Black plate (13,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2009/ 8/ 3
Warninglight Name
Page
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning
light (AWD models)* 2-10Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light2-11Brake warning light
2-11Charge warning light2-12Engine oil pressure warning
light 2-12Intelligent Key warning light 2-12Low tire pressure warning light 2-12Master warning light
2-14Seat belt warning light 2-14Supplemental air bag warning
light 2-14Indicator
light Name
Page
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCK
indicator light (AWD models)* 2-14Continuously Variable Trans-
mission (CVT) position indicator
light2-15Cruise indicator light
2-15Front passenger air bag status
light 2-15High beam indicator light 2-15Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)2-15Overdrive off indicator light 2-16Slip indicator light
2-16Small light indicator lights 2-16Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights 2-16Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light
2-16
*: if so equipped
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents
0-11
Black plate (25,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2009/ 8/ 3
SSS0995
RemovalUse the following procedure to remove the
adjustable head restraints.
1. Pull the head restraint up to the highestposition.
2. Push and hold the lock knob.
3. Remove the head restraint from the seat.
4. Store the head restraint properly in a secure place so it is not loose in the vehicle.
5. Install and properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating posi-
tion.
SSS0996
Install1. Align the head restraint stalks with the holesin the seat. Make sure that the head restraint
is facing the correct direction. The stalk with
the adjustment notches
*1
must be in-
stalled in the hole with the lock knob
*2.
2. Push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.
3. Properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position.
SSS0508
Front-seat Active Head RestraintThe 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 position.
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
1-11
Black plate (84,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2009/ 8/ 3
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light (AWD
models)*
Low tire pressure warning light
High beam indicator light
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
Master warning light
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Seat belt warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Slip indicator light
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCK indicator light
(AWD models)*
Small light indicator light
Charge warning light
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
position indicator light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise indicator light
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Intelligent Key warning light
Front passenger air bag status light*: if so equipped
CHECKING BULBSWith all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and push the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on (if so equipped):
,
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.
Some indicators and warnings are also dis-
played on the dot matrix crystal display on the
speedometer. (See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID
CRYSTAL DISPLAY” later in this section.)
WARNING LIGHTS
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning
light (AWD models)
The light comes on when the ignition switch is
pushed to ON. It turns off soon after the engine
is started.
If the AWD system malfunctions, or the diameter
of the front and the rear wheels are different, the
warning light will either remain illuminated or
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS2-10
Instruments and controls
Black plate (85,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2009/ 8/ 3
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
when you are 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 to
prevent 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 comes on 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 comes on 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.
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.)
Instruments and controls
2-11
Black plate (16,1)
5 Starting and driving
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2009/ 8/ 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
Push-button ignition switch .................................. 5-9
Intelligent Key system ...................................... 5-9
Push-button ignition switch operation. ............... 5-10
Steering lock (if so equipped) ......................... 5-10
Push-button ignition switch positions ................ 5-11
Key port ..................................................... 5-11
Intelligent Key battery discharge ...................... 5-12
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-12
Starting the engine ........................................... 5-13
Driving the vehicle ............................................ 5-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) .......... 5-13
Parking brake .................................................. 5-17 Cruise control
................................................. 5-18
Precautions on cruise control .......................... 5-18
Cruise control operations ............................... 5-18
Break-in schedule ............................................ 5-20
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 5-20
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped) ................ 5-21
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) lock switch operations .... 5-21
AWD warning light ....................................... 5-22
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 5-24
Power steering ................................................ 5-25
Brake system .................................................. 5-25
Braking precautions ...................................... 5-25
Parking brake break-in ................................... 5-25
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ...................... 5-26
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ................. 5-27
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 ............................................ 5-29
Special winter equipment ............................... 5-30
Driving on snow or ice .................................. 5-30
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................. 5-30
Black plate (316,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2009/ 8/ 3
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 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
5-26
Starting and driving
Black plate (317,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2009/ 8/ 3
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.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 tire 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, the
indicator in the instrument panel flashes so note
the following:
. The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required to 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.
. Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
and
indicator lights come on in
the instrument panel. The VDC system
automatically turns off when these indicator
lights are on.
. The ABLS system uses automatic braking to
transfer power from a slipping drive wheel to
the wheel on the same axle with more
traction. The ABLS system applies braking
to the slipping wheel, which helps redirect
power to another wheel.
. The ABLS system is always ON unless the
system detects brake pad overheating. If
high brake pad temperature is detected, it
will turn OFF, but normal brake function will
continue. ABLS will function even when the
VDC system is turned OFF. The ABLS
system does not operate if both wheels on
a drive axle are slipping.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving
5-27
Black plate (318,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2009/ 8/ 3
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 Slip 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 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 vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care- fully.
. If engine control related parts are
not standard equipment or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
and
indicator lights may illumi-
nate.
. 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 approved
for your vehicle or are extremely
deteriorated the VDC system may
not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling
performance, and the
indicator
may flash or bothand
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 system
may not operate properly and both
and
indicator lights may
illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked
corners, the VDC system may not operate properly and the
in-
dicator may flash or bothand
indicator lights may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of
roads.
. When driving on an unstable sur-
face such as a turntable, ferry,
elevator or ramp, the
indicator
may flash or bothand
indicator lights may illuminate. This
is not a malfunction. Restart the
engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the
recommended ones are used, the
VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash
or bothand
indicator
lights may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
. The ABLS system helps provide
increased traction, but will not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation or by careless driving
or dangerous driving practices. Re-
duce vehicle speed and be espe-
5-28
Starting and driving