
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the LOCK
position while driving. The steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal injury.
INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
The Intelligent Key system can operate the igni-
tion switch without taking the key out from your
pocket or purse. The operating environment
and/or conditions may affect the Intelligent Key
system operation.
CAUTION
cBe sure to carry the Intelligent Key with
you when operating the vehicle.
cNever leave the Intelligent Key inside
the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
cIf the vehicle battery is discharged the
ignition switch cannot be moved from
the “LOCK” position and if the steering
lock is engaged, the steering wheel
cannot be moved. Charge the battery as
soon as possible. (See “JUMP START-
ING” in the “In case of emergency” sec-
tion of this manual.)
LSD0175
IGNITION SWITCH
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CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT)
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position. When moving the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, to remove the key from the igni-
tion switch, make sure the selector lever is in the
P (Park) position.When the ignition switch cannot be turned to the
LOCK position:
1. Shift the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion.
4. Remove the key if it is inserted in the ignition
switch.
If the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion, the selector lever cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position.
The shift selector lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
When the ignition is in the OFF position,
the steering wheel is not locked.
Without Intelligent Key system
WSD0041
With Intelligent Key system
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To lock the steering wheel:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Remove the key, if it is inserted in the ignition
switch.
3. Turn the steering wheel 1/8 of a turn clock-
wise from the straight up position.
To unlock the steering wheel:
1. Insert the key into the ignition switch, if nec-
essary.
2. Gently turn the ignition switch while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes a device that helps
prevent accidental removal of the key while driv-
ing.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK position from ACC or ON
position, turn the key to OFF, push the key in, then
turn the key to LOCK.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
Intelligent Key system:
PUSH OFF- The steering lock can only be locked
at this position.
PUSH ON- The ignition switch will be unlocked
while carrying the Intelligent Key.
OFF: (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking the
steering wheel.
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
WSD0052
5-8Starting and driving
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D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
L (Low):
Use this position for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill gradients/climbing steep slopes
and whenever approaching sharp bends. Do not
use the L (Low) position in any other circum-
stances.
Manual shift mode (if so equipped)
When the manual shift mode buttonsAis
pressed with the vehicle stopped or while driving,
the transmission enters the manual shift mode.
Shift ranges can be selected manually using the
paddles on the steering wheel
sBandsC.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is dis-
played on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1Ã!M2Ã!M3Ã!M4Ã!M5Ã!M6
M6 (6th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.M5 (5th):
Use this position when driving up long slopes, or
for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
M4 (4th) , M3 (3rd) and M2 (2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill
grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
WSD0192LSD0193
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cRemember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than M6
range. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up:
Pull the +
sCpaddle on the steering wheel
towards you. (Shifts to higher range.)
When shifting down:
Pull the2
sBpaddle on the steering wheel
towards you. (Shifts to lower range.)
cPulling the same paddle twice will shift the
ranges in succession. However, if this mo-
tion is rapidly done, the second shifting may
not be completed properly.
When canceling the manual shift mode:
Press the manual shift mode button
sAto return
the transmission to the normal driving mode.
cIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of ve-
hicle damage or loss of control.
cIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the en-
gine speed is too high. When the ve-
hicle speed decreases, the transmis-sion automatically shifts down. The
transmission shifts to M1 (1st) gear
before the vehicle comes to a com-
plete stop. When accelerating again, it
is necessary to shift up to the desired
range.
cWhen the CVT fluid temperature is ex-
tremely low, the manual shift mode may not
work and automatically shift as a drive mode.
This is not a malfunction. In this case, press
the manual shift button
sAoff and drive for a
while and then reactivate the manual shift
mode.
cWhen the CVT fluid temperature is high, the
shift range may upshift in lower rpm than
usual. This is not a malfunction.
Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) position even
with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the shift selector lever, release the shift
lock. The shift selector lever can be moved to N
(Neutral) . However, the steering wheel will be
locked unless the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position. This allows the vehicle to be moved
if the battery is discharged.
LSD0178
5-14Starting and driving
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To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as
shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot and push down.
5. Move the shift selector lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position while holding down the shift
lock release.
6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the
steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be
moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the trans-
mission as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch
When the O/D OFF switch is pushed with the
selector lever in the D (Drive) position, the
light in the instrument panel illuminates. See
“Overdrive off indicator light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
Use the Overdrive off mode when you need im-
proved engine braking.
To turn off the Overdrive off mode, push the O/D
OFF switch again. The
indicator light will
turn off.
Each time the engine is started, or when the
selector lever is shifted to any position other thanD (Drive) , the Overdrive off mode will be auto-
matically turned off.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, the CVT will
not be shifted into the selected driving position.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated, see “Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)” in the “Instrument and controls” sec-
tion. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then turn
the switch back to the ON position. The
vehicle should return to its normal operat-
ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
LSD0179
Starting and driving5-15
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CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in short-
ened engine life and reduced engine
performance.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
cKeep the wheels in correct alignment. Im-
proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
cUse the recommended viscosity engine oil.
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion” in “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” later in this manual.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
5-20Starting and driving
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WARNING
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
cSafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
CVT models or in an appropriate gear
for manual transmission models. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly or roll away and re-
sult in an accident. Make sure the shiftlever has been pushed as far forward as
it can go and cannot be moved without
depressing the foot brake pedal.
cNever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
cDo not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion. When parking on an uphill grade, place
the shift lever in 1st gear.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.
SSD0488
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-21
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