2008 NISSAN MURANO ABS

Black plate (22,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
SSS0508
FRONT-SEAT ACTIVE HEAD RE-
STRAINTS
WARNING
.Always adjust the head restraints
properly as specified in the previous
section. Failure to do so can reduce
the effectiveness of the Active Head
Restraint.
.Active Head Restraints are designed
to supplement other safety systems.
Always wear seat belts. No system
can prevent all injuries in any acci-
dent..Do not attach anything to the head
restraint stalks. Doing so could
impair Active Head Restraint func-
tion.
The Active Head Restraint moves forward
utilizing the force that the seatback receives
from the occupant in a rear-end collision. The
movement of the head restraint helps support
the occupant’s head by reducing its backward
movement and helping absorb some of the
forces that may lead to whiplash type injuries.
Active Head Restraints are effective for colli-
sions at low to medium speeds in which it is said
that whiplash injury occurs most.
Active Head Restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original positions.
Properly adjust the Active Head Restraints as
described in the previous section.
SSS0229A
ARMREST
Rear armrestPull the armrest forward until it is horizontal.
1-10
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

Black plate (78,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light (AWD
models)*
Low tire pressure warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
Master warning light
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Seat belt warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Slip indicator light
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCK indicator light
(AWD models)*
Small light indicator light
Charge warning light
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
position indicator light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Intelligent Key warning light*
Front passenger air bag status light
*: if so equipped
CHECKING BULBSWith all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and push the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on (if so equipped):
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off (if so equipped):
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
,
If any light does not come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system checked by
a NISSAN dealer.
Some indicators and warnings are also dis-
played on the dot matrix crystal display on the
speedometer. (See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID
CRYSTAL DISPLAY” later in this section.)
WARNING LIGHTS
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning
light (AWD models)
The light comes on when the ignition switch is
pushed to ON. It turns off soon after the engine
is started.
If the AWD system malfunctions, or the diameter
of the front and the rear wheels are different, the
warning light will either remain illuminated or
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS2-10
Instruments and controls

Black plate (79,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
blink. (See “ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.)
CAUTION
.If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction
in the AWD system. Reduce the
vehicle speed and have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.
.If the AWD warning light blinks
when you are driving:
— blinks rapidly (about twice a
second):
Pull off the road in a safe area,
and idle the engine. The driving
mode will change to 2WD to
prevent the AWD system from
malfunctioning. If the warning
light turns off, you can drive
again.
— blinks slowly (about once every
2 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 arenot worn.
.If the warning light is still on after
the above operations, have your
vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible.
or
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates
the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may
indicate the ABS is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance. (See “BRAKE SYSTEM” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section.)
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. (See “BRAKE FLUID” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warningsystemcheckedbyaNISSAN
dealer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by a NISSAN dealer promptly. Avoid
high-speed driving and abrupt braking. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
Instruments and controls
2-11

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 (339,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Alwaysmaintainasafedistance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
.Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire,
make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on theTire and Loading Information
label. See “TIRE AND LOADING
INFORMATION LABEL” in the “9.
Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.
— For detailed information, see
“WHEELS AND TIRES” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-your-
self” section of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing somay result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test featureThe ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward
or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and does not
indicate a malfunction. If the computer senses
a malfunction, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.Normal operationThe ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
Starting and driving
5-27

Black plate (340,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.When accelerating or driving on 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
stability.
.When the VDC system is operating, the
“SLIP” indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.
.If the “SLIP” indicator blinks, the road
conditions are slippery. Be sure to adjust
your speed and driving to these conditions.
Be sure to drive carefully. (See “Slip
indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section, 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
illuminate 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) function to improve vehicle traction.
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 drivewheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
OFF switch pushed and the VDC system turned
off, all VDC systems will be turned off. The
ABLS system and ABS will still operate with the
VDC system off. If the ABLS system is activated,
the “SLIP” indicator 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 indication 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
diagnostic feature that tests the system each
time you start the engine and move the vehicle at
a low speed forward or backward. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation 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 driv-
ing techniques. Reduce vehicle
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-28
Starting and driving

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 (382,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
SDI2020
REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the conven-
tional type spark plugs since they will last much
longer. Follow the maintenance log shown in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”. Do
not reuse spark plugs by cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.
SDI2180
Pull the tabs
*1
and pull out the cover
*2.
The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
log shown in the “NISSAN Service and Main-
tenance Guide”. When replacing the filter, wipe
the inside of the air cleaner housing and the
cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
.Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops
flame if the engine backfires. If it
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER8-16
Maintenance and do-it-yourself