2009 Nissan Altima Owners Manual

● “COMMAND LIST”,

“VOICE HELP” or

“HELP” Gives spoken information about NISSAN Voice Recognition and displays the list of help commands.

Phone commands ● “[PHONE] DIAL ”

or “CALL ” Dials the phone number given in the com- mand. Speak the phone number in one se- quence. The number is automatically dialed.

● “[PHONE] REDIAL”

Redials the phone number last dialed.

● “OUTGOING CALLS”

Shows the outgoing call history (1 to 5).

● “INCOMING CALLS”

Shows the incoming call history (1 to 5).

● “PHONE SELECT ” or “SELECT/CHOOSE PHONE ” If multiple phones are registered to the sys- tem, you can change which phone to con- nect to the system (as long as that phone is present in the vehicle).

● “PHONEBOOK”

Shows the first page of the “phone book” list.

● “PHONEBOOK ”

Shows the specified “voicetag” entry in the “phone book” and dials the phone number registered in the specified “voicetag” after pressing the ENTER button on the steering wheel.

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● “ PHONEBOOK [PLAY] DIRECTORY” or

“PLAY PHONEBOOK [DIRECTORY]” Dials the phone number registered in the phone book.

NAVIGATION SYSTEM VOICE COMMANDS (if so equipped) For additional information, see the separate Navi- gation System Owner’s Manual for the voice commands available and operations.

LHA0747

LHA1014

VOICE RECOGNITION SETTINGS Press the SETUP button then touch the “Voice Recognition” key.

Voice Feedback: When this item is enabled (indicator is illumi- nated), vocal feedback during voice recognition system is activated. Touch the Voice Feedback “ON” key to disable the vocal feedback during voice recognition.

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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE The system should respond correctly to all voice commands without difficulty. If problems are en- countered, follow the solutions given in this guide for the appropriate error. Where the solutions are listed by number. Try each solution in turn, starting with number one, until the problem is resolved.

Symptom/error message

Displays “COMMAND NOT RECOG- NIZED” or the system fails to interpret the command correctly.

Solution

1. Ensure that the command format is valid. See Command list in this section. 2. Speak clearly without pausing between words and at a level appropriate to the ambient noise level. 3. Ensure that the ambient noise level is not excessive, for example, windows open or defrost on. NOTE: If it is too noisy to use the phone, it is likely that voice commands will not be recognized.

The system consistently selects the wrong voicetag.

4. If optional words of the command have been omitted, then the command should be tried with these in place. 1. Ensure that the voicetag requested matches what was originally stored. This can be confirmed by giving the Address Book Directory or Phone Directory command. 2. Replace one of the voicetags being confused with a different voicetag.

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MEMO

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5 Starting and driving

Precautions when starting and driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Three-way catalyst. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Off-road recovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Push-Button Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Push-button ignition switch positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
NISSAN Intelligent key™ battery discharge . . . . . . . . 5-8
Before starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Driving the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Manual transmission (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Cruise control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Precautions on cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Cruise control operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Break-in schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Increasing fuel economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Parking/parking on hills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Brake precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Traction Control System (TCS) (if so equipped) . . . . . . 5-25
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Cold weather driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Freeing a frozen door lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Anti-freeze. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Draining of coolant water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Tire equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Special winter equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Driving on snow or ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Engine block heater (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29

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PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING

● Do not leave children or adults who would normally require the assistance of others alone in your vehicle. Pets should also not be left alone. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent operation 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.

● Closely supervise children when they are around cars to prevent them from playing and becoming locked in the trunk where they could be seriously in- jured. Keep the car locked, with the rear seatback and trunk lid securely latched when not in use, and prevent children’s access to car keys.

EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)

WARNING

● Do not breathe exhaust gases; they contain colorless and odorless carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger- ous. It can cause unconsciousness or death.

5-2 Starting and driving

● If you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, drive with all win- dows fully open, and have the vehicle inspected immediately.

● Do not run the engine in closed spaces

such as a garage.

● Do not park the vehicle with the engine running for any extended length of time. ● Keep the trunk lid closed while driving, otherwise exhaust gases could be drawn into the passenger compart- ment. If you must drive with the trunk lid open, follow these precautions: 1. Open all the windows.

