extremely deteriorated, the ve-

hicle dynamic control off indicator

light and slip indicator light may

come on.

쐌 Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

sion. The vehicle dynamic control

system may not operate correctly.

쐌 If suspension parts such as shock

absorbers, struts, springs and bush-

ings are not standard equipment or

are extremely deteriorated, the ve-

hicle dynamic control system may not

operate properly and the vehicle dy-

namic control off indicator light may

come on.

쐌 When driving on extremely inclined

surfaces such as higher banked cor-

ners, the vehicle dynamic control sys-

tem may not operate properly and the

vehicle dynamic control off indicator

light may come on. Do not drive on

these types of roads.

쐌 If the tires other than the recom-

mended ones are used, the vehicle

dynamic control system may not op-

erate properly or the vehicle dynamic

control off indicator light may come

on.

쐌 The vehicle dynamic control system

is not a substitute for winter tires or

tire chains on a snow covered road.

쐌 When driving on unstable surfaces

such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or

ramp, the vehicle dynamic control off

indicator light may illuminate. This is

not a malfunction. Restart the engine

after driving onto a stable surface.

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply

de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If

the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before

inserting it into the key hole.

ANTIFREEZE

In the winter when it is anticipated that the

temperature will drop below 0°C (32°F), check

antifreeze to assure proper winter protection. For

additional information, see “Engine cooling sys-

tem” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”

section.

BATTERY

If the battery is not fully charged during extremely

cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may

freeze and damage the battery. To maintain

maximum efficiency, the battery should be

checked regularly. For additional information,

see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-

yourself” section.

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-

freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the

drain plug located under the radiator. Refill

before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-

ing system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-

yourself” section for changing engine coolant.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

Starting and driving 5-27

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

TIRE EQUIPMENT

1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to

provide superior performance on dry pave-

ment. However, the performance of these

tires will be substantially reduced in snowy

and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle

on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends

the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON

tires on all four wheels. Please consult your

NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed

rating and availability information.

2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded

tires may be used. However, some provinces

prohibit their use. Check local, state and

provincial laws before installing studded tires.

Skid and traction capabilities of studded

snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be

poorer than that of non-studded snow

tires.

3. Tire chains may be used if desired. 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 loca-

tion. Check the local laws before installing

tire chains. Use only SAE Class S chains.

Class “S” chains are used on vehicles with

restricted tire to vehicle clearance. Vehicles

that can use Class “S” chains are designed

to meet the SAE standard minimum clear-

ances between the tire and the closest ve-

hicle suspension or body component re-

quired to accommodate the use of a winter

traction device (tire chains or cables). The

minimum clearances are determined using

the factory equipped tire size. Other types

may damage your vehicle. Use chain tension-

ers when recommended by the tire chain

manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end

links of the tire chain must be secured or

removed to prevent the possibility of whip-

ping action damage to the fenders or under-

body. 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 han-

dling and performance may be adversely

affected.

쐌 Do not use tire chains on dry roads.

Tire chains must be installed only on the

front wheels and not on the rear 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 vari-

ous mechanisms of the vehicle due to some

overstress.

4. For all wheel drive:

If you install snow tires, they must also be the

same size, brand, construction and tread

pattern on all four wheels.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT

It is recommended that the following items be

carried in the vehicle during winter:

쐌 a scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove

ice and snow from the windows and wiper

blades.

쐌 a sturdy, flat board to be placed under the

jack to give it firm support.

쐌 a shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.

쐌 extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-

voir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

쐌 Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),

very cold snow or ice can be slick and

very hard to drive on. The vehicle will

have a lot less traction or grip under

these conditions. Try to avoid driving

on wet ice until the road is salted or

sanded.

5-28 Starting and driving

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

쐌 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.

쐌 Allow more stopping distance under

these conditions. Braking should be

started sooner than on dry pavement.

쐌 Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

쐌 Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).

These may appear on an otherwise

clear road in shaded areas. If a patch

of ice is seen ahead, brake before

reaching it. Try not to brake while

actually on the ice, and avoid any

sudden steering maneuvers.

쐌 Do not use cruise control on slippery

roads.

쐌 Snow can trap dangerous exhaust

gases under your vehicle. Keep snow

clear of the exhaust pipe and from

around your vehicle.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so

equipped)

An engine block heater to assist extreme cold

temperature starting is available through your

NISSAN dealer.

WARNING

Do not use your heater with an un-

grounded electrical system or two-

pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be

injured by an electrical shock if you use

an ungrounded connection.

Starting and driving 5-29

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

MEMO

5-30 Starting and driving

墌 04.6.10/T30-J/V5.0 墍

Starting and driving for Your Nissan X Trail SUV First Generation (2000-2006)

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