Your new vehicle was designed to be used primarily
to carry passengers and luggage.
Remember that towing a trailer will place additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive-train, steering,
braking and other systems. Towing a trailer will also
exaggerate other conditions, such as sway caused
by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks. Driving style and speed must be adjusted
according to the circumstances. Before towing a
trailer, see a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
for an explanation of towing equipment and its
proper use.
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
•Avoid towing a trailer during the running-in
schedule.
•Choose proper coupling devices (trailer hitch,
safety chain, roof carrier, etc.) for your vehicle
and trailer. These devices are available from a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop where you
can also obtain more detailed information about
trailer towing.
Heavy-duty kits are available at a NISSAN dealer
or qualified workshop.
•It is advisable to contact a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop for towing details, before
towing a trailer up steep slopes for long dis-
tances.
•Never allow the total trailer load (trailer weight
plus its cargo weight) to exceed the maximum
set for the coupling device.Contact a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
for more information on this matter.
•The trailer must be loaded so that heavy goods
are distributed over the axle and as low in the
trailer as possible. Poor load distribution can se-
riously affect the stability of the trailer and tow
vehicle.
•Do not exceed the maximum permitted vertical
load on the trailer hitch.
•Before driving, make sure that the lighting sys-
tem of the trailer works properly.
•When towing with 4WD models, the 4WD mode
switch should be in the AUTO position. Using
the vehicle in AUTO mode gives better traction,
particularly when moving off from stationary and/
or on an incline, as the vehicle is less likely to
wheel spin.
•Avoid abrupt starts, accelerations and stops.
•Avoid sharp turns and lane changes.
•Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
•Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Apply the handbrake (where
fitted) on the trailer. Parking on a steep slope is
not recommended.
If parking on a steep slope is unavoidable it is
also advisable to put the vehicle into gear, or
select P (Park (XTRONIC models)), and turn the
front wheels into the kerb (in addition to the other
precautions described). Before parking on asteep slope consider the incline (the towing
weights quoted are for a 12% slope).
•Follow the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
•Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
the intervals specified in the separately provided
Warranty Information and Maintenance booklet.
•Trailer towing requires more fuel than under nor-
mal circumstances because of a considerable
increase in traction power required and resis-
tance.
•When towing a trailer, observe the following re-
stricted towing speed:
Speed: below 100 km/h (62 MPH)
•Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer
operation.
CAUTION
While towing a trailer, check the engine coolant
temperature gauge regularly to prevent engine
overheating.
NSD239Z
TRAILER TOWING
5-54Starting and driving
You may hear a sound when the steering wheel
is operated quickly. However, this is not a mal-
function.
If the electric power steering warning light
illu-
minates while the engine is running, it may indicate
the electric power steering system is not functioning
properly and may need servicing. Have the electric
power steering system checked by a NISSAN dealer
or qualified workshop. (See “ Power steering warn-
ing light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” sec-
tion.)
When the electric power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, the power assis-
tance for the steering will cease operation. You will
still have control of the vehicle. However, greater
steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns
and at low speeds.The brake system has two separate hydraulic cir-
cuits. If one circuit malfunctions, two wheels will still
have braking ability.BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum or vacuum from an engine-driven pump. If
the engine stops or the drive belt is broken, 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.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through wa-
ter, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your brak-
ing 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 pressing 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.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake linings and pads faster and reduce fuel
economy performance.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes
from overheating, reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before going down a slope or long downhillgradient. Overheated brakes may reduce braking
performance and could result in loss of vehicle con-
trol.
CAUTION
While driving on a slippery surface, be careful
when braking, accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking actions or sudden acceleration
could cause the wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
Be aware that brakes will fade if repeated heavy
brake applications are made.
Driving uphill
When starting on a steep gradient, it is sometimes
difficult to operate the brake or both the brake and
clutch (MT models). Use the parking brake to hold
the vehicle. Do not slip the clutch (MT models).
When ready to start, make sure that the shift lever is
in an appropriate forward or reverse driving posi-
tion, slowly release the parking brake while depress-
ing the accelerator pedal and releasing the clutch
(MT models) or depressing the accelerator pedal
(XTRONIC transmission models). If your vehicle has
an electric parking brake, this will automatically re-
lease when you depress the accelerator pedal and
release the clutch (MT models) or depress the ac-
celerator pedal (XTRONIC transmission models).
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-58Starting and driving
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for controlling
the vehicle while descending hills.
The shift lever (MT models) should be placed in a
gear position low enough to obtain sufficient engine
braking.
For XTRONIC transmission models, a low gear po-
sition in the manual shift mode, low enough to obtain
sufficient engine braking, should be selected.WARNING
•The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent acci-
dents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using snow
chains. Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
•Tyre type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
– When replacing tyres, install the specified
size of tyres on all four wheels.
– When installing a spare tyre, make sure
that it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tyre placard. (See “Vehicle
identification” in the “9. Technical
information” section.)
– For detailed information, see “Wheels and
tyres” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard brak-
ing or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel and
varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheelfrom locking and sliding. By preventing each wheel
from locking, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimise swerving and
spinning on slippery surfaces.
USING SYSTEM
Depress 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 pre-
vent the wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle to
avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may re-
sult in increased stopping distances.
SELF-TEST FEATURE
The 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 operates
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 or qualified workshop.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
Starting and driving5-59
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion based on
wheel speed information and controls engine torque
(MR20DD engines only) and four wheel brake pres-
sure to enhance ride comfort in an effort to restrain
uncomfortable upper body movement. This system
come into effect above 40 km/h (25 MPH).
When the ESP OFF switch is used to turn off the
ESP system, the active ride control is also turned
off.
When the brake control of active ride control is op-
erated and the “Chassis Control” mode is selected
in the trip computer, the active ride control graphics
are shown in the vehicle information display see
“28. [Chassis control system fault] warning” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section for more infor-
mation.
If the chassis control warning message appears in
the vehicle information display, it may indicate that
the active ride control is not functioning properly.Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
When the active ride control is operating, you may
hear noise and sense slight deceleration. This is
normal and indicates that the active ride control is
operating properly.
WARNING
•Never rely solely on the hill start assist system
to prevent the vehicle from moving backward
on a hill. Always drive carefully and attentively.
Depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Be especially careful
when stopped on a hill on frozen or muddy
roads. Failure to prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing backwards may result in a loss of control
of the vehicle and possible serious injury or
death.
•The hill start assist system is not designed to
hold the vehicle at a standstill on a hill. De-
press the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to roll backwards and may
result in a collision or serious personal injury.
•The hill start assist system may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill
under all load or road conditions. Always be
prepared to depress the brake pedal to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards. Fail-
ure to do so may result in a collision or seri-
ous personal injury.
The hill start assist system automatically keeps the
brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing backwards in the time it takes the driver to re-
lease the brake pedal and apply the accelerator
when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
NSD527Chassis control
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
SYSTEM
5-64Starting and driving
The hill start assist system will operate automatically
under the following conditions:
•The shift lever is shifted into a forward (vehicle
facing uphill) or reverse gear (vehicle facing
downhill).
•The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by
applying the foot brake.
•The slope is greater than 3 degrees.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and the
hill start assist system will stop operating completely.
If the slope is steep enough to activate the HSA sys-
tem, the green HSA indicator light in the combina-
tion meter will illuminate.
If the chassis control screen is selected, the vehicle
is displayed on a slope. The wheels flash to show
that the car is being held.The hill start assist system will not operate when the
shift lever is shifted to the N (Neutral) or P (Park)
position or on a flat and level road.
When the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
warning light illuminates in the meter, the hill start
assist system will not operate. (See “Electronic Sta-
bility Programme (ESP) OFF indicator light (where
fitted)” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
The ECO mode system helps to enhance fuel
economy by turning on ECO functions within the
ECO Meter and modifying engine characteristics to
avoid rapid acceleration.
To turn on the ECO mode system, push the ECO
mode switch. The ECO mode system indicator light
will illuminate on the vehicle information display.
To turn off the ECO mode system, push the ECO
mode switch again. The ECO mode system indica-
tor will turn off.
•If the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the
engine characteristics will temporarily return to
normal to give maximum available acceleration.
•The ECO mode system will turn off automatically
if a malfunction occurs in the system.
NSD524
NSD475ECO mode switch
ECO MODE SYSTEM (where fitted)
Starting and driving5-65
•Turn off the ECO mode system when accelera-
tion is required, such as when:
– driving with a heavy load of passengers or
cargo in the vehicle
– driving on a steep uphill slopeWARNING
•Whatever the conditions, drive with caution.
Accelerate and decelerate with great care. If
accelerating or decelerating too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
•Allow more stopping distance in cold weather
driving. Braking should be started sooner than
on dry surfaces.
•Keep at a greater distance from the vehicle in
front of you on slippery roads.
•Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain), very cold
snow and ice can be slick and very difficult to
drive on. The vehicle will have a lot less trac-
tion or grip under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
•Watch for slippery spots (black ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before driving on it. Try not to brake
while actually on the ice and avoid any sud-
den steering manoeuvres.
•Do not use cruise control (where fitted) on
slippery roads.
•Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas under
your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehicle.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze
and damage the battery. To maintain maximum effi-
ciency, the battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze,
drain the cooling system. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling system” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
TYRE EQUIPMENT
1) The SUMMER tyres are of a tread design to pro-
vide superior performance on dry surfaces. How-
ever, the performance of these tyres will be sub-
stantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD & SNOW
or ALL SEASON tyres on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
for tyre type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2) For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tyres may be used. However, some countries,
provinces and states prohibit their use. Check
applicable laws before installing studded tyres.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-66Starting and driving
6In case of emergencyIn case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch ................................. 6-2
Spare tyre................................................................ 6-2
Temporary-use spare tyre (where fitted) .............. 6-2
Conventional spare tyre (where fitted) ................. 6-2
Flat tyre ................................................................... 6-3
Stopping the vehicle ........................................... 6-3
Changing flat tyre (Models with spare wheel,
where fitted) ....................................................... 6-3
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
(where fitted) ...................................................... 6-7
Repairing flat tyre (Models with emergency
tyre puncture repair kit) ....................................... 6-8Jump-starting ........................................................... 6-11
Push-starting ........................................................... 6-13
Engine overheat ....................................................... 6-13
Tow truck towing ..................................................... 6-14
Towing precautions ............................................ 6-14
Recommended towing for two-wheel drive
(2WD) models .................................................... 6-15
Recommended towing for four-wheel drive
(4WD) models .................................................... 6-15
Towing eye ......................................................... 6-16
Freeing the vehicle from sand, snow or mud ....... 6-16
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems
(headlights, hazard lights etc,).
5. Ensure that the ignition switch of the vehicle be-
ing jump-started is in the LOCK position.
6. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
7. Remove the vent caps (where fitted) on the bat-
tery and cover the battery with an old cloth.
8. Connect the jump leads in the sequence (
j1→j2→j3→j4 ) as illustrated.
CAUTION
•Always connect positivej+ to positivej+
and negativej- to body ground (for ex-
ample, engine mount, etc.) – not to the
battery’s negative
j-.
•An incorrect connection could damage the
charging system.
•Be sure that the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine compart-
ment.
•Be careful not to allow contact between
the positive jump lead connector and the
vehicle or the negative lead during con-
nection and disconnection.
9. Start the engine of the other vehicle
jA and let it
run for a few minutes. Keep the engine speed at
about 2,000 rpm.10. Start the engine of your vehicle
jB in the nor-
mal way.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does not
start immediately, turn the ignition switch to
“OFF” and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
11. After starting the engine of your vehicle, care-
fully disconnect the negative lead and then the
positive lead (
j4→j3→j2→j1).
12. Remove and dispose of the cloth that was used
to cover the vent holes as it may be contami-
nated with corrosive acid.
13. Install the vent caps (where fitted).
14. Close the bonnet.
NOTE
For models which incorporate the Stop/Start
System:
•Ensure that the battery fitted is the special
battery that is enhanced with regard to the
charge-discharge capacity and life perfor-
mance. Avoid using any other battery for the
Stop/Start System, as this may cause early
deterioration of the battery or a malfunction
of the Stop/Start System. It is recommended
that a Genuine NISSAN battery is fitted. For
more information, contact a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop
•If the battery terminal is disconnected (for bat-
tery replacement, etc.) and then reconnected,
there may be some delay before the Stop/
Start System reactivates.
6-12In case of emergency