REAR HATCH RELEASE
The rear hatch release mechanism allows the rear
hatch to be opened in the event of a discharged
battery.
To release the rear hatch from the inside of the
vehicle, perform the following operations:
1. Fold the rear seats down. See “Folding rear
seat” in the “Safety — seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section.
2. Put a hand or a suitable tool in the underside
of the rear hatch to access the release lever
A. Move the release lever to the right. The
rear hatch will be unlatched.3. Push the rear hatch up to open.
NOTE:
If you had to open the rear hatch using this
lever, have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
●Do not drive with the trunk lid open. This
could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See “Ex-
haust gas” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
●Closely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously in-
jured. Keep the car locked, with the rear
seatback and trunk lid securely latched
when not in use, and prevent children’s
access to car keys.
LPD0352
TRUNK LID (Sedan)
3-24Pre-driving checks and adjustments
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
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09/10/08—debbie
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 ma-
neuvers, 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 attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when under
the influence of alcohol or drugs (including pre-
scription 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.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If this
occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by follow-
ing the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle
must be driven as appropriate based on the con-
ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel
with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
4. When appropriate , slowly release the accel-
erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the ve-
hicle to follow the road while vehicle speed
is reduced. Do not attempt to drive the ve-
hicle back onto the road surface until vehicle
speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the
steering wheel until both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the ap-
propriate driving lane.
Starting and driving5-5
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
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Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior
trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum
cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe the vinyl and
leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth damp-
ened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a
dry, soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order to
maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the manu-
facturer’s recommendations. Some fabric pro-
tectors contain chemicals that may stain or
bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water to clean
the meter and gauge lens.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot
steam cleaners) on the seat. This can
damage the seat or occupant classifica-
tion sensor. This can also affect the opera-
tion of the air bag system and result in
serious personal injury.
CAUTION
●Never use benzine, thinner or any simi-
lar material.
●Small dirt particles can be abrasive and
damaging to leather surfaces and
should be removed promptly. Do not
use saddle soap, car waxes, polishes,
oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents or ammonia-based cleaners as
they may damage the leather’s natural
finish.
●Never use fabric protectors unless rec-
ommended by the manufacturer.
●Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may dam-
age the lens cover.
AIR FRESHENERS
NOTE:
Hanging-type air fresheners can cause per-
manent discoloration when they contact ve-
hicle surfaces. Place the air freshener in a
location that allows it to hang free and not
contact an interior surface. Carefully read
and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
before using the air freshener product.
NOTE:
Liquid-type air freshener products typically
clip on the vents. These products can cause
immediate damage and discoloration when
spilled on interior surfaces. Carefully read
and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
before using the air freshener product.
FLOOR MATS
The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can ex-
tend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it
easier to clean the interior.No matter what
mats are used, be sure they are fitted for
your vehicle and are properly positioned in
the footwell to prevent interference with
pedal operation.Mats should be maintained
with regular cleaning and replaced if they be-
come excessively worn.
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
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Floor mat positioning aid (driver’s side
only)
This vehicle includes a front floor mat bracket to
act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor
mats have been specially designed for your ve-
hicle model. The driver’s side floor mat has a
grommet hole incorporated in it. Position the mat
by placing the floor mat bracket hook through the
floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in
the footwell.
Periodically check to make certain the mats are
properly positioned.
SEAT BELTS
The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them
with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution.
Allow the belts to dry completely in the shade
before using them. See “Seat belt maintenance”
in the “Safety – Seats, seat belts and supplemen-
tal restraint system” section of this manual.
WARNING
Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the
retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or
chemical solvents to clean the seat belts,
since these materials may severely
weaken the seat belt webbing.
MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
●The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt
and debris in body panel sections, cavities,
and other areas.
●Damage to paint and other protective coat-
ings caused by gravel and stone chips or
minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the ve-
hicle body underside can accelerate corrosion.
Wet floor coverings will not dry completely inside
the vehicle and should be removed for drying to
avoid floor panel corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas where
the temperatures stay above freezing and where
atmospheric pollution exists and road salt is
used.
