Accelerator downshift – In the D (Drive)
position
For rapid passing or driving uphill, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the trans-
mission down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
A.RHD models
B.LHD models
Overdrive switch
ON: For normal driving, push the overdrive
switchto“ON
” with the selector lever in
the D (Drive) position. The transmission is
shifted up into OVERDRIVE as the vehicle
speed increases.
The overdrive will not engage until the engine
has warmed up.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes where
engine braking is necessary, push the over-
drive switch “OFF
”. The overdrive off in-dicator light
in the instrument panel
illuminates.
When cruising at low speeds or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel an uncomfortable
shift shock as the transmission shifts in and
out of the overdrive position repeatedly. In
this case, push the overdrive switch to turn
the Overdrive “OFF”.
When driving conditions change, push the overdrive
switch to turn the overdrive “ON”. The overdrive off
indicator light
in the instrument panel will turn
off.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended
periods of time with the overdrive “OFF”. This re-
duces fuel economy.
A.RHD models
B.LHD models
Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the selector lever can-
not be moved from the P (Park) position even with
the brake pedal depressed and the ignition switch in
the ON position.
To move the selector lever, push the shift lock re-
lease button
j1 (as illustrated) and press the selec-
tor lever buttonj2 . It is now possible to move the
selector lever to the N (Neutral) position.
For your safety, make sure the handbrake is applied
and the brake pedal is depressed during the opera-
tion.
If there is any problem moving the lever out of the P
(Park) position, have a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop to check the automatic transmission sys-
tem as soon as possible.
Fail-safe
When the Fail-safe operation occurs, the automatic
transmission will be locked in the third gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions,
such as excessive wheel spinning and subse-
quent hard braking, the Fail-safe system may be
activated. This will occur even if all electrical cir-
cuits are functioning properly. In this case, turn
the ignition switch “OFF” and wait for 3 seconds.
Then turn the key back to the ON position. The
vehicle should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal operating
condition have your NISSAN dealer or qualified
NSD309Z
NSD310Z
5-14Starting and driving
•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
In case of a flat tyre, follow the instructions as de-
scribed below:
STOPPING THE VEHICLE
WARNING
•Make sure that the handbrake is securely ap-
plied.
•For Manual Transmission (MT) models: Make
sure the gear lever is in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion.
For Automatic Transmission (AT) models:
Make sure that the selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
•Never change tyres when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or a slippery area. This is hazard-
ous.
•Never change tyres if oncoming traffic is close
to your vehicle. Wait for professional road as-
sistance.
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road, away from
traffic.
2. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. Shift the gear lever (MT models) into the R (Re-
verse) position [AT models, move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position].
6. Turn off the engine.7. Open the bonnet (for details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section) in order to:
•Warn other traffic.
•Signal to professional road assistance that
you require assistance.
8. Have all passengers exit the vehicle and stand in
a safe place, away from traffic and clear of the
vehicle.
CHANGING FLAT TYRE (Models with
spare wheel, where fitted)
Blocking the wheels
WARNING
Make sure to block the appropriate wheel to pre-
vent the vehicle from moving, which may cause
personal injury.
Place suitable blocks
j1 in front of and behind thewheel diagonally opposite the flat tyre
jA to prevent
the vehicle from moving when it is on the jack.
MCE0001DZ
FLAT TYRE
In case of emergency6-3
Getting the tools and spare wheel
The spare wheel, jack and tools are located inside
the luggage compartment.
1. Open the back door.
2. Remove the below listed items in the following
sequence:
a. “Flexi-board” system (where fitted)b. Floor carpet
c. Spare wheel (where fitted) — Turn the re-
tainer anticlockwise to remove.
d. Jack
e. Tools
CAUTION
•When removing or replacing the spare wheel,
the rear sliding seat should be moved to the
forward position.
•When carrying the road wheel in the luggage
compartment, the rear sliding seat should be
located in the forward position.
REMOVING WHEEL COVER
(where fitted)
WARNING
Take care when removing the wheel cover as the
cover may detach suddenly.Remove the wheel cover as illustrated with a suit-
able tool or carefully remove the wheel cover with
both hands.
Removing the wheel
WARNING
•Make sure to read the caution label attached
to the jack body before use.
•Do not get under a vehicle that is supported
only by a jack: Use vehicle support stands.
•Use only the jack that is provided with your
vehicle. The jack is designed only for lifting
your vehicle during a tyre change.
•Do not use the jack provided with your vehicle
on other vehicles.
•Use the correct jack-up points. Never use any
other part of the vehicle for jack support.
•Never lift the vehicle more than necessary.
NCE317
SCE0173AZ
NCE176Z
Jack-up points
6-4In case of emergency
•Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may dam-
age the vehicle finish.
•If the vehicle surface cannot polish easily, ap-
ply a road tar remover prior to waxing the ve-
hicle.
•Machine compounding or aggressive polish-
ing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
CLEANING GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film
from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to
become coated with a film after the vehicle is parked
in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will
easily remove this film.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in the winter, the
vehicle’s underbody must be cleaned regularly. This
will prevent dirt and salt from building up and caus-
ing underbody and suspension corrosion.
Before the winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary, re-
treated.
CARE OF WHEELS
•Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle to
maintain their appearance.
•Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the vehicle
is washed.
•Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing the
wheels.
•Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or corro-
sion. This may cause loss of pressure or damage
the tyre bead.
•NISSAN recommends that the road wheels be
waxed to protect against road salt in areas where
it is used during winter.
CLEANING ALLOY WHEELS
Wash the wheels regularly with a sponge damp-
ened in a mild soap solution, especially during win-
ter in areas where road salt is used. The salt residue
from road salt could discolour the wheels if it is not
washed off regularly.
CAUTION
Follow the directions as described below in order
to avoid staining or discolouring of the wheels.
•Do not use a cleaner that contains strong con-
tents of acid or alkali to clean the wheels.
•Do not apply wheel cleaner when the wheels
are hot. The wheel temperature should be the
same as ambient temperature.
•Rinse the wheel to completely remove the
cleaner within 15 minutes after the cleaner
has been applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean all chrome parts regularly with a nonabrasive
chrome polish to maintain the finish.Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior
trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum cleaner
or soft bristled brush. Wipe the vinyl and leather sur-
faces with a clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap
solution, then wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order to
maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the manu-
facturer’s recommendations. Some fabric protec-
tors contain chemicals that may stain or bleach the
seat material.
Use a soft cloth dampened only with water to clean
the meter and gauge lens covers.
CAUTION
•Never use benzine, thinner or any similar ma-
terial.
•Small dirt particles can be abrasive and dam-
aging to leather surfaces and should be re-
moved promptly. Do not use saddle soap, car
waxes, polishes, oils cleaning fluids, solvents,
detergents or ammonia based cleaners as
they may damage the leather’s natural finish.
•Never use fabric protectors unless recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
•Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on meter
or gauge lens covers. It may damage the lens
covers.
CLEANING INTERIOR
Appearance and care7-3
Handbrake*:
Confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
steep hill with only the handbrake applied.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat adjust-
ers, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely in every posi-
tion. Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g.
buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage. See “Seat belt maintenance” in the
“1. Safety — seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section for further details.
Steering wheel:
Check for any change in the steering conditions,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or strange
noises.
Warning lights and audible reminders:
Make sure that all warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders are operating properly.
Windscreen defogger:
Check that the air comes out of the defogger outlets
properly when operating the heater or air condi-
tioner.Windscreen wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.When performing any inspection or maintenance
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.
•Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
handbrake securely and block the wheels to
prevent the vehicle from moving. For a manual
transmission models, move the gear lever to
N (Neutral) position. [For automatic transmis-
sion models, move the selector lever to P
(Park) position.]
•Do not work under the engine bonnet while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine and wait
until it cools down.
•Be sure to turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”
or LOCK position.
When the ignition switch is in the ON or Acc
position, the cooling fan may start to operate
suddenly even when the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working near
the engine.
•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 remove ties and any jewel-
lery, such as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
TYRE AGE
Remember tyre age. Never use a tyre over six years
old, regardless of whether they have been used or
not.
Tyres degrade with age as well as the use they are
subjected to. Have the tyres checked and balanced
frequently by a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop. Report all accidents where the tyre is knocked
even if it is minor.
CHANGING TYRES AND WHEELS
WARNING
Do not install a deformed wheel or tyre even if it
has been repaired. Such wheels or tyres could
have structural damage and could fail without
warning.
When replacing a tyre, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. Recommended types and sizes are men-
tioned in “Wheels and tyres” in the “9. Technical
information” section.
The use of tyres other than those recommended or
the mixed use of tyres of different brands, construc-
tion (bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking, handling,
ground clearance, body-to-tyre clearance, snow
chain clearance, speedometer calibration, headlight
aim and bumper height.
WARNING
Some of these effects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal injury.
If the wheels are changed for any reason, always
replace with wheels which have the same offset
dimension. Wheels of a different offset could cause
early tyre wear, possibly degraded vehicle handling
characteristics and/or interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear.
WHEEL BALANCE
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling and
tyre life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out
of balance. Therefore, they should be balanced as
required.
Wheel balance service should be performed with
the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing the front
wheels on the vehicle could lead to transmission
damage.
SPARE TYRE
The temporary-use spare wheel/tyre can be identi-
fied by the temporary-use spare tyre label which
contrasts to the standard road wheels. If in doubt,
contact a NISSAN dealer, qualified workshop or
see “Spare tyre” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section.
CARE OF WHEELS
For details, see “Care of wheels” in the “7. Appear-
ance and care” section.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-31