2008 NISSAN NOTE low gear

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

WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solution
may freeze on the rear window and obscure your
vision. Warm the rear window with the rear win-
dow defogger before you wash the rear window.
NOTE
When the windscreen wiper switch is in the inter-
mittent, low or high speed position and the vehi-
cle’s gear lever is set in Reverse, the rear window
wiper comes on (where fitted).REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
A.Models with automatic air conditioner
B.Models with manual air conditioner
To defog/defrost the rear window glass, start the
engine and push the switch in. The indicator light
will come on. Push the switch again to turn the
defogger off.
The defogger will turn off automatically after ap-
proximately 15 minutes — if the rear window clears
before this time, push the switch again to turn the
defogger off.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inner side of the rear window,
be careful not to scratch or damage the electri-
cal conductors.
OUTSIDE MIRROR DEFOGGER
(where fitted)
The outside rear-view mirrors will be defogged when
the defogger switch is activated.
NIC1466
DEFOGGER SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-15

Adjusting — Remote control
(where fitted)
The outside rear-view mirror control will only oper-
ate when the ignition switch is in the Acc or ON
position.
Move the switch to the right
j1 or to the leftj2to
select the right or left outside rear-view mirror, thenadjust the mirror to the desired position by tilting
(Type
jA ) or pushing (TypejB ) the button, as illus-
trated inj3.
Folding — Manual control
Fold the outside rear-view mirror by pushing it to-
wards the rear of the vehicle.
Folding — Remote control (where fitted)
Fold the outside rear-view mirror by pushing the
CLOSE sidej1 of the switch.
To return the mirror to its original position, push the
OPEN side
j2 of the switch.
NOTE
If the mirror becomes displaced from its adjusted
position, use the following procedure to return it
to the correct geared position:
1. Fold the mirror electronically using the remote
control switch.
2. Wait until the mirror emits a strong noise, this
confirms that the mirror has correctly engaged.
3. Adjust the mirror to the correct driving angle us-
ing the adjusting switch.
VANITY MIRROR
To use the front vanity mirror, pull down the sun
visor and lift up the cover (where fitted).
NPA872
MPA0008Z
NPA874Z
NPA733Z
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-13

During the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles), follow these
recommendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow the
recommendations may result in shortened engine
life and reduced engine performance.
•Avoid driving for long periods at a constant
speed, either fast or slow.
•Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
•Avoid quick starts.
•Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
•Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500
miles).
NOTE
Models with K9K diesel engine will achieve top
performance only after approximately 5,000 km
(3,000 miles).
WARNING
The driving characteristics of your vehicle can be
changed remarkably by any additional load and
its distribution as well as by adding optional
equipment (trailer couplings, roof racks, etc.).
Your driving style and speed have to be adjusted
accordingly. Especially when carrying heavy
loads, your speed must be reduced adequately.
•Make sure the area around the vehicle is free of
obstacles.
•Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant,
brake and clutch fluid, and window washer fluid
as frequently as possible, at least whenever you
refuel.
•Visually inspect tyres for their appearance and
condition. Also check the tyre pressure for
proper inflation.
•Maintenance items in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section should be checked peri-
odically.
•Check that all windows and light lenses are
clean.
•Check that all doors are closed.
•Position the seat and adjust the head restraints.
•Adjust the inside and outside mirrors.
•Fasten your seat belt and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
•Check the operation of the warning/indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position.
•Do not place hard or heavy objects on the dash-
board or rear parcel shelf in order to prevent
injury in the event of a sudden stop.
RUNNING-IN SCHEDULE BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-2Starting and driving