WAI0006
CORROSION PROTECTION
Appearance and care7-5
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter componentsReplace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheelalignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
●For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.Brake pedalCheck the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Automatic Transmission (AT) or Continu-
ously Variable Transmission (CVT) P (Park)
position mechanismOn a fairly steep hill
check that the vehicle is held securely with the
selector lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
Parking brakeCheck the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie
Use the following steps to mount the front license
plate:
Before mounting the license plate, confirm that
the following parts are enclosed in the plastic
bag:
●License plate bracket
●License plate bracket screws x 2
●License plate screws x 2
●Screw grommets x 2
1. Hold the license plate bracket
1and make
a shallow hole in the bumper fascia using a
0.39 in (10 mm) drill. To avoid damaging the
area behind the fascia, apply only light pres-
sure to the drill.
2. Insert the grommets
2into the holes in the
bumper fascia.
3. Insert a small flat-bladed screwdriver into
the grommet hole to turn the threaded part of
the grommet 90°.
4. Mount the license plate bracket using the
two longer screws
3.
5. Use the two shorter hex head screws to
mount the license plate to the license plate
bracket using the two M6-14 mm bolts.
WARNING
●It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area inside a vehicle. In
a collision, people riding in these
areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
●Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.
●Be sure everyone in your vehicle
is in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself with
the following terms before loading your
vehicle:
●Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle) - vehicle weight including:
standard and optional equipment, flu-
ids, emergency tools, and spare tire
assembly. This weightdoes notin-
clude passengers and cargo.●GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight of
passengers and cargo.
●GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other optional
equipment. This information is lo-
cated on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.
●GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified
for the front or rear axle. This informa-
tion is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
●GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
rating) - The maximum total weight
rating of the vehicle, passengers,
cargo, and trailer.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
Technical and consumer information9-13
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie
10 Index
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-36
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air bag
system) ...................1-43
Side and curtain (See supplemental
side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system)...............1-47
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-50
Airbagwarninglight...........1-50,2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-3
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Airflowcharts ..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-14
Anchorpointlocations.............1-20
Antenna.....................4-28
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-7
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-29
Armrests .....................1-5
Audible reminders................2-13Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-24
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-18
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-16
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-21
Radio ....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch....4-27
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-30
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....8-13
Driving with automatic transmission....5-14
Transmission selector lever lock
release................5-16,5-20
Automatic door locks...............3-6
B
Battery......................8-16
Chargewarninglight.............2-8
Before starting the engine...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Block heater
Engine....................5-32
Bluetoothhands-free phone system.....4-29
Booster seats..................1-31
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-29
Brake fluid..................8-15
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30Brake system................5-28
Brake warning light..............2-7
Brake wear indicators........2-13,8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-23
Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Brakes......................8-22
Break-in schedule................5-25
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-21
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-7
Bulb replacement................8-30
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-28
Cargocover...................2-27
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning.............4-26
CD changer (See audio system)........4-24
CD player (See audio system).........4-18
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-19
Child restraints..........1-10,1-15,1-17
Precautions on child
restraints............1-15,1-25,1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-20
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes,audiblereminders...........2-13
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-17,4-21
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
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Clutch
Clutchfluid .................8-15
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving..............5-30
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-18
Console box...................2-27
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . .5-17
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid .....................8-14
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-17
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-27
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Corrosionprotection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-24
Cupholders...................2-25
Curtain side-impact air bag system
(See supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag system)..........1-47
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-20
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-19
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-21Door locks....................3-4
Door open warning light.............2-8
Drive belt....................8-18
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-30
Driving with automatic transmission....5-14
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-17
Driving with manual transmission.....5-21
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy-fuel .................5-26
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-18
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Blockheater.................5-32
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingenginecoolant ..........8-9
Changingengineoil ............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations....8-6
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-8
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-8
Starting the engine.............5-13Eventdatarecorders..............9-20
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-25
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-22
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....8-13
Brake fluid..................8-15
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-15
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-14
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Window washer fluid............8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Foglightswitch.................2-21
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-43
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-26
Fuelgauge..................2-5
Fuel octane rating..............9-5
Fuel recommendation............9-4
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-26
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-26
10-2
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie