2008 NISSAN NOTE Light

•Trailer towing requires more fuel than under nor-
mal circumstances because of a considerable
increase in traction power required and resis-
tance.
•When towing a trailer, observe the following re-
stricted towing speeds:
Speed: below 100 km/h (62 MPH)
CAUTION
While towing a trailer, make sure the engine cool-
ant temperature warning light does not come on,
in order to prevent engine overheating.
TYRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tyres to the
maximum recommended COLD tyre pressure, as
indicated on the tyre placard (for full loading). Make
sure the trailer tyre pressures are correct.
CAUTION
Do not tow a trailer when the vehicle is installed
with a temporary-use spare tyre.
SAFETY CHAINS
Always use a suitable chain between the vehicle
and trailer. The chain should be attached to the hitch
and not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners. The chain should not drag on the ground:
passing the chain across the trailer hitch may be the
best practice depending on your trailer.
TRAILER BRAKES
Ensure that trailer brakes are installed as required
by local regulations. Also check that all other trailer
equipment conforms to local regulations.
TRAILER DETECTION (where fitted)
When towing a trailer and the turn signal switch is
used, the electrical system of the vehicle will detect
an additional electrical load of the trailer lighting. As
a result, the direction indicator tone will sound dif-
ferently.
INSTALLATION OF COUPLING
DEVICE
NISSAN recommends that the coupling device for
trailer towing be installed under the following condi-
tions:
•Maximum permissible vertical load on the cou-
pling device: 490N (50 kg, 110 lb)
•The coupling device, mounting points and instal-
lation parts on your vehicle: as shown as an ex-
ample in the illustration.
Follow all of the coupling device manufacturer’s in-
structions for installation and use.
Starting and driving5-25

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

Normal operation
The ABS will not initiate at speeds below 5 to 10
km/h (3 to 6 MPH). The speeds will vary 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
the actuator under the bonnet when it is operating.
This is normal and indicates that the ABS is working
properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that
road conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.When accelerating, driving on slippery surfaces or
suddenly avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle
might swerve or slip. The Electronic Stability Pro-
gramme (ESP) system continuously monitors and
compares the driver’s intended speed and the travel
direction. The system adjusts wheel brake pressure
and engine torque to assist in improving vehicle sta-
bility.
•When the ESP system is operating, the “SLIP”
indicator light () in the combination meter
blinks.
•When only the traction control (TCS) system in
the ESP system is operating, the “SLIP” indica-
tor light (
) in the combination meter will also
blink.
•If the “SLIP” indicator light () blinks, the
road conditions are slippery. Be sure to drive
carefully. See “Warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.
•Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the “SLIP”
indicator light (
) and the ESP indicator light
() come on in the combination meter.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the trac-
tion control function is cancelled.
The ESP system uses Active Brake Limited Slip
(ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction. The Ac-
tive Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system works when
one of the driving wheels is spinning on a slipperysurface. The Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) sys-
tem, brakes the spinning wheel to distribute the driv-
ing power to the other driving wheel.
If the vehicle is operated with the ESP system turned
off, all ESP and TCS functions will be turned off.
The Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system and
ABS will still operate with the ESP system off. If the
Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system or the ABS
is activated, the “SLIP” indicator light (
) will
blink and you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and does
not indicate a malfunction.
While the ESP system is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the bonnet. This is normal and
indicates that the ESP system is working properly.
The ESP computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time the engine is started
and the vehicle moves forwards or reverses at a
slow speed. 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 ESP system is designed to help improve
driving stability but does not prevent accidents
caused by abrupt steering operation at high
speeds, or careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be es-
pecially careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces. Always drive carefully.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAMME (ESP) SYSTEM (where fitted)
Starting and driving5-29

