2003 NISSAN MURANO wheel

Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low or discharged, the
selector lever may not be moved from the P
(Park) position even with the brake pedal de-
pressed.
To move the selector lever, depress the brake
pedal, remove the cover using a suitable tool and
push the shift lock release button. The selector
lever can be moved to N (Neutral). This allows
the vehicle to be moved if the battery is dis-
charged.
If the selector lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have your NISSAN dealer check the CVTsystem as soon as possible.
Accelerator downshift
— In D position —For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into lower range, depending
on the vehicle speed.High fluid temperature protection
modeThis transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-
comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperature with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer), engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the vehicle may not accelerate above
approximately 40 to 50 MPH (65 to 80 km/h).Fail-safeIf 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 lamp(MIL)” in the “2. Instrument and controls”
section. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, turn the ignition key OFF and wait for
3 seconds. Then turn the key back to the
ONposition. The vehicle should return to
its normal operating condition. If it does
not return to its normal operating condi-
tion, have your NISSAN dealer check the
transmission and repair if necessary.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs,
vehicle speed may be gradually re-
duced. On highways, the reduced speed
may be lower than other traffic which
could increase the chance of a collision.
Be especially careful when driving. If
necessary, pull to the side of the road at
a safe place and allow the transmission
to return to normal operation, or have it
repaired if necessary.
SSD0290
Starting and driving
5-13


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


The SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control main switch is turned on while
pushing the ACCEL/RES, COAST/SET, or
CANCEL switch (located on the steering
wheel). To properly set the cruise control
system, perform the preceding steps in the
order indicated.
1. ACCEL or RESUME switch
2. COAST or SET switch
3. ON/OFF switch
4. CANCEL switch
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONSThe cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the main
switch on. The CRUISE indicator light on the
meter panel will come on.To set at cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. (The SET
indicator light will come on.) Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will maintain
the set speed.

To pass another vehicle,depress the ac-
celerator pedal. When you release the pedal,
the vehicle will return 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,follow either of
these three methods:
a) Push the cancel switch; The SET indicator
light will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal; The SET indicator light
will go out.
c) Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE
indicator and SET indicator lights will go out.

If you depress the brake pedal while pushing
the ACCEL/RES set switch and reset at the
cruising speed, turn the main switch off once
and then turn it on again.

The cruise control will automatically be can-
celled if the vehicle slows down below ap-
SSD0297
Starting and driving
5-15


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


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

Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower 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 at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear and
waste fuel.

Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.

Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.

When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner andleave the windows closed to reduce drag.
SSD0292
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
USING ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving
5-17


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


AWD LOCK SWITCH OPERATIONSThe AWD system is used to select AUTO, LOCK depending on the driving conditions.
AWD system electronically controls the coupling.
Push the AWD LOCK switch to move between each mode AUTO and LOCK, depending on driving
conditions.AWD LOCK
switchWheel drivenAWD LOCK
indicator
lightUse conditions
AUTO (OFF)Distribution of torque to the front and
rear wheels changes automatically,
depending on road conditions en-
countered [100:0]↔[50:50].
This results in improved driving stabil-
ity.Goes off. For driving on paved or slippery roads
LOCK (ON) *1 ALL wheel drive AWD LOCK For driving on rough roads
*1 LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically, when the vehicle is accelerated or the vehicle speed is
over approximately 19 MPH (30 km/h). The AWD LOCK indicator light does not go off.
If the AWD LOCK switch is operated while accelerating or decelerating, or if the key switch is
turned off while in the AUTO or LOCK position, you may feel a jerk. This is normal.

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

Do not start engine while in the
AUTO or LOCK mode in the following
cases:
When on free roller or jacking up the
front tire with the rear tires on the
ground.

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

Do not operate the AWD lock switch
(AUTO and LOCK) with the front
wheel spinning.

Engine idling speed is high while
warming up the engine. Be especially
careful when starting or driving on
slippery surfaces with the AWD lock
switch set in OFF (AUTO).

When turning the vehicle in LOCK
mode on paved roads, you may feel a
braking effect. This is a normal con-
dition of the AWD model.
5-18
Starting and driving


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


AWD WARNING LIGHTThe AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the key
switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the
engine is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
when the key switch is ON, the warning light will
remain illuminated.
High-temperature power-train oil due to continu-
ous operation of the vehicle to free a stuck
vehicle makes the warning light blink rapidly
(about twice per second). The driving mode may
change to 2 wheel drive. AUTO mode may
change to LOCK mode before the warning light
blinks. This is normal. If the warning light blinks
rapidly during operation, stop the vehicle with
the engine idling in a safe place immediately.
Then if the light goes off after a while, you can
continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning light
blink slowly (about once per two seconds). 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

Do not operate the engine on the free
roller with the front wheels raised.

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

When the warning light comes on,
the 2 wheel drive may be engaged
even if the driving mode is in AUTO or
LOCK. Be especially careful when
driving.

Never drive on dry hard surface roads
in the LOCK mode, as this will over-
load the power-train and may cause a
serious malfunction.

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

The power-train may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking rapidly.
SSD0314A
Starting and driving
5-19


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


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.

Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.

Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
WARNING

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

Make sure the selector lever has
been pushed as far forward as it can
go and cannot be moved without de-
pressing the button at the end of the
lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
Turn the wheels into the curband move the
vehicle forward until the curbside wheel
gently touches the curb.
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS5-20
Starting and driving


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curband
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. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to use
a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist
steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However, much
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns or at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly 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.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This overheats the brakes, increases
wear on the brake linings and pads, and reduces
gas mileage.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving
5-21


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


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

While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.

If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed
at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure
to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding.By preventing wheel lockup, the system helps
the driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery sur-
faces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation mayindicate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.
Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the
meter. The brake system will then behave nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at your
earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
5-22
Starting and driving


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0