2. Set the

air recirculation but- ton to off and the fan control dial to high to circulate the air.

● If electrical wiring or other cable con- nections must pass to a trailer through the seal on the trunk lid or the body, follow the manufacturer’s recommen- dation to prevent carbon monoxide en- try into the vehicle.

● 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 passenger

into

the

entering compartment.

c. You notice a change in the sound of

the exhaust system.

d. You have had an accident involving damage to the exhaust system, un- derbody, 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 three-way catalyst are burned at high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.

WARNING

● The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys- tem are very hot. Keep people, animals or flammable materials away from the exhaust system components.

● 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.

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CAUTION

● Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits from leaded gasoline will seriously re- duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to help reduce exhaust pollutants.

● 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 driv- ing if the engine misfires, or if notice- able loss of performance or other un- usual are detected. Have the vehicle inspected promptly by a NISSAN dealer.

conditions

operating

● Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel level. Running out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, damaging the three-way catalyst.

● Do not race the engine while warming it

up.

● 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 in- flated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard 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 inflation 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 pressure 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 pressure. Driving on a signifi- cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over- heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency 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 to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS mal- function 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 mal- function exists. When the malfunction indicator 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 alter- nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replac- ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly. Additional information: ● The TPMS does not monitor the tire

pressure of the spare tire.

Starting and driving 5-3

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● You can also check the pressure of all tires (except the spare tire) on the display screen (if so equipped). The order of the tire pres- sure figures displayed on the screen does not correspond with the actual order of the tire position. See “Tire pressure information” in the “Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems ” section.

For additional information, see “Low tire pressure warning light” in the “Instruments and controls” section and “Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)” in the “In case of emergency” section.

WARNING

● If the low tire pressure warning light illuminates while driving, avoid sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road to a safe location and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Driving with under- inflated tires may permanently damage the tires and increase the likelihood of tire failure. Serious vehicle damage could occur and may lead to an acci- dent and could result in serious per- sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Informa- tion label to turn the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as possible. (See “Flat tire” in the “In case of emergency” section for changing a flat tire.)

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

● 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.

● Tire pressure rises and falls depending on the heat caused by the vehicle’s operation and the outside temperature. Low outside temperature 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 illumi- nate. If the warning light illuminates in low ambient temperature, check the tire pres- sure for all four tires.

● The Tire and Loading Information label (also referred to as the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label) is located in the driver’s door opening.

5-4 Starting and driving

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● 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 approximately 1 minute. The light will remain on after 1 minute. Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as possible for tire replacement and/or system resetting.

● Replacing tires with those not originally specified by NISSAN could affect the proper operation of the TPMS.

● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may cause a malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.

CAUTION

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.

Some devices and transmitters may temporarily interfere with the operation of the TPMS and cause the low tire pressure warning light to illu- minate.

Some examples are: – Facilities or electric devices using similar radio

frequencies are near the vehicle.

– If a transmitter set to similar frequencies is

being used in or near the vehicle.

– If a computer (or similar equipment) or a DC/AC converter is being used in or near the vehicle.

FCC Notice: Changes or modifications not expressly ap- proved by the party responsible for compli- ance could void the user’s authority to op- erate 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.

AVOIDING COLLISION AND ROLLOVER

WARNING

Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe and prudent manner may result in loss of control or an accident.

Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed, high speed cornering, or sudden steering ma- neuvers, because these driving practices could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. As with any vehicle, loss of control could result in a collision with other vehicles or objects or cause the vehicle to roll over, 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 pre- scription or over-the-counter drugs which may cause drowsiness). Always wear your seat belt as outlined in the “Safety – Seats, seat belts and supplemental this manual, and also instruct your passengers to do so. Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in 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.

restraint system” section of

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OFF-ROAD RECOVERY While driving, the right side or left side wheels may unintentionally leave the road surface. If this occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by follow- ing the procedure below. Please note that this procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on the con- ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.

1. Remain calm and do not overreact.

2. Do not apply the brakes.

3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight course.

4. When appropriate , slowly release the accel-

erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.

5.

If there is nothing in the way, steer the ve- hicle to follow the road while vehicle speed is reduced. Do not attempt to drive the ve- hicle back onto the road surface until vehicle speed is reduced.

