2007 Nissan Murano Owners Manual

Power steering ..................................................................... 5-30
Brake system ........................................................................ 5-30
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-30
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................... 5-31

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system (if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-32
Cold weather driving .......................................................... 5-34
Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-34
Antifreeze......................................................................... 5-34
Battery .............................................................................. 5-34
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-34
Tire equipment................................................................ 5-34
Special winter equipment............................................ 5-35
Driving on snow or ice................................................. 5-35
Engine block heater (if so equipped)....................... 5-35

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PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING

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-

5-2 Starting and driving

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 lift gate closed while driv- ing, otherwise exhaust gases could be drawn into the passenger com- partment. If you must drive with the lift gate open, follow these precau- tions:

1. Open all the windows.

2. Set

the air recirculation switch OFF and the fan control at 4 (high) to circulate the air.

쐌 If electrical wiring or other cable con-

nections must pass to a trailer through the seal on the lift gate or the body, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to prevent carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle.

쐌 If a special body, camper or other equipment is added for recreational or other usage, follow the manufac- turer’s recommendation to prevent carbon monoxide entry into the ve- hicle. (Some recreational vehicle ap- pliances such as stoves, refrigera- tors, heaters, etc. may also generate carbon 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.

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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 will seriously reduce the three-way catalyst’s abil- ity 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.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle plac- ard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire infla- tion pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres- sure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pres- sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi- ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level Starting and driving 5-3

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to trigger pressure telltale.

illumination of

the TPMS low tire

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi- mately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indica- tor is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alter- nate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to con- tinue to function properly. Additional information 쐌 The TPMS does not monitor the tire pressure

of the spare tire.

쐌 The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). Also, this system may not detect a sudden

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drop in tire pressure (for example a flat tire while driving).

쐌 The low tire pressure warning light does not automatically turn off when the tire pressure is adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recommended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning light. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure.

쐌 Tire pressure rises and falls depending on the heat caused by the vehicle’s operation and the outside temperature. Low outside tem- perature can lower the temperature of the air inside the tire which can cause a lower tire inflation pressure. This may cause the low tire pressure warning light to illuminate. If the warning light illuminates in low ambient tem- perature, check the tire pressure for all four tires.

쐌 You can also check the pressure of all tires (except the spare tire) on the display screen. The order of the tire pressure figures dis- played on the screen does not correspond with the actual order of the tire position. See “Tire pressure information” in the “4. Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio sys- tem” section.

For additional

information, see “Low tire pres-

Instruments and sure warning light” in the “2. controls” section and “Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)” in the “6. In case of emergency” section.

WARNING

쐌 If the low tire pressure warning light illuminates while driving, avoid sud- den steering maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road to a safe location and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Serious vehicle damage could occur and may lead to an accident and could result in serious personal in- jury. Check the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended COLD tire pres- sure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label to turn the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If the light still illuminates while driving af- ter adjusting the tire pressure, a tire may be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as possible. (See “Flat tire” in the “In

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case of emergency” section for changing a flat tire.)

쐌 When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is replaced, tire pressure will not be indicated, the TPMS will not function and the low tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi- mately 1 minute and remain on after the 1 minute. Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as possible for tire replacement and/or system reset- ting.

쐌 Replacing tires with those not origi- nally specified by NISSAN could af- fect the TPMS.

the proper operation of

쐌 Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may cause a malfunction of the tire pres- sure sensors.

CAUTION

AVOIDING COLLISION AND ROLLOVER

Do not place metalized film or any metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows. This may cause poor reception of the signals from the tire pressure sensors, and the TPMS will not function properly.

FCC Notice: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for com- pliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, in- cluding interference that may cause undes- ired operation of the device.

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 Starting and driving 5-5

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collisions and rollovers. In a rollover crash, an 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 (AWD) Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

They have higher ground clearance than passen- ger cars to make them capable of performing in a variety of on-pavement and offroad applica- tions. This gives them a higher center of gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of higher ground clearance is a better view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems. However, they are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel drive ve- hicles 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. Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in collisions and roll- overs. In a rollover crash, an unbelted or improp- erly belted person is significantly more likely to 5-6 Starting and driving

be injured or killed than a person properly wear- ing a seat belt.

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 judgement. Driving af- ter drinking alcohol increases the likeli- hood of being involved in an accident injuring yourself and others. Addition- ally, if you are injured in an 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

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straight down the slopes. Off-road vehicles can tip over sideways much more easily than they can forward or backward.

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 ranges 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) range. Never back down in N (Neu- tral), 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.

the roof

쐌 To avoid raising the center of gravity excessively, do not exceed the rated capacity of 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 capability of the tires, even with AWD engaged. Accelerating quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or sudden braking may cause loss of control.

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at

particularly

쐌 If at all possible, avoid sharp turning maneuvers, high speeds. Your NISSAN all-wheel drive vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a two-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel drive vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly could result in loss of control and/or a rollover 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.

5-8 Starting and driving

쐌 When a wheel is suspended due to running off the road, do not idle the wheel excessively. (AWD models)

쐌 When the vehicle is on a free roller or the front or rear wheels are jacked up, do not start the engine. (AWD models)

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 AWD warning light blinks and the driving mode changes to 2WD. This could reduce traction force remarkably. Be especially care- ful when towing a trailer. (AWD mod- els)

쐌 Do not use 2-wheel chassis dyna- free rollers.

mometers or 2-wheel (AWD models)

쐌 Never operate the accelerator pedal with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels on the ground while jack- ing up or with the front wheels on the roller and the rear wheels on the ground. Otherwise, the vehicle could jump. (AWD models)

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IGNITION SWITCH (Except for Intelligent Key equipped model)

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.

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 쎻1 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.

SSD0392

On CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) models, 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:

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IGNITION SWITCH (Intelligent Key System equipped model)

WARNING

Never turn the ignition switch 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.

If the engine fails to start using the registered NVIS key, it may be due to interference caused by another NVIS key, an automated toll road device or automated payment device on the key ring. Restart the engine using the following 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 NVIS key. If this procedure allows the engine to start, NISSAN recommends placing the registered NVIS key on a separate key ring to avoid inter- ference from other devices.

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 (NVIS) The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS) will not allow the engine to start without the use of the registered NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System key. 5-10 Starting and driving

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2. Turn the ignition switch slightly in the ON

direction.

3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position. The selector lever can be moved from P position if the ignition switch is in the ON position and the foot brake pedal is de- pressed. 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 counterclock- wise from the straight up position. To lock the steering wheel, turn the igni- tion switch to the LOCK position. To unlock the steering wheel, push the ignition switch in and turn it gently while rotating the steering wheel slightly right and left. If the battery of the vehicle equipped with the Intelligent Key system is discharged, the ignition switch cannot be turned from the LOCK position, even using the me- chanical key or valet key.

IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS Push in the ignition switch to the 쎻B position when you turn it. LOCK (Normal parking position) 쎻A : The ignition switch can only be locked in the LOCK position. The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is pushed in, and turned to the ACC position 쎻C while carrying the Intelligent Key. ACC (Accessories) 쎻C : This position activates electrical accessories such as the radio, when the engine is not running. ON (Normal operating position) 쎻D : This position turns on the ignition system and electrical accessories. START 쎻E : This position starts the engine. As soon as the engine has started, release the knob immedi- ately. It will automatically return to the ON posi- tion. The ignition switch cannot be turned back to the LOCK position unless the selector lever is in P position. (It can be turned only to the 쎻B posi- tion.)

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SSD0417

The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition switch cannot be turned to LOCK and removed until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park) position.

When turning the ignition switch, make sure the selector lever is in the P position.

If the selector lever is not returned to the P position, the ignition switch cannot be moved toward LOCK.

