a station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference from
buildings, large hills or due to antenna position,
usually in conjunction with increased distance
from the station transmitter, static or flutter can
be heard. This can be reduced by adjusting the
treble control counterclockwise to reduce treble
response.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and re-
flected signals reach the receiver at the same
time. The signals may cancel each other, result-
ing in momentary flutter or loss of sound.AM RADIO RECEPTIONAM signals, because of their low frequency, can
bend around objects and skip along the ground.
In addition, the signals can be bounced off the
ionosphere and bent back to earth. Because of
these characteristics, AM signals are also sub-
ject to interference as they travel from transmitter
to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for several
seconds during ionospheric turbulence even in
areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electricalpower lines, electric signs and even traffic lights.
SATELLITE RADIO RECEPTIONWhen the satellite radio is first installed or the
battery has been replaced, the satellite radio
may not work properly. This is not a malfunction.
Wait more than 10 minutes with satellite radio
ON for satellite radio to receive all of the neces-
sary data.
The satellite radio mode will be skipped or “NO
SAT” will be displayed unless the optional sat-
ellite receiver and antenna are installed, and an
XM
or SIRIUS
TM
satellite radio service sub-
scription is active.
Satellite radio performance may be effected if
cargo carried on the roof rack blocks the satellite
radio signal.
If possible, do not put cargo over the satellite
radio antenna.
AUDIO OPERATION PRECAUTIONS
Cassette playerTo maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in length.
Cassette tapes should be removed from
the player when not in use. Store cas-
settes in their protective cases andaway from direct sunlight, heat, dust,
moisture and magnetic sources.
Direct sunlight can cause the cassette to
become deformed. The use of deformed
cassettes may cause the cassette to jam
in the player.
Do not use cassettes with labels which
are peeling and loose. If used, the label
could jam in the player.
If a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette hubs
and rewind the tape firmly around the
hubs. Loose tape may cause tape jam-
ming and wavering sound quality.
Over a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may col-
lect a tape coating residue as the tape is
played. This residue accumulation can
cause weak or wavering sound, and
should be removed periodically with a
head cleaning tape. If the residue is not
removed periodically, the player may
need to be disassembled for cleaning.
4-28
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0
Compact Disc (CD) playerOnly use high quality 4.7 inches (12 cm)
round discs that have the “COMPACT
disc DIGITAL AUDIO” logo on the disc or
packaging.During cold weather or rainy days, the
player may malfunction due to the hu-
midity. If this occurs, remove the CD and
dehumidify or ventilate the player com-
pletely.
The player may skip while driving on
rough roads.
The CD player sometimes cannot func-
tion when the compartment tempera-
ture is extremely high. Decrease the
temperature before use.
Do not expose the CD to direct sunlight.
CDs that are of poor quality, dirty,
scratched, covered with fingerprints, or
that have pin holes may not work prop-
erly.
The following CDs may not work prop-
erly:
•Copy control compact discs (CCCD)
•Recordable compact discs (CD-R)
•Rewritable compact discs (CD-RW)
Do not use the following CDs as they
may cause the CD player to malfunction.
•3.1 in (8 cm) discs with an adapter
•CDs that are not round•CDs with a paper label
•CDs that are warped, scratched, or
have abnormal edges
CDs with MP3 or WMA format cannot be
written by this audio system.
If the CD cannot be played, one of the
following messages will be displayed.
CHECK DISC:
•Confirm that the CD is inserted cor-
rectly (the label side is facing up,
etc.).
•Confirm that the CD is not bent or
warped and it is free of scratches.
PUSH EJECT:
This is an error due to the temperature
inside the player is too high. Remove
the CD by pushing the EJECT button,
and after a short time reinsert the CD.
The CD can be played when the tem-
perature of the player returns to normal.
UNPLAYABLE:
The file is unplayable in this audio sys-
tem (only MP3 or WMA CD).
SAA0480
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-29
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0
case, reset the desired stations.
Radio data system (RDS):
RDS stands for Radio Data System, and is a
data information service transmitted by some
radio stations on the FM band (not AM band)
and/or SATELLITE band encoded within a regu-
lar radio broadcast. Currently, most RDS sta-
tions are in large cities, but many stations are
now considering broadcasting RDS data.
RDS can display:
Station call sign, such as “WHFR 98.3”.
Station name, such as “The Groove”.
Music or programming type such as “Classi-
cal”, “Country”, or “Rock”.
Traffic reports about delays or construction.
If the station broadcasts RDS information, the
RDS icon is displayed.
Category (CAT):
When the CAT button is pushed for less than
0.5 second, the AM/FM (Satellite) radio frequen-
cies (Category) will move to the next/previous
step (Category). Push and hold the button for
more than 0.5 second to move quickly through
the steps (Categories).
Cassette tape player operationTurn the ignition switch to ACC or ON, and then
lightly insert the cassette tape into the tape door.
The cassette tape will be automatically pulled
into the player.
The radio or CD will turn off (if it is on) and the
cassette tape will begin to play.