6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires return to the road surface. When all tires are on the road surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the ap- propriate driving lane.

5-6 Starting and driving

● If you decide that it is not safe to return the vehicle to the road surface based on vehicle, road or traffic conditions, gradually slow the vehicle to a stop in a safe place off the road.

RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged due to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure loss can also be caused by driving on under-inflated tires.

Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds.

Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by maintain- ing the correct air pressure and visually inspect the tires for wear and damage. See “Wheels and tires” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out” while driving, maintain control of the vehicle by following the procedure below. Please note that this procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on the conditions of the ve- hicle, road and traffic.

WARNING

The following actions can increase the chance of losing control of the vehicle if there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure. Losing control of the vehicle may cause a collision and result in personal injury. ● The vehicle generally moves or pulls in

the direction of the flat tire.

● Do not rapidly apply the brakes. ● Do not rapidly release the accelerator

pedal.

● Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.

1. Remain calm and do not over react. 2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight course.

3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel-

erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.

4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from traffic if possible. 5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually

stop the vehicle.

6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either contact a roadside emergency service to change the tire or see “Changing a flat tire” in the “In case of emergency” section of this Manual.

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DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND DRIVING

WARNING

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

NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However, you must choose not to drive under the influence of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents. Al- though the local laws vary on what is considered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol affects all people differently and most people underestimate the effects of alcohol. Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-counter, pre- scription, and illegal drugs). Don’t drive if your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by alco- hol, drugs, or some other physical condition.

PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH

WARNING

Do not operate the push-button ignition switch while driving the vehicle except in an emergency. (The engine will stop when the ignition switch is pushed 3 consecu- tive times in quick succession or the igni- tion switch is pushed and held for more than 2 seconds.) If the engine stops while the vehicle is being driven, this could lead to a crash and serious injury.

LSD0237
When the ignition switch is pushed without de- pressing the brake pedal (CVT) or the clutch pedal (MT), the ignition switch position will illu- minate as follows:

Push center ● once to change to ACC. ● two times to change to ON. ● three times to return to OFF. The ignition switch will automatically return to the LOCK position when any door is either opened or closed with the switch in the OFF position.

Starting and driving 5-7

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The ignition switch is equipped with an anti-theft steering lock device.

The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition switch position cannot be switched to OFF until the shift selector is moved to the P (Park) position (CVT) or N (Neutral) position (MT).

When the ignition switch cannot be pushed to- ward the OFF position, proceed as follows:

1. Move the shift selector into the P (Park) position (CVT) or N (Neutral) position (MT).

2. Push the ignition switch. The ignition switch

position will change to the ON position.

3. Push the ignition switch again to the OFF

position.

The shift selector can be moved from the P (Park) position if the ignition switch is in the ON position and the brake pedal is depressed.

In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a right or left turn from the straight up position. To lock the steering wheel, push the igni- tion switch to the LOCK position. To unlock the steering wheel, push the ignition switch while slightly turning the steering wheel right and left. 5-8 Starting and driving

If the battery of the vehicle is discharged, the push-button ignition switch cannot be turned from the LOCK position.

Some indicators and warnings for operation are displayed on the vehicle information display. See “Vehicle information display” in the “Instruments and controls” section. PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS LOCK (Normal parking position):

The ignition switch can only be locked in this position.

The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is pushed to the ACC position while carrying the Intelligent Key or with the Intelligent Key inserted in the port. The ignition switch will lock when any door is opened or closed with the ignition switched off. OFF: The ignition switch is in the OFF position when the engine is turned off using the ignition switch. No lights will illuminate on the ignition switch. ACC (Accessories): This position activates electrical accessories such as the radio, when the engine is not running.

ACC has a battery saver feature that will turn the ignition switch to the OFF position after 1 hour under the following conditions: ● all doors are closed. ● shift selector is in P (PARK). The battery saver feature will be cancelled if any of the following occur: ● any door is opened. ● shift selector is moved out of park. ● ignition switch changes position. ON (Normal operating position): This position turns on the ignition system and electrical accessories.

CAUTION

Do not leave the vehicle with the ignition switch in ACC or ON positions when the engine is not running for an extended pe- riod. This can discharge the battery. NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY™ BATTERY DISCHARGE

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WSD0233
To remove the Intelligent Key from the port, push the ignition switch to the LOCK position and pull the Intelligent Key out of the port 䊊C .

