2009 NISSAN ROGUE ABS

Black plate (20,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
SSS0287
Adjust the head restraint so the center is level
with the center of your ears.
SSS0508
FRONT-SEAT ACTIVE HEAD RE-
STRAINTS
WARNING
.Always adjust the head restraints
properly as specified in this section.
Failure to do so can reduce the
effectiveness of the Active Head
Restraint.
.Active Head Restraints are designed
to supplement other safety systems.
Always wear seat belts. No system
can prevent all injuries in any acci-
dent..Do not attach anything to the head
restraint stalks. Doing so could
impair Active Head Restraint func-
tion.
The Active Head Restraint moves forward
utilizing the force that the seatback receives
from the occupant in a rear-end collision. The
movement of the head restraint helps support
the occupant’s head by reducing its backward
movement and helping absorb some of the
forces that may lead to whiplash-type injuries.
Active Head Restraints are effective for colli-
sions at low to medium speeds in which it is said
that whiplash injury occurs most.
Active Head Restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original positions.
Properly adjust the Active Head Restraints as
described in this section.
1-8
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

Black plate (77,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light (AWD
models)*
Low fuel warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
Low tire pressure warning light
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Low washer fluid warning light*
Overdrive off indicator light*
Brake warning light
P position selecting warning light*
Security indicator light
Seat belt warning light
Slip indicator light
Charge warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Small light indicator light
Door open warning light
Front passenger air bag status light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Electric power steering warning light
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCK indicator light
(AWD models)*
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
Intelligent Key system warning light*
Cruise set indicator light
*: if so equipped
CHECKING BULBSWith all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off (if so equipped):
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
If any light does not come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system checked by
a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
2-11

Black plate (78,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
WARNING LIGHTS
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning
light (AWD models)
The light illuminates when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position. It turns off after the
engine is started.
If the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system malfunc-
tions, or the diameter of the front and the rear
wheels are different, the warning light will either
remain illuminated or blink. (See “ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE (AWD)” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section.)
CAUTION
.If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction
in the AWD system. Reduce the
vehicle speed and have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.
.If the AWD warning light blinks
while driving:
— blinks rapidly (about twice a
second):
Pull off the road in a safe area,
and idle the engine. The driving
mode will change to 2WD toprevent the AWD system from
malfunctioning. If the warning
light turns off, you can drive
again.
— blinks slowly (about once every
2 seconds):
Pull off the road in a safe area,
and idle the engine. Check that
all tire sizes are the same, tire
pressure is correct and tires are
not worn.
.If the warning light is still on after
the above operations, have your
vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible.
or
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates
the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may
indicate the ABS is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance. (See “BRAKE SYSTEM” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section.)
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light illuminates when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light illuminates while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. (See “BRAKE FLUID” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warningsystemcheckedbyaNISSAN
dealer.
2-12
Instruments and controls

Black plate (79,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by a NISSAN dealer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
earlier in this section.)
WARNING
.Your brake system may not be
working properly if the warning light
is on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your
vehicle towed because driving it
could be dangerous.
.Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
.If the brake fluid level is below theminimum or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If the light illuminates while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alternator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light illuminates when any of the doors and/
or lift gate are not closed securely while the
ignition switch is ON.
Electric power steering warning
light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the electric power steering warning light illumi-
nates. After starting the engine, the electricpower steering warning light turns off. This
indicates the electric power steering system is
operational.
If the electric power steering warning light
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the electric power steering system is
not functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the electric power steering system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the power
assist to the steering will cease operation but
you will still have control of the vehicle. At this
time, greater steering efforts are required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
See “ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYS-
TEM” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Engine oil pressure warning light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or illuminates during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level.(See
“ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
Instruments and controls
2-13

Black plate (16,1)
5 Starting and driving
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 3
Precautions when starting and driving..................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)......................... 5-2
Three-way catalyst.......................................... 5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)............. 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover........................... 5-5
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions...... 5-5
Off-road recovery........................................... 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss.................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving...................... 5-7
Driving safety precautions................................ 5-7
Ignition switch................................................... 5-9
Intelligent Key system (if so equipped)................ 5-9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).......... 5-11
Steering lock............................................... 5-11
Key positions.............................................. 5-11
Before starting the engine.................................. 5-12
Starting the engine........................................... 5-12
Driving the vehicle............................................ 5-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).......... 5-13
Parking brake.................................................. 5-18
Cruise control................................................. 5-19
Precautions on cruise control.......................... 5-19Cruise control operations............................... 5-20
Break-in schedule............................................ 5-21
Increasing fuel economy.................................... 5-21
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped)................ 5-22
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) lock switch operations.... 5-22
AWD warning light....................................... 5-24
Parking/parking on hills...................................... 5-25
Electric power steering system............................ 5-26
Brake system.................................................. 5-26
Braking precautions...................................... 5-26
Parking brake break-in................................... 5-27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)...................... 5-27
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system................. 5-28
Cold weather driving......................................... 5-30
Freeing a frozen door lock.............................. 5-30
Anti-freeze.................................................. 5-30
Battery...................................................... 5-30
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

Black plate (211,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
WARNING
.While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheelstoskidandresultinan
accident.
.If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.Wet brakesWhen the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking 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 tapping 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.PARKING BRAKE BREAK-INBreak in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure thebest braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by a
NISSAN dealer.
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 thespecified 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 the
Tire 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
Starting and driving
5-27

Black plate (212,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
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
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 drive
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-28
Starting and driving

Black plate (213,1)
Model "S35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 7/ 24
wheel. 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 vehiclespeed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
.Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars and bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN approved
or are extremely deteriorated the
VDC system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the “VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP”
indicator or both indicator lights
may illuminate.
.If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the “VDC OFF”
indicator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate.
.If engine related parts such as
muffler are not standard equipment
or are extremely deteriorated, the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” in-
dicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate..When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked
corners, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the “VDC OFF”
indicator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
.When driving on unstable surfaces
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator
or ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine
after driving onto a stable surface.
.If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly
and “VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP”
indicator or both indicator lights
may illuminate.
.The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
Starting and driving
5-29