2008 NISSAN NOTE gear shift

For an overview of the instruments of the instru-
ments and controls, see “Instrument and control
layout” in the “0. Illustrated table of contents” sec-
tion.
SPEEDOMETER
The speedometer indicates the vehicle speed (km/h
or MPH (where fitted)).
TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates the engine speed in revo-
lutions per minute (r/min).Do not rev the engine
into the red zone
j1.
CAUTION
When the engine speed approaches the red zone,
shift to a higher gear. Operating the engine in the
red zone may cause serious engine damage.
A.Low fuel warning light
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge needle is designed to move to the empty
level positionj0 when the ignition switch is turned
to the “OFF” position.
The gauge may move slightly during braking, turn-
ing, acceleration, or going up or down hill.
The
csymbol indicates that the fuel filler lid is
located on the right side of the vehicle.NOTE
•The low fuel warning lightjA comes on when
the fuel tank level is getting low.
•Refuel as soon as it is convenient, preferably
before the gauge reaches the empty level.
There should be a small reserve of fuel in the
tank when the fuel gauge reaches the empty
level position.
•A buzzer sounds three times when the low
fuel warning lightjA comes on for the first
time.
CAUTION
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge registers
empty.
NIC1476
NIC1477
NIC1478
METERS AND GAUGES
2-2Instruments and controls

c. Start the engine with your foot off the ac-
celerator pedal. Release the ignition
switch when the engine starts.
If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat
the procedure from step a.
CAUTION
•Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start,
turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position
and wait 10 seconds (Petrol engine models)
or 20 seconds (Diesel engine models) before
cranking again, otherwise the starter could be
damaged.
•If it becomes necessary to start the engine
with a booster battery and jumper leads, the
instructions and cautions contained in the
“Jump-starting” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section should be carefully fol-
lowed.
7.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds
after starting. Drive at moderate speed for a short
distance first, especially in cold weather.
WARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the
engine is warming up.
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
CAUTION
•Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while
driving. This may cause clutch damage.
•Stop your vehicle completely before shifting
into the R (Reverse) position.
•When you are shifting from one gear to an-
other, be certain to depress the clutch pedal
all the way to the floor to avoid clashing or
chipping the gears.
•Avoid abrupt starts and acceleration for your
safety.
•When quick acceleration is required for some
reason, shift to a lower gear and accelerate
until the vehicle reaches the maximum speed
in each gear. Do not exceed the speed limit of
any gear. Pay special attention when acceler-
ating or when shifting into a lower gear on
slippery surfaces. Sudden acceleration or
down shifting could cause the wheels to skid
and result in loss of control.
A.RHD models
B.LHD models
1.Gear lever ring
Shifting
To change gears, fully depress the clutch pedal,
shift into the appropriate gear, then release the
clutch slowly and smoothly.
NSD340
5–speed MT
NSD292Z
6–speed MT (where fitted)
DRIVING
Starting and driving5-11

To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress the
clutch pedal before operating the gear lever. If the
clutch pedal is not fully depressed before the trans-
mission is shifted, a gear noise may be heard. This
could result in damage to the transmission.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift through the
gears in sequence according to the vehicle speed.
Reverse gear:
•To reverse with 5–speed manual transmission,
stop the vehicle and shift the gear lever into the
“N” (Neutral) position then to the R (Reverse)
position.
•To reverse with 6–speed manual transmission,
proceed as follows:
1) Stop the vehicle.
2) Move the gear lever into the “N” position.
3) Pull and hold the gear lever ring
j1 up.
4) Move the gear lever into the R position.
5) Release the gear lever ring and safely drive
the vehicle backwards.
The gear lever ring returns to its original posi-
tion when the gear lever is moved to the “N”
position.
If it is difficult to move the gear lever into R (Re-
verse) or 1st. Shift into “N” (Neutral), then release
the clutch pedal. Fully depress the clutch pedal
again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1st.
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
CAUTION
•The cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or re-
verse gear before the engine has warmed up.
•Avoid revving up the engine while the vehicle
is stopped. This could cause unexpected ve-
hicle movement.
Driving precautions
•Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse) while
the vehicle is moving, this could result in dam-
age to the transmission.
•Start the engine in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position. The engine will not start in any other
selector position. If it does, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop.
•Do not depress the accelerator pedal while
shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Re-
verse), D (Drive), 2 (Second gear) or 1 (Low
gear).
•On an uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal. The foot-
brake should be used for this purpose, in or-
der to hold the vehicle in place and to prevent
overheating of the transmission.
•Shift into the N (Neutral) position and apply
the handbrake when at a standstill for longer
than a short waiting period.
•Keep the engine at idling speed while shifting
from the N (Neutral) position to any driving
position.
CAUTION (when starting the vehicle):
•DEPRESS THE FOOTBRAKE PEDAL
When the engine is running, shifting the se-
lector lever into the R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2
(Second gear) or 1 (Low gear) position with-
out depressing the brake pedal causes the
vehicle to move slowly. Be sure the brake
pedal is fully depressed and the vehicle is
stopped, before shifting the selector lever.
•BE AWARE OF THE SELECTOR LEVER POSI-
TION
Make sure that the selector lever is in the
desired position. Use the D (Drive), 2 (Second
gear) or 1 (Low gear) to move forwards and
the R (Reverse) to move backwards. Release
the handbrake lever and the footbrake pedal,
then depress the accelerator pedal to start
the vehicle in motion and merge with traffic
(avoid abrupt starting and spinning the
wheels).
•Avoid revving up the engine while the vehicle
is stopped, this could cause unexpected ve-
hicle movement [if the selector lever is in the
R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2 (Second gear) or 1
(Low gear) position] or damage the engine [if
the selector lever is in the N (Neutral) or P
(Park) position].
•WARM THE ENGINE UP
5-12Starting and driving

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

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

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