•If engine related parts, such as a muffler, are
not standard equipment or are extremely de-
teriorated, the ESP OFF indicator light (
)
and/or the “SLIP” indicator light ()may
illuminate.
•If brake related parts, such as brake pads,
rotors and callipers, are not standard equip-
ment or are extremely deteriorated, the ESP
system may not operate properly and the ESP
OFF indicator light (
) and/or the “SLIP” indi-
cator light () may illuminate.
•Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts, such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings,
are not NISSAN-approved or are extremely
deteriorated, the ESP system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance and the ESP OFF
indicator light (
) and/or the “SLIP” indicator
light () may illuminate.
•When driving on extremely inclined surfaces,
such as higher banked corners, the ESP sys-
tem may not operate properly and the ESP
OFF indicator light (
) and/or the “SLIP” indi-
cator light () may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads. If ESP OFF indicator
light
does illuminate after driving on ex-
treme surfaces, restart the engine to reset
the ESP system.
•If wheels or tyres other than the
recommended ones are used, the ESP sys-tem may not operate properly and the ESP
OFF indicator light (
) and/or the “SLIP” indi-
cator light () may illuminate.
•The ESP system is not a substitute for winter
tyres or snow chains on a snow covered road.
NOTE
•The ESP system should be switched on under
normal circumstances although it may be ad-
vantageous to switch off the ESP system to
allow wheelspin under the following condi-
tions:
– when driving in deep snow or mud
– when trying to rock a vehicle free that is
stuck in snow
– when driving with snow chains
•If the ESP system has been switched off, drive
carefully with reduced speed. When road con-
ditions allow, ESP should be switched back
on.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY
PROGRAMME (ESP) OFF SWITCH
A.LHD models
B.RHD models
The vehicle should be driven with the Electronic
Stability Programme (ESP) system “ON” for most
driving conditions.
When the vehicle get stuck in mud or snow, the
ESP system reduces the engine output to decrease
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced even
if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maxi-
mum engine power is needed to free a stuck ve-
hicle, turn the ESP system off.
To turn off the ESP system, push the ESP OFF
switch. The ESP OFF indicator light (
) will come
on.
NSD311Z
5-30Starting and driving

NOTE
The ESP system cannot be switched off when
the ESP system is operating and the “SLIP” indi-
cator light (
) is blinking.
Push the ESP OFF switch again, or restart the en-
gine, to turn the system ON. See “Electronic Stabil-
ity Programme (ESP) system (where fitted)” earlier
in this section for operational details.
WARNING
•Whatever the conditions, drive with caution.
Accelerate and decelerate with great care. If
accelerating or decelerating too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
•Allow more stopping distance in cold weather
driving. Braking should be started sooner than
on dry surfaces.
•Keep at a greater distance from the vehicle in
front of you on slippery roads.
•Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain), very cold
snow and ice can be slick and very difficult to
drive on. The vehicle will have a lot less trac-
tion or grip under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
•Watch for slippery spots (black ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before driving on it. Try not to brake
while actually on the ice and avoid any sud-
den steering manoeuvres.
•Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas under
your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehicle.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze
and damage the battery. To maintain maximum effi-ciency, the battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze,
drain the cooling system. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling system” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
TYRE EQUIPMENT
1) The SUMMER tyres are of a tread design to pro-
vide superior performance on dry surfaces. How-
ever, the performance of these tyres will be sub-
stantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD & SNOW
or ALL SEASON tyres on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
for tyre type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2) For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tyres may be used. However, some countries,
provinces and states prohibit their use. Check
applicable laws before installing studded tyres.
CAUTION
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tyres on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tyres.
3) Snow chains may be used, if desired. But the
use of snow chains may be prohibited in some
areas. Therefore, check the local laws before
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-31

•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

CAUTION
•Three-way catalyst equipped models should
not be started by pushing the vehicle as the
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
•Automatic transmission (AT) models cannot
be started by pushing the vehicle. This may
cause transmission damage.
•Never try to start the vehicle by towing it; when
the engine starts, the forward surge could
cause the vehicle to collide with the tow ve-
hicle.
WARNING
•Never continue driving if the engine of your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could cause a ve-
hicle fire.
•Never open the bonnet if steam is coming
out.
•Never remove the radiator cap (where fitted)
or engine coolant reservoir cap when the en-
gine is hot. If the radiator cap (where fitted) or
engine coolant reservoir cap is removed while
the engine is hot, pressurised hot water will
spurt out and possibly cause burning, scald-
ing or serious injury.
•If steam or coolant is coming out of the en-
gine, stand clear of the vehicle to prevent get-
ting injured.
•The engine cooling fan will start whenever the
coolant temperature exceeds preset degrees.
•Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewel-
lery or clothing to come into contact with, or
get caught in, the cooling fan or drive belts.
If the engine of your vehicle is overheating (indi-
cated by the engine coolant temperature warning
light (red)) or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect an unusual noise, etc., proceed as follows:
1. Move and park the vehicle safely off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher lights.
3. Apply the handbrake.4. Shift the gear lever (M/T models) into the N (Neu-
tral) position [AT models, move the selector lever
to the P (Park) position].
DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE.
5. Open all windows.
6. Switch off the air conditioner system (where fit-
ted).
7. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature
control to maximum “HOT” and fan speed con-
trol to maximum speed.
8. Exit the vehicle.
9. Visually inspect and listen for steam or coolant
escaping from the radiator before opening the
bonnet. Wait until no steam or coolant can be
seen before proceeding.
10. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
11. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
12. Visually check the radiator and radiator hoses
for leakage.
WARNING
If coolant is leaking, the cooling fan belt is
missing or loose or the cooling fan is not run-
ning, stop the engine.
PUSH-STARTING ENGINE OVERHEAT
In case of emergency6-11