HYBRID VEHICLE
CHARACTERISTICS
WARNING
●When you leave your vehicle, be sure to
place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.
●Be sure to put the transmission in the P
(Park) position because the vehicle can
move when the READY to drive indica-
tor light is on even if the gasoline en-
gine is not running. When the READY to
drive indicator light is on, do not leave
your vehicle in a shift position other
than the P (Park) position. The vehicle
will creep and start abruptly if the accel-
erator pedal is depressed by mistake.
This may cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is parked for a long period of
time, the battery discharges gradually. To
avoid this occurrence, drive the vehicle for
approximately 30 minutes at least once
every two to three months. Otherwise, the
Li-ion battery may be damaged. If the Li-
ion battery is completely discharged and
the hybrid system cannot be activated,
contact an NISSAN dealer.
High-voltage parts and harnesses on the hybrid
vehicles emit approximately the same amount of
electromagnetic waves as the conventional
gasoline-powered vehicles or home electronic
appliances despite their electromagnetic shield-
ings.
Charging the Li-ion battery while driving is impor-
tant. The vehicle cannot run if the Li-ion battery is
discharged. In the N (Neutral) position, the Li-ion
battery does not recharge. Leaving the transmis-
sion in the N (Neutral) position for an extended
period of time may discharge the Li-ion battery.
The Li-ion battery recharges when the shift lever
is in any position other than N (Neutral) .An air vent is located on the rear side trim panels
Ato cool the high-voltage battery. If the vent is
covered, the Li-ion battery will overheat resulting
in reduced output performance of the hybrid sys-
tem. For additional information, refer to “Lithium-
ion (Li-ion) battery air vent” in the “Appearance
and care” section of this manual.
You may hear the noise of the cooling fan from the
air vent.
LPD2173
HEV-12HEV Overview
The MIL may stop blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer.
You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive OFF indicator light
The overdrive off indicator light illuminates when
the overdrive off mode is selected.
For additional information, refer to “Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
READY to drive indicator light
The READY to drive indicator light illuminates
when the hybrid system is powered and the ve-
hicle may be driven.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security sys-
tems” in this section.
Side light and headlight
indicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light illumi-
nates when the side light or headlight position is
selected. For additional information, refer to
“Headlight and turn signal switch” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system is
operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact that
the road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working; this is
normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds after the
VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.The
indicator light also comes on when
you place the ignition switch in the ON position.
The light will turn off after approximately 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light does
not come on have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Tow mode ON indicator light
This light comes on when the tow mode function
is ON.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the VDC off
switch is pushed to OFF. This indicates the VDC
system is not operating.
Instruments and controls2-17
Do not stand on your vehicle to perform
the next steps.
4. At the receiver located on the garage door
opener motor in the garage, locate the
“learn” or “smart” button (the name and color
of the button may vary by manufacturer but it
is usually located near where the hanging
antenna wire is attached to the unit) . If there
is difficulty locating the button, reference the
garage door opener’s manual.
5. Press and release the “learn” or “smart” but-
ton.
6. Return to the vehicle and firmly press and
hold the trained HomeLink® button for
2 seconds and release. Repeat the
“press/hold/release” sequence up to three
times to complete the training process.
HomeLink® should now activate your rolling
code equipped device.
7. If you have any questions or are having diffi-
culty programming your HomeLink® but-
tons, refer to the HomeLink® web site at:
www.homelink.com or call 1-800-355-
3515.PROGRAMMING HOMELINK® FOR
CANADIAN CUSTOMERS AND
GATE OPENERS
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmit-
ter signals to “time-out” (or quit) after several
seconds of transmission – which may not be long
enough for HomeLink® to pick up the signal
during training. Similar to this Canadian law,
some U.S. gate operators are designed to “tim-
eout” in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having difficulties
training a gate operatororgarage door opener
by using the “Training” procedures,replace
“Programming HomeLink®”Step 2with the fol-
lowing:
NOTE:
When programming a garage door opener,
etc., unplug the device during the “cycling”
process to prevent possible damage to the
garage door opener components.
1. Refer to “Programming HomeLink®” step 1
in this section.
2. Using both hands, simultaneously press and
hold the desired HomeLink® button and the
hand-held transmitter button. During train-
ing, your hand-held transmitter may auto-
matically stop transmitting. Continue topress and hold the desired HomeLink® but-
ton while you press and re-press (“cycle”)
your hand-held transmitter every 2 seconds
until the frequency signal has been learned.
The HomeLink® indicator light will flash
slowly and then rapidly after several seconds
upon successful training. DO NOT release
until the HomeLink® indicator light flashes
slowly and then rapidly. When the indicator
light flashes rapidly, both buttons may be
released. The rapid flashing indicates suc-
cessful training.
Proceed with “Programming HomeLink®”
step 3 to complete.
If the device was unplugged during the pro-
gramming procedure, remember to plug it
back in when programming is completed.
OPERATING THE HOMELINK®
UNIVERSAL TRANSCEIVER
The HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, after it is
programmed, can be used to activate the pro-
grammed device. To operate, simply press and
release the appropriate programmed
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver button. The
amber indicator light will illuminate while the sig-
nal is being transmitted.
For convenience, the hand-held transmitter of the
device may also be used at any time.
Instruments and controls2-65
Move the shift lever to R (Reverse) . The selected
mirror will turn downward.
The selected mirror surface will return to its origi-
nal position when any of the following have oc-
curred:
●The shift lever is moved to any position other
than R (Reverse) .
●The outside mirror control switch is set to the
neutral or center position.
●The ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position.
NOTE:
If the outside mirror control switch is in the
neutral position, neither mirror will turn
downward when the shift lever is moved to
R (Reverse) .
