5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
(if so equipped)................................5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-5
Ignition switch.....................................5-5
Intelligent Key System (if so equipped)............5-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).........5-7
Automatic transmission..........................5-8
Manual transmission............................5-9
Key positions.................................5-10
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system...............5-10
Before starting the engine.........................5-11
Starting the engine...............................5-11
Driving the vehicle................................5-13
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)..........5-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)...............................5-16
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-20Parking brake....................................5-22
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-23
Precautions on cruise control...................5-23
Cruise control operations.......................5-23
Break-in schedule................................5-24
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-25
Parking/parking on hills............................5-26
Power steering...................................5-27
Brake system....................................5-27
Brake precautions.............................5-27
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-28
Cold weather driving..............................5-29
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-29
Anti-freeze....................................5-29
Battery.......................................5-29
Draining of coolant water.......................5-30
Tire equipment................................5-30
Special winter equipment.......................5-30
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-30
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-31
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Versa(vrs)
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When the ignition switch cannot be turned to the
LOCK position:
1. Shift the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion.
4. Remove the key if it is inserted in the ignition
switch.
If the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion, the selector lever cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position.
The shift selector lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position
s1between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
When the ignition is in the OFF position,
the steering wheel is not locked.
To lock the steering wheel:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Remove the key, if it is inserted in the ignition
switch.3. Turn the steering wheel 1/8 of a turn clock-
wise from the straight up position.
To unlock the steering wheel:
1. Insert the key into the ignition switch, if nec-
essary.
2. Gently turn the ignition switch while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The ignition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to the LOCK position and removed until
the shift selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition, make
sure the shift selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved to the LOCK
position.
SSD0392
5-8Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Versa(vrs)
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To remove the key from the ignition switch:
1. Shift the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion with the key in the ON position.
2. Turn the key to the LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition.
If the selector lever is shifted to the P (Park)
position after the key is turned to the OFF posi-
tion or when the key cannot be turned to the
LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove the
key.
1. Move the shift selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly toward the ON
position.
3. Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
The shift selector lever is designed so it cannot
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned to OFF
position
s1or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The shift selector lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.There is an OFF position
s1between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
When the ignition is in the OFF position,
the steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 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.
If the key will not turn from the LOCK posi-
tion, turn the steering wheel to the left or
right while turning the key to unlock the
key cylinder.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes a device that helps
prevent accidental removal of the key while driv-
ing.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
Type A models without Intelligent Key:To
turn the ignition key to the LOCK position from
the ACC or ON position, turn the key to OFF,
push the key in, then turn the key to LOCK.
Type A
WSD0052
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ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Versa(vrs)
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Type B models with Intelligent Key:The
ignition lock is designed so that the switch can
only be turned to the LOCK position when the
PUSH release button has been pressed.
NOTE:
cThe
Intelligent Key lock warning light
blinks and the buzzer sounds when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the LOCK position
and the ignition PUSH release button has
not been pressed completely. See “Intelli-
gent Key lock warning light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual
for further details regarding the functionality
of the Intelligent Key lock warning light.cWhen the mechanical key is being used, the
ignition PUSH release button has to be
pressed in order to turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position although the
Intel-
ligent Key lock warning light will not blink and
the buzzer will not sound.
To lock the steering wheel
In the LOCK position, turn the steering wheel 1/8
of a turn clockwise from the straight up position.
To unlock the steering wheel
Press the brake pedal, push the ignition switch
and turn it gently while rotating the steering wheel
slightly right and left.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
Intelligent Key system:
PUSH OFF- The steering lock can only be locked
at this position.
PUSH ON- The ignition switch will be unlocked
while carrying the Intelligent Key.
OFF: (Manual transmission model) (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)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedures:
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 sec-
onds.Type B
LSD0173
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3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible, or at
least whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.AT or CVT model:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position or if
the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector lever is in any of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission model:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) . Depress
the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking
the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
Intelligent Key system models:Slowly
“PUSH ON” the ignition switch. When the
Intelligent Key system warning light
in
the meter illuminates in green, the ignition
switch can be turned.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Versa(vrs)
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) , 2 or 1.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
cDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before attempting to move
the shift selector lever out of the P (Park)
position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift selector lever into a driving
gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
The shift selector lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned
to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the
key is removed.To move the selector lever:
Push the buttonsAwhile depressing the
brake pedal
Push the buttonsAto shift
Shift without pushing buttonsA
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal, push the selector button and move the
shift selector lever out of the P (Park) position.
LSD0174
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Versa(vrs)
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WARNING
cApply 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
or roll away and result in serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
cIf 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 injuring yourself and
others.
If the key is turned to the OFF or ACC position for
any reason while the vehicle is in N (Neutral) , or
any D (Drive) position, the shift selector lever
cannot be moved to P (Park) . Additionally, the key
cannot be turned to the LOCK position and be
removed from the ignition switch. If this occurs,
perform the following steps:
1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is
stopped.
2. Turn the key to the ON position.
3. Depress the foot brake pedal.4. Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to restart the vehicle (P is pre-
ferred) . Move the shift selector lever to P
(Park) to park the vehicle and turn the igni-
tion key to the LOCK position to remove the
key.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector
lever button pushed in to move the selector
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 shift the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
R (Reverse):
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
Use this position to back up. Make sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting R
(Reverse) position.The brake pedal must be
depressed and the selector lever buttonpushed in to move the selector lever from P
(Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive position to R
(Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
2 (Second gear):
Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowing through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
Do not shift into the gears when the vehicle
speed exceeds the following limits, otherwise the
engine may over-rev and cause engine damage.
Selector lever position
12
35 MPH (55 km/h) 62 MPH (100 km/h)
5-14Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Versa(vrs)
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Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) position even
with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the shift selector lever, release the shift
lock. The shift selector lever can be moved to N
(Neutral) . However, the steering wheel will be
locked unless the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position. This allows the vehicle to be moved
if the battery is discharged.To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as
shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot and push down.
5. Move the shift selector lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position while holding down the shift
lock release.
6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the
steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be
moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the auto-
matic transmission 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. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
WSD0195
Starting and driving5-15
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Versa(vrs)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
10/05/06Ðdebbie
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