2012 Nissan Murano Owners Manual

high enough to cause severe or possibly fatal injuries to people or animals.

. Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or collision, unse- cured cargo could cause personal injury (Hardtop models).

. Closely supervise children when they are around cars to prevent them from playing and becoming locked in the trunk where they could be seriously injured. Keep the car locked with the trunk closed when not in use, and prevent children’s

5-2 Starting and driving

EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)

GUID-B1E6FC9D-58E3-4E6A-A439-2EA1D37CC8A4

WARNING

. Do not breathe exhaust gases; they contain colorless and odorless car- bon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous. It can cause uncon- sciousness or death.

If you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, drive with all windows 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 lift gate/trunk closed while driving, otherwise exhaust gases could be drawn into the passenger compartment. If you must drive with the lift gate/trunk open, follow these precautions:

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Black plate (342,1)

1. Open all the windows.

2. Set the and the fan control circulate the air.

air recirculation to off to high to

If electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass to a trailer through the seal on the lift gate/ trunk or the body, follow the manu- facturer’s recommendation to pre- vent carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle.

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 vehicle. (Some recreational vehicle appliances such as stoves, refrig- erators, heaters, etc. may also gen- erate carbon monoxide.)

The exhaust system and body should be inspected by a qualified mechanic whenever:

— The vehicle is raised for service.

— You suspect that exhaust fumes are entering into the passenger compartment.

Black plate (343,1)

— You notice a change in the

sound of the exhaust system.

— You have had an accident invol- ving damage to the exhaust system, underbody, or rear of the vehicle.

THREE-WAY CATALYST GUID-25B6DA98-F9DE-4D4E-BDE7-81C60C45F38C 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 system are very hot. Keep people, animals or flammable materials away from the exhaust system com- ponents.

. 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

. Do not use leaded gasoline. Depos- its from leaded gasoline will ser- i o u s l y r e d u c e t h e t h r e e - w a y catalyst’s ability to help reduce ex- haust pollutants.

. Keep your engine tuned up. Mal- functions in the ignition, fuel injec- tion, or electrical systems can cause overrich fuel flow into the three-way catalyst, causing it to overheat. Do not keep driving if the engine mis- fires, or if noticeable loss of perfor- mance or other unusual operating conditions are detected. Have the vehicle inspected promptly by a NISSAN dealer.

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

. Do not race the engine while warm-

ing it up.

. Do not push or tow your vehicle to

start the engine.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS- TEM (TPMS) GUID-F7BA83CF-7575-4726-9031-194EDDC1CE8C including the spare (if provided), Each tire, should be checked monthly when cold and inflated 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) 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 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 to trigger the TPMS low tire

illumination of

that

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Starting and driving 5-3

Black plate (344,1)

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. The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning also appears on the dot matrix liquid crystal display when the low tire pressure warning light is illuminated and low tire pressure is detected. The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning turns off when the low tire pressure warning light turns off. The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning does not appear if the low tire pressure warning light illuminates to indicate a TPMS malfunction. 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 illuminate. If the warning light illuminates in low ambient temperature, check the tire pressure for all four tires.

information, see “Low tire pres- For additional sure warning light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “6. In case of emer- gency” section.

WARNING

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 possi- ble. 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 accident and could result in serious personal injury. Check the tire pres- sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label to turn the low tire pressure warning light OFF. illuminates while driving after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire may be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a

If the light still

pressure telltale. 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 indi- cator 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 replace- ment 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 alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

Additional information

GUID-07B738A4-1137-4087-8AEB-CE89E2044A1C the tire

The TPMS does not monitor pressure of the spare 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

5-4 Starting and driving

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Black plate (345,1)

spare tire as soon as possible. (See “Flat tire” in the “6. In case of emergency” section for changing a flat tire.)

. When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not function and the low tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi- mately 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 ori- ginally 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 (for mod- els not equipped with the emer- gency tire puncture repair kit).

If you used the Emergency Tire Sealant to repair a minor tire punc- ture, your NISSAN dealer will also need to replace the TPMS sensor in addition to repairing or replacing the tire (for models equipped with

the emergency tire puncture repair kit).

. NISSAN recommends using only NISSAN Genuine Emergency Tire Sealant provided with your vehicle. Other tire sealants may damage the valve stem seal which can cause the tire to lose air pressure (for models equipped with the emergency tire puncture repair kit).