WSD0232
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is almost dis- charged, the guide light 䊊A of the Intelligent Key port blinks and the indicator appears on the ve- hicle information display. See “Vehicle informa- tion display” in the “Instruments and controls” section. In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key into the port 䊊B allows you to start the engine. Make sure the Intelligent Key is placed in the correct direc- tion: The front side faces upward and the key ring side faces downward as illustrated.

NOTE: The Intelligent Key port does not charge the Intelligent Key battery. If you see the low battery indicator, replace the battery as soon as possible. See “NISSAN Intelligent Key™ battery replacement” in the “Mainte- nance and do-it-yourself” section.

CAUTION

● Never place anything except the Intelli- gent Key in the Intelligent Key port. Do- ing so may cause damage to the equipment.

● Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the correct direction when inserting it to the Intelligent Key port. The engine may not start if it is in the wrong direction.

● Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelligent Key port after the ignition switch is pushed to the LOCK position.

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BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

STARTING THE ENGINE

● Make sure the area around the vehicle is

clear.

● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool- ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as frequently as possible, or at least whenever you refuel.

● Check that all windows and lights are clean. ● Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper inflation.

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

do likewise.

● Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. See “Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders” in the “Instruments and controls” section of this manual.

1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Continuously Variable Transmission

(CVT) model: Move the shift selector to P (Park) or N (Neutral). P (Park) is recommended. The starter is designed not to operate if the shift selector is in any of the driving positions. Manual transmission: Move the shift selector to N (Neutral). De- press the clutch pedal to the floor. The starter is designed not to operate unless the clutch pedal is fully de- pressed.

3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position. Depress the brake pedal and the clutch pedal (if so equipped) and push the ignition switch to start the engine. To start the engine immediately, push and release the ignition switch while depressing the brake pedal with the ignition switch in any position.

● If the engine is very hard to start in ex- tremely cold weather or when restarting, depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap- proximately 1/3 to the floor) and while holding, crank the engine. Release the accelerator pedal when the engine starts. ● 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. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi- tion to start cranking the engine. After 5 or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing the ignition switch to LOCK. After cranking the engine, release the accelerator pedal. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by depressing the brake pedal and pushing the push-button ignition switch to start the engine. 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, push the ignition switch to the OFF position and wait 10 seconds before cranking again, otherwise the starter could be damaged.

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4. Warm-up

Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec- onds after starting. Do not race the engine while warming it up. Drive at moderate speed for a short distance first, especially in cold weather. In cold weather, keep the en- gine 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.

5. To stop the engine, shift the selector to the P (Park) position (CVT) or to N (Neutral) and apply the parking brake (MT) and push the ignition switch to the OFF position.

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT) (if so equipped)

WARNING

● Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu- tral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive) or manual shift mode. Always depress the brake pedal until shifting is completed. Fail- ure to do so could cause you to lose control and have an accident.

● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use caution when shifting into a forward or reverse gear before the engine has warmed up.

● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery roads. This may cause a loss of control. ● Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving. This could cause an accident.

CAUTION

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

The CVT in your vehicle is electronically con- trolled to produce maximum power and smooth operation. The recommended operating procedures for this transmission are shown on the following pages. Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.

NOTE: Engine power may be automatically re- duced to protect the CVT if the engine speed increases quickly when driving on slippery roads or while being tested on some dynamometers. Starting the vehicle 1. After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before moving the shift selector out of the P (Park) position.

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

3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start

the vehicle in motion.

4. Stop the vehicle completely before shifting

the shift selector to the P (Park) position.

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The CVT is designed so the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed before shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition switch is in the ON position. The shift selector cannot be moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear posi- tions if the ignition switch is pushed to the LOCK or ACC position.

WARNING

Apply the parking brake if the selector lever is in any position while the engine is not running. Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result in serious personal injury or property damage.

P (Park):

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when the vehicle is completely stopped.

LSD0182

To move the shift selector:

Push the button while depressing the brake pedal Push the button to shift

Shift without pushing button

Shifting After starting the engine, fully depress the brake pedal and move the shift selector from P (Park) to any of the desired shift positions.

Use the P (Park) shift selector position when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake pedal should be depressed to move the shift selector 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 shift the shift selector into the P (Park) position.

5-12 Starting and driving

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R (Reverse):

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when the vehicle is completely stopped.

Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake pedal must be depressed to move the shift selector from P (Park), N (Neutral) or any drive position to R (Reverse). N (Neutral): Neither forward nor 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.

6 (Sixth):

Use this position for all normal forward driving at highway speeds. 5 (Fifth):

Use this position when driving up long slopes, or for engine braking when driving down long slopes. 4 (Fourth), 3 (Third) and 2 (Second):

Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill grades. M1 (First):

Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill grades. ● Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended periods of time in lower than 6
range. This reduces fuel economy.

When shifting up:

Move the shift selector to the + (up) side. (Shifts to higher range.) When shifting down: Move the shift selector to the ⫺ (down) side. (Shifts to lower range.)

Starting and driving 5-13

LSD0182

Manual shift mode When the shift selector 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 dis- played on the position indicator in the meter. When shifting the shift selector to the manual shift gate, the position indicator displays 1 (first) up to 6 (sixth) depending on vehicle speed.

Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows: 1⇔ 2 ⇔ 3 ⇔ 4 ⇔ 5 ⇔ 6

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● The transmission will automatically down- shift the gears. (For example, if you select the 3rd range, the transmission will shift down between the 3rd and 1st gears.)

● Moving the shift selector rapidly to the same side twice will shift the ranges in succession.

When canceling the manual shift mode:

Return the shift selector to the D (Drive) position to return the transmission to the normal driving mode. ● In the manual shift mode, the transmis- sion may not shift to the selected gear. This helps maintain driving perfor- mance and reduces the chance of ve- hicle damage or loss of control.

● In the manual shift mode, the transmis- sion may shift up automatically to a higher range than selected if the en- gine speed is too high. When the ve- hicle speed decreases, the transmis- sion automatically shifts down and shifts to 1st gear before the vehicle comes to a stop.

5-14 Starting and driving

● CVT operation is limited to automatic drive mode when CVT fluid temperature is ex- tremely low even if manual shift mode is selected. This is not a malfunction. When CVT fluid warms up, manual mode can be selected.

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

LSD0183

Shift lock release If the battery charge is low or discharged, the shift selector may not be moved from the P (Park) position even with the brake pedal depressed and the shift selector button pushed. If the battery is discharged completely, the steer- ing wheel cannot be locked or unlocked. Do not move the vehicle with the steering wheel locked. It will be necessary to jump start or have your battery charged, see “Jump starting” in the “In case of emergency” section. Contact your NISSAN dealer or a professional towing service.

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To move the shift selector, complete the following procedure:

1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-

tion.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Remove the shift

lock release cover as

shown.

4.

Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock release slot and push down.

5. Move the shift selector to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shift lock release.

6. Push the ignition switch to the ON position to unlock the steering wheel. Now the ve- hicle may be moved to the desired location. If the shift selector cannot be moved out of P (Park), have a NISSAN dealer check the trans- mission as soon as possible.

WARNING

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. Malfunction- ing stop lights could cause an accident injuring yourself and others.

Accelerator downshift — in D position — For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel- erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis- sion down into a lower gear, 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 engine and vehicle speed may be limited. 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 “Instrument and controls” sec-

tion. This will occur even if all electrical circuits are functioning properly. In this case, place the ignition switch in the OFF position and wait for 10 seconds. Then push the switch back to the ON position. The vehicle should return to its normal op- erating 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 reduced. The reduced speed may be lower than other traffic, which could increase the chance of a collision. Be especially care- ful when driving. If necessary, pull to the side of the road at a safe place and allow the transmission to return to normal op- eration, or have it repaired if necessary.

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MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so equipped)

WARNING

● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery roads. This may cause a loss of control. ● Do not over-rev the engine when shift- ing to a lower gear. This may cause a loss of control or engine damage.

CAUTION

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

● Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting to help prevent transmission damage.

● Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

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

5-16 Starting and driving

Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence according to vehicle speed. To back up, lift up on the shift selector ring 䊊1 and then move it to the R (Reverse) position after stopping the vehicle completely. The shift selector ring 䊊1 returns to its original position when the shift selector is moved to the N (Neutral) position. If it is difficult to move the shift selector into R (Reverse) or 1 (1st), shift into N (Neutral), then release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch pedal again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1 (1st). Suggested upshift speeds The following are suggested vehicle speeds for shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance. Actual upshift speeds will vary according to road conditions, the weather and individual driving habits.

LSD0180

Shifting To change gears, or when upshifting or down- shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into the appropriate gear, then release the clutch slowly and smoothly. To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress the clutch pedal before operating the shift selec- tor. is not fully depressed before the transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be heard. Transmission damage may occur.

If the clutch pedal

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For normal acceleration in low altitude areas (less than 4,000 ft [1219 m]): For QR25DE:

For quick acceleration in low altitude areas and high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1219 m]): For QR25DE:

GEAR CHANGE

ACCEL shift point MPH

CRUISE shift point MPH

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th

For VQ35DE:

GEAR CHANGE

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th

(km/h) 15 (24) 25 (40) 33 (53) 44 (71) 51 (82)

(km/h) 8 (24) 17 (27) 25 (40) 36 (58) 51 (82)

ACCEL shift point MPH

CRUISE shift point MPH

(km/h) 15 (25) 25 (40) 31 (50) 36 (58) 43 (69)

(km/h) 9 (14) 19 (30) 26 (42) 31 (50) 37 (59)

Gear change 1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th

For VQ35DE:

Gear change 1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th

MPH (km/h)

8 (13) 17 (27) 25 (40) 36 (58) 51 (82)

MPH (km/h)

15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (64) 45 (72) 50 (80)

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

GEAR

QR25DE

MPH (km/h)

VQ35DE

MPH (km/h)

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

32 (53) 59 (95) 82 (133)

— — —

36 (58) 58 (93) 81 (131)

— — —

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PARKING BRAKE

WARNING

● Be sure the parking brake is fully re- leased before driving. Failure to do so can cause brake failure and lead to an accident.

● Do not release the parking brake from

outside the vehicle.

● Do not use the gear shift in place of the parking brake. When parking, be sure the parking brake is fully engaged.

● Do not leave children unattended in a vehicle. They could release the parking brake and cause an accident.

5-18 Starting and driving

Type A

Type B

LSD0158

WSD0169

To engage: Type A, firmly depress the parking brake. Type B, pull the lever up 䊊A . To release:

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

3. Type A, firmly depress the parking brake pedal and it will release. Type B, while pulling up on the parking brake lever slightly, push the button and lower completely 䊊B .

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

Place the shift selector in the N (Neutral) position. CVT models:

Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi- tion.

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CRUISE CONTROL

LSD0184

1. CANCEL switch 2. ACCEL/RES switch 3. COAST/SET switch 4. ON/OFF switch PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CONTROL ● If the cruise control system malfunctions, it cancels automatically. The SET indicator light in the instrument panel then blinks to warn the driver.

● If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the cruise control switch off and have the sys- tem checked by a NISSAN dealer.

● The SET indicator light may blink when the cruise control switch is turned ON while pushing the ACCEL/RES, COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch. To properly set the cruise control system, use the following proce- dures.

WARNING

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

vehicle at a set speed.

● In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in

speed.

● On winding or hilly roads. ● On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.). ● In very windy areas. Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in an accident. CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS The cruise control allows driving at a speed be- tween 25 - 89 MPH (40 - 144 km/h) without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. To turn on the cruise control, push the ON·OFF switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instrument panel comes on.

To set cruising speed, accelerate the vehicle to the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET indicator light in the instrument panel comes on. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set speed. ● To pass another vehicle, depress the ac- celerator pedal. When you release the pedal, the vehicle returns to the previously set speed.

● The vehicle may not maintain the set speed when going up or down steep hills. If this happens, drive without the cruise control.

To cancel the preset speed, use one of the following three methods. ● Push the CANCEL button; the SET indicator

light in the instrument panel goes out.

● Tap the brake pedal; the SET indicator light

goes out.

● Push the ON·OFF switch off. Both the CRUISE indicator light and SET indicator light in the instrument panel go out.

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BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow these recommendations to obtain maximum engine performance and en- sure the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in short- ened engine life and reduced engine performance.

● Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.

● Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear. ● Avoid quick starts. ● Avoid hard braking as much as possible. ● Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km). Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.

The cruise control is automatically canceled and the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if: ● you depress the brake or clutch pedal while pushing the ACCEL/RES or SET/COAST switch. The preset speed is deleted from memory.

● the vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH

(13 km/h) below the set speed.

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one of the following three methods. ● Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve- hicle attains the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it.

● Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re- lease the switch when the vehicle slows to the desired speed.

● you depress the clutch pedal (manual trans- mission), or move the shift selector to N (Neutral) (CVT or A/T)).

● Push and release the COAST/SET switch. Each time you do this, the set speed de- creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

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

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one of the following three methods. ● Depress the accelerator pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push and release the COAST/SET switch.

● Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch. When the vehicle attains the speed you de- sire, release the switch.

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

5-20 Starting and driving

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● When cruising at highway speeds, it is more economical to use the air conditioner and leave the windows closed to reduce drag.

● Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda- tions” in “Technical and consumer informa- tion” Section of this manual.

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

● Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain cruising speeds with a constant accelerator position.

● Drive at moderate speeds on the highway. Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy. ● Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a safe distance behind other ve- hicles.

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

● Avoid unnecessary engine idling. ● Keep your engine tuned up. ● Follow the recommended periodic mainte-

nance schedule.

● Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres- sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

● Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im- proper alignment increases tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

● Air

conditioner operation

fuel economy. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.

lowers

Starting and driving 5-21

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PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

WARNING

● 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.

● Safe parking procedures require that both the parking brake be set and the transmission placed into P (Park) for CVT models or in an appropriate gear for manual transmission models. Fail- ure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and re- sult in an accident. Make sure the shift lever has been pushed as far forward as

5-22 Starting and driving

SSD0488

it can go and cannot be moved without depressing the foot brake pedal.

● Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

● Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac- tivate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in seri- ous accidents.

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

Place the shift selector in the R (Reverse) position. When parking on an uphill grade, place the shift lever in 1st gear.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) models: Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi- tion.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good practice to turn the wheels as illustrated. ● HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB: 䊊1

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

● HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB: 䊊2

Turn the wheels away from the curb and move the vehicle back until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb.

● HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB: 䊊3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road so the vehicle will move away from the cen- ter of the road if it moves.

4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position

and remove the key.

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POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering. If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you will still have control of the vehicle. However, much greater steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.

WARNING

If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work. Steering will be harder to operate.

The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. BRAKE PRECAUTIONS Vacuum assisted brakes The brake booster aids braking by using engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis- tance will be longer. Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.

To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a lower gear before going down a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may reduce braking performance and could result in loss of vehicle control.

WARNING

● While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking, accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel- erating could cause the wheels to skid and result in an accident.

● 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.

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 drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the best brake performance. This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual and can be performed by a NISSAN dealer. 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.

Starting and driving 5-23

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To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes function correctly. ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING

● The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a sophisticated device, but it cannot pre- vent accidents resulting from careless or dangerous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces. Remem- ber that stopping distances on slippery surfaces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis- tances 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 respon- sible for safety.

● Tire type and condition may also affect

braking effectiveness.

5-24 Starting and driving

– 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 “Technical and consumer informa- tion” section of this manual.

– “Maintenance –

For detailed information,

see “Wheels and tires” in the 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 pre- vent 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 slip- pery surfaces.

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

WARNING

in

result

increased

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may stopping distances. 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 without anti-lock assistance. If the ABS warning light illuminates during the self-test or while driving, have the vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer.

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Normal operation The ABS operates at speeds above 3 - 6 MPH (5
- 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 ap- plies 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 pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is re- quired while driving.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) (if so equipped)

When accelerating on slippery surfaces the tire may spin or slip. With the vehicle Traction Control System (TCS), sensors detect these movements and control the braking and engine output to help improve vehicle road traction.

● When the TCS is operating, the

indicator in the instrument panel blinks.

● If the

indicator blinks, the vehicle may be under slippery conditions. Be sure to drive carefully. See “Slip indicator light” and “Traction Control System (TCS) off indicator light” in the “Instruments and controls” sec- tion of this manual.

● If a malfunction occurs in the system, lights

the come on in the instrument panel.

indicator

and

As long as these lights are on, the traction control function is canceled. The vehicle will behave like a vehicle without the system.

WARNING

● The Traction Control System is de- signed to help maintain traction with the road surface but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering opera- tion at high speeds or by careless or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery surfaces and always drive carefully.

● If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not stan- dard equipment or are extremely dete- riorated, the Traction Control System may not operate properly and the indicator light may come on.

● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock ab- sorbers, struts, springs, bushings and wheels are not standard equipment or are extremely deteriorated, the Traction Control System may not operate prop- erly and the indicator light may come on.

Starting and driving 5-25

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VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve- hicle motion. Under certain driving situations, the system will control braking and engine output to help keep the vehicle on its steered path. ● When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is operating, the SLIP indicator in the instrument panel blinks:

● If the SLIP indicator blinks, the road condi- tions may be slippery. Be sure to adjust your speed and driving to these conditions. See “Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “In- struments and controls” section.

● Indicator light

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the SLIP and indicator lights come on in the instrument panel. As long as these indicator lights are on, the traction control function is canceled.

If the vehicle is operated with the Vehicle Dy- namic Control system OFF using the VDC OFF switch, VDC and TCS functions will be turned off. The SLIP indicator will flash if wheel spin is detected. The ABS will still operate with the VDC system off.

When the VDC system is operating, you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the VDC system is working prop- erly.

The computer has a built in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse at a slow speed. 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

● The Vehicle Dynamic Control system is designed to help maintain traction with the road surface but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering opera- tion at high speeds or by careless or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery surfaces and always drive carefully.

● When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the Traction Control System may not indica- operate properly and the tor light may come on. Do not drive on these types of roads.

● If wheels or tires other than the recom- mended ones are used, the Traction Control System may not operate prop- erly and the indicator light may come on.

● The Traction Control System is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.

5-26 Starting and driving

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● When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the Vehicle Dynamic Control off indicator light may illuminate. This is not a malfunction. Restart the engine after driving onto a stable surface.

● If wheels or tires other than the recom- mended ones are used, the Vehicle Dy- namic Control system may not operate properly and the Vehicle Dynamic Con- trol off indicator light may come on.

● The Vehicle Dynamic Control system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.

● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock ab- sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings and wheels are not NISSAN approved for your vehicle or are ex- tremely deteriorated the Vehicle Dy- namic Control system may not operate properly. This could adversely affect ve- hicle handling performance, and the VDC OFF indicator light may come on. ● If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not stan- dard equipment or are extremely dete- riorated, the Vehicle Dynamic Control system may not operate properly and the Vehicle Dynamic Control off indica- tor light may come on.

● If engine related parts such as the muf- fler are not standard equipment or are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indicator or SLIP” indicator or both in- dicator lights may illuminate.

● When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the Vehicle Dynamic Control system may not operate properly and the VDC OFF indicator light may come on. Do not drive on these types of roads.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de- icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key hole or use the remote keyless entry keyfob (if so equipped). ANTI-FREEZE In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem- perature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection. For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. BATTERY If the battery is not fully charged during extremely cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi- mum efficiency, the battery should be checked regularly. For details, see “Battery” in the “Main- tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

Starting and driving 5-27

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DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti- freeze, drain the cooling system, including the engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle. For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide superior performance on dry pave- ment. However, the performance of these tires will be substantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If you operate your ve- hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom- mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and availability informa- tion.

2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some U.S. states and Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check local, state and provincial laws before installing studded tires.

Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires. 5-28 Starting and driving

3. Tire chains may be used. For details see “Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it- yourself” section of this manual.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT It is recommended that the following items be carried in the vehicle during winter: ● A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice and snow from the windows and wiper blades.

● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the

jack to give it firm support.

● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts. ● Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-

voir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to drive on. The vehicle will have much less traction or “grip” under these conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet the road is salted or sanded.

ice until

● Whatever the condition, drive with cau- tion. Accelerate and slow down with care. If accelerating or downshifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction.

● Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be started sooner than on dry pavement.

● Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These may appear on an otherwise clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead, brake before reach- ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice, and steering avoid maneuvers.

sudden

any

● Do not use the cruise control on slip-

pery roads.

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

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To use the engine block heater: 1. Turn the engine off. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block

heater cord.

3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension cord.