When the ignition switch cannot be turned toward the LOCK position while keeping the Intelligent Key, proceed as follows: 1. Move the selector lever into the P position.

(which may have caused the interference) separate from the registered NVIS key. If this procedure allows the engine to start, NISSAN recommends placing the registered NVIS key on a separate key ring to avoid inter- ference from other devices.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

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 Adjust the pedal position. 쐌 Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to

do likewise.

쐌 Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi- tion.

CAUTION

Do not leave the vehicle with the igni- tion switch in ACC or ON positions when the engine is not running for an ex- tended period. This can discharge the battery.

NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM (NVIS) The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS) will not allow the engine to start without the use of the registered NVIS key. If the engine fails to start using the registered NVIS key, it may be due to interference caused by another NVIS key, an automated toll road device or an automated payment device on the key ring. Restart the engine using the following 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 5-12 Starting and driving

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STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N

(Neutral). (P preferred.) The starter is designed not to operate if the selector lever is in one of the driving posi- tions.

3. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition key to START. Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure.

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 switch 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 of 2 - 3 minutes before shutting it off. Starting and stopping the engine over a short period of time may make the vehicle more difficult to start.

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) Gate type shift The CVT in your vehicle is electronically con- trolled by a transmission control module to pro- duce maximum power 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 before shifting the selector lever to the R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sec- ond) or L (Low) position. Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to shift the se- lector lever. This CVT model is designed so that the foot brake pedal must be depressed be- fore shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition switch is ON. The selector lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) position and into any of the other shift range if the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the key is removed from the switch.

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1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and

shift into a driving range.

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) or manual shift mode. 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 range 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 the vehicle is moving. Failure to do so could cause you to lose control and have an accident.

5-14 Starting and driving

CAUTION

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

SSD0288

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.

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

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while the vehicle is moving. D (Drive): Use this position for all normal forward driving. S (Second): Use this position for the improved engine brak- ing. L (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 S or L position after releasing the accelerator pedal.

or roll away and result in serious per- sonal injury 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. Additionally, the selector lever cannot be moved to R (Reverse) from N (Neutral) or any D (Drive) position. The selector lever can be moved to R (Reverse) from any of the D (Drive) posi- tions within 3 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the ACC or OFF position. The selector lever can be moved from R (Reverse) to P (Park) with the key in the OFF or ACC position. If the key cannot be turned to LOCK, perform the following steps: 1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is

stopped.

2. Turn the key to ON while depressing the foot

brake pedal.

3. Move the selector lever to P (Park). 4. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK to remove

the key.

P (Park): Use this shift 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.

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). The selector lever can be moved to R (Reverse) from any of the D (Drive) positions within 3
minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the ACC or OFF position. N (Neutral): Neither reverse is engaged. The engine can be started in this position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine

forward or

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system 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. High fluid temperature protection mode This transmission has a high fluid temperature protection mode. If the fluid temperature be- comes too high (for example, when climbing steep grades in high temperature with heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer), engine power and, under some conditions, vehicle speed will be decreased automatically to reduce the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle speed can be controlled with the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle may not accelerate above approximately 40 to 50 MPH (65 to 80 km/h). 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. The MIL may come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is activated, see “Malfunction indicator light

(MIL)” in the “2. Instrument and controls” section. This will occur even if all electrical circuits are functioning properly. In this case, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and wait for 10 seconds. Then turn the switch back to the ON position. The vehicle should return to its normal operat- ing condition. If it does not return to its normal operating condition, have NISSAN dealer check the transmission and repair if necessary.

WARNING

When the high fluid temperature protec- tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs, vehicle speed may be gradually re- duced. 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.

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

SSD0290

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 (if so equipped) 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 discharged.