CAUTION

The TPMS may not function properly when the wheels are equipped with tire chains or the wheels are buried in snow.

. Do not place metalized film or any metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows. This may cause poor re- ception 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 illuminate. 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:

For USA:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interfer- ence received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: Changes or modifications not ex- pressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

For Canada:

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interfer- ence, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

(1)

Starting and driving 5-5

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Black plate (346,1)

AVOIDING COLLISION AND ROLL- OVER

GUID-E6266578-BC57-4E10-9E60-9119C21F2B7D

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 maneuvers, 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 as outlined in the “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section of this manual, and also instruct your passengers to do so. Seat belts help reduce the risk of

injury in

5-6 Starting and driving

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 OFF-ROAD DRIVING PRECAUTIONS GUID-3F74B5AC-3060-4F11-A9FF-736430251ABC Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. They have higher ground clearance than pas- senger cars to make them capable of performing in a variety of on-pavement and off-road applications. 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 passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road 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 injury in collisions and reduce the risk of 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. Be sure to read “Driving safety precautions” later in this section. OFF-ROAD RECOVERY GUID-0B9EF0FC-7FF7-4BD7-8DAD-AD0B0D563DF6
While driving, the right side or left side wheels may unintentionally leave the road surface. If this occurs, 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 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-

5.

erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle. If there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle to follow the road while the vehicle speed is reduced. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle 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 appropriate driving lane.

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Black plate (347,1)

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

RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS GUID-E28673F5-7D64-42E9-870E-85BE9AF08E4C 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 main- taining the correct air pressure and visually inspect the tires for wear and damage. See “Wheels and tires” in the “8. 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 vehicle, 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 accelera-

tor pedal.

. Do not rapidly turn the steering

wheel.

1. Remain calm and do not overreact. 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 (Hardtop models)” in the “6. In case of emergency” section of this Owner’s Manual.

DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND DRIVING

GUID-7A928DD8-EFC8-4928-9868-B5AB0AAD1681

WARNING

Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol in the blood- stream reduces 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 se- verity 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. Although the local is considered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol affects all people differently and most people underestimate the effects of

laws vary on what

Starting and driving 5-7

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Black plate (348,1)

. 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.

. Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when driving over rough terrain. Properly secure all cargo so it will not be thrown forward and cause injury to you or your passengers.

To avoid raising the center of gravity excessively, do not exceed the rated capacity of the roof rack (if so equipped) and evenly distribute the load. Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. Do not equip the vehicle with tires larger than speci- fied in this manual. This could cause your vehicle to roll over.

. 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. Instead drive with your fin- gers and thumbs on the outside of the rim.

is true for drugs,

alcohol. Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And that 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 GUID-88B76DB7-2FA7-49FD-B795-D52F3FD6E561
Your NISSAN is designed for both normal and off-road use. However, avoid driving in deep water or mud as your NISSAN is mainly designed for leisure use, unlike a conventional off-road vehicle. Remember that Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) mod- els are less capable than All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models for rough road driving and extrication when stuck in deep snow, mud, or the like. Please observe the following precautions:

. Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead drive either straight up or straight down the slopes. Off-road vehicles can tip over sideways much more easily than they can forward or backward.

. Many hills are too steep for any vehicle. 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.

. Do not shift ranges while driving on downhill grades as this could cause loss of control of the vehicle.

. 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.

WARNING

. 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.

5-8 Starting and driving

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.

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Black plate (349,1)

. Before operating the vehicle, ensure that the driver and all passengers have their seat belts fastened.

. Always drive with the floor mats in place as the floor may became hot.

Lower your speed when encounter- ing strong crosswinds. With a higher center of gravity, your NISSAN is more affected by strong side winds. Slower speeds ensure better vehicle control.

. Do not drive beyond the perfor- mance capability of the tires, even with AWD engaged.

. For AWD equipped vehicles, do not attempt to raise two wheels off the ground and shift the transmission to any drive or reverse position with the engine running. Doing so may result in drivetrain damage or un- expected vehicle movement which could result in serious vehicle da- mage or personal injury.

. Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy- namometer (such as the dynam- ometers used by some states for emissions testing), or similar equip-

ment even if the other two wheels are raised off the ground. Make sure you inform test facility personnel that your vehicle is equipped with AWD before it is placed on a dynamometer. Using the wrong test equipment may result in drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle movement which could result in serious vehicle damage or personal injury. (AWD models)

. When a wheel is off the ground due to an unlevel surface, do not spin the wheel excessively.

. Accelerating quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or sudden braking may cause loss of control.

If at all possible, avoid sharp turning maneuvers, particularly at high speeds. Your vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a conventional passenger car. The vehicle is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional passenger cars. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly could result in loss of control and/or a rollover accident.

. 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 slippery roads and drive carefully.

. Be sure to check the brakes imme- diately after driving in mud or water. See “Brake system” later in this section for wet brakes.

. Avoid parking your vehicle on steep hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it rolls forward, backward or sideways, you could be injured.

. Whenever you drive off-road through sand, mud or water as deep as the wheel hub, more frequent maintenance may be required. See the maintenance information in the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”.

. Spinning the front wheels on slip- pery surfaces may cause the AWD warning light to flash and the AWD system to automatically switch from the AWD mode to the 2WD mode. This could reduce traction. Be espe- cially careful when towing a trailer. (AWD models)

Starting and driving 5-9

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PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH

GUID-F1720B44-6701-48B1-BED7-A9C2BCCB6DC9

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
consecutive times in quick succession or the ignition 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.

Before operating the push-button ignition switch, be sure to move the selector lever to the P (Park) position. INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEM GUID-4506DE24-E655-4EE7-84B3-EA31D89241BD The Intelligent Key system can operate the ignition switch without taking the Intelligent Key out from your pocket or purse. The operating environment and/or conditions may affect the Intelligent Key system operation.

CAUTION

. Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key with you when operating the vehi-

5-10 Starting and driving

Black plate (350,1)

cle.

. Never leave the Intelligent Key in- side the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.

SSD0436

Operating range for engine start function GUID-A596920A-CBFC-4976-89DB-4A47CB018FD5
The Intelligent Key functions can only be used for starting the engine when the Intelligent Key is within the specified operating range *1 . When the Intelligent Key battery is almost discharged or strong radio waves are present near the operating location, the Intelligent Key system’s operating range becomes narrower and may not function properly. If the Intelligent Key is within the operating range, it is possible for anyone, even someone who does not carry the Intelligent Key, to push the ignition switch to start the engine.

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

.

The cargo/trunk area is not included in the operating range, but the Intelligent Key may function. the Intelligent Key is placed on the If instrument panel, rear parcel shelf, inside the glove box or door pocket, the Intelligent Key may not function. If the Intelligent Key is placed near the door or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent Key may function.

Black plate (351,1)

until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park) position. When the ignition switch cannot be pushed toward the LOCK position, proceed as follows: 1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)

position.

2. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position. (The ignition switch position indicator will not illuminate.)

3. Open the door. The ignition switch will

change to the LOCK position.

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

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 dot matrix liquid crystal display between the speedometer and tachometer. (See “Dot matrix liquid crystal display” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)

Starting and driving 5-11

SSD1021

PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH OPERATION GUID-0FA0E46E-E6F4-42C7-B398-B61C483B7F1B When the ignition switch is pushed without depressing the brake pedal, the ignition switch position will change as follows: . Push center once to change to ACC. . Push center two times to change to ON. . Push center three times to change to OFF.

(No position illuminates.)

. Push center four times to return to ACC. . Open or close any door to return to LOCK

during the OFF position.

The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition switch position cannot be switched to LOCK

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Black plate (352,1)

CAUTION

Do not leave the vehicle with the push- button ignition switch in ACC or ON positions when the engine is not run- ning for an extended period. This can discharge the battery.

EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF GUID-06748DB5-CB47-498E-AD33-8015C01F2E78
To shut off the engine in an emergency situation while driving, perform the following procedure: . Rapidly push the push-button ignition switch 3 consecutive times in less than 1.5
seconds, or

. Push and hold the push-button ignition

switch for more than 2 seconds.

PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS

GUID-2DA63785-8ABA-4F35-89C9-8EC5E99D0005

LOCK (Normal parking position) GUID-4B0ADEFB-3415-4B03-963E-0C0C5B8558F4
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 Intelligent Key port.

