2003 NISSAN MURANO parking brake

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
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03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


AWD (All wheel drive) warning
light (AWD models)
The
warning light comes on when the key
switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the
engine is started.
If the AWD system malfunctions or the revolu-
tion, or radius of the front and the rear wheel
differs, the warning light will either remain illumi-
nated or blink. See “Using all wheel drive
(AWD)” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
CAUTION

If the warning light comes on while
driving, AWD mode will change to
2WD mode. Reduce the vehicle speed
and have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the LOCK mode.

If the AWD warning light blinks on
when you are driving:
•blinks rapidly (about twice a sec-
ond):
Pull off the road in a safe area, andidle the engine. The driving mode
will change to 2WD to prevent the
AWD system from malfunctioning.
If the warning light turns off, you
can drive again.
•blinks slowly (about once every 2
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.
If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is ap-
plied.Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
WARNING

Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.

Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
greater pedal travel.
2-10
Instruments and controls


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


speeds. Your NISSAN all wheel drive
vehicle has a higher center of gravity
than a two wheel drive vehicle. The
vehicle is not designed for cornering
at the same speeds as conventional
two wheel drive vehicles. Failure to
operate this vehicle correctly could
result in loss of control and/or a roll
over 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 slip-
pery roads and drive carefully.

Be sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See “Brake system” later in this sec-
tion for wet brakes.

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

Whenever you drive off-road throughsand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. See “Peri-
odic maintenance” in the “Service
and Maintenance Guide”.

Do not drive continuously on sandy
or muddy roads with the front wheels
spinning. The AWD warning light
blinks and the driving mode changes
to 2WD. This could reduce traction
force remarkably. Be especially care-
ful when towing a trailer. (AWD mod-
els)

Do not use 2-wheel chassis dyna-
mometers or 2-wheel free rollers.
(AWD models)

Never operate the accelerator pedal
with the front wheels raised and the
rear wheels on the ground while jack-
ing up or with the front wheels on the
roller and the rear wheels on the
ground. Otherwise, the vehicle could
jump. (AWD models)

When a wheel is suspended due torunning off the road, do not idle the
wheel excessively. (AWD models)

When the vehicle is on a free roller or
the front or rear wheels are jacked
up, do not start the engine. (AWD
models)
Starting and driving
5-7


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


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)
SSD0083F
IGNITION SWITCH5-8
Starting and driving


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


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
Starting and driving


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
shift into a driving range.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
WARNING

Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or Nto R, or D.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting 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 range before the engine
has warmed up.

On slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.

Never shift to P or R while vehicle is
moving. This could cause an acci-
dent.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brakes should be used for this purpose.
ShiftingAfter starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and shift the selector lever from P (Park) to
R (Reverse), D (Drive), or any of the desired shift
positions.
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
SSD0288
Starting and driving
5-11


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


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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Starting and driving


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0