2010 NISSAN CUBE ABS

Black plate (23,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
SSS0508
Front-seat Active Head RestraintsThe 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.
ADJUSTABLE HEADRESTS (if so
equipped)
WARNING
The adjustable headrests supplement
the other vehicle safety systems. They
may provide additional protection
against injury in certain rear end colli-
sions. Adjust the headrest properly, as
specifiedinthissection.Checkthe
adjustment after someone else uses
the seat. Do not attach anything to the
adjustable headrest stalks or remove
the adjustable headrest. Do not use the
seat if the adjustable headrest has
been removed. If the adjustable head-
rest was removed, reinstall and prop-
erly adjust the headrest before an
occupant uses the seating position.
Failure to follow these instructions
can reduce the effectiveness of the
adjustable headrests. This may in-
creasetheriskofseriousinjuryor
death in a collision.
SSS1048
The illustration shows the seating positions
equipped with adjustable headrests.
Indicates the seating position is equipped
with an adjustable headrest.
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
1-9

Black plate (84,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
Low fuel warning light
High beam indicator light
Low tire pressure warning light
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light*
Overdrive off indicator light*
P position selecting warning light*
Security indicator light
Charge warning light
Seat belt warning light
Slip indicator light
Door open warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Low beam indicator light
Electric power steering warning light
Front passenger air bag status light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise indicator light*
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Intelligent Key system warning light*
Engine start operation indicator light**: if so equipped
CHECKING BULBSWith all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in 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 LIGHTS
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
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS2-10
Instruments and controls

Black plate (85,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
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. If brake fluid isnecessary, add fluid and have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer. (See “BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warningsystemcheckedbyaNISSAN
dealer.
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 the
minimum 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 back door are not closed securely while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
Instruments and controls
2-11

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 (230,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed slowly.
This is not a malfunction and indicates that the
brake assist mechanism is operating properly.Vacuum assisted brakesThe brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.Using the brakesAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake pads and shoes
faster and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
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.
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 the
BRAKE SYSTEM5-26
Starting and driving

Black plate (231,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
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
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.
Starting and driving
5-27

Black plate (232,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
.Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
. Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steering
input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions) .
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, theindicator in the instrument panel flashes so note
the following:
. The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
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.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
and
indicatorlightscomeoninthe
instrument panel. The VDC system automatically
turns off when these indicator lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator illuminates to
indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC
switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC
system still operates to prevent one drive wheel
from slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes
if this occurs. All other VDC functions are off and
the
indicator will not flash. The VDC
System is automatically reset to on when the
ignition switch is placed in the off position then
back to the on position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. 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
the driver maintain stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed 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, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN recom-
mended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle hand-
ling performance, and the
in-
dicator may flash or bothand
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM5-28
Starting and driving

Black plate (278,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
SDI2020
REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.Iridium-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the iridium-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as the conventional
type spark plugs since they will last much longer.
Follow the maintenance log shown in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”. Do
not reuse the iridium-tipped spark plugs by
cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.
SDI2106
To remove the air cleaner filter, push the tabs
*1
and pull the filter upward
*2.
The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
shown in the “NISSAN Service and Mainte-
nance Guide”. When replacing the filter, wipe
the inside of the air cleaner housing and the
cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
. Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER8-16
Maintenance and do-it-yourself