ACC (Accessories) GUID-1142617A-DFBE-4A4C-86B0-2A451772941C This position activates electrical accessories such as the radio, when the engine is not running.

ON (Normal operating position) GUID-BB4F7743-D4C8-4CD5-B0E0-E2CC0EA06860
This position turns on the ignition system and electrical accessories.

OFF GUID-F0D3DF80-AF4F-4421-A7D9-6137FEB28588
The engine can be turned off without locking the steering wheel. The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition switch cannot be switched to the LOCK position until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park) position.

5-12 Starting and driving

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SSD0837

INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS- CHARGE GUID-B0FA47F4-2F8B-42AE-95A0-B8BDCC855CA4
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is almost discharged, the guide light *B of the key port *A blinks and the indicator appears on the dot matrix liquid crystal display. (See “Dot matrix liquid crystal display” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.) In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key into the port *A allows you to start the engine. Make sure that the key ring side faces backward as illustrated. Insert the Intelligent Key in the port until it is latched and secured. To remove the Intelligent Key from the port, push the ignition switch to the OFF position and pull

Black plate (353,1)

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

STARTING THE ENGINE

the Intelligent Key out of the port. NOTE:

The key port does not charge the key battery. If you see the low battery indicator in the dot matrix liquid crystal display, replace the battery as soon as possible. (See “Intelligent key battery replacement” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.)

CAUTION

. Never place anything except the Intelligent Key in the key port. Doing so may cause damage to the equip- ment.

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

. Remove the Intelligent Key from the key port after the ignition switch is pushed to the OFF position.

GUID-147FB3A5-0560-4EED-8FD9-82CD1174F15F . 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 seats and adjust head restraints/

headrests.

. 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 “2. Instruments and controls” section.)

GUID-F37FF9D7-0BFA-4B95-99B8-BFD3E3B48784

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

(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.) The starter is designed not to operate unless the selector lever is in either of the above positions.

3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position. Depress the brake pedal 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.

the engine is very hard to start

If in extremely cold weather or when restart- ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little (approximately 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 position to start cranking the engine. After 5 or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing the ignition switch to OFF. After cranking the engine, release the accel- erator pedal. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by

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Starting and driving 5-13

Black plate (354,1)

2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and move the selector lever to a driving position. 3. Release the parking brake and foot brake pedal, and then gradually start the vehicle in motion.

WARNING

. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive) or L (Low) position. Always depress the brake pedal until shift- ing is completed. Failure 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.

. Never shift to P (Park) or R (Re- verse) while vehicle is moving. Fail- ure to do so could cause you to lose control and have an accident.

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 OFF and wait 10 seconds before cranking again, otherwise the starter could be damaged.

4. Warm-up

least 30
Allow the engine to idle for at race the seconds after starting. Do not engine 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.

5. To stop the engine, shift the selector lever to the P (Park) position and push the ignition switch to the OFF position.

5-14 Starting and driving

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

GUID-874DAAA4-503F-461F-8A66-BEEC6486BBB0

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS- MISSION (CVT) GUID-ACCD68EB-D536-48ED-BBB3-82DB1D8F06BA The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in your vehicle is electronically controlled 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. 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 GUID-35972EF7-F09E-4D7E-99A4-08117777767B 1. After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before moving the selector lever out of the P (Park) position. This CVT is designed so that the foot brake pedal must be depressed before shifting from P (Park) to any driving position while the ignition switch is in the ON position.

The selector lever cannot be moved out of the P (Park) position and into any of the other positions if the ignition switch is pushed to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position.

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

Black plate (355,1)

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.

CAUTION

Use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when the vehicle is completely stopped.

P (Park): GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407
Use this selector position when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake pedal must be depressed and the selector lever button pushed in to move the selec- tor 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 selector lever to the P (Park) position.

Starting and driving 5-15

CAUTION

. Except in an emergency, do not shift to the N (Neutral) position while driving. Doing so can cause a loss of engine braking which may result in a collision, serious personal in- jury or death. In addition, coasting with the transmission in the N (Neutral) position may cause ser- ious damage to the transmission.

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

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

SSD0691

To move the selector lever,

Push the button *A while depressing the brake pedal. Push the button *A . Just move the selector lever.