WARNING
•Be careful not to burn yourself with exhaust
gases.
•Do not park the vehicle over flammable mate-
rials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags,
as they may burn easily.
NISSAN GREEN PROGRAM
The diesel particulate filter reduces the amount of
materials that affect the environment by collecting
the particulate matter included in exhaust gases.
Particulate matter that has accumulated in the filter
is automatically burned and converted into harmless
substances while driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
The filter becomes extremely hot after burning
particulate matter.
If the diesel particulate filter warning light comes on,
it indicates that particulate matter has accumulated
in the filter to the specified limit. Particulate matter
collected in the filter cannot be burned under low
speed driving conditions.
As soon as safely possible, drive the vehicle at a
high speed (more than approximately 60 km/h (37.5
MPH) until the filter warning light goes out. Always
conform to local regulations.
When the accumulated particulate matter has been
completely burned, the filter warning light will go
out.
WARNING
•If the vehicle continues to be driven at a low
speed with the diesel particulate filter warn-
ing light illuminated, the fail-safe will limit en-
gine revolutions and/or torque. In this case,
the engine oil must be replaced and the pro-
cess of burning accumulated particulate mat-
ter must be carried out by a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop.
•Use engine oil for diesel particulate filter
equipped models. For details, see “Capaci-
ties and recommended fuel/lubricants” in the
“9. Technical information” section.Driving your vehicle to fit the circumstances is es-
sential for your safety and comfort. As a driver, you
should be the one who knows best how to drive in
the given circumstances.
ENGINE COLD START PERIOD
Due to the higher engine speeds when the engine is
cold, extra caution must be exercised when select-
ing a gear during the engine warm-up period after
starting the engine.
LOADING LUGGAGE
Loads, their distribution and the attachment of equip-
ment (coupling devices, roof luggage carriers, etc.)
will change the driving characteristics of the vehicle
considerably. Driving style and speed must be ad-
justed accordingly.
DRIVING ON WET ROADS
•Avoid starting off, accelerating and stopping sud-
denly.
•Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
•Extra distance should be kept from the vehicle in
front.
•When water covers the road surface in puddles,
small streams, etc, REDUCE SPEED to prevent
aquaplaning which will cause skidding and loss
of control. Worn tyres increase this risk.
DRIVING UNDER WINTER
CONDITIONS
•Drive safely.
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER
(where fitted)CARE WHEN DRIVING
Starting and driving5-5

ligent Key, turn the ignition knob to the LOCK posi-
tion, wait for 5 seconds and turn the knob to the
START position again to start the engine.
For additional information, see “Security system” in
the “3. Pre-driving checks and adjustments” sec-
tion.1. Apply the handbrake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Move the gear lever to N (Neutral) position, and
depress the clutch pedal to the floor while start-
ing the engine.
Automatic transmission models:
Depress the brake pedal and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position. (P
position is preferred).
NOTE
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is out of the P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) position.
3. Models without Intelligent Key:
Rotate the steering wheel left to right to release
the ignition lock whilst turning the ignition switch
to the ON position.
Models with Intelligent key:
•MT models – keep the clutch pedal
depressed and/or depress the brake pedal
then:
•AT – depress the brake pedal then:
1) Push the ignition knob.
2) Rotate the steering wheel left to right to
release the ignition lock whilst turning the
ignition knob to the ON position.CAUTION
•Make sure you carry the Intelligent Key with
you when operating the vehicle.
•If the Intelligent Key is too far away from
the driver, the vehicle may not start.
4. For diesel engine models: Wait until the glow
indicator light
goes out.
5. Start the engine with your foot on the brake pedal,
not on the accelerator pedal, by turning the
ignition switch to START.
6. Release the ignition switch when the engine
starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat
the above procedure.
For petrol engine models:
•If the engine is very hard to start for example
in extremely cold or hot weather, or when
restarting, Proceed as follows:
a. Depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then start the engine.
b. Release the ignition switch and the accel-
erator pedal when the engine starts.
•If the engine is very hard to start because it is
flooded. Proceed as follows:
a. Depress the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and hold it.
b. Start the engine for 5-6 seconds and stop.
After starting the engine, release the ac-
celerator pedal.
STARTING THE ENGINE
5-10Starting and driving

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