If the selector lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have a NISSAN dealer check the CVT 5-16 Starting and driving

CAUTION

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

M-CVT (CVT with Manual shift mode) Gate type shift with manual mode The M-CVT in your vehicle is electronically con- trolled by a transmission control module to pro- duce maximum power 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 before shifting the selector lever to the R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive) or manual shift mode position. Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to shift the selector lever. This M-CVT is designed 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 P (Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the key is removed from the ignition switch. 1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and

shift the selector lever 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), D (Drive) or manual shift mode. Always depress the brake pedal until shifting is com- pleted. Failure to do so could cause you to lose control and have an acci- dent.

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 Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving. Never shift to P (Park) or D (Drive) while the vehicle is moving rearward. These could cause an accident.

쐌 On slippery roads, do not downshift.

This may cause a loss of control.

Starting and driving 5-17

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

or roll away and result in serious per- sonal injury or property damage.

If the ignition switch 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. Additionally, the selector lever cannot be moved to R (Reverse) from N (Neutral) or any D (Drive) position for about 3
minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the ACC or OFF position. The selector lever can be moved from R (Reverse) to P (Park) with the key in the OFF or ACC position. this occurs, perform the following steps:

If

1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is

stopped.

2. Turn the key to ON.

3. Depress the foot brake pedal if the vehicle is in the N (Neutral) or any D (Drive) position.

4.

If necessary, move the selector lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral) to restart the vehicle (P is preferred) or move the selector lever to P (Park) to park the vehicle.

5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK to remove

the key.

P (Park): Use this shift position when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped. For maximum safety, depress the brake pedal, then move the lever to the P (Park) position. The brake pedal must be depressed any time the selector lever is moved 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.

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). The selector lever can be moved to R (Reverse) from any of the D (Drive) positions within 3
minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the ACC or OFF position.

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

SSD0289

Shifting After starting the engine, fully depress the brake pedal and shift the selector lever from P (Park) to R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), Manual shift mode or any of the desired shift positions.

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

5-18 Starting and driving

N (Neutral): Neither forward or reverse gear 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. Manual shift mode When the selector lever is shifted from D to the manual shift gate with the vehicle stopped or while driving, the transmission enters the manual shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manu- ally. In the manual shift mode, the shift range is displayed on the position indicator in the meter. Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows: → ← M6

→ ← M2

→ ← M3

→ ← M4

→ ← M5

M1

M6 (Sixth): Use this position for all normal forward driving. M5 (Fifth): For driving up or down long slopes where engine braking would be advantageous.

transmission returns to the normal driving mode.

쐌 In the manual shift mode, the transmis- sion may not shift to the selected gear. This helps maintain driving performance and reduces the chance of vehicle dam- age or loss of control.

쐌 When the CVT fluid temperature is extremely low, the manual shift mode may not work and automatically shift as a drive mode. This is not a malfunction. In this case, return the selector lever to D range and drive for a while and then shift to the manual shift mode.

쐌 When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the shift range may upshift in lower rpm than usual. This is not a malfunction.

M4 (Fourth), M3 (Third) and M2 (Second):

Use for hill climbing or engine braking on down- hill grades. M1 (First): Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill grades. 쐌 Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended periods of time in lower than M6
range. This reduces fuel economy.

쐌 When shifting up, move the selector lever to

the + (up) side. (Shifts to higher range.)

쐌 When shifting down, move the selector lever to the − (down) side. (Shifts to lower range.) 쐌 Moving the selector lever to the same side twice will shift the ranges in succession. However, if this motion is rapidly done, the second shifting may not be completed prop- erly.

쐌 In the manual shift mode, the transmis- sion automatically shifts down to M1
(First) before the vehicle comes to a stop. When accelerating again, it is nec- essary to shift up to the desired range. 쐌 When canceling the manual shift mode, re- turn the selector lever to the D position. The

Starting and driving 5-19

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If it is necessary to park the vehicle, push the shift lock release button, then move the selector lever to the P (Park).

To push the shift lock release button, follow the procedure as illustrated.

If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have a NISSAN dealer check the CVT system as soon as possible.

WARNING

쐌 If the selector lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position while the engine is running and the brake pedal is depressed, the stop lights may not work. Malfunctioning stop lights could cause an accident injur- ing yourself and others.

쐌 Do not park the vehicle without shift-

ing to the P (Park) position.

Accelerator downshift — In D position — For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into the lower gear, depend-

ing on the vehicle speed. High fluid temperature protection mode This transmission has a high fluid temperature protection mode. If the fluid temperature be- comes too high (for example, when climbing steep grades in high temperature with heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer), engine power and, under some conditions, vehicle speed will be decreased automatically to reduce the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle speed can be controlled with the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle may not accelerate above approximately 40 to 50 MPH (65 to 80 km/h). 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. The MIL may come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is activated, see “Malfunction indicator light (MIL)” in the “2. Instrument and controls” section. This will occur even if all electrical circuits are functioning properly. In this case, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and wait for 10 seconds. Then turn the switch back to the ON position. The vehicle should return to its normal operat-

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

SSD0352

Shift lock release If the battery is discharged, the selector lever may not be moved from the P (Park) position even with the brake pedal depressed.

To move the selector lever, push the shift lock release button while depressing the foot brake and applying the parking brake. The selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral). This allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery is dis- charged, after releasing the parking brake.

If the battery is discharged in N (Neutral), D (Drive) or Manual shift mode, the selector lever may not be moved to the P (Park) position. 5-20 Starting and driving

ing condition. If it does not return to its normal operating condition, have NISSAN dealer check the transmission and repair if necessary.

WARNING

When the high fluid temperature protec- tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs, vehicle speed may be gradually re- duced. 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.

PARKING BRAKE

SPA2331

To apply: Fully depress the parking brake pedal 쎻1 . To release: 1. Firmly apply the foot brake 쎻2 . 2. Depress the parking brake pedal 쎻1 and the

parking brake will be released.

3. 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.

Starting and driving 5-21

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CRUISE CONTROL

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driv- ing under the following conditions: 쐌 When 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.

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 a NISSAN dealer.

5-22 Starting and driving

쐌 The SET indicator light may blink when the cruise control main switch is turned on while pushing the RESUME/ACCELERATOR, SET/COAST, or CANCEL switch. To prop- erly set the cruise control system, perform the preceding steps in the order indicated.

SPA2178

1. RESUME/ACCELERATOR switch

2. SET/COAST switch

3. CANCEL switch

4. MAIN (ON/OFF) switch CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS The cruise control allows driving at a speed between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h) 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.

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

To set 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 If this happens,

on winding or hilly roads. drive without the cruise control.

To cancel the preset speed, follow any of these 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 RESUME/ACCELERATOR 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 8 MPH (13 km/h).

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.

To resume the preset speed, push and re- lease the RESUME/ACCELERATOR set switch. The vehicle will resume the last set cruising speed when the vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).

b) Push

and

hold

RESUME/ ACCELERATOR set switch. When the ve- hicle attains the speed you desire, release the switch.

the

c) Push,

then quickly release the RESUME/ ACCELERATOR set switch. Each time you do this, the set speed will increase by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one of the following three methods:

a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push the SET/ COAST switch and release it.

b) Push and hold the SET/COAST switch. 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 MPH (1.6 km/h).

Starting and driving 5-23

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BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow these recommendations to ob- tain maximum engine performance and ensure and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may re- sult in shortened engine life and re- duced engine performance.

reliability

future

the

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 500 miles

(800 km).

leave the windows closed to reduce drag.

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

fuel economy. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.

operation

lowers

5-24 Starting and driving

쐌 When cruising at highway speeds, it is more economical to use the air conditioner and

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)

SSD0418

WARNING

A vehicle equipped with AWD (All- Wheel Drive) should never be tested using a two wheel dynamometer, similar to the dynamometers used by some states for emissions testing, or similar equipment. Make sure you inform the test facility personnel that your vehicle is an AWD equipped vehicle before it is placed on a dynamometer. Failure to do so may result in transmission damage

or unexpected vehicle movement which could result in serious vehicle damage or personal injury.

AWD LOCK SWITCH OPERATIONS The AWD LOCK switch located in front of the selector lever is used to select AUTO/LOCK depending on the driving conditions. Each time you push the lower part of the switch, the AWD mode will switch: AUTO → LOCK → AUTO. The AWD system electronically controls the coupling. Push the lower part of the AWD LOCK switch 쎻A to select the AUTO or LOCK mode depend- ing on the driving conditions. LOCK mode Push the lower part of the switch 쎻A when the vehicle is stopped or driving under approximately 10 km/h (6 MPH). The AWD LOCK indicator light will come on. AUTO mode Push the lower part of the switch 쎻A . The AWD LOCK indicator light will go off.

Starting and driving 5-25

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

AWD mode

AUTO

Wheel driven

Distribution of torque to the front and rear wheels changes automatically, depending on road conditions encountered [100:0]↔[50:50]. This results in improved driving stability.*1

AWD LOCK indicator light

Use conditions

Goes off.

For driving on paved or slippery roads

LOCK

All-wheel drive*2, *3

AWD LOCK For driving on rough roads

*1: When the rotation difference between the front and rear wheels is large, the AWD mode may change from

AUTO to LOCK for a while, however, this is not a malfunction.

*2: LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically when the vehicle is accelerated or the vehicle speed is

over approximately 10 km/h (6 MPH). The AWD LOCK indicator light does not go off. LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically when the vehicle has been driven for a high speed. The AWD LOCK indicator light goes off.

*3: LOCK mode will automatically be cancelled when the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. 쐌 If the AWD LOCK switch is operated while accelerating or decelerating, or if the ignition switch

is turned off, you may feel a jerk. This is normal.

쐌 The oil temperature of power train parts will increase if the vehicle is continuously operated under conditions where the difference in rotation between the front and rear wheels is large (wheel slip), such as when driving the vehicle on rough roads through sand, mud or freeing a stuck vehicle. In these cases, the AWD warning light blinks rapidly and the AWD mode changes to 2WD condition to protect the power train parts. If you stop driving with the engine idling and wait until the warning light stops blinking, the AWD returns to the AUTO mode.

WARNING

쐌 Do not place an AWD equipped ve- hicle 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 result in transmission damage or un- expected vehicle movement which could result in serious vehicle dam- age or personal injury.

쐌 When driving straight, shift the AWD lock switch to AUTO. Do not operate the AWD lock switch when making a turn or backing up.

쐌 Do not operate the AWD lock switch

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 AWD lock switch set in AUTO or LOCK.

쐌 When turning the vehicle in LOCK mode on paved roads, you may feel

5-26 Starting and driving

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

a braking effect. This is a normal condition of the AWD model.

If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system when the ignition switch is ON, the warning light will remain illuminated.

High-temperature power-train oil due to continu- ous operation of the vehicle to free a stuck vehicle makes the warning light blink rapidly (about twice per second). The driving mode may change to 2 wheel drive condition. 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 with the engine idling in a safe place immedi- ately. 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). Pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the engine. Check that all tire sizes are the same, tire pressure is correct and tires are not worn.

SSD0314A

WARNING

AWD WARNING LIGHT The AWD warning light is located in the meter.

The AWD warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the engine is started.

Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped vehicle with two wheels on a two wheel dynamometer and the other two wheels raised. Doing so may result

Starting and driving 5-27

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

light blinking rapidly.

in transmission damage or unexpected vehicle movement which could result in serious vehicle damage or personal in- jury.

CAUTION

쐌 If the warning light comes on while driving, AUTO or LOCK mode will be changed to 2 wheel drive condition. Reduce the vehicle speed and have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

쐌 When the warning light comes on, the 2 wheel condition may be en- gaged even if the driving mode 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 The power-train may be damaged if you continue driving with the warning

5-28 Starting and driving

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

SD1006MA

1. Firmly apply the parking brake. 2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-

tion.

