2012 NISSAN CUBE power steering

5-28Starting and 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 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, the VDC
warning light
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.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off.
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 VDC warning light
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC functions
are off, and the VDC warning light
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.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” (P.2-16) and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-18).
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
improve driving 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 driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
. 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
system may not operate properly.
This could adversely affect vehicle
handling performance, and the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extre-
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

6-12In case of emergency
position.
Do not stop the engine.
3. Turn off the air conditioner (if so equipped) . Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no steam
or coolant can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check the drive belt for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time.
7. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at a
NISSAN dealer. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators are familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends that you
have a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions.
WARNING
.
Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dol-
lies must be used.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

10-2
Cup holders.................................................................. 2-31
CVT, Driving with CVT (Continuously
Variable Transmission) ...................................... 5-8, 5-14
D
Daytime running light system................................... 2-26
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch........................................................... 2-24
Dimensions and weights............................................. 9-8
Door open warning light............................................ 2-13
Drive belt....................................................................... 8-15
Driving Cold weather driving........................................... 5-29
Driving with CVT (Continuously
Variable Transmission) ............................... 5-8, 5-14
Driving with manual transmission............ 5-9, 5-18
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel.............................................................. 5-23
Electric power steering system ............................... 5-25
Electric power steering warning light .................... 2-13
Emission control information label.......................... 9-10
Emission control system warranty........................... 9-17
Engine Before starting the engine................................. 5-12
Break-in schedule ................................................ 5-23
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter.............................. 8-9
Checking engine coolant level............................. 8-8
Checking engine oil level...................................... 8-9
Coolant temperature gauge ................................. 2-7
Emergency engine shut off................................ 5-11 Engine block heater............................................. 5-30
Engine compartment check locations................ 8-6
Engine cooling system........................................... 8-7
Engine oil................................................................... 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation........... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity.................................................. 9-5
Engine serial number.............................................. 9-9
Engine specifications ............................................. 9-7
If your vehicle overheats..................................... 6-11
Starting the engine .............................................. 5-13
Event Data Recorders (EDR)................................... 9-19
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)................................ 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................. 9-9
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 8-17
Changing engine oil and filter.............................. 8-9
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)..... 2-28
Flat tire............................................................................. 6-2
Flat towing .................................................................... 9-16
Floor mat cleaning ........................................................ 7-5
Fluid Brake and clutch fluid......................................... 8-12
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid.............................................................. 8-11
Engine coolant......................................................... 8-7
Engine oil................................................................... 8-9
Window washer fluid .......................................... 8-12
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ....................................................... 4-31, 4-35
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ................................................................... 4-42
Fog light switch........................................................... 2-28 Front manual seat adjustment.................................... 1-3
Front passenger air bag and status light.............. 1-47
Front seat, Front seat adjustment............................. 1-3
Front-seat active head restraints .............................. 1-8
Fuel Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Distance to empty................................................... 2-9
Fuel economy........................................................ 5-23
Fuel octane rating ................................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation............................................. 9-3
Fuel-filler cap......................................................... 3-21
Fuel-filler door....................................................... 3-21
Gauge ........................................................................ 2-8
Fuses.............................................................................. 8-20
Fusible links.................................................................. 8-21
G
Gas cap......................................................................... 3-21
Gauge .............................................................................. 2-4 Engine coolant temperature gauge .................... 2-7
Fuel gauge................................................................ 2-8
Odometer.................................................................. 2-5
Speedometer............................................................ 2-5
Tachometer ............................................................... 2-7
Trip computer........................................................... 2-9
General maintenance ................................................... 8-2
Glove box...................................................................... 2-33
H
Hands-Free Phone System, Bluetooth®............... 4-52
Hazard warning flasher switch................................. 2-28
Head restraints .............................................................. 1-6
Headlights Bulb replacement................................................. 8-27

10-4
MirrorInside mirror........................................................... 3-24
Outside mirrors..................................................... 3-25
Vanity mirror........................................................... 3-26
Monitor, Rearview monitor.......................................... 4-8
N
Navigation setup............................................................ 4-6
New vehicle break-in.................................................. 5-23
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System..................... 2-20
O
Odometer........................................................................ 2-5
Off-road recovery.......................................................... 5-6
Oil Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter.............................. 8-9
Checking engine oil level...................................... 8-9
Engine oil................................................................... 8-9
Engine oil viscosity.................................................. 9-5
Outside air temperature display................................ 2-9
Outside mirrors............................................................ 3-25
Overdrive OFF switch................................................ 5-17
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ........................ 6-11
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ......................................................... 9-20
P
Panic alarm.......................................................... 3-8, 3-17
Parking Parking brake operation ..................................... 5-20
Parking on hills ..................................................... 5-24 Phone
Bluetooth
®Hands-Free Phone System ......... 4-52
Car phone or CB radio ...................................... 4-51
Power Electric power steering system ........................ 5-25
Power door lock...................................................... 3-4
Power outlet .......................................................... 2-31
Power windows .................................................... 2-36
Precautions Audio operation .................................................... 4-20
Braking precautions............................................. 5-26
Child restraints...................................................... 1-21
Cruise control........................................................ 5-21
Maintenance ............................................................. 8-5
Seat belt usage .................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system.......................... 1-40
When starting and driving .................................... 5-2
Push starting ................................................................ 6-11
Push-button ignition switch............................. 5-9, 5-10
R
Radio.............................................................................. 4-20 Car phone or CB radio ...................................... 4-51
Radio operation .................................................... 4-37
Steering wheel audio controls.......................... 4-49
Rapid air pressure loss................................................ 5-6
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test........................................................................ 9-19
Rear center seat belt ................................................. 1-16
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock........... 3-6
Rear seats....................................................................... 1-4
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch........................................................... 2-24
Rear window wiper and washer switch ................ 2-23
Rearview monitor........................................................... 4-8
Recorders, Event data ............................................... 9-19 Registering your vehicle in another country........... 9-8
Remote keyless entry function, For Intelligent
Key system.................................................................... 3-16
Remote keyless entry system..................................... 3-7
Reporting safety defects........................................... 9-18
Rollover............................................................................ 5-6
S
Safety, Child seat belts ............................................. 1-19
Satellite radio operation ............................................ 4-42
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment.............................. 1-3
Front seats................................................................ 1-3
Seat belt(s) Child safety............................................................ 1-19
Infants...................................................................... 1-20
Injured persons..................................................... 1-12
Larger children...................................................... 1-20
Precautions on seat belt usage........................ 1-10
Pregnant women .................................................. 1-12
Rear center seat belt .......................................... 1-16
Seat belt cleaning................................................... 7-6
Seat belt extenders.............................................. 1-18
Seat belt hooks .................................................... 1-16
Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-19
Seat belt warning light........................................ 2-15
Seat belts............................................................... 1-10
Seat belts with pretensioners........................... 1-52
Shoulder belt height adjustment...................... 1-15
Small children........................................................ 1-20
Three-point type................................................... 1-12
Seat(s) Heated seats......................................................... 2-29
Seats .......................................................................... 1-2
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System) , Engine start................................................. 2-20

Security system, Vehicle security system ............. 2-19
Selector leverShift lock release.................................................. 5-18
Servicing air conditioner............................................ 4-19
Shift lock release Transmission.......................................................... 5-18
Shifting CVT (Continuously
Variable Transmission) ............................... 5-8, 5-14
Manual transmission................................... 5-9, 5-18
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For
front seats..................................................................... 1-15
SOURCE select switch............................................. 4-49
Spare tire.............................................................. 8-38, 9-7
Spark plugs .................................................................. 8-16
Speedometer.................................................................. 2-5
Starting Before starting the engine................................. 5-12
Jump starting............................................................ 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
Push starting ......................................................... 6-11
Starting the engine .............................................. 5-13
Status light, Front passenger air bag .................... 1-47
Steering Electric power steering system ........................ 5-25
Steering wheel switch for audio controls ...... 4-49
Tilting steering column........................................ 3-23
Storage .......................................................................... 2-31
Sun visors ..................................................................... 3-24
Supplemental air bag warning labels..................... 1-53
Supplemental air bag warning light............ 1-53, 2-15
Supplemental restraint system................................. 1-40 Precautions on supplemental
restraint system..................................................... 1-40
Switch Audio control steering wheel switch............... 4-49
Autolight switch.................................................... 2-25 Fog light switch.................................................... 2-28
Hazard warning flasher switch.......................... 2-28
Headlight switch................................................... 2-24
Overdrive OFF switch......................................... 5-17
Power door lock switch......................................... 3-5
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch.................................................... 2-24
Turn signal switch ................................................ 2-27
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch..... 2-29
System setup ................................................................. 4-6
T
Tachometer ..................................................................... 2-7
Temperature display...................................................... 2-9
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge........................................................ 2-7
Theft (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System) ,
Engine start................................................................... 2-20
Three-way catalyst........................................................ 5-3
Tilt steering column .................................................... 3-23
Tire pressure, Low tire pressure warning light.... 2-14
Tires Flat tire....................................................................... 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system...................... 5-3
Tire and Loading information label ....... 8-31, 9-10
Tire chains.............................................................. 8-35
Tire dressing............................................................. 7-4
Tire pressure ......................................................... 8-30
Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) ............................................... 5-3, 6-2
Tire rotation............................................................ 8-36
Types of tires......................................................... 8-35
Uniform tire quality grading ............................... 9-16
Wheel/tire size......................................................... 9-7
Wheels and tires.................................................. 8-30
Touch screen.................................................................. 4-3 Towing
Flat towing ............................................................. 9-16
Tow truck towing.................................................. 6-12
Towing a trailer ..................................................... 9-15
TPMS, Tire pressure monitoring system................. 5-3
TPMS, Tire pressure warning system...................... 6-2
Traffic info setup............................................................ 4-8
Trailer towing................................................................ 9-15
Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid.............................................................. 8-11
Driving with CVT (Continuously
Variable Transmission) ............................... 5-8, 5-14
Driving with manual transmission............ 5-9, 5-18
Transmission selector lever lock release........ 5-18
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) .... 3-7
Transmitter, With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)..................................... 3-16
Traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country.............................................................. 9-8
Trip computer................................................................. 2-9
Turn signal switch ....................................................... 2-27
U
Underbody cleaning ..................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading ...................................... 9-16
USB memory operation............................................. 4-45
V
Vanity mirror.................................................................. 3-26
Variable voltage control system............................... 8-15
Vehicle Dimensions and weights....................................... 9-8
Identification number (VIN)................................... 9-8
Information display.................................................. 2-8
10-5

10-6
Loading information ............................................. 9-12
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) .................. 6-15
Security system .................................................... 2-19
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch..... 2-29
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system.......... 5-28
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
warning light.......................................................... 2-16
Ventilators...................................................................... 4-12
Voice command (Bluetooth
®Hands-Free
Phone System) ............................................................ 4-58
W
Warning Hazard warning flasher switch.......................... 2-28
Lights....................................................................... 2-12
Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) ............................................... 5-3, 6-2
Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders................................................. 2-11
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels................. 1-53
Warning light Air bag warning light................................ 1-53, 2-15
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
warning light.......................................................... 2-12
Brake warning light.............................................. 2-12
Door open warning light..................................... 2-13
Electric power steering warning light ............. 2-13
Intelligent Key system warning light................ 2-13
Low fuel warning light......................................... 2-14
Low tire pressure warning light........................ 2-14
Seat belt warning light........................................ 2-15
Warranty, Emission control system warranty ....... 9-17
Washer switch Rear window wiper and washer switch ......... 2-23
Windshield wiper and washer switch............. 2-22
Washing........................................................................... 7-2 Waxing............................................................................. 7-2
Weights (See dimensions and weights)................. 9-8
Wheel/tire size............................................................... 9-7
Wheels and tires......................................................... 8-30 Care of wheels ........................................................ 7-3
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels ......................... 7-3
Window washer fluid ................................................. 8-12
Window(s) Cleaning .................................................................... 7-3
Power windows .................................................... 2-36
Windshield wiper and washer switch.................... 2-22
Wiper Rear window wiper and washer switch ......... 2-23
Rear window wiper blade.................................. 8-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch............. 2-22
Wiper blades......................................................... 8-18
X
XM setup......................................................................... 4-6