
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)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Off-road recovery...............................5-5
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-6
Ignition switch. . ...................................5-7
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped).........5-7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).........5-9
Automatic transmission.........................5-10
Manual transmission...........................5-11
Key positions.................................5-11
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system...............5-12
Before starting the engine.........................5-12
Starting the engine...............................5-13
Driving the vehicle................................5-14
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)..........5-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)...............................5-17
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-21Parking brake....................................5-23
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-24
Precautions on cruise control...................5-24
Cruise control operations.......................5-24
Break-in schedule................................5-25
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-26
Parking/parking on hills............................5-27
Power steering...................................5-28
Brake system....................................5-28
Brake precautions.............................5-28
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-29
Cold weather driving..............................5-30
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-30
Anti-freeze....................................5-30
Battery.......................................5-30
Draining of coolant water.......................
5-31
Tire equipment................................5-31
Special winter equipment.......................5-31
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-31
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-32
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie

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
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-
cedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position, and wait approximately 10
seconds.
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.●Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
●Check 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.
●Check that all windows and lights are clean.
●Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
●Lock all doors.
●Position seat and adjust head restraints.
●Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
●Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
●Check 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
5-12Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—tbrooks

Fuses ......................8-23
Fusible links...................8-24
G
Gascap.....................3-26
Gauge
Fuelgauge..................2-5
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-4
Trip odometer.................2-4
Generalmaintenance ..............8-2
Glovebox....................2-26
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth....4-29
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-22
Head restraints..................1-6
Active Head Restraint............1-6
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-19
Headlightcontrolswitch............2-19
Headlights....................8-29
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-3
Heater operation...............4-4
Hood release..................3-22
Horn.......................2-22
I
Ignition switch..................5-7Immobilizer system.........2-15,3-2,5-12
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-20
Increasing fuel economy............5-26
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-6
Inside mirror...................3-29
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel..............0-7,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-21
Intelligent Key system
Key operating range............3-11
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation......3-16
Troubleshooting guide...........3-21
Warningsignals...............3-21
Interiorlight...................2-34
Interior trunk lid release.............3-26
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-17
J
Jump starting...................6-7
K
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-26
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)........3-16
Keys, Except Intelligent Key...........3-2
Keys, For Intelligent Key system.........3-3L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.....................9-10
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-50
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) System..............1-17
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Airbagwarninglight.........1-50,2-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-7
Bulbreplacement..............8-30
Charge warning light.............2-8
Fog light switch...............2-21
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-19
Headlight control switch..........2-19
Headlights..................8-29
Interior light.................2-34
Lightbulbs..................8-29
Low tire pressure warning light.......2-9
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-10
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-44
Security indicator light...........2-13
Trunklight..................2-35
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-6
10-3
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie

Lights
Maplights..................2-34
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks..................3-4
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-26
Power door locks...............3-5
Lowfuelwarninglight..............2-9
Low tire pressure warning light.........2-9
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-10
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-13
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Insidethevehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seatbeltmaintenance...........1-15
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunctionindicatorlight...........2-12
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-31
Maplights....................2-34
Map pocket...................2-23
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-21
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-29
Outside mirror control...........3-29
Outside mirrors...............3-29
Vanity mirror.................3-29
Moonroof ....................2-32N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™........3-10,3-13
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-15,3-2,5-12
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-5
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingengineoil ............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-6
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Outside mirror control.............3-29
Outside mirrors.................3-29
Overdrive switch................5-17
Overheat
Ifyourvehicleoverheats...........6-9
Owner’s manual order form..........9-21
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-21
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-23
Parking/parking on hills...........5-27Phone, Bluetoothhands-free system....4-29
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-23
Power rear windows............2-30
Power steering system...........5-28
Power windows...............2-29
Rear power windows
............2-30
Precautions
Maintenanceprecautions ..........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-15,1-25,1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-7
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-36
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting...................6-9
R
Radio
CarphoneorCBradio...........4-28
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-24
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-16
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-21
Steeringwheelaudiocontrolswitch....4-27
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-19
Rear power windows..............2-30
Rear seat.....................1-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-19
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-18
10-4
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie

Recorders
Eventdata..................9-20
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Childseatbelts........1-15,1-25,1-31
Reporting safety defects (US only)....9-19
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat adjustment.............1-4
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-10
Infantsandsmallchildren .........1-10
InjuredPerson................1-11
Largerchildren ...............1-10
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-7
Pregnant women..............1-11
Seat belt extenders.............1-14
Seatbeltmaintenance...........1-15
Seatbelts...................1-7
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-14
Three-point type with retractor.......1-11
Seatbeltwarninglight.............2-11
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Frontseats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rearseat...................1-4
Security indicator light.............2-13Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-15,3-2,5-12
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-22
Service manual order form...........9-21
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shiftlockrelease.............5-16,5-20
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-15
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)....................5-18
Manual transmission............5-22
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-14
Side air bag system (See supplemental side
air bag and curtain side-impact air
bag system)...................1-47
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-3
SRSwarninglabel...............1-50
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Jump starting.................6-7
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-9
Starting the engine.............5-13
Steering
Power steering system...........5-28
Tilting steering wheel............3-28
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-27
Stoplight ....................8-30
Storage.....................2-23
Storage tray...................2-24
Sunglasses case................2-25
Sunglasses holder...............2-25
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-32
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-50
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-50, 2-11Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-43
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-50
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-36
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-36
Supplemental side and curtain side-impact
air bag system..................1-47
Switch
Automatic power window switch
.....2-30
Fog light switch...............2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-19
Headlight control switch..........2-19
Ignition switch................5-7
Overdrive switch..............5-17
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-19
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-18
Turnsignalswitch..............2-21
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-17
T
Tachometer....................2-4
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-15,3-2,5-12
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-28
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-44
10-5
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie

Tire and Loading Information label.....9-12
Tirechains..................8-41
Tireplacard.................9-12
Tirepressure ................8-34
Tirerotation.................8-41
Types of tires................8-40
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-17
Wheels and tires..............8-34
Wheel/tire size................9-9
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light.......2-9
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-19
Towing
Flattowing..................9-17
Towtrucktowing..............6-10
Trailer towing................9-17
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....8-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid .....................8-14
Driving with automatic transmission....5-14
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-17
Driving with manual transmission.....5-21
Selectorleverlockrelease .....5-16,5-20
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country).................9-10
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-4
Trunklight....................2-35
Turnsignalswitch................2-21U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-17
V
Vanity mirror...................3-29
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-9
Vehicle identification..............9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . .9-10
Vehicle loading information...........9-13
Vehicle recovery.............6-12,6-13
Vehicle security system.............2-14
Vehicle security system
(NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-15,3-2,5-12
Ventilators.....................4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-50,2-11
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-7
Battery charge warning light.........2-8
Brake warning light..............2-7
Door open warning light...........2-8
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-8
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22Lowfuelwarninglight............2-9
Low tire pressure warning light.......2-9
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-10
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-44
Seatbeltwarninglight...........2-11
Vehicle security system...........2-14
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-50
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-6
Warning lights..................2-6
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-17
Weights (See dimensions and weights)....9-9
Wheels and tires................8-34
Wheel/tire size..................9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country................9-10
Window washer fluid..............8-16
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-30
Manual windows..............2-31
Power rear windows............2-30
Power windows...............2-29
Rear power windows............2-30
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-17
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-17
Wiperblades................8-20
10-6
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie