2003 NISSAN MURANO ignition

d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the converter are burned at high tem-
peratures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING

The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.

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. Deposits
from leaded gasoline 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
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by a NISSAN
dealer.

Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing 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.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)This vehicle is equipped with the low tire pres-
sure warning system, which displays pressure of
all tires (except the spare tire) on the display
screen by sending a signal from a sensor that is
installed in each wheel.
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). Also, this system may
not detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example, a flat tire while driving).
Frequently check the tire pressure information
display on the display screen and adjust pres-
sure of each tire properly. (The order of the tire
pressure figures displayed on the screen does
not correspond with the actual order of the tire
position.) See “Tire pressure information” in the
“4. Display screen, heater, air conditioner and
audio systems” section for tire pressure monitor.LOW TIRE PRESSURE warningIf the vehicle is being driven with a low tire
pressure (lower than 27 psi, 190 kPa), the low
tire pressure warning light comes on, and the
chime sounds for about 10 seconds.
Starting and driving
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On CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
models, the ignition lock is designed so that the
key cannot be turned to LOCK and removed
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition, make
sure the selector lever is in the P (Park) position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved toward
LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON direc-
tion.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch, the
selector lever cannot be moved from P (Park)
position.The selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ONposition
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK and
ACC, although it does not show on the lock
cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF the steering
wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
and/or personal injury.KEY POSITIONSThe switch includes an anti-theft steering lock
device.
LOCK (Normal parking position) (0)
The ignition key can only be removed when the
switch is in this position.
OFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking the
steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
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IGNITION SWITCH5-8
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This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position activates the starter motor, starting
the engine.NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEMThe Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key, it may be
due to interference caused by another Nissan
Vehicle Immobilizer System key, an automated
toll road device or automated payment device on
the key ring. Restart the engine using the follow-
ing procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position and wait approximately 10 seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered Nissan VehicleImmobilizer System key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the registered
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key on a
separate key ring to avoid interference from
other devices.
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.

Maintenance items should be checked peri-
odically, for example, each time you check
engine oil.

Check that all windows and lights are clean.

Visually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also, check tires for proper infla-
tion.

Lock all doors.

Position seat and adjust head restraints.

Adjust inside and outside mirrors.

Adjust the pedal position.

Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.

Check the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
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1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.

When the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it then
crank the engine. Release the key and the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.

When the engine is very hard to start be-
cause it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5 to 6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accelerator
pedal. Crank the enginewith your foot off
the accelerator pedalby turning the igni-
tion key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
CVT (Continuously Variable
Transmission)
Gate type shiftThe CVT in your vehicle is electronically con-
trolled by a transmission control module to pro-
duce maximum power and smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this transmis-
sion. Follow these procedures for maximum ve-
hicle performance and driving enjoyment.Starting the vehicleAfter starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal before shifting the selector lever to
the R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sec-
ond) or L (Low) position. Be sure the vehicle is
fully stopped before attempting to shift the se-
lector lever.
This CVT model is designed so that the
foot brake pedal must be depressed be-
fore shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
shift range if the ignition key is turned to
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the
key is removed from the switch.
STARTING THE ENGINE DRIVING THE VEHICLE5-10
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or roll away and result in serious per-
sonal injury and/or property damage.
If the key is turned to OFF or ACC for any reason
while the vehicle is in R (Reverse), N (Neutral), or
any D (Drive) position, the key cannot be turned
to LOCK and be removed from the ignition
switch. Additionally, the selector lever cannot be
moved to R (Reverse) from N (Neutral) or any D
(Drive) position. The selector lever can be moved
to R (Reverse) from any of the D (Drive) posi-
tions within 3 minutes after the ignition switch is
turned to the ACC or OFF position. The selector
lever can be moved from R (Reverse) to P (Park)
with the key in the OFF or ACC position.
If the key cannot be turned to LOCK, perform the
following steps:
1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is
stopped.
2. Turn the key to ON while depressing the foot
brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to P (Park).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK to remove the
key.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle isparked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the se-
lector lever from N(Neutral) or any drive
position to P (Park).Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the lever to the P (Park) position.
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle
is completely stopped.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure the
vehicle is completely stopped when selecting R
(Reverse).The brake pedal must be de-
pressed to move the selector lever from P
(Park) to R (Reverse).
The selector lever can be moved to R (Reverse)
from any of the D (Drive) positions within 3
minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the
ACC or OFF position.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward or reverse is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled enginewhile the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
S (Second):
Use this position for the improved engine brak-
ing.
L (Low):
Use this position for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill gradients/climbing steep slopes
and whenever approaching sharp bends. Do not
use the L position in any other circumstances.
Shift from the D to S or L position after releasing
the accelerator pedal.
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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.
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Starting and driving
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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
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must be used.

Always attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
Two wheel drive modelsNISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as
illustrated.
CAUTION

Never tow CVT models with the front
wheels on the ground or four wheelson the ground (forward or backward)
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission.
If it is necessary to tow the vehicle
with the rear wheels raised, always
use towing dollies under the front
wheels.

When towing CVT models with the
front wheels on towing dollies:
•Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steering
SCE0438
Two wheel drive models
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