Shifting GUID-D5026A04-B5E5-49C1-B727-309E2651B4AE After starting the engine, fully depress the brake pedal, push the selector lever button and move the selector lever from the P (Park) position to any of the desired shift positions.

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

Black plate (356,1)

Accelerator downshift — In D position — GUID-CD19E66D-4772-4785-B00D-BC9BC6AC4E04
For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into a lower gear, depending on the vehicle speed.

High fluid temperature protection mode GUID-FE0DB0A0-F4AF-44F6-8609-E1599FEA814D 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 GUID-CA9C7C97-9363-4621-960F-9DED536408A1
If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions, such as excessive wheel spin- ning and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be activated. The MIL may illuminate to indicate the fail-safe mode is activated. (See “Malfunction In- dicator Light (MIL)” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.) This will occur even if all electrical circuits are functioning properly. In this case, place the ignition

R (Reverse): GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407
Use this position to back up. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake pedal must be depressed and the selector lever button pushed in to move the selector lever from P (Park), N (Neutral) or any driving position to R (Reverse).

N (Neutral): GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407
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): GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407
Use this position for all normal forward driving.

L (Low): GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407
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.

SSD0692

Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch GUID-8A3D61C2-25AC-4088-A419-A1EAB3D4657F When the O/D OFF switch is pushed with the selector lever in the D (Drive) position, the indicator light in the instrument panel illuminates. Use the overdrive off mode when you need improved engine braking. To turn off the overdrive off mode, push the O/D OFF switch again. The indicator light will turn off. Each time the engine is started, or when the selector lever is shifted to any position other than the D (Drive) position, the overdrive off mode will be automatically turned off.

5-16 Starting and driving

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

Black plate (357,1)

4. Push down the shift lock release *B using a

suitable tool.

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

The vehicle may be moved to the desired location. Replace the removed shift lock release cover after the operation. If the selector lever cannot be moved out of the P (Park) position, have a NISSAN dealer check the CVT system 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. Malfunctioning stop lights could cause an accident injuring yourself and others.

Starting and driving 5-17

switch in the OFF position and wait for 10
seconds. Then place the ignition switch back in the ON position. The vehicle should return to its normal operating condition. If it does not return to its normal operating condition, have a NISSAN dealer check the transmission and repair if necessary.

WARNING

When the high fluid temperature pro- tection 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 careful when driving. If ne- cessary, 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.

SSD0693

Shift lock release GUID-4E0BBA67-0709-45D4-82B6-4589F6D64379
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 depressed and the selector lever button pushed. To move the selector lever, perform the following procedure: 1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK

position.

2. Apply the parking brake. 3. Remove the shift

lock release cover *A

using a suitable tool.

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

PARKING BRAKE

CRUISE CONTROL

Black plate (358,1)

GUID-E081E1F7-54B4-4901-B654-AF785D4BF47C

WARNING

. Be sure the parking brake is fully released 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 acci- dent.

SPA2331

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

and

the parking brake will be released.

3. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

GUID-65CB3DFE-511B-4626-B4E4-906AB50ECAD1

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CON- TROL

GUID-80F20175-468E-45AF-89B6-B813DC76FEBF If the cruise control system malfunctions, it will cancel automatically. The CRUISE in- dicator light on the meter panel will then blink to warn the driver. If the engine coolant temperature becomes excessively high, the cruise control system will cancel automatically. If the CRUISE indicator light blinks, turn the cruise control main switch off and have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer. The CRUISE indicator light may blink when the cruise control main switch is turned ON while pushing the ACCEL/RES, COAST/ SET or CANCEL switch. To properly set the cruise control system, perform the following procedures.

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

5-18 Starting and driving

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

. 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.

Black plate (359,1)

accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will maintain the set speed.

To pass another vehicle, depress the accelerator pedal. When you release the pedal, the vehicle will return to the previously set speed. The vehicle may not maintain the set speed on winding or hilly roads. If this happens, drive without the cruise control.

To cancel the preset speed, use one of the following methods: 1. Push the CANCEL switch. 2. Tap the brake pedal. 3. Turn the MAIN switch off. The CRUISE light

the cruising speed,

will turn off. If you depress the brake pedal while pushing the ACCEL/RES or COAST/SET switch and reset at the cruise control will disengage. Turn the MAIN switch off once and then turn it on again. The cruise control will automatically cancel if the vehicle slows more than 8 MPH (13
km/h) below the set speed. If you move the selector lever to the N (Neutral) position, the cruise control will be canceled.

Starting and driving 5-19

SSD0694

ACCEL/RES switch COAST/SET switch CANCEL switch MAIN (ON·OFF) switch

1. 2. 3. 4. CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS GUID-674D4903-B7FA-430D-83D5-F523C0724370
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 will illuminate. To set cruising speed, accelerate the vehicle to the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it. Take your foot off the

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

Black plate (360,1)

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one of the following 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 desired speed, release the switch.

. Push, then quickly release the ACCEL/RES 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 methods:

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

. Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Release the switch when the vehicle slows down to the desired speed.

. Push, then quickly release the COAST/SET switch. Each time you do this, the set speed will decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

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

5-20 Starting and driving

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

GUID-1450B7AB-549F-4778-B02E-889FA0A180B6

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow these recommendations to ob- tain maximum engine performance and ensure the future reliability and econo- my of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in shortened engine life and reduced engine performance.

. Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow. 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.

GUID-76A875B9-D302-49EA-808D-3131A08DF31D . 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. Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles. . Select a gear range suitable to road condi-

tions.

. Avoid unnecessary engine idling. . Keep your engine tuned up.

Follow the recommended periodic mainte- nance schedule.

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

. Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Improper alignment increases tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

. Air conditioner operation lowers fuel econ- omy. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.

. 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- tion” in the “9. Technical and consumer information” section.)

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

Black plate (361,1)

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

GUID-789B8744-E030-429A-8E1D-A540048EE2D3

WARNING

. For AWD equipped vehicles, do not attempt to raise two wheels off the ground and shift the transmission to any drive or reverse position with the engine running. Doing so may result in drivetrain damage or un- expected vehicle movement which could result in serious vehicle da- mage or personal injury.

. Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy- namometer (such as the dynam- ometers used by some states for emissions testing) or similar equip- ment even if the other two wheels are raised off the ground. Make sure that you inform the test facility personnel that your vehicle is equipped with AWD before it is placed on a dynamometer. Using the wrong test equipment may re- sult in drivetrain damage or unex- pected vehicle movement which could result in serious vehicle da- mage or personal injury.

LOCK mode The AWD LOCK indicator illuminate.

GUID-CC369E60-DA40-4EBF-A446-5E7381738F55
will

light

AUTO mode The AWD LOCK indicator light will turn off.

GUID-6EC36219-866B-4934-BDB0-3940B0EB298C

AWD mode

Wheel driven

AWD LOCK indica- tor light

Use condi- tions

AUTO

Distribution of tor- que to the front and rear wheels changes automatically, de- pending on road conditions encoun- tered [100:0] ↔ [50:50]. This results in im- proved driving stabi- lity.*1

Turns 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. LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically when the vehicle has been driven at a high speed. The AWD LOCK indicator light turns off.

*2:

Starting and driving 5-21

SSD0418

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) LOCK SWITCH OPERATIONS GUID-59E847D3-AC63-4E97-B941-A563BA7CB53E The AWD LOCK switch is located on the lower side of the instrument panel (CrossCabriolet models) or on the center console (Hardtop models). This switch is used to select the AUTO or LOCK mode depending on the driving conditions. Each time you push the lower part of the switch *A , the AWD mode will switch: AUTO ? LOCK ? AUTO.

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

Black plate (362,1)

ning.

. Engine idling speed is high while warming up the engine. Be espe- cially careful when starting or driv- ing on slippery surfaces.

. When turning the vehicle in LOCK mode on paved roads, you may feel a braking effect. This is a normal condition of the AWD model.

SSD0336B

AWD WARNING LIGHT GUID-9D8CB64F-35DD-4A37-956F-52AA71579753
The AWD warning light is located in the meter. The AWD warning light illuminates when the ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. It turns off soon after the engine is started. If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

*3:

LOCK mode will automatically be cancelled when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.

If the AWD LOCK switch is operated while accelerating or decelerating, or if the ignition switch is turned off, you may feel a jolt. This is normal. The oil temperature of power train parts will increase if the vehicle is continuously operated under conditions where the differ- ence 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 to protect the powertrain 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

. When driving straight, shift the AWD LOCK switch to AUTO. Do not oper- ate the AWD LOCK switch when making a turn or backing up.

