2003 NISSAN MURANO ABS

Adjust the head restraints so the center is level
with the center of your ears.
ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT (front
seats)
WARNING

Always adjust the head restraints
properly as specified in the previous
section. Failure to do so can reduce
the effectiveness of the active head
restraint.
Active head restraints are designed
to supplement other safety systems.
Always wear seat belts. No system
can prevent all injuries in any acci-
dent.

Do not attach anything to the head
restraint stalks. Doing so could im-
pair active head restraint function.
The head restraint moves forward utilizing the
force that the seatback receives from the occu-
pant in a rear-end collision. The movement of the
head restraint helps support the occupant’s
head by reducing its backward movement and
helping absorb some of the forces that may lead
to whiplash type injuries.
Active head restraints are effective for collisions
at low to medium speeds in which it is said that
whiplash injury occurs most.
Active head restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original positions.
Properly adjust the active head restraints as
described in the previous section.
SSS0178
SPA1025
1-8
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
AWD (All wheel drive) LOCK indicator
light (AWD models)
AWD (All wheel drive) warning light
(AWD models)
Seat belt warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Charge warning light
Low tire pressure warning light (if so
equipped)
Security indicator light
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
Slip indicator light (if so equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set indicator light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning light
CVT (Continuously variable transmission)
indicator light
Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light
(if so equipped)
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition key
to ON without starting the engine. The following
lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the light will illuminate. The light will turn off after
about 2 seconds if the system is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate that the anti-lock brake system isnot functioning properly. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally. See
“Anti-lock brake system (ABS)” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section for further details.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
2-9


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................. 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst ........................................................... 5-3
Low tire pressure warning system (if so
equipped) ........................................................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................................... 5-4
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions
(AWD) ................................................................................. 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............................. 5-5
Driving safety precautions.............................................. 5-5
Ignition switch ......................................................................... 5-8
Key positions ..................................................................... 5-8
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ............................. 5-9
Before starting the engine ................................................... 5-9
Starting the engine ............................................................. 5-10
Driving the vehicle ............................................................... 5-10
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)............. 5-10
Parking brake........................................................................ 5-14
Cruise control (if so equipped)........................................ 5-14
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-14
Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-15
Break-in schedule ............................................................... 5-16
Increasing fuel economy .................................................... 5-17
Using all wheel drive (AWD) (if so equipped)............. 5-17AWD lock switch operations...................................... 5-18
AWD warning light ........................................................ 5-19
Parking/parking on hills...................................................... 5-20
Power steering ..................................................................... 5-21
Brake system ........................................................................ 5-21
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-21
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................... 5-22
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system (if so
equipped) .............................................................................. 5-23
Cold weather driving .......................................................... 5-24
Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-24
Anti-freeze ....................................................................... 5-24
Battery .............................................................................. 5-24
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-24
Tire equipment................................................................ 5-25
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-25
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-25
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-26


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


cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. 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 responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires 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 it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See
“Vehicle identification” in the “9.
Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section for tire placard location.When driving on slippery surfaces or suddenly
avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle might
swerve or slip. With the vehicle dynamic control
(VDC) system, sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine output to
help improve vehicle stability while driving. The
system also varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking.

When the VDC system is operating, the slip
indicator in the instrument panel blinks.

When only the traction control system portion
of the VDC system is operating, the slip
indicator will also blink.

If the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is under
slippery conditions. Be sure to drive carefully.
See “Slip indicator light”, and “VDC off indi-
cator light” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.

Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
SLIP and
indicator lights come on in
the meter panel.
As long as these warning lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.
The VDC uses a brake Limited Slip Differential
(LSD) system to improve vehicle traction. The
brake LSD system works when one of the driving
wheels in spinning on a slippery surface. Thebrake LSD system brakes the spinning wheel
which distributed the driving power to the other
drive wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the
vehicle dynamic control system turned off, all
VDC and traction control functions will be turned
off. The brake LSD and ABS system will still
operate with the VDC system off. If the brake
LSD system or the ABS system is activated, the
slip indicator light will blink and you may hear a
clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is also normal and indicates the
brake fluid pressure is controlled properly.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working prop-
erly.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is
not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING

The vehicle dynamic control system
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)
Starting and driving
5-23


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


is designed to help improve driving
stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Re-
duce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering
on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.

If engine related parts such as muf-
fler are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the ve-
hicle dynamic control off indicator
light and slip indicator light may
come on.

If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs and bush-
ings are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the ve-
hicle dynamics control off indicator
light may come on.

When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the vehicle dynamic control sys-
tem may not operate properly orthe vehicle dynamic control off indi-
cator light may come on. Do not drive
on these types of roads.

If the tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle
dynamic control system may not op-
erate properly or the vehicle dynamic
control off indicator light may come
on.

The vehicle dynamic control system
is not a substitute for winter tires or
tire chains on a snow covered road.

When the vehicle is on a conveyance
such as a ferry, the vehicle dynamic
control off indicator light and slip
indicator light may come on. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the engine
after departing the conveyance.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see “Engine cooling
system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section for changing engine coolant.COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-24
Starting and driving


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-22
Aiming control, headlights....................................... 2-22
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front air bag
system) .................................................................. 1-15
Side and curtain (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag systems) .... 1-17
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-20
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-20, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation .................................. 4-15
Air conditioner service ........................... 4-15, 4-18
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ...................................... 4-18, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ......... 4-15
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
All wheel drive (AWD) ............................................. 5-17
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-41
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-31
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-22
Anti-lock brake warning light .................................... 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-3Armrest ........................................................................... 1-9
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-15
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-20
Audio, steering switch for audio system ............. 4-30
Audio system .............................................................. 4-19
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD) ....................... 4-28
Autolight system ........................................................ 2-21
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-15
Drive positioner ................................................... 3-16
Automatic seat positioner, seat ............................. 3-16
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-4
AWD lock switch operations ................................. 5-18
B
Back door ...................................................................... 3-9
Battery .......................................................................... 8-14
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-22
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-7
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-15
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-22
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-20
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-12
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-19
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-20Brake system ....................................................... 5-21
Parking brake check............................... 5-14, 8-19
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Warning light ....................................................... 2-10
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-16
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-9
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-24
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-31
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-32
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-32
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-29
Cellular phone holder ............................................... 2-28
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-32
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-42
Installation on rear seat center or outboard
positions ................................................................ 1-34
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-32
Top tether strap anchor point locations ....... 1-41
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-40
Child safety ................................................................. 1-24
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-15
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-21
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-3


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0