Black plate (194,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
appropriate driving lane.
.If you decide that it is not safe to return
the vehicle to the road surface based on
vehicle, road or traffic conditions, gra-
dually slow the vehicle to a stop in a safe
place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSSRapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged due
to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure
loss can also be caused by driving on under-
inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by main-
taining the correct air pressure and visually
inspect the tires for wear and damage. See
“WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out”
while driving maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on
the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air
pressure. Losing control of the vehicle
may cause a collision and result in
personal injury.
.The vehicle generally moves or pulls
in the direction of the flat tire.
.Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
.Do not rapidly release the accelera-
tor pedal.
.Do not rapidly turn the steering
wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel
with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel-
erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location
off the road and away from traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually
stop the vehicle.6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and
either contact a roadside emergency service
to change the tire or see “CHANGING A
FLAT TIRE” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section of this Owner’s Manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. Alcohol in the blood-
stream reduces 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 se-
verity 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.
Although 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.
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Starting and driving
ProCarManuals.com
Black plate (211,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and econo-
my of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and
reduced engine performance.
.Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
.Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
.Avoid quick starts.
.Avoid hard braking as much as possible..Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
.Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
.Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
.Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
.Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
.Keep your engine tuned up.
.Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
.Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
.Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
.Air conditioner operation lowers fuel econ-
omy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
.When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag..Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
(See “ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section.)BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving
5-23
ProCarManuals.com
Black plate (216,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Alwaysmaintainasafedistance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
.Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire,
make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on theTire and Loading Information
label. See “TIRE AND LOADING
INFORMATION LABEL” in the “9.
Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.
— For detailed information, see
“WHEELS AND TIRES” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-your-
self” section of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress 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 prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Self-test featureThe 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 oper-
ates 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.Normal operationThe ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
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Starting and driving
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Black plate (217,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
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 under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.When accelerating or driving on slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors
detect these movements and control the braking
and engine output to help improve vehicle
stability.
.When the VDC system is operating, the
“SLIP” indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.
.If the “SLIP” indicator blinks, the road
conditions are slippery. Be sure to adjust
your speed and driving to these conditions.
Be sure to drive carefully. (See “Slip
indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section, and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section.)
.Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
“SLIP” and “VDC OFF” indicator lights
illuminate in the instrument panel. As long
as these indicators are illuminated, the VDC
system function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) function to improve vehicle traction.
The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The
ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other drivewheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
OFF switch pushed and the VDC system turned
off, all VDC systems will be turned off. The
ABLS system and ABS will still operate with the
VDC system off. If the ABLS system is activated,
the “SLIP” indicator will blink and 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.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise
or feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system 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 forward or backward. 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 VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous driv-
ing techniques. Reduce vehicle
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving
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ProCarManuals.com
Black plate (19,1)
6 In case of emergency
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
Flat tire............................................................ 6-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)............. 6-2
Changing a flat tire......................................... 6-2
Jump starting.................................................... 6-8
Push starting................................................... 6-10
If your vehicle overheats..................................... 6-11Towing your vehicle.......................................... 6-12
Towing recommended by NISSAN
(except for Kro¯
m models)............................... 6-13
Towing recommended by NISSAN
(for Kro¯
m models)........................................ 6-14
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle)........... 6-15
ProCarManuals.com
Black plate (224,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When
the low tire pressure warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn you
of it by the low tire pressure warning light. This
system will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) . For
more details, see “WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section and “TIRE
PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
WARNING
.If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble. Driving with under-inflated tires
may permanently damage the tires
and increase the likelihood of tire
failure. Serious vehicle damagecould occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious
personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD
tire pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information 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 possi-
ble.
.When 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 approxi-
mately 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.
.Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
.Do not inject any tire liquid or
aerosol tire sealant into the tires,
as this may cause a malfunction of
the tire pressure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake.
4.Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission (MT) models:
Move the shift lever to the R (Reverse)
position.
5. Turn off the engine.
6. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
7. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
FLAT TIRE6-2
In case of emergency
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Black plate (229,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SCE0576
Installing the spare tireThe spare tire is designed for emergency
use. (See specific instructions under the
heading “WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.)
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten
the wheel nuts finger tight. Check that all the
wheel nuts contact the wheel surface
horizontally.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel
nuts alternately and evenly in the sequence
as illustrated (
*1,*2,*3,*4) , more than2 times, until they are tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence as illustrated. Lower the
vehicle completely.
WARNING
.Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
.Do not use oil or grease on the
wheel studs or nuts. This could
cause the nuts to become loose.
.Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600
miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a
flat tire, etc.) .
.As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened
to specifications at all times. It is
recommended that the wheel nuts betightened to specifications at each
lubrication interval.
.Adjust tire pressure to the COLD
pressure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked for 3
hours or more or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) .
COLD tire pressures are shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label
affixed to the driver side center pillar.
Stowing the damaged tire and the toolsSecurely store the jack and tools in the storage
area.
In case of emergency
6-7
ProCarManuals.com
Black plate (243,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SAI0045
Kro¯
m models
CAUTION
Do not use an automatic car wash for
Kro¯
m models. The rear spoiler and the
wheel coating may be damaged.WAXINGRegular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing
is recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
reapplying wax.
A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing theproper product.
.Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
.Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on a
base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTSRemove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting damage
or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive
accessory stores.UNDERBODYIn areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the underseal
must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASSUse glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass
to become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could da-
mage the electrical conductors, radio
antenna elements or rear window
defroster elements.WHEELSWash the wheels when washing the vehicle to
maintain their appearance.
.Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
.Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
.NISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
Appearance and care
7-3
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