2012 NISSAN VERSA HATCHBACK check engine light

Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) off indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF.
This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control sys-
tem is not operating.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will
operate normally. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the ON
position. The light will turn off after about 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light stays
on or comes on along with the
indicator
light while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear
the system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF posi-
tion, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ door buzzer
(if so equipped)
The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if any one
of the following improper operations is found.
● The ignition switch is not returned to the
LOCK position when locking the doors.
● The Intelligent Key is left inside the vehicle
when locking the doors.
● The Intelligent Key is taken outside the ve-
hicle when operating the vehicle.
● Any doors are not closed securely when
locking the doors.
When the buzzer sounds, be sure to check both
the vehicle and the Intelligent Key. See “NISSAN
Intelligent Key™” in the “Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
Parking brake reminder chime
A chime sounds if the parking brake is set and the
vehicle is driven. The chime will stop if the parking
brake is released or the vehicle speed returns to
zero.
Instruments and controls2-15

WARNING LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE
REMINDERS
The Intelligent Key system is equipped with a
function that is designed to minimize improper
operations and to help prevent the vehicle from
being stolen. The warning buzzer sounds and the
warning light illuminates when improper opera-
tions are detected.
CAUTION
When the buzzer sounds and the warning
light illuminates, be sure to check both
the vehicle and the Intelligent Key.
WARNING SIGNALS
To help prevent the vehicle from moving unex-
pectedly by erroneous operation of the Intelligent
Key or to help prevent the vehicle from being
stolen, a chime or buzzer sounds from inside and
outside the vehicle and a warning light comes on
in the instrument panel.
When a chime or beep sounds or the warning
light comes on, be sure to check the vehicle and
the Intelligent Key.
Audible reminder and warning when
locking the doors
When the chime or buzzer sounds from inside
and outside the vehicle, check for the following:● The ignition switch is placed in the LOCK
position.
● The Intelligent Key is not left inside the ve-
hicle.
● The shift selector is in the P (Park) position.
Audible reminder and warning when
the engine stops
When the P (Park) position selecting warning
light (
) (CVT or A/T models) in the instru-
ment panel blinks in red:
● Make sure the shift selector is in the P (Park)
position.
When the chime sounds intermittently: ● Make sure the shift selector is in the P (Park)
position and the ignition switch is placed in
the LOCK position. If the chime sounds continuously when the driv-
er’s door is opened, check the following:
● The shift selector is in the P (Park) position
and the ignition switch is placed in the
LOCK position.
● The mechanical key is not inserted into the
ignition switch.
● The warning chime may stop when one of
the following is performed:
– Returning the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
– Removing the mechanical key.
– Closing the doors.
When the Intelligent Key lock warning light
(
) (M/T models) in the instrument panel
blinks:
● Make sure the shift selector is in gear.
● Make sure the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position.
3-20Pre-driving checks and adjustments

Alarm and warning when the engine
starts
When the Intelligent Key system warning light
(
) blinks red and the outside buzzer sounds,
make sure the Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle.
Warning for low battery power
When the Intelligent Key battery is low, the Intel-
ligent Key system warning light (
) will blink
green for about 30 seconds after the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position. This warning
is to let you know that the battery of the Intelligent
Key will run down soon. Replace it with a new
one. Refer to “Battery replacement” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
NISSAN recommends replacing the battery at a
NISSAN dealer.
Preventing the Intelligent Key from
being left in the vehicle
If you lock all doors using the power door lock
switch with the Intelligent Key in the vehicle, all of
the doors unlock immediately and the buzzer will
warn you when the door is closed.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-21

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SymptomPossible CauseRemedy
When pushing the door handle request
switch The front door beep sounds for approxi-
mately 2 seconds.
The doors cannot be locked.Take out the Intelligent Key from the vehicle
and push the door handle request switch.
When closing the doors The front door beep sounds for approxi-
mately 10 seconds.
The ignition switch is not in the LOCK
position.Place the ignition switch to LOCK.
The key warning light in the instrument
panel blinks in red and the front door warn-
ing beep sounds for approximately 3
seconds. The Intelligent Key is not in the vehicle. Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key with you.
The front door beep sounds for approxi-
mately 3 seconds and all doors unlock. The Intelligent Key is left in the vehicle. Take out the Intelligent Key from the vehicle
and close the door.
When opening the driver’s door A warning chime sounds continuously. The ignition switch is not in the LOCK
position, or the mechanical key is inserted
into the ignition knob.Turn the ignition knob to LOCK.
Remove the mechanical key from the igni-
tion knob.
When stopping the engine The P position warning light in the instru-
ment panel blinks in red. The shift selector is not in the P (Park)
position.Make sure that the shift selector is in the P
(Park) position and place the ignition switch
to LOCK.
When turning the ignition knob The warning chime sounds The ignition switch is not in the LOCK
position. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK
position.
When starting the engine The key warning light in the instrument
panel blinks in green. The battery charge is low.
Replace the battery with a new one. See
“Battery replacement” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.
When turning the ignition switch A warning chime sounds continuously. The ignition switch is not turned to the
LOCK position.Place the ignition switch in the LOCK
position.
A warning chime sounds continuously and
the Intelligent Key lock warning light blinks.
When pushing the ignition switch The Intelligent Key system warning light in
the instrument panel illuminates red. The Intelligent Key is not in the vehicle. If the Intelligent Key system warning light
illuminates red even while you are carrying
the Intelligent Key, the battery is completely
discharged. Replace the battery with a new
one. See “Battery replacement” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
3-22Pre-driving checks and adjustments

1. Pull the hood lock release handle1located
below the instrument panel until the hood
springs up slightly.
2. Locate the lever
2in between the hood and
grille and push the lever sideways with your
fingertips.
3. Raise the hood
3.
4. Remove the support rod
4and insert it into
the slot
5. Hold the coated parts
Awhen removing or
resetting the support rod. Avoid direct con-
tact with the metal parts, as they may be
hot immediately after the engine has been
stopped.
When closing the hood, return the support rod to
its original position, lower the hood to approxi-
mately 12 inches (30 cm) above the latch and
release it. This allows proper engagement of the
hood latch.
WARNING
● Make sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the hood to fly
open and result in an accident.
● If you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
WPD0463
HOOD
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-23

FUEL-FILLER CAP
WARNING
●Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
● Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
● Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause
the
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) to come on.
● Never pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle. ●
Do not fill a portable fuel container in the
vehicle or trailer. Static electricity can
cause an explosion of flammable liquid,
vapor or gas in any vehicle or trailer. To
reduce the risk of serious injury or death
when filling portable fuel containers:
– Always place the container on the ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when filling.
–
Keep the pump nozzle in contact with
the container while you are filling it.
– Use only approved portable fuel con- tainers for flammable liquid.
CAUTION
●Failure to tighten the fuel-filler cap prop-
erly may cause the
Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) to illuminate. If
the
light illuminates because
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing,
tighten or install the cap and continue to
drive the vehicle. The
light
should turn off after a few driving trips. If
the
light does not turn off after a
few driving trips, have the vehicle in-
spected by a NISSAN dealer.
● The LOOSE FUEL CAP warning mes-
sage will display if the fuel-filler cap is
not properly tightened. It may take a
few driving trips for the message to be
displayed. Failure to tighten the fuel-
filler cap properly after the LOOSE
FUEL CAP warning message is dis-
played may cause the
Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL) to illuminate.
● For additional information, see the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in
the “Instruments and Controls” section
in this manual.
● If fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.
3-26Pre-driving checks and adjustments

IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (1)
The engine is turned off.
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
Intelligent Key system only:PUSH ON - The
ignition switch will be unlocked while carrying the
Intelligent Key.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer system will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately 10
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device (which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices. ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid (if so equipped) ,
and windshield-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 key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11

1. Apply the parking brake.
2.A/T or CVT model:
Move the shift selector to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector cannot be moved out
of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF position or if the key
is removed from the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector is in any of the driving
positions.
CVT models equipped with NISSAN In-
telligent Key:
The Intelligent Key must be carried
when operating the ignition switch.
When the Intelligent Key system warning
light
in the meter blinks in red and the
inside warning buzzer emits a short beep, be
sure that the shift selector is in the P (Park)
position and the ignition switch is securely
returned to the LOCK position. If the Intelligent Key system warning
light
blinks red, performing the follow-
ing operations to turn off:
● Return the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
● Place the ignition switch in the ACC po-
sition.
When the buzzer beeps 4 times continu-
ously, check for the following:
● The ignition switch is returned to the
LOCK position.
● The mechanical key is not inserted into
the ignition switch.
The inside warning buzzer stops when one
of the following is performed:
● Return the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
● Remove the mechanical key from the ig-
nition switch.
● Close the doors. Manual transmission model:
Move the shift selector to N (Neutral) . De-
press the clutch pedal to the floor while
cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key 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 ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
ignition switch and the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.
STARTING THE ENGINE
5-12Starting and driving