CAUTION
Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door. This could damage the
player.
If the system is turned off by pushing the
POWER button with the cassette tape still in the
player, the tape will resume playing when the
system is turned back on.
PLAY:
When the TAPE button is pushed with the
system turned off and a tape loaded, the
system will come on and the tape will play.
When the TAPE button is pushed with either
the radio or compact disc turned on and the
tape loaded, the compact disc or the radio
will automatically be turned off and the tape
will play.When the TAPE button is pushed with the
TAPE playing, the tape will play the program
recorded on the reverse side.
FF (Fast Forward), REW
(Rewind):
Push the(fast forward) button to fast
forward the tape. To rewind the tape, push the
(rewind) button. Either the FF or REW
symbol illuminates on the display window. To
stop the FF or REW function, push the(fast forward) or
(rewind) again, or
the TAPE button.
APS (Automatic Program
Search) FF, APS REW:
When the(APS FF) button is pushed
while the tape is being played, the next program
will start to play from the beginning. Push the
(APS FF) button several times to skip
through programs. The tape will advance the
number of times the button is pushed (up to nine
programs).
When the
(APS REW) button is pushed
once, the program being played starts over from
the beginning. Push the
(APS REW) but-
ton several times to skip back several selections.
The tape will go back the number of times the
button is pushed. Either the FF or REW symbol
4-40
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
05.8.26/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
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
(if so equipped) ............................................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................................... 5-5
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions
(AWD) ................................................................................. 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............................. 5-6
Driving safety precautions.............................................. 5-6
Ignition switch (Except for Intelligent Key equipped
model) ....................................................................................... 5-9
Key positions ..................................................................... 5-9
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS) ......... 5-10
Ignition switch (Intelligent Key System equipped
model)..................................................................................... 5-10
Ignition switch positions .............................................. 5-11
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS) ......... 5-12
Before starting the engine ................................................ 5-12
Starting the engine ............................................................. 5-12
Driving the vehicle ............................................................... 5-13
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)............. 5-13
M-CVT (CVT with Manual shift mode)..................... 5-16
Parking brake........................................................................ 5-21Cruise control ....................................................................... 5-21
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-21
Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-22
Break-in schedule .............................................................. 5-23
Increasing fuel economy .................................................... 5-24
Using all-wheel drive (AWD) (if so equipped) ............ 5-24
AWD lock switch operations...................................... 5-25
AWD warning light ........................................................ 5-27
Parking/parking on hills...................................................... 5-29
Power steering ..................................................................... 5-30
Brake system ........................................................................ 5-30
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-30
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................... 5-31
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-32
Cold weather driving .......................................................... 5-34
Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-34
Antifreeze ......................................................................... 5-34
Battery .............................................................................. 5-34
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-34
Tire equipment................................................................ 5-34
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-35
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-35
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-36
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
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 indica-
tor 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 replacement
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 alter-
nate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to con-
tinue to function properly.Additional informationThe TPMS does not monitor the tire 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 suddendrop in tire pressure (for example a flat tire
while driving).
Tire pressure rises and falls depending on the
heat caused by the vehicle’s operation and
the outside temperature. Low outside tem-
perature 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 tem-
perature, check the tire pressure for all four
tires.
You can also check the pressure of all tires
(except the spare tire) on the display screen.
The order of the tire pressure figures dis-
played 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 sys-
tem” section.
For additional information, see “Low tire pres-
sure warning light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section and “Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS)” in the “6. In case of emergency”
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 possible.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal in-
jury. Check the tire pressure for all
four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still illuminates while driving af-
ter adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat or the TPMS may be
malfunctioning. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible. (See “Flat tire” in the “In
case of emergency” section for
changing a flat tire.) If no tire is flat
and all tires are properly inflated,
5-4
Starting and driving
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0
have the TPMS system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash. Contact your
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible
for tire replacement and/or system
resetting.
Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect 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 pres-
sure sensors.
CAUTION
Do not place metalized film or any metal
parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows.This may cause poor reception of the
signals from the tire pressure sensors,
and the TPMS will not function properly.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in lossof 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 ma-
neuvers, 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. See “Seat belts” in the “1.
Safety — seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section. Also instruct your pas-
sengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
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.
Starting and driving
5-5
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0
hicle. 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.
Be sure to use the engine brake. The
foot brake performance may be re-
duced, resulting in a possible acci-
dent.
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.
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.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 ter-
rain. 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 specified in this
manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle 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. In-stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
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 become hot.
Lower your speed when encountering
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 performance
capability of the tires, even with AWD
engaged.
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 NISSAN all-wheel drive
vehicle has a higher center of gravity
than a two-wheel drive vehicle. The
Starting and driving
5-7
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0
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
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 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 through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. See “Periodic 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 to
running off the road, do not idle the
wheel excessively. (AWD models)
When the vehicle is on a free roller orthe front or rear wheels are jacked
up, do not start the engine. (AWD
models)
5-8
Starting and driving
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0