Side and curtain air bags (where fitted)
The supplemental side air bags are located in the
outside of the seatback of the front seats. The
supplemental curtain air bags are located in the roof
side trims. The supplemental side air bags and cur-
tain air bags are designed to inflate in higher sever-
ity side collisions, although they may inflate if the
forces in another type of collision are similar to those
of a higher severity side impact. They are designed
to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.
They may not inflate in certain side collisions. Ve-
hicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indica-
tion of proper supplemental side air bag operation.
When the supplemental side air bag and curtain air
bag inflate, a fairly loud noise may be heard, fol-
lowed by a release of smoke. This smoke is not
harmful and does not indicate a fire. However, care
should be taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irri-
tation and choking. Those with a history of a breath-
ing condition should get fresh air promptly.Supplemental side air bags, along with the use of
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the
chest of the front occupants. Curtain air bags help
to cushion the impact force to the head of occu-
pants in the front and rear outer seating positions.
They can help save lives and reduce serious inju-
ries. However, an inflating side air bag and curtain
air bag may cause abrasions or other injuries.
Supplemental side air bags and curtain air bags do
not provide restraint to the lower body.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright, and as far as
is practical, away from the side air bag. Rear seat
passengers should be seated as far away as practi-
cal from the door finishers and side roof rails. The
side air bags and curtain air bags inflate quickly in
order to help protect the front occupants. Because
of this, the force of the side air bag and curtain air
bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if the
occupant is too close to, or is against, these air bag
modules during inflation. The side air bag and cur-
tain air bag will deflate quickly after the collision is
over.
WARNING
•Directly after inflation, several air bag system
components will be hot. Do not touch them;
you may severely burn yourself.
•No unauthorised changes should be made to
any components or wiring of the air bag sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental inflation of
the air bag or damage to the air bag system.
•Tampering with the air bag system may result
in serious personal injury. Tampering includes
making changes to the steering wheel and
the instrument panel assembly by placing ma-
terial over the steering pad and above the
dashboard, or by installing additional trim ma-
terial around the air bag system.
•Do not attach any objects to the steering
wheel pad or to the instrument panel. Objects
attached to the steering wheel pad and in-
strument panel may become dangerous pro-
jectiles and cause injury if the air bag inflates.
•Work on and around the air bag system should
be done by a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop. Installation of electrical equipment
should be done by a NISSAN dealer or quali-
fied workshop. The yellow SRS wiring har-
nesses* should not be modified or discon-
nected. Unauthorised electrical test equip-
ment and probing devices should not be used
on the air bag system.
* SRS wiring harnesses are covered with yellow
insulation either just before the harness con-
nectors or on the complete harness, for an
easy identification.
SIR0146Z
1-12Safety — seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
During the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles), follow these
recommendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow the
recommendations may result in shortened engine
life and reduced engine performance.
•Avoid driving for long periods at a constant
speed, either fast or slow.
•Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
•Avoid quick starts.
•Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
•Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500
miles).
NOTE
Models with K9K diesel engine will achieve top
performance only after approximately 5,000 km
(3,000 miles).
WARNING
The driving characteristics of your vehicle can be
changed remarkably by any additional load and
its distribution as well as by adding optional
equipment (trailer couplings, roof racks, etc.).
Your driving style and speed have to be adjusted
accordingly. Especially when carrying heavy
loads, your speed must be reduced adequately.
•Make sure the area around the vehicle is free of
obstacles.
•Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant,
brake and clutch fluid, and window washer fluid
as frequently as possible, at least whenever you
refuel.
•Visually inspect tyres for their appearance and
condition. Also check the tyre pressure for
proper inflation.
•Maintenance items in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section should be checked peri-
odically.
•Check that all windows and light lenses are
clean.
•Check that all doors are closed.
•Position the seat and adjust the head restraints.
•Adjust the inside and outside mirrors.
•Fasten your seat belt and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
•Check the operation of the warning/indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position.
•Do not place hard or heavy objects on the dash-
board or rear parcel shelf in order to prevent
injury in the event of a sudden stop.
RUNNING-IN SCHEDULE BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-2Starting and driving
WARNING
•Be careful not to burn yourself with exhaust
gases.
•Do not park the vehicle over flammable mate-
rials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags,
as they may burn easily.
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
The diesel particulate filter reduces the amount of
materials that affect the environment by collecting
the particulate matter included in exhaust gases.
Particulate matter that has accumulated in the filter
is automatically burned and converted into harmless
substances while driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
The filter becomes extremely hot after burning
particulate matter.
If the diesel particulate filter warning light comes on,
it indicates that particulate matter has accumulated
in the filter to the specified limit. Particulate matter
collected in the filter cannot be burned under low
speed driving conditions.
As soon as safely possible, drive the vehicle at a
high speed (more than approximately 60 km/h (37.5
MPH) until the filter warning light goes out. Always
conform to local regulations.
When the accumulated particulate matter has been
completely burned, the filter warning light will go
out.
WARNING
•If the vehicle continues to be driven at a low
speed with the diesel particulate filter warn-
ing light illuminated, the fail-safe will limit en-
gine revolutions and/or torque. In this case,
the engine oil must be replaced and the pro-
cess of burning accumulated particulate mat-
ter must be carried out by a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop.
•Use engine oil for diesel particulate filter
equipped models. For details, see “Capaci-
ties and recommended fuel/lubricants” in the
“9. Technical information” section.Driving your vehicle to fit the circumstances is es-
sential for your safety and comfort. As a driver, you
should be the one who knows best how to drive in
the given circumstances.
ENGINE COLD START PERIOD
Due to the higher engine speeds when the engine is
cold, extra caution must be exercised when select-
ing a gear during the engine warm-up period after
starting the engine.
LOADING LUGGAGE
Loads, their distribution and the attachment of equip-
ment (coupling devices, roof luggage carriers, etc.)
will change the driving characteristics of the vehicle
considerably. Driving style and speed must be ad-
justed accordingly.
DRIVING ON WET ROADS
•Avoid starting off, accelerating and stopping sud-
denly.
•Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
•Extra distance should be kept from the vehicle in
front.
•When water covers the road surface in puddles,
small streams, etc, REDUCE SPEED to prevent
aquaplaning which will cause skidding and loss
of control. Worn tyres increase this risk.
DRIVING UNDER WINTER
CONDITIONS
•Drive safely.
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER
(where fitted)CARE WHEN DRIVING
Starting and driving5-5
•Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position
and remove the key/Intelligent Key (where fit-
ted).Your new vehicle was designed to be used primarily
to carry passengers and luggage.
Remember that towing a trailer will place additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive-train, steering,
braking and other systems. Towing a trailer will also
exaggerate other conditions, such as sway caused
by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks. Driving style and speed must be adjusted
according to the circumstances. Before towing a
trailer, see a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
for an explanation of towing equipment and its
proper use.
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
•Avoid towing a trailer during the running-in
schedule.
•Choose proper coupling devices (trailer hitch,
safety chain, roof carrier, etc.) for your vehicle
and trailer. These devices are available from a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop where you
can also obtain more detailed information about
trailer towing.
Heavy-duty kits are available at a NISSAN dealer
or qualified workshop.
•It is advisable to contact a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop for towing details, before
towing a trailer up steep slopes for long dis-
tances.
•Never allow the total trailer load (trailer weight
plus its cargo weight) to exceed the maximum
set for the coupling device.Contact a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
for more information on this matter.
•The trailer must be loaded so that heavy goods
are distributed over the axle and as low in the
trailer as possible. Poor load distribution can se-
riously affect the stability of the trailer and tow
vehicle.
•Do not exceed the maximum permitted vertical
load on the trailer hitch.
•Before driving, make sure that the lighting sys-
tem of the trailer works properly.
•Avoid abrupt starts, accelerations and stops.
•Avoid sharp turns and lane changes.
•Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
•Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Apply the handbrake (where
fitted) on the trailer. Parking on a steep slope is
not recommended.
If parking on a steep slope is unavoidable it is
also advisable to put the vehicle into gear, or
select P (Park, AT models), and turn the front
wheels into the kerb (in addition to the other pre-
cautions described). Before parking on a steep
slope consider the incline (the towing weights
quoted are for a 12% slope).
•Follow the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
TRAILER TOWING
5-24Starting and driving
•Rear overhang of coupling device:
A.715 mm (28.1 in)When leaving your vehicle unoccupied:
•Always remove the ignition key or Intelligent Key
(where fitted) and take it with you – even in your
own garage.
•Close all windows completely and lock all doors.
•Always park your vehicle where it can be seen.
At night, park in a well lit area.
•If the vehicle is equipped with an alarm or immo-
bilization device, use it – even for short periods.
•Do not leave children and pets in the vehicle
unattended.
•Do not leave valuables on view to tempt a thief.
Always take your valuables with you. If you must
leave something in your vehicle, lock it in the lug-
gage compartment or hide it out of sight.
•Do not leave the vehicle documents in your ve-
hicle. In the unfortunate event of your vehicle
being stolen, the documents will only help a thief
to sell the vehicle.
•Do not leave articles on a roof rack as they are
particularly vulnerable. If possible, remove them
from the rack and lock them inside the vehicle.
•Do not leave the spare key or Intelligent Key in
the vehicle – keep it in a safe place at home.
•Do not leave a note of your vehicle’s key number
in the vehicle. A thief may break into the vehicle,
note the key number and return with a new key
and drive the vehicle.
NSD257
VEHICLE SECURITY
5-26Starting and driving