For additional information regarding this feature,
refer to “Automatic drive positioner” in this sec-
tion.
Heated mirrors
The outside mirrors can be heated to defrost,
defog, or de-ice for improved visibility. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Rear window and
outside mirror defroster switch” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.The automatic drive positioner system has three
features:
●Memory storage function
●Entry/exit function
●Seat synchronization function
MEMORY STORAGE FUNCTION
Two positions for the driver’s seat, steering col-
umn, and outside mirrors can be stored in the
automatic drive positioner memory. Follow these
procedures to use the memory system.
1. Set the Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) shift lever to the P (Park) position.
2. Place the ignition in the ON position.
3. Adjust the driver’s seat, steering column,
and outside mirrors to the desired positions
by manually operating each adjusting
switch. For additional information, refer to
“Seats” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
LPD2068
AUTOMATIC DRIVE POSITIONER (if
so equipped)
3-36Pre-driving checks and adjustments
●Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
●Stay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-off
or other hazard that could cause an
accident.
●If your engine stalls or you cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill, never at-
tempt to turn around. Your vehicle could
tip or roll over. Always back straight
down in R (Reverse) gear and apply
brakes to control your speed.
●Heavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed.
●Unsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.
●Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as
far forward and as low as possible. Do
not equip the vehicle with tires larger
than specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over.●Do not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.
●Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
●Always drive with the floor mats in place
as the floor may become hot.
●Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your NISSAN is more affected
by strong side winds. Slower speeds
ensure better vehicle control.
●Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
●For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise 2 wheels off the ground
and shift the transmission to any drive
or reverse position with the engine run-
ning. Doing so may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle move-
ment which could result in serious ve-
hicle damage or personal injury.●Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) , or
similar equipment even if the other 2
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
●When a wheel is off the ground due to
an unlevel surface, do not spin the
wheel excessively.
●Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
●If at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.
Your NISSAN vehicle has a higher cen-
ter of gravity than a passenger car. The
vehicle is not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as passenger cars.
Starting and driving5-9
Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged, the
shift lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed
and the shift lever button pushed. To move the
shift lever, perform the following procedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover
Aus-
ing a suitable tool.
4. Push down the shift lock release
Busing a
suitable tool.5. Press the shift lever button
Cand move the
shift lever to the N (Neutral) position
D
while holding down the shift lock release.
The vehicle may be moved to the desired
location. Replace the removed shift lock re-
lease cover after the operation. If the shift
lever cannot be moved out of the P (Park)
position, have a NISSAN dealer check the
CVT system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position while the engine is run-
ning and the brake pedal is depressed, the
stop lights may not work. Malfunctioning
stop lights could cause an accident injur-
ing yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperatures with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated. For additional information, refer
to “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in the
“Instrument and controls” section of this
manual. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then
push the switch back to the ON position.
The vehicle should return to its normal op-
erating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
LSD2128
Starting and driving5-17
13.Use D (Drive)
●Use the D (Drive) and drive with the Over
Drive on as much as possible
●Driving with the Over Drive OFF or in the
L (Low) position may cause the engine to
run longer than necessary and reduce
fuel economy
NOTE:
In order to display the correct fuel
economy, reset the fuel economy meter
first.●Keep your engine tuned up.
●Follow the recommended scheduled main-
tenance.
●Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
●Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im-
proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
●Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
For additional information, refer to “Engine
oil and oil filter recommendations” in the
“Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.4X4–I SYSTEM OPERATION
WARNING
●Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires. Accelerating
quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or
sudden braking may cause loss of con-
trol, even with Intelligent 4WD engaged.
●For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise 2 wheels off the ground
and shift the transmission to any drive
or reverse position with the engine run-
ning. Doing so may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle move-
ment which could result in serious per-
sonal injury or vehicle damage.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY INTELLIGENT 4WD (if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-35
Before attempting to jump start the vehicle, make
sure the fuel tank is not empty and the correct
starting procedure is followed. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Starting the NISSAN PURE-
DRIVE™ Hybrid System” in the “Starting and
driving” section of your Owner’s Manual. Do not
drive the vehicle on battery power only if the fuel
tank is empty. The Li-ion battery will become
discharged and the hybrid system will turn off.
CONFIRM BATTERY IS
DISCHARGED
Confirm the battery is discharged by pushing the
ignition switch to the ON position. Confirm the
instrument cluster or head lights come on at the
normal brightness levels or that other accesso-
ries such as the audio system come on. Push the
ignition switch to turn the hybrid system on.
If any of the following conditions occur, the 12-
volt battery might discharge:
●The instrument cluster and/or headlights are
not normal brightness.
●Audio accessories cannot be turned on.
●The hybrid system does not become READY
to drive mode.
●The ignition switch cannot be placed in the
ON position.Check the following if you notice any of the above
conditions:
1. Check that the 12-volt battery terminals are
tight and clean. For additional information,
refer to “12-volt Battery” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section. If the 12-
volt battery terminals are loose, contact your
NISSAN dealer.
2. If the 12-volt battery terminals are tight and
clean, try to jump start the vehicle. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Jump starting” in
this section.EMERGENCY START
When the hybrid system cannot be started, the
following procedure can be used if the hybrid
system and push-button ignition switch function
normally:
1. Put the transmission in P (Park) position.
2. Push the ignition switch to the ACC posi-
tion.
3. Depress the brake pedal.4. Push and hold the ignition switch for about
15 seconds. Even if the hybrid system starts
using this procedure, the system may be
malfunctioning. Do not continue to use this
emergency procedure to start the system.
Have the vehicle checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
If the hybrid system still does not start, contact
you NISSAN dealer.
IF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT START
6-10In case of emergency