Black plate (158,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
SAA2368SAA2369
OPERATING TIPS.When the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. This is not a
malfunction. After the coolant temperature
warms up, air will flow normally from the foot
outlets.
. The automatic air conditioner is equipped
with sensors as illustrated. The sensors
*A
and
*B
on the instrument panel help
maintain a constant temperature. Do not
put anything on or around these sensors.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTERThe air conditioning system is equipped with an
in-cabin microfilter which collects dirt, pollen,
dust, etc. To make sure the air conditioner heats,
defogs, and ventilates efficiently, replace the
filter according to the specified maintenance log
shown in the NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide. To replace the filter, contact a NISSAN
dealer.
The filter should be replaced if the air flow
decreases significantly or if windows fog
up easily when operating the heater or air
conditioning system.
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONERThe air conditioner system in your NISSAN is
charged with a refrigerant designed with the
environment in mind. This refrigerant will not
harm the earth’s ozone layer. Special char-
ging equipment and lubricant are required when
servicing your NISSAN air conditioner. Using
improper refrigerants or lubricants will cause
severe damage to your air conditioner system.
(See “CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section for air conditioner
system refrigerant and lubricant recommenda-
tions.)
A NISSAN dealer will be able to service your
environmentally friendly air conditioner system.
WARNING
The system contains refrigerant under
high pressure. To avoid personal injury,
any air conditioner service should be
done only by an experienced technician
with the proper equipment.
4-12
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
Black plate (16,1)
5 Starting and driving
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
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
(models without Intelligent Key system) ................... 5-7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ............ 5-7
Manual Transmission (MT) ................................ 5-8
Key positions ................................................ 5-8
Push-button ignition switch
(models with Intelligent Key system) ....................... 5-9
Operating range for engine start function ............. 5-9
Push-button ignition switch operation. ............... 5-10
Push-button ignition switch positions ................ 5-10
Intelligent Key battery discharge ...................... 5-11
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-12
Starting the engine ........................................... 5-12
Models without Intelligent Key system ............... 5-12
Models with Intelligent Key system ................... 5-13Driving the vehicle
............................................ 5-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) .......... 5-14
Manual Transmission (MT) .............................. 5-18
Parking brake .................................................. 5-20
Cruise control (if so equipped) ............................ 5-20
Precautions on cruise control .......................... 5-20
Cruise control operations ............................... 5-21
Break-in schedule ............................................ 5-22
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 5-23
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 5-24
Electric power steering system ............................ 5-25
Brake system .................................................. 5-26
Braking precautions ...................................... 5-26
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ...................... 5-26
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ................. 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 ............................... 5-29
Tire equipment ............................................ 5-30
Special winter equipment ............................... 5-30
Driving on snow or ice .................................. 5-30
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................. 5-30
Black plate (207,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
WARNING
.The exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people,
animals or flammable materials
away from the exhaust system com-
ponents.
. Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
.Do not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline will ser-
iously reduce the three-way
catalyst’s ability to help reduce ex-
haust pollutants.
. Keep your engine tuned up. Mal-
functions in the ignition, fuel injec-
tion, or electrical systems can cause
overrich fuel flow into the three-way
catalyst, causing it to overheat. Do
not keep driving if the engine mis-
fires, or if noticeable loss of perfor-
mance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have the vehicle inspected promptly by a
NISSAN dealer.
. Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, dama-
ging the three-way catalyst.
. Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
. Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper
tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi-
cator is illuminated, the system may not be able
to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
Starting and driving
5-3
Black plate (216,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
.Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake 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 ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. (See “WA RNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
MODELS WITHOUT INTELLIGENT KEY
SYSTEM1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed so that it does not
operate unless the selector lever is in either
of the above positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) models:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Depress the clutch pedal fully to
the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by turning the ignition
switch to START. Release the switch when
the engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
. If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold
it and then crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
. If the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it. Crank the engine for 5 - 6
seconds. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank
the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by turning the igni-
tion switch to START. Release the
ignition switch when the engine starts.
If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start, turn the ignition switch
off and wait 10 seconds before cranking
again, otherwise the starter could be
damaged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the
engine while warming it up. Drive at
moderate speed for a short distance first,
especially in cold weather. In cold weather,
keep the engine running for a minimum of 2 -
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-12
Starting and driving
Black plate (217,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
3 minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
5. To stop the engine, move the selector lever to the P (Park) position (CVT model) or move
the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position (MT
model) , and turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
MODELS WITH INTELLIGENT KEY
SYSTEM1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
when operating the ignition switch.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position. Depress the brake pedal and push the
ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
.If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and
while holding, crank the engine. Release
the accelerator pedal when the engine
starts.
. If the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it. Push the ignition switch to
the ON position to start cranking the
engine. After 5 or 6 seconds, stop
cranking by pushing the ignition switch
to OFF. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank
the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by depressing the
brake pedal and pushing the push-
button ignition switch to start the engine.
If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start, push the ignition switch
to OFF and wait 10 seconds before
cranking again, otherwise the starter
could be damaged. 4.
Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the
engine while warming it up. Drive at
moderate speed for a short distance first,
especially in cold weather. In cold weather,
keep the engine running for a minimum of 2 -
3 minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
When racing the engine up to 4,000 rpm or
more under no load condition, the engine
will enter the fuel cut mode.
5. To stop the engine, move the selector lever to the P (Park) position, and push the
ignition switch to the OFF position.
Starting and driving
5-13
Black plate (223,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into the R
(Reverse) or 1st gear, shift to the N (Neutral)
position, and then release the clutch pedal once.
Fully depress the clutch pedal again and shift
into the R (Reverse) or 1st gear.Suggested upshift speedsThe following are suggested vehicle speeds for
shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions
relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance.
Actual upshift speeds will vary according to road
conditions, the weather and individual driving
habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude areas
[less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear changeMPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 17 (27)
3rd to 4th 25 (40)
4th to 5th 36 (58)
5th to 6th 51 (82)
For normal acceleration in high altitude areas
[over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear changeMPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
5th to 6th 51 (82)
Suggested maximum speed in each gearDownshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road
driving, use the highest gear suggested for that
speed. Always observe posted speed limits, and
drive according to the road conditions, which
will ensure safe operation. Do not over-rev the
engine when shifting to a lower gear as it may
cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
GearMPH (km/h)
1st 28 (46)
2nd 50 (82)
3rd 73 (119)
4th —
5th —
6th —
Starting and driving
5-19
Black plate (227,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
.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.)INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving
5-23
Black plate (261,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 4/ 14
MOST COMMON FACTORS CONTRI-
BUTING 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 INFLU-
ENCE THE RATE OF CORROSION
MoistureAccumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate corro-
sion. Wet floor coverings will not dry completely
inside the vehicle, and should be removed for
drying to avoid floor panel corrosion.Relative humidityCorrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas where
the temperatures stay above freezing where
atmospheric pollution exists, or where road salt
is used.TemperatureA temperature increase will accelerate the rate
of corrosion to those parts which are not well
ventilated.
Air pollutionIndustrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air
in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will
accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt will
also accelerate the disintegration of paint
surfaces.TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION.Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the
vehicle clean.
. Always check for minor damage to the paint
and repair it as soon as possible.
. Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors
open to avoid water accumulation.
. Check the underbody for accumulation of
sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water
as soon as possible.
CAUTION
.NEVER remove dirt, sand or other
debris from the passenger compart-
ment by washing it out with a hose.
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
. Never allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic
components inside the vehicle as this may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface deicing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion
and deterioration of underbody components
such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake
lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.
For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some areas,
consult a NISSAN dealer.
CORROSION PROTECTION
Appearance and care
7-7