2012 NISSAN VERSA HATCHBACK key

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
(if so equipped) ................................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 .....................................5-7
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped) .........5-7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped) ................................5-9
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ...........5-9
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-10
Ignition switch positions ........................ 5-11
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............5-11
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-11
Starting the engine ............................... 5-12
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped) ............................... 5-13
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-17 Manual transmission (if so equipped)
............5-21
Parking brake .................................... 5-22
Cruise control (if so equipped) .....................5-23
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-23
Cruise control operations .......................5-24
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-25
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-25
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-26
Power steering ................................... 5-27
Brake system .................................... 5-27
Brake precautions ............................. 5-27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-28
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-29
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-31
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-31
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-31
Battery ....................................... 5-31
Draining

of coolant water ....................... 5-31
Tire equipment ................................ 5-31
Special winter equipment .......................5-32
Driving on snow or ice ......................... 5-32
Engine block heater (if so equipped) .............5-32

NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents. Al-
though the local laws vary on what is considered
to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most people
underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And
that is true for drugs, too (over-the-counter, pre-
scription, and illegal drugs) . Don’t drive if your
ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by alco-
hol, drugs, or some other physical condition.WARNING
●Never remove the key or turn the igni-
tion switch to the LOCK position while
driving. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
● Never turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position while driving. This may
cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle and could result in serious ve-
hicle damage or personal injury.
NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY™ (if so
equipped)
The Intelligent Key can operate the ignition switch
without taking the key out from your pocket or purse.
The operating environment and/or conditions may
affect the Intelligent Key system operation.
CAUTION
● Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key with
you when operating the vehicle.
● Never leave the Intelligent Key inside
the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
CVT models
SSD0435
IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving5-7

Operating range
The Intelligent Key functions can only be used
when the Intelligent Key is within the specified
operating range.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost dis-
charged or strong radio waves are present near
the operating location, the Intelligent Key sys-
tem’s operating range becomes narrower and
may not function properly.
If the Intelligent Key is within the operating range,
it is possible for anyone, even someone who does
not carry the Intelligent Key, to turn the ignition
switch to start the engine.The operating range of the engine start function
is inside of the vehicle
1.
● The luggage area is not included in the op-
erating range, but the Intelligent Key may
function.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed on the instru-
ment panel, inside the glove box, storage bin
or door pocket, the Intelligent Key may not
function.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed near the door
or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent
Key may function.
WSD0165
Without Intelligent Key system
SSD0392
5-8Starting and driving

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position until
the shift selector is moved to the P (Park) position.
●When placing the ignition switch in the
LOCK position, make sure that the shift se-
lector is in the P (Park) position
● When removing the key from the ignition
switch (if it is inserted) , make sure that the
shift selector is in the P (Park) position. When the ignition switch cannot be placed to the
LOCK position:
1. Shift the shift selector to the P (Park) posi- tion.
2. Move the ignition switch slightly in the ON direction.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi- tion.
4. Remove the key if it is inserted in the ignition switch.
If the ignition switch is placed to the LOCK posi-
tion, the shift selector cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position.
The shift selector can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position
1between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to the LOCK position and removed until
the shift selector is placed in the P (Park) posi-
tion.
When removing the key from the ignition switch,
make sure the shift selector is in the P (Park)
position.
If the shift selector is not returned to the P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be moved to
the LOCK position.
With Intelligent Key system
SSD0437ASSD0392
Starting and driving5-9

To remove the key from the ignition switch:1. Shift the shift selector to the P (Park) posi- tion with the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion.
2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
If the shift selector is shifted to the P (Park)
position after the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position or when the ignition switch cannot
be turned to the LOCK position, proceed as
follows to remove the key. 1. Move the shift selector into the P (Park) position.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward the ON position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi- tion.
4. Remove the key.
The shift selector is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition switch is turned to
OFF position
1or if the key is removed from the
switch. The shift selector can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position
1between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
The ignition switch includes a device that helps
prevent accidental removal of the key while driv-
ing.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the igni-
tion switch to the LOCK position from the ACC or
ON position, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position, push the key in, then place the ignition
switch in LOCK position.
WSD0052
5-10Starting and driving

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

●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 accel-
erator pedal. Crank the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal by turn-
ing the ignition 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 key 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 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) (if so
equipped)
WARNING
● Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) or L (Low) .
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
● Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident. ●
Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Doing so can cause a loss of engine
braking which may result in a collision,
serious personal injury or death. In ad-
dition, coasting with the transmission
in the N (Neutral) position may cause
serious damage to the transmission.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. The foot brake
should be used for this purpose.
The CVT in your vehicle is electronically con-
trolled to produce maximum power and smooth
operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
NOTE:
Engine power may be automatically re-
duced to protect the CVT if the engine
speed increases quickly when driving on
slippery roads or while being tested on
some dynamometers.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-13