2008 NISSAN VERSA HATCHBACK steering

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
(if so equipped)................................5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-5
Ignition switch.....................................5-6
Intelligent Key System (if so equipped)............5-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).........5-8
Automatic transmission..........................5-9
Manual transmission...........................5-10
Key positions.................................5-11
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped)...............................5-11
Before starting the engine.........................5-11
Starting the engine...............................5-12
Driving the vehicle................................5-13
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)..........5-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)...............................5-17
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-20Parking brake....................................5-22
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-23
Precautions on cruise control...................5-23
Cruise control operations.......................5-24
Break-in schedule................................5-25
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-25
Parking/parking on hills............................5-26
Power steering...................................5-27
Brake system....................................5-27
Brake precautions.............................5-27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-28
Cold weather driving..............................5-29
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-29
Anti-freeze....................................5-29
Battery.......................................5-29
Draining of coolant water.......................5-30
Tire equipment................................5-30
Special winter equipment.......................5-30
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-30
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-31
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cThe TPMS will activate only when the vehicle
is driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25
km/h) . Also, this system may not detect a
sudden drop in tire pressure (for example a
flat tire while driving) .
cThe low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure
is adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the
recommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h)
to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire
pressure warning light. Use a tire pressure
gauge to check the tire pressure.
cTire pressure rises and falls depending on
the heat caused by the vehicle’s operation
and the outside temperature. Low outside
temperature can lower the temperature of
the air inside the tire which can cause a
lower tire inflation pressure. This may cause
the low tire pressure warning light to illumi-
nate. If the warning light illuminates in low
ambient temperature, check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires.
For additional information, see “Low tire pressure
warning light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” in the “In case of emergency” section.WARNING
cIf the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an acci-
dent and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for
all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible. (See “Flat tire” in the “In case
of emergency” section for changing a
flat tire.)cWhen a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
cReplacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
cDo not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.
CAUTION
Do not place metalized film or any metal
parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows. This
may cause poor reception of the signals
from the tire pressure sensors, and the
TPMS will not function properly.
Some devices and transmitters may temporarily
interfere with the operation of the TPMS and
cause the low tire pressure warning light to illu-
minate.
5-4Starting and driving
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Some examples are:
– Facilities or electric devices using similar radio
frequencies are near the vehicle.
– If a transmitter set to similar frequencies is
being used in or near the vehicle.
– If a computer (or similar equipment) or a
DC/AC converter is being used in or near the
vehicle.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to op-
erate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss of
control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey all
traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed, high
speed cornering, or sudden steering maneuvers,
because these driving practices could cause you to
lose control of your vehicle.As with any vehicle,
loss of control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause the vehicle
to roll over, particularly if the loss of control
causes the vehicle to slide sideways.
Be at-
tentive at all times, and avoid driving when tired.
Never drive when under the influence of alcohol
or drugs (including prescription or over-the-
counter drugs which may cause drowsiness) .
Always wear your seat belt as outlined in the
“Safety – Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual, and also
instruct your passengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in collisions
and rollovers.In a rollover crash, an unbelted
or improperly belted person is significantly
more likely to be injured or killed than a
person properly wearing a seat belt.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alcohol
or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream re-
duces coordination, delays reaction time
and impairs judgement. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likelihood
of being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if you
are injured in an accident, alcohol can
increase the severity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents. Al-
though the local laws vary on what is considered
to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most people
underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And
that is true for drugs, too (over-the-counter, pre-
scription, and illegal drugs) . Don’t drive if your
ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by alco-
hol, drugs, or some other physical condition.
Starting and driving5-5
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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.)
CVT models
SSD0435
M/T models
LSD0172
IGNITION SWITCH
5-6Starting and driving
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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 positions1between 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.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.
With Intelligent Key system
SSD0437A
5-8Starting and driving
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The ignition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to the LOCK position and removed until
the shift selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition, make
sure the shift selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved to the LOCK
position.To remove the key from the ignition switch:
1. Shift the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion with the key in the ON position.
2. Turn the key to the LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition.
If the selector lever is shifted to the P (Park)
position after the key is turned to the OFF posi-
tion or when the key cannot be turned to the
LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove the
key.
1. Move the shift selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly toward the ON
position.
3. Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
The shift selector lever is designed so it cannot
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned to OFF
position
s1or if the key is removed from the
switch.
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
s1between 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.
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.
If the key will not turn from the LOCK posi-
tion, turn the steering wheel to the left or
right while turning the key to unlock the
key cylinder.
SSD0392
Starting and driving5-9
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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.
Type A models without Intelligent Key:To
turn the ignition key to the LOCK position from
the ACC or ON position, turn the key to OFF,
push the key in, then turn the key to LOCK.Type B models with Intelligent Key:The
ignition lock is designed so that the switch can
only be turned to the LOCK position when the
PUSH release button has been pressed.
NOTE:
cThe
Intelligent Key lock warning light
blinks and the buzzer sounds when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the LOCK position
and the ignition PUSH release button has
not been pressed completely. See “Intelli-
gent Key lock warning light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual
for further details regarding the functionality
of the Intelligent Key lock warning light.cWhen the mechanical key is being used, the
ignition PUSH release button has to be
pressed in order to turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position although the
Intel-
ligent Key lock warning light will not blink and
the buzzer will not sound.
To lock the steering wheel
In the LOCK position, turn the steering wheel 1/8
of a turn clockwise from the straight up position.
To unlock the steering wheel
Press the brake pedal, push the ignition switch
and turn it gently while rotating the steering wheel
slightly right and left.
Type A
WSD0052
Type B
LSD0173
5-10Starting and driving
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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.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position, and wait approximately 10 sec-
onds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible, or at
least whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11
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