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
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 “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 to
running 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)5-8
Starting and driving
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
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
or personal injury.
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
1
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.
SSD0392
IGNITION SWITCH (Except for
Intelligent Key equipped model)
Starting and driving
5-9
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK and removed
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When turning the ignition switch, make sure the
selector lever is in the P position.
If the selector lever is not returned to the P
position, the ignition switch cannot be moved
toward LOCK.
When the ignition switch cannot be turned
toward the LOCK position while keeping the
Intelligent Key, proceed as follows:
1. Move the selector lever into the P position.2. Turn the ignition switch slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
The selector lever can be moved from P
position if the ignition switch is in the ON
position and the foot brake pedal is de-
pressed.
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 counterclock-
wise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the igni-
tion switch to the LOCK position. To unlock
the steering wheel, push the ignition
switch in and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
If the battery of the vehicle equipped with
the Intelligent Key system is discharged,
the ignition switch cannot be turned from
the LOCK position, even using the me-
chanical key or valet key.
IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONSPush in the ignition switch to the
B
position
when you turn it.
LOCK (Normal parking position)
A:
The ignition switch can only be locked in the
LOCK position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed in, and turned to the ACC position
C
while carrying the Intelligent Key.
ACC (Accessories)
C:
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not
running.
ON(Normal operating position)
D:
This position turns on the ignition system and
electrical accessories.
START
E:
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the knobimmedi-
ately. It will automatically return to the ON posi-
tion.
The ignition switch cannot be turned back to the
LOCK position unless the selector lever is in P
position. (It can be turned only to the
B
posi-
tion.)
SSD0417
Starting and driving
5-11
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the igni-
tion switch in ACC or ONpositions when
the engine is not running for an ex-
tended period. This can discharge the
battery.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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-12
Starting and driving
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
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 (if so equipped) 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 discharged.
If the selector lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have a 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 light(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 switch to the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then turn
the switch back to the ONposition. The
vehicle should return to its normal operat-
ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
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. 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.
SSD0290
5-16
Starting and driving
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
Shift lock releaseIf the battery is discharged, the selector lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) position
even with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the selector lever, push the shift lock
release button while depressing the foot brake
and applying the parking brake. The selector
lever can be moved to N (Neutral). This allows
the vehicle to be moved if the battery is dis-
charged, after releasing the parking brake.
If the battery is discharged in N (Neutral), D
(Drive) or Manual shift mode, the selector lever
may not be moved to the P (Park) position.If it is necessary to park the vehicle, push the
shift lock release button, then move the selector
lever to the P (Park).
To push the shift lock release button, follow the
procedure as illustrated.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have
a NISSAN dealer check the CVT system as soon
as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P (Park) position while the
engine is running and the brake
pedal is depressed, the stop lights
may not work. Malfunctioning stop
lights could cause an accident injur-
ing yourself and others.
Do not park the vehicle without shift-
ing to the P (Park) position.Accelerator downshift
— In D position —For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into the lower gear, depend-ing 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 light
(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 switch to the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then turn
the switch back to the ONposition. The
vehicle should return to its normal operat-
SSD0352
5-20
Starting and driving
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
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. 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.To apply:Fully depress the parking brake pedal
1.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake
2.
2. Depress the parking brake pedal1
and the
parking brake will be released.
3. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING
Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
Do not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
SPA2331
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving
5-21
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
When it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies
in speed.
On winding or hilly roads.
On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
In very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROLIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator light
on the meter panel then blinks to warn the
driver.
If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.The SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control main switch is turned on while
pushing the RESUME/ACCELERATOR,
SET/COAST, or CANCEL switch. To prop-
erly set the cruise control system, perform the
preceding steps in the order indicated.
1. RESUME/ACCELERATOR switch
2. SET/COAST switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. MAIN (ON/OFF) switch
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONSThe cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the main
switch on. The CRUISE indicator light on the
meter panel will come on.
SPA2178
CRUISE CONTROL5-22
Starting and driving
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0