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 Do not leave children unattended in-

side the vehicle.

WARNING

쐌 Safe parking procedures require that both the parking brake be set and the transmission placed into P (Park). Failure to do so could cause the ve- hicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result in an accident.

쐌 Make sure the selector lever has been pushed as far forward as it can go and cannot be moved without de- pressing the button at the end 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: 쎻1

Turn the wheels into the curb and move the vehicle forward until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb.

Starting and driving 5-29

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POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

쐌 HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB: 쎻2

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: 쎻3
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 switch 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. Parking brake break-in Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the

5-30 Starting and driving

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

best braking performance. This procedure is described in the vehicle ser- vice manual and can be performed by a NISSAN dealer. 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. 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 BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING

쐌 The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a sophisticated device, but it can- not prevent accidents resulting from careless or dangerous driving tech- niques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces. Remember that stopping distances on slippery surfaces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with ABS. 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 driver is responsible for safety.

쐌 Tire type and condition may also af-

fect braking effectiveness.

— When replacing tires,

the specified size of tires on all four wheels.

install

— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as specified on the Tire and Loading Information label. See “Tire and Loading Information label” in the “9. Technical and consumer informa- tion” section of this manual.

— For

detailed

information,

see “Wheels and tires” in the “8. Mainte- nance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard braking 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 each wheel from locking, the system helps the driver maintain steering control and helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.

Starting and driving 5-31

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If the ABS warning light illuminates during the self-test or while driving, have the vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer. Normal operation The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road conditions. When the ABS senses that one or more wheels are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from the actuator when it is operating. This is normal and indicates that the ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa- tion may indicate that road conditions are haz- ardous and extra care is required while driving.

Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres- sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

WARNING

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

Self-test feature The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and 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 does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc- tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The brake system then operates normally, but with- out anti-lock assistance. 5-32 Starting and driving

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped) When accelerating or driving on slippery sur- faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors detect these movements and control the braking and engine output to help improve vehicle sta- bility. 쐌 When the VDC system is operating,

the in the instrument panel

“SLIP” blinks.

indicator

쐌 When only the Traction Control System (TCS) portion of the VDC system is operat- ing, the “SLIP” indicator in the instrument panel blinks.

쐌 If the “SLIP” indicator blinks, the road condi- tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your speed and driving to these conditions. Be sure to drive carefully. See “Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.

쐌 Indicator light

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the “SLIP” and “VDC OFF” indicator lights illumi- nate in the instrument panel. As long as these indicators are illuminated, the VDC system function is canceled.

The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction.

墌 06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0 墍

The ABLS system works when one of the driving wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which distributes the driving power to the other driving wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC system turned off, all VDC system functions and TCS functions will be turned off. The ABLS system and ABS will still operate with the VDC system off. When the ABLS system is 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 indica- tion of a malfunction. While the VDC system is operating, you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or feel a vibration from under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the VDC system is working properly. 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 VDC system is designed to help improve driving stability but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering operation at high speeds or due to careless or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driv- ing and cornering on slippery sur- faces and always drive carefully.

쐌 If engine related parts such as a muf- fler are not standard equipment or are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator or both indicator lights may illuminate. 쐌 Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen- If suspension parts such as sion. shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta- bilizer bars and bushings are not NISSAN-approved or are extremely deteriorated the VDC system may not operate properly. This could ad- versely affect vehicle handling per- formance, and the “VDC OFF” indica-

tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica- tor lights may illuminate.

쐌 If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not standard equipment or are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indica- tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica- tor lights may illuminate.

쐌 When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked cor- ners, the VDC system may not oper- ate properly and the “VDC OFF” indi- cator or “SLIP” indicator or both indicator lights may illuminate. Do not drive on these types of roads.

쐌 When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator or both indicator lights may illuminate. This is not a malfunction. Restart the engine after