2008 NISSAN MURANO Key

Black plate (16,1)
5 Starting and driving
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 23
Precautions when starting and driving..................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)......................... 5-2
Three-way catalyst.......................................... 5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)............. 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover........................... 5-5
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions...... 5-5
Off-road recovery........................................... 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss.................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving...................... 5-7
Driving safety precautions................................ 5-7
Push-button ignition switch.................................. 5-9
Intelligent Key system (if so equipped)................ 5-9
Push-button ignition switch operation................ 5-11
Push-button ignition switch positions................ 5-11
Key port..................................................... 5-12
Before starting the engine.................................. 5-13
Starting the engine........................................... 5-13
Driving the vehicle............................................ 5-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).......... 5-14
Parking brake.................................................. 5-18
Cruise control................................................. 5-19
Precautions on cruise control.......................... 5-19Cruise control operations............................... 5-19
Break-in schedule............................................ 5-21
Increasing fuel economy.................................... 5-21
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped)................ 5-22
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) lock switch operations.... 5-22
AWD warning light....................................... 5-23
Parking/parking on hills...................................... 5-25
Power steering................................................ 5-26
Brake system.................................................. 5-26
Braking precautions...................................... 5-26
Parking brake break-in................................... 5-26
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)...................... 5-27
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system................. 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............................... 5-29
Tire equipment............................................ 5-30
Special winter equipment............................... 5-30
Driving on SNOW or ice................................ 5-30
Engine block heater (if so equipped)................. 5-30

Black plate (321,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
section for wet brakes.
.Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle
and it rolls forward, backward or
sideways, you could be injured.
.Whenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. See
the maintenance information in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide”.
.Spinning the front wheels on slip-
pery surfaces may cause the AWD
warning light to flash and the AWD
system to automatically switch from
the AWD mode to the 2WD mode.
This could reduce traction. Be espe-
cially careful when towing a trailer.
(AWD models)
WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except
in an emergency. (The engine will stop
when the ignition switch is pushed 3
consecutive times or the ignition switch
is pushed and held for more than 2
seconds.) If the engine stops while the
vehicle is being driven, this could lead
to a crash and serious injury.
SSD0689
Without Intelligent Key system
Before operating the push-button ignition
switch, be sure to move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position.
Be sure to insert the key into the key port
*1.
(Except for the Intelligent Key system equipped
model)
INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEM (if so
equipped)The Intelligent Key system can operate the
ignition switch without taking the key out from
your pocket or purse. The operating environment
and/or conditions may affect the Intelligent Key
system operation.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving
5-9

Black plate (322,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
CAUTION
.Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key
with you when operating the vehi-
cle.
.Never leave the Intelligent Key in-
side the vehicle when you leave the
vehicle.
SSD0436
Operating rangeThe Intelligent Key functions can only be used
for starting the engine when the Intelligent Key is
within the specified operating range
*1.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost
discharged or strong radio waves are present
near the operating location, the Intelligent Key
system’s operating range becomes narrower
and may not function properly.
If the Intelligent Key is within the operating
range, it is possible for anyone, even someone
who does not carry the Intelligent Key, to turn
the ignition switch to start the engine..The cargo area is not included in the
operating range, but the Intelligent Key may
function.
.If the Intelligent Key is placed on the
instrument panel, inside the glove box or
door pocket, the Intelligent Key may not
function.
.If the Intelligent Key is placed near the door
or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent
Key may function.
5-10
Starting and driving

Black plate (323,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
SSD0688
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
OPERATIONWhen the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal, the ignition switch
position will change as follows:
.Push center once to change to ACC.
.Push center two times to change to ON.
.Push center three times to change to OFF.
(No position illuminates.)
.Push center four times to return to ACC.
.Open or close any door to return to LOCK
during the OFF position.The ignition switch is equipped with an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch position cannot be switched to LOCK
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When the ignition switch cannot be pushed
toward the LOCK position, proceed as follows:
1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Open the door. The ignition switch will
change to the LOCK position.
The selector lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the brake pedal is
depressed.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a right or left turn
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, push the
ignition switch to the OFF position. To
unlock the steering wheel, push the igni-
tion switch. If the steering lock release
malfunction indicator appears on the dot
matrix liquid crystal display, push the
push-button ignition switch again whilelightly turning the steering wheel right and
left. (See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL
DISPLAY” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.)
If the battery of the vehicle is discharged,
the push-button ignition switch cannot be
turned from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the dot matrix liquid crystal display
between the speedometer and tachometer. (See
“DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)The ignition switch can only be locked in this
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while carrying the
Intelligent Key or with the key inserted in the
port.ACC (Accessories)This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not
running.
Starting and driving
5-11

