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
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS)The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
will not allow the engine to start without the use
of the registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
NVIS key, it may be due to interference caused
by another NVIS key, an automated toll road
device or an automated payment device on the
key ring. Restart the engine using the following
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 NVIS key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the registered
NVIS key on a separate key ring to avoid inter-
ference 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
the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion.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.
If the engine is very hard to start in extremely
cold weather or when restarting, depress the
accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/3
to the floor) and hold it then crank the engine.
Release the key and the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.
If the engine is very hard to start because 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 en-
ginewith your foot off the accelerator
pedalby turning the ignition switch to
START. Release the key when the engine
starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedure.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-12
Starting and driving
05.8.26/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.
WARNING
A vehicle equipped with AWD (All-
Wheel Drive) should never be tested
using a two wheel dynamometer, similar
to the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing, or similar
equipment. Make sure you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle
is an AWD equipped vehicle before it is
placed on a dynamometer. Failure to do
so may result in transmission damage
SSD0418
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
(if so equipped)5-24
Starting and driving
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0
a braking effect. This is a normal
condition of the AWD model.
AWD WARNING LIGHTThe AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon
after the engine is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
when the ignition 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 condition. 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 immedi-
ately. 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.
WARNING
Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle with two wheels on a
two wheel dynamometer and the other
two wheels raised. Doing so may result
SSD0314A
Starting and driving
5-27
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0
If the light comes on during the self-test or while
driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for
repair.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
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 brake
system. 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 thespecified 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 accelerating or driving on a slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors
detect these movements and control the braking
and engine output to help improve vehicle sta-
bility.
When the VDC system is operating, the
“SLIP” indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.
When only the Traction Control System
(TCS) portion of the VDC system is operat-
ing, the “SLIP” indicator in the instrument
panel blinks.
If the “SLIP” indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. Be
sure to drive carefully. See “Slip indicator
light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.
Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
“SLIP” and “VDC OFF” indicator lights illumi-
nate in the instrument panel. As long as these
indicators are illuminated, the VDC system
function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)
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Starting and driving
05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0
The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The
ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other driving
wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
system turned off, all VDC system functions and
TCS functions will be turned off. The ABLS
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. When the ABLS 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 normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or backward. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
If engine related parts such as a muf-
fler are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC
OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars and bushings are not
NISSAN-approved or are extremely
deteriorated the VDC system may not
operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the “VDC OFF” indica-tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indica-
tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the “VDC OFF” indi-
cator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.
If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC sys-
Starting and driving
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05.8.26/Z50-D/V5.0