Due to the higher idle speeds when the en-
gine is cold, extra caution must be taken when
shifting the selector lever into the driving po-
sition immediately after starting the engine.
•PARKING THE VEHICLE
Depress the footbrake pedal and, once the
vehicle stops, move the selector lever into the
P (Park) position, pull the handbrake lever and
release the footbrake pedal.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the foot-
brake pedal before shifting the selector lever from
P (Park) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2 (Second
gear) or 1 (Low gear).
2. Keep the footbrake pedal depressed and push
the selector lever button to shift into a driving
gear.
3. Release the handbrake and footbrake, then
gradually start the vehicle in motion by pressing
the accelerator pedal.
The automatic transmission is designed so that the
footbrake pedalMUSTbe depressed before shifting
from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.A.RHD models
B.LHD models
To move the selector lever:
mPush the button while depressing the
brake pedal.
mPush the button to shift.
mShift without depressing the brake
pedal.
Shifting
Push the button to shift into P (Park), R (Reverse) or
from 2 (Second gear) to 1 (Low gear). All other
positions can be selected without pushing the but-
ton.
P (Park):
Use this position when the vehicle is parked or when
starting the engine. Always make sure that the ve-
hicle is completely stopped before moving the se-
lector lever into the P (Park) position. For maximumsafety, the footbrake pedal must be depressed be-
fore moving the selector lever into the P (Park) posi-
tion. Use this position together with the handbrake.
When parking on a hill, first depress the footbrake
pedal, apply the handbrake and then shift into the P
(Park) position.
R (Reverse):
CAUTION
Shift into this position only after the vehicle has
completely stopped.
Use this position to reverse the vehicle.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may shift
to N and restart a stalled engine while driving the
vehicle.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
2 (Second gear):
Use this position for driving uphill or engine braking
on downhill grades.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when driving slowly on steep hills,
slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud, or
for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
NSD308Z
Starting and driving5-13
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
•Push the cruise control main “ON/OFF” switchj5 . The cruise control symbolj7 , the CRUISE
indicatorj6 , the SET indicatorj8 , and the set
speed valuej9 will turn off in the combination
meter display.
•Push the speed limiter main “ON/OFF” switchj5 . The cruise control system information in the
combination meter will be replaced with the
speed limiter information. For details see “Speed
limiter” earlier in this section.
•When the vehicle is stopped and the ignition is
turned to the off position.
Turning off the cruise control system will erase
the cruise control system memory.Ultrasonic sensors
jA , fitted in the vehicle’s rear
bumper, measure the distance between the vehicle
and an obstacle when reversing. When reverse gear
is engaged a beeping sound is heard. The frequency
of the beeps will increase the closer the vehicle
comes to an obstacle until, the sound becomes a
constant beep when, the vehicle is approximately
35 cm (14 in) from the obstacle.
NOTE
•This system is intended as an aid to reversing,
to be used in conjunction with your rear view
mirror.
•Make sure that the ultrasonic sensors are not
obscured (by dirt, mud, snow, etc.).
WARNING
•Do not park the vehicle over flammable mate-
rials, such as dry grass, waste paper, or rags.
They may ignite and cause a fire.
•Safe parking procedures require that:
– The handbrake is applied.
– The gear lever is placed in an appropriate
gear for manual transmission models.
– The selector lever is placed in the P (Park)
position for automatic transmission mod-
els.
Failure to follow the above recommenda-
tions could cause the vehicle to move un-
expectedly or roll away and result in an
accident.
•Never leave the engine running while the ve-
hicle is unattended.
•Do not leave children or adults who would
normally require the support of others alone
in your vehicle. Pets should also not be left
alone either. On hot, sunny days, tempera-
tures in a closed vehicle could quickly be-
come high enough to cause severe or possi-
bly fatal injuries to people or animals.
•Manual transmission models:
Depress the clutch pedal and place the gear
lever in the R (Reverse) position. When parking
on an uphill gradient, place the gear lever in the
1st (Low gear) position.
NSD358
ULTRASONIC PARKING SENSOR
(where fitted)PARKING
5-22Starting and driving
•Automatic transmission models:
Fully depress the brake pedal and move the se-
lector lever to the P (Park) position.
WARNING
Make sure that the selector lever has been
pushed as far forward as it can go and cannot be
moved without depressing the button on the se-
lector lever handle.
•When parked on a sloping driveway, turn the
wheels so the vehicle will not roll into the street
in case it moves.
•FACING DOWNHILL:j1
Turn the wheels into the kerb, allow the vehicle
to move forward until the kerb side wheel gently
touches the kerb. Then set the handbrake.
•FACING UPHILL:j2
Turn the wheels away from the kerb and allow
the vehicle to move back until the kerb side wheel
gently touches the kerb. Then set the handbrake.
•NO KERB — FACING DOWNHILL OR UPHILL:j3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road so
the vehicle will move away from the centre of the
road if it moves. Then set the handbrake.
NSD324Z
LHD models
NSD325Z
RHD models
Starting and driving5-23
•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
hill gradient. Overheated brakes may reduce brak-
ing performance and could result in loss of vehicle
control.
CAUTION
While driving on a slippery surface, be careful
when braking, accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking actions or sudden acceleration
could cause the wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
Be aware that brakes will fade if repeated heavy
brake applications are made.
Driving uphill
When starting on a steep gradient, it is sometimes
difficult to operate the brake (AT models) or both the
brake and clutch (MT models). Use the handbrake
to hold the vehicle. Do not slip the clutch (MT mod-
els). When ready to start, slowly release the hand-
brake while depressing the accelerator pedal and
releasing the clutch (MT models) or depressing the
accelerator pedal (AT models).
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for controlling
the vehicle while descending hills.
The gear lever (MT models) should be placed in a
gear position low enough to obtain sufficient engine
braking.
For AT models, the 2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear
should be selected.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
•The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent acci-
dents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances
may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow
covered roads, or if you are using snow
chains. Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
•Tyre type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
– When replacing tyres, install the specified
size of tyres on all four wheels.
– When installing a spare tyre, make sure it
is the proper size and type as specified on
the tyre placard. See “Vehicle
identification” in the “9. Technical
information” section for the tyre placard
location.
– For detailed information, see “Wheels and
tyres” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so that the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The
system detects the rotation speed at each wheeland varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing each
wheel from locking, the system helps the driver to
maintain steering control and helps to minimise
swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress 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 pre-
vent the wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle to
avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may in-
crease the stopping distance.
Self-test feature
The 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 operates
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 or qualified workshop.
5-28Starting 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
•Never lean over the battery while jump-start-
ing.
•Never allow battery fluid to come into contact
with eyes, skin, clothes or the vehicle’s
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a corrosive
sulphuric acid which can cause severe burns.
If the fluid comes into contact with anything,
immediately flush the contacted area with
plenty of water.
•Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
•The booster battery must be rated at 12 volts.
Use of an incorrectly rated battery will dam-
age your vehicle.
•Never attempt to jump-start a frozen battery.
It could explode and cause serious injury.
1. Prepare vehicle
jA with the booster battery for
the vehiclejB being jump-started.
CAUTION
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3. Shift the gear lever (MT models) into the N (Neu-
tral) position [AT models, move the selector lever
to the P (Park) position].
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems
(headlights, hazard lights etc,).
5. Ensure that the ignition switch of the vehicle be-
ing jump-started is in the LOCK position.6. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
7. Remove the vent caps (where fitted) on the bat-
tery and cover the battery with an old cloth.
8. Connect the jump leads in the sequence (
j1→j2→j3→j4 ) as illustrated.
CAUTION
•Always connect positivej+ to positivej+
and negativej- to body ground (for ex-
ample, engine lift bracket, etc.) – not to
the battery’s negative
j-.
•An incorrect connection could damage the
charging system.
•Be sure that the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine compart-
ment.
•Be careful not to allow contact between
the positive jump lead connector and the
vehicle or the negative lead during con-
nection and disconnection.
9. Start the engine of the other vehicle
jA and let it
run for a few minutes. Keep the engine speed at
about 2,000 rpm.
10. Start the engine of your vehicle
jB in the nor-
mal way.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged formore than 10 seconds. If the engine does not
start immediately, turn the ignition switch to
“OFF” and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
11. After starting the engine of your vehicle, care-
fully disconnect the negative lead and then the
positive lead (
j4→j3→j2→j1).
12. Remove and dispose of the cloth that was used
to cover the vent holes as it may be contami-
nated with corrosive acid.
13. Install the vent caps (where fitted).
14. Close the bonnet.
6-10In case of emergency