. Do not operate the AWD LOCK switch with the front wheel spin-

5-22 Starting and driving

Black plate (363,1)

checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

The powertrain may be damaged if you continue driving with the warn- ing light blinking.

. Never drive on dry hard surface roads in the LOCK mode, as this will overload the powertrain and may cause a serious malfunction.

while the engine is running, the warning light will come on. The warning light may blink rapidly (about twice per second) while trying to free a stuck vehicle due to high powertrain oil temperature. The driving mode may change to 2WD. The AUTO mode may change to the LOCK mode before the warning light blinks. If the warning light blinks rapidly during operation, stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a safe place immediately. Then if the light turns 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.

CAUTION

If the warning light remains on after the above operation, have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

If the warning light comes on while driving there may be a malfunction in the AWD system. Reduce the vehicle speed and have your vehicle

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

Starting and driving 5-23

Black plate (364,1)

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: *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: *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: *3
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. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK

position.

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

GUID-6A33C11E-91A4-41FA-95B0-22BCFAAF7D4F

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). Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result in an accident. Make sure the selector lever has been pushed as far forward as it can

5-24 Starting and driving

SSD0488

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 un- knowingly activate switches or con- trols. Unattended children could become involved in serious acci- dents.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake. 2. Move the selector lever

to the P (Park)

position.

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

Black plate (365,1)

GUID-B307D2C7-6A0F-4C3B-AA18-70CF878DA08C

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 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, espe- cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.

GUID-72E45F72-7DC3-4DC6-AB5F-495F1E017DEB

BRAKING PRECAUTIONS GUID-46E46FAB-CDA9-4CBA-9224-E375245B79F0
The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels.

Vacuum assisted brakes GUID-3D1E5CD8-57BB-4B7C-A4EC-478588B554DD 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.

Using the brakes GUID-17BAD6F4-E8FF-4930-86AF-B9E7AE24A97E Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster and reduce gas mileage. To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a lower gear before going down a slope or long grade. 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, accelerat-

ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking or accelerating 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.

Wet brakes GUID-DAFCC3E6-12FB-486E-80D5-D760D63692FD 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 GUID-8A683E74-F58D-4094-9248-FB85437EC54C 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 best braking performance. This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual and can be performed by a NISSAN dealer.

Starting and driving 5-25

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

Black plate (366,1)

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

GUID-E8B15746-8DE1-4800-8F8E-42F837255969

WARNING

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent accidents resulting from careless or dangerous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces. Remember that stopping distances on slippery sur- faces 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.

Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness.

— When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four wheels.

— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as specified on the

5-26 Starting and driving

Tire and Loading Information label. See “Tire and Loading Information label” in the “9. Technical and consumer infor- mation” section of this manual.

— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” in the “8. Maintenance 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.

Using the system GUID-7B970DD3-2DFA-4433-AD98-0B18169C87E4
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pressure, 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 GUID-12E48F0B-DED5-4F59-9CFD-2520A19BEF49
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 malfunction, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The brake system then oper- ates 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.

[ Edit: 2011/ 7/ 18 Model: Z51-D ]

Normal operation GUID-2399D9B9-0F57-4BAD-9F01-56588EEEEE14
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 hazardous and extra care is required while driving.

Black plate (367,1)

keep the vehicle on the steered path.

. 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 properly.

. Adjust your speed and driving to the road

conditions.

See “Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) warning light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section. If a malfunction occurs in the system, the warning light comes on in the instrument panel. The VDC system automatically turns off when the warning light is on. The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC system. The VDC off indicator illuminates to indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC system still operates to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by transferring power to a non slipping drive wheel. The warning light flashes if this occurs. All other VDC functions are off and the warning light will not flash. The VDC system is automatically reset to on when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position then back to the ON position. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature

Starting and driving 5-27

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

GUID-6F99BD6B-AA3F-475B-9D6B-0401F20418AF The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con- ditions, the VDC system helps to perform the following functions. . Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on the same axle.

. Controls brake pressure and engine output to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle speed (traction control function).

. Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in the following conditions: — understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steering input)

— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to

certain road or driving conditions).

The VDC system can help the driver to maintain control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving situations. When the VDC system operates, the warning light in the instrument panel flashes so note the following: