2008 NISSAN NOTE low gear

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

Vehicles with petrol engine
Turning the cruise control system on:
The cruise control system can be switched on after
engine start or when driving.
Push the cruise control main switch
j5 . The
CRUISE indicator and the cruise control symbolj7
will illuminate in the combination meter display.
Setting a cruising speed:
1. Accelerate to the desired cruising speed.
2. Push the SET switch
j2 downwards and release
it.
3. The SET indicator
j8 and the set speed valuej9 will be displayed in the combination meter
display.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The vehicle will maintain the set speed.
If the vehicle speed is less than 40 km/h (25
MPH), it will not be possible to set the cruise con-
trol system.
Changing a cruising speed:
Use any one of the following methods to change the
cruising speed.
•Slow the vehicle as normal using the footbrake
pedal, the SET indicatorj8 in the combination
meter will be turned off.
When the vehicle reaches the desired cruising
speed, push and release the SET switch
j2
downwards.The new set speed value
j9 and SET indicatorj8 will be displayed in the combination meter.
•Press the accelerator pedal.
When the vehicle reaches the desired cruising
speed, push and release the SET switch
j2
downwards.
The new set speed value
j9 and SET indicatorj8 will be displayed in the combination meter.
•Push and release the RES (resume)j1 switch
upwards or the SET switchj2 downwards to
increase or decrease the set speed in steps of 1
km/h (1 MPH).
•Push and hold the RES (resume)j1 switch up-
wards or the SET switchj2 downwards. The
vehicle speed will increase or decrease to the
new set speed.
The new set speed value
j9 will be displayed in the
combination meter.
Passing another vehicle:
Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate. After
releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will re-
turn to the previously set speed.
The set speed value
j9 will flash until the vehicle
returns to the previously set speed.
Cancelling the cruise control system:
To cancel a set speed limit, push the CANCEL
switch
j3 . The SET indicatorj8 in the combination
meter will be turned off.The set speed value
j9 will remain displayed, as
this speed is now stored in the cruise control sys-
tem memory.
The cruise control system will also be cancelled
automatically by any of the following:
•Pressing the footbrake pedal.
•Pressing the clutch pedal.
•Moving the gear lever (MT models) or selector
lever (AT models) to the N (Neutral) position.
•If the vehicle slows down more than 12 km/h (8
MPH) below the set speed.
Resuming a previous cruising speed:
If the cruising speed has been cancelled, the set
speed value
j9 will remain displayed in the combi-
nation meter and the speed will be stored in the
cruise control system memory. This cruising speed
can be reactivated by pressing the RES (Resume)
switch
j1 upwards.
If the vehicle speed is less than 40 km/h (25
MPH), it will not be possible to resume to the
cruising speed.
Turn the cruise control system off:
The cruise control system will be turned off when
one of the following operations is performed:
•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.
5-20Starting and driving

•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.
Vehicles with diesel engine
Turning the cruise control system on:
The cruise control system can be switched on after
engine start or when driving.
Push the cruise control main switch
j5 . The
CRUISE indicatorj6 and the cruise control symbolj7 will illuminate in the combination meter display.
Setting a cruising speed:
1. Accelerate to the desired cruising speed.
2. Push the SET switch
j2 upwards or downwards
and release it.
3. The SET indicator
j8 and the set speed valuej9 will be displayed in the combination meter
display.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The vehicle will maintain the set speed.
If the vehicle speed is less than 30 km/h (20
MPH), it will not be possible to set the cruise con-
trol system.Changing a cruising speed:
Use any one of the following methods to change the
cruising speed:
•Slow the vehicle as normal using the footbrake
pedal, the SET indicatorj8 in the combination
meter will be turned off.
When the vehicle reaches the desired cruising
speed, push and release the SET switch
j2 up-
wards or downwards.
The new set speed value
j9 and the SET indica-
torj8 will be displayed in the combination meter.
•Press the accelerator pedal.
When the vehicle reaches the desired cruising
speed, push and release the SET switch
j2 up-
wards or downwards.
The new set speed value
j9 and the SET indica-
torj8 will be displayed in the combination meter.
•Push and release the SET switchj2 upwards or
downwards to increase or decrease the set
speed in steps of 2 km/h (1-2 MPH).
•Push and hold the SET switchj2 upwards or
downwards. The set speed will increase or de-
crease in steps of 4 km/h (2-3 MPH).
The new set speed value
j9 will be displayed in the
combination meter.
Passing another vehicle:
Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate. After
releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will re-
turn to the previously set speed.The set speed value
j9 will flash until the vehicle
returns to the previously set speed.
Cancelling the cruise control system:
To cancel a set speed limit, push the CANCEL
switch
j3 . The SET indicatorj8 in the combination
meter will be turned off.
The set speed value
j9 will remain displayed, as
this speed is now stored in the cruise control sys-
tem memory.
The cruise control system will also be cancelled
automatically by any of the following:
•Pressing the footbrake pedal.
•Pressing the clutch pedal.
•Moving the gear lever to the N (Neutral) position.
•If the vehicle slows down more than 12 km/h (8
MPH) below the set speed.
Resuming a previous cruising speed:
If the cruising speed has been cancelled, the set
speed value
j9 will remain displayed in the combi-
nation meter and the speed will be stored in the
cruise control system memory. This cruising speed
can be reactivated by pressing the RES (Resume)
switch
j1.
If the vehicle speed is less than 30 km/h (20
MPH), it will not be possible to resume to the
cruising speed.
Turn the cruise control system off:
The cruise control system will be turned off when
one of the following operations is performed:
Starting and driving5-21

•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

•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

WARNING
•If the Electrically Power Assisted Steering
warning light (EPAS) illuminates while driv-
ing, the power assist for steering will be dis-
abled. Greater steering efforts are required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in
sharp turns and at low speed. Stop the ve-
hicle as soon as safely possible and contact a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop for fur-
ther assistance.
•In certain circumstances, factors external to
the EPAS system may contribute to the illumi-
nation of the warning light. If the warning light
illuminates, stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible if driving. Turn the ignition switch to
the “OFF” position and wait for approximately
20 seconds, then turn the ignition switch to
the ON position again. If the light remains illu-
minated, we recommend you to contact a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section for further details regarding
the EPAS warning light.
The EPAS (Electrically Power Assisted Steering)
system is designed to assist steering.
The steering may appear to feel slightly stiff follow-
ing parking manoeuvres including a great deal of
steering. This is not a malfunction; it is caused by a
control system designed to prevent the motor fromoverheating. No servicing is required. The EPAS
system will return to normal operation the next time
the vehicle is driven.
Similarly, the EPAS system may not provide full as-
sistance during periods of reduced battery voltage
but will recover once normal battery voltage is re-
stored.
If the EPAS warning light comes on while the engine
is running, it may indicate that the EPAS system is
not working properly. As result greater steering ef-
forts are required to steer the steering wheel, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
NOTE
Incorrectly inflated tyres can lead to poor steer-
ing ability and make the driver suspect a steering
problem: keep the vehicle’s tyres inflated to the
correct pressure at all times.
CAUTION
Any malfunction or accident that could have dam-
aged the steering components (including actual
or attempted theft damage) should be reported
to a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.The brake system has two separate hydraulic cir-
cuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have
braking ability with two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops or the drive belt is bro-
ken, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the
brake pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and
the stopping distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through wa-
ter, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your brak-
ing distance will be longer and the vehicle may pull
to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat up the
brakes. Do this until the brakes return to normal.
Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until the
brakes function correctly.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake linings and pads faster and reduce fuel
economy performance.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes
from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a
lower gear before going down a slope or long down-
POWER STEERING SYSTEM BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-27

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