Black plate (324,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
ON (Normal operating position)This position turns on the ignition system and
electrical accessories.OFFThe engine can be turned off without locking the
steering wheel.
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be switched to the LOCK position
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the push-
button ignition switch in ACC or ON
positions when the engine is not run-
ning for an extended period. This can
discharge the battery.
SSD0690
KEY PORT
Models without Intelligent Key systemBe sure to insert the key into the key port
*1
before pushing the ignition switch. Make sure
that the key ring side faces backward as
illustrated. Insert the key in the port until it is
latched and secured.
To remove the key from the port, push the
ignition switch to the OFF position and pull the
key out of the port.
While the door is opened, and for 15 seconds
after the door is closed, the guide light
*B
of
the key port
*A
illuminates.
If the ignition switch is pushed without the key inthe key port, the guide light will blink.
Battery discharge:
If the battery of the key is almost discharged, the
guide light
*B
of the key port
*A
blinks and
the indicator appears on the dot matrix liquid
crystal display. (See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID
CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.)
To replace the battery, see “BATTERY REPLA-
CEMENT” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.
Models with Intelligent Key systemIntelligent Key battery discharge:
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is almost
discharged, the guide light
*B
of the key port
*A
blinks and the indicator appears on the dot
matrix liquid crystal display. (See “DOT MATRIX
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)
In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key into the
port*1
allows you to start the engine. Make
sure that the key ring side faces backward as
illustrated. Insert the Intelligent Key in the port
until it is latched and secured.
To remove the Intelligent Key from the port, push
the ignition switch to the OFF position and pull
the Intelligent Key out of the port.
5-12
Starting and driving

Black plate (325,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
NOTE:
The key port does not charge the key
battery. If you see the low battery indicator
in the dot matrix liquid crystal display,
replace the battery as soon as possible.
(See “BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.)
CAUTION
.Never place anything except the key
in the key port. Doing so may cause
damage to the equipment.
.Make sure the key is in the correct
direction when inserting it to the
key port. The engine may not start if
it is in the incorrect direction.
.Remove the key from the key port
after the ignition switch is pushed to
the OFF position..Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
.Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
.Check that all windows and lights are clean.
.Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
.Lock all doors.
.Position seat and adjust head restraints.
.Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
.Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
.Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
3. Insert the key into the key port. (Without the
Intelligent Key System)
Push the ignition switch to the ON position.
Depress the brake pedal and push the
ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
.If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and
while holding, crank the engine. Release
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. Push the ignition switch to
the ON position to start cranking the
engine. After 5 or 6 seconds, stop
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
5-13

Black plate (341,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
.Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars and bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN approved
or are extremely deteriorated the
VDC system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the “VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP”
indicator or both indicator lights
may illuminate.
.If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the “VDC OFF”
indicator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate.
.If engine related parts such as
muffler are not standard equipment
or are extremely deteriorated, the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” in-
dicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate..When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked
corners, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the “VDC OFF”
indicator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
.When driving on unstable surfaces
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
system may not operate properly
and “VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP”
indicator or both indicator lights
may illuminate.
.The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the remote keyless entry keyfob.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F(08C) ,
check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see “EN-
GINE COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery should
be checked regularly. For additional information,
see “BATTERY” in the “8. Maintenance and do-
it-yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
5-29

Black plate (371,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are general
precautions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and block the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. Move the
selector lever to P (Park) .
.Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
.If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
.It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
.Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
.If you must run the engine in anenclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
.Never get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
.Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
.The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is
off.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
.Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly
disposed engine oil, and engine
coolant and/or other vehicle fluids
can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations
for disposal of vehicle fluid..Never leave the engine or the CVT
related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
.Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
.Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION” in the “9.
Technical and consumer information” section.)
Youshouldbeawarethatincompleteor
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
affect warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, we recommend that it be
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5