steering NISSAN MURANO 2003 1.G Owner's Guide

After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.

Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the tire placard (located on the
driver’s door center pillar).

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.
Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between your ve-
hicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point be-
tween the sensor and stop light or light switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips
Be certain your vehicle maintains a levelposition when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down con-
dition; check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle andTechnical and consumer information
9-19


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
first block the wheels and apply the parking
brake, and then move the selector lever into
the P (Park) position. If you move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.

When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.

If the transmission fluid rises to an extremely
high temperature, a high fluid temperature
protection mode may operate. See page
5-13 for details. If necessary, pull to the side
of the road at a safe place and let the
transmission cool before continuing.

Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended main-
tenance schedule.

When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make
a larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.
Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakesto overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.
9-20
Technical and consumer information


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-22
Aiming control, headlights....................................... 2-22
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front air bag
system) .................................................................. 1-15
Side and curtain (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag systems) .... 1-17
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-20
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-20, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation .................................. 4-15
Air conditioner service ........................... 4-15, 4-18
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ...................................... 4-18, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ......... 4-15
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
All wheel drive (AWD) ............................................. 5-17
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-41
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-31
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-22
Anti-lock brake warning light .................................... 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-3Armrest ........................................................................... 1-9
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-15
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-20
Audio, steering switch for audio system ............. 4-30
Audio system .............................................................. 4-19
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD) ....................... 4-28
Autolight system ........................................................ 2-21
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-15
Drive positioner ................................................... 3-16
Automatic seat positioner, seat ............................. 3-16
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-4
AWD lock switch operations ................................. 5-18
B
Back door ...................................................................... 3-9
Battery .......................................................................... 8-14
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-22
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-7
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-15
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-22
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-20
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-12
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-19
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-20Brake system ....................................................... 5-21
Parking brake check............................... 5-14, 8-19
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Warning light ....................................................... 2-10
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-16
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-9
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-24
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-31
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-32
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-32
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-29
Cellular phone holder ............................................... 2-28
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-32
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-42
Installation on rear seat center or outboard
positions ................................................................ 1-34
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-32
Top tether strap anchor point locations ....... 1-41
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-40
Child safety ................................................................. 1-24
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-15
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-21
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-3


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


Clock (with navigation system) .............................. 4-12
Clock (without navigation system) .......................... 4-4
Coin box ...................................................................... 2-28
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-24
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-28
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-27
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-32
Compass display ......................................................... 2-6
Console box................................................................ 2-31
Control panel buttons — with navigation
system............................................................................. 4-7
Control panel buttons — without navigation
system............................................................................. 4-2
Controls, Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .................................................................. 4-15
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-5
Cover, Tonneau cover .............................................. 2-32
Cruise control............................................................. 5-14
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-29
Curtain side-impact air bag system (See
supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system) .......................................................... 1-17
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) ........ 5-10
CVT fluid...................................................................... 8-12
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) selector
lever lock release....................................................... 5-13D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-23
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ......................................................... 2-19
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-9
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-11
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-24
Driving with CVT (Continuously Variable
Transmission) ....................................................... 5-10
On-pavement and offroad driving (AWD) ...... 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Safety precautions ................................................ 5-5
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-17
Emission control information label ........................ 9-11
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-11
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level .................................... 8-9
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-5
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-26
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-7
If your vehicle overheats ................................... 6-10
Starting the engine............................................. 5-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label................................... 9-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter .............................. 8-16
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-24
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
CVT fluid ............................................................... 8-12
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-13
Fog light switch ......................................................... 2-24
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ......................................................................... 1-15
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-2
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-3
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2


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10-2

Luggage lights ........................................................... 2-39
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-14
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-32
Under the hood and the vehicle........................ 8-4
Manual front seat adjustment ................................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-15
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-14
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-15
N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-32
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-16
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System....................... 2-15
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start.................................................................................. 5-9
O
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-11
Checking engine oil level .................................... 8-9
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-15
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-24
P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-19
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-14
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-20
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-20
Pedal position adjustment....................................... 3-13
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-31
Power
Front seat adjustment .......................................... 1-3
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-27
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering system ...................................... 5-21
Power windows................................................... 2-33
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-19
Precautions
Audio operation precautions............................ 4-20Braking precautions ........................................... 5-21
Cruise control precautions ............................... 5-14
Driving safety .......................................................... 5-5
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
On child restraints .............................................. 1-32
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions
(AWD) ...................................................................... 5-5
On seat belt usage ............................................ 1-22
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ...................................................................... 1-9
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .............................................................. 6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-31
Steering switch for audio system ................... 4-30
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only)...................................................................... 9-22
Rear center seat belt................................................ 1-29
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock.......... 3-4
Rear power point....................................................... 2-27
Rear seat adjustment .................................................. 1-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-19
Rear window wiper and washer switch .............. 2-18
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-22
Rollover........................................................................... 5-4


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10-4

S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-24
Reporting safety defects (US only)................ 9-22
Towing safety....................................................... 9-18
Seat
Belt warning light................................................ 1-22
Belt warning light and chime ........................... 2-11
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................. 1-3
Rear seat adjustment ........................................... 1-5
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-24
Infants and small children ................................. 1-24
Injured persons.................................................... 1-25
Larger children .................................................... 1-25
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-19
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-22
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-25
Rear center seat belt ......................................... 1-29
Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-4
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-31
Seat belt hooks ................................................... 1-28
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-32
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-22
Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-25
Seat(s)
Driver-side memory ............................................ 3-16
Heated seats........................................................ 2-25
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Security system, vehicle security system ............ 2-15Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-16
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-15
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-15, 4-18
Shifting, CVT (Continuously Variable
Transmission) ............................................................. 5-10
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment, Except for rear
center seat .................................................................. 1-28
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system)............. 1-17
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-16
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting ........................................................ 6-10
Starting the engine............................................. 5-10
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering system ...................................... 5-21
Steering switch for audio system ................... 4-30
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-13
Storage ........................................................................ 2-28
Sun shade ................................................................... 2-36
Sun visors ................................................................... 3-14
Sunroof ........................................................................ 2-35
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-20
Supplemental air bag warning light .......... 1-20, 2-12
Supplemental front air bag system....................... 1-15
Supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag systems.......................................................... 1-17Supplemental restraint system ................................. 1-9
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ...................................................................... 1-9
Switch
Autolight switch .................................................. 2-21
AWD lock switch operations........................... 5-18
Fog light switch................................................... 2-24
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-24
Headlight aiming control switch ..................... 2-22
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-20
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-8
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................................................................... 2-19
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-24
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-26
T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-4
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant temperature
gauge .............................................................................. 2-5
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System), Engine
start ............................................................................... 2-16
Three way catalyst ....................................................... 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-13
Tire
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-21
Tire pressure, Low tire pressure warning
light ............................................................................... 2-12
Tires
Low tire pressure warning system .................... 5-3
Spare tire .............................................................. 8-32


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10-5

QUICK REFERENCE1. Battery (P.8-14)
2. Brake fluid (P.8-12)
3. Meters and gauges (P.2-3)
4. Hood release (P.3-9)
5. Seat (P.1-2)
6. Seat belt (P.1-22)
7. Door lock/key (P.3-3)
8. Fuel (P.3-11, P.9-2)
9. Engine oil (P.8-9)
10. Windshield washer fluid (P.8-13)
11. Engine coolant (P.8-8)
12. Power steering fluid (P.8-12)
13. Audio system (P.4-19)/
Heater and air conditioner (P.4-15)
14. Spare tire (P.6-4, P.8-32)
STI0344

03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0