2015 NISSAN QASHQAI power steering

•If the engine is revving up to a hazardous
speed in manual shift mode, the transmission
may shift up automatically. When the vehicle
speed decreases, the transmission automati-
cally shifts down and shifts to 1st gear before
the vehicle comes to a stop.
Accelerator downshift – In the D (Drive)
and Ds (Drive Sport) position
For rapid passing or driving uphill, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the trans-
mission down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Shift lock release
j
1LHD models
j2RHD models
jAShift lock release buttonIf the battery charge is low or discharged, the shift
lever may not move 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 proce-
dure:
1.Models with Intelligent Key system:
Place the ignition switch in the “OFF” or LOCK
position.
Models without Intelligent Key system:
Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position,
and remove the key if it is inserted.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Push down the shift lock release button
jA . Use
a suitable tool.
4. Push and hold the shift lever button and move
the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position while
holding down the shift lock release button.
Place the ignition switch in the ON position to un-
lock the steering wheel. The vehicle may be moved
to the desired location.
For models with Intelligent Key system: If the battery
is discharged completely, the steering wheel cannot
be unlocked. Do not move the vehicle with the steer-
ing wheel locked.
If the shift lever cannot be moved out of the P (Park)
position, have a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop check the XTRONIC system as soon as pos-
sible.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P
(Park) position while the engine is running and
the brake pedal is depressed, the stop lights may
not work. Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
High fluid temperature protection mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode. If the fluid temperature becomes too
high (for example, when climbing steep grades in
high temperature with heavy loads, such as when
towing a trailer), engine power and, under some
conditions, vehicle speed will be decreased auto-
matically to reduce the chance of transmission dam-
age. Vehicle speed can be controlled with the ac-
celerator pedal, but engine and vehicle speed may
be limited.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, the 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 power may be limited. Have a NISSAN dealer
or qualified workshop check and repair the trans-
mission.
NSD502
Starting and driving5-21

•When the engine is turned on with the engine
bonnet open.
•When the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
•When the driver’s door is open.
•When the steering wheel is operated.
•When the Stop/Start System indicator blinks at
a low speed.
•When the accelerator pedal is depressed
(XTRONIC transmission models).
•When the shift lever is in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion.
•When the fan speed control dial is in any posi-
tion other than “OFF” (0) while the air flow con-
trol dial is in the front defogger position (manual
air conditioner).
•When the front defogger switch is on (automatic
air conditioner).
•When the Stop/Start System OFF switch is
turned on.
•When the electric power steering warning light,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light, or the Electronic Stability Programme
(ESP) warning light illuminates.
•When the brake pedal is not fully depressed
(XTRONIC transmission models).
•When stopping the vehicle on steep sloping
roads (XTRONIC transmission models).
•When the power consumption is large.
•When the vehicle is travelling at altitudes higher
than 2000 m (6562 ft) (MT models).
•When the vehicle is travelling at altitudes higher
than 1500m (4922 ft) (R9M engine in combina-
tion with XTRONIC transmission models).
NOTE
It may take some time until the Stop/Start Sys-
tem activates under the following conditions:
•When the battery is discharged.
•When the outside temperature is low.
•When the battery is replaced or the battery ter-
minal is disconnected for extended periods and
then reconnected.
NOTE
The engine will not restart even if the brake pedal
is released (XTRONIC transmission ) or clutch
pedal is pressed (MT) while the Stop/Start Sys-
tem is activated under the following condition:
•When the shift lever is in the P (Park) position
(XTRONIC transmission models).
•When the engine bonnet is opened.
•When the driver seat belt is unfastened and the
driver’s door is opened (MT models).
•When the gear shift lever is not in the Neutral
position. (MT models)
NOTE
The engine will restart without releasing thebrake pedal (XTRONIC transmission models) or
without depressing the clutch pedal (MT models)
while the Stop/Start System is activated under
the following conditions:
•When the Stop/Start System OFF switch is
pushed.
•When the fan speed control dial is in any posi-
tion other than “OFF” (0) while the air flow con-
trol dial is in the front defogger position (manual
air conditioner).
•When the front defogger switch is set to “ON”
(automatic air conditioner).
•When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
(XTRONIC transmission models)
•When the steering wheel is operated. (XTRONIC
transmission models)
•When the battery capacity is low.
•When the power consumption is large.
•When the brake pedal is released on sloping
roads and the vehicle is moved.
•When the force to the brake pedal is reduced
while the shift lever is in the D (Drive) or N (Neu-
tral) position. (XTRONIC transmission models)
•When the shift lever is placed in the L (Low), D
(Drive) or R (Reverse) position from the N or P
position. (XTRONIC transmission models)
•When the vacuum of the brake servo is insuffi-
cient as a result of depressing the brake pedal
several times.
Starting and driving5-23

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

When leaving your vehicle unoccupied:
•Always remove the ignition key and take it with
you – even in your own garage.
•Always remove the ignition key or Intelligent Key
(where fitted) and take it with you – even in your
own garage.
•Close all windows completely and lock all doors.
•Always park your vehicle where it can be seen.
At night, park in a well lit area.
•If the vehicle is equipped with an alarm or immo-
bilization device, use it – even for short periods.
•Do not leave children and pets in the vehicle
unattended.
•Do not leave valuables on view to tempt a thief.
Always take your valuables with you. If you must
leave something in your vehicle, lock it in the lug-
gage compartment or hide it out of sight.
•Do not leave the vehicle documents in your ve-
hicle. In the unfortunate event of your vehicle
being stolen, the documents will only help a thief
to sell the vehicle.
•Do not leave articles on a roof rack as they are
particularly vulnerable. If possible, remove them
from the rack and lock them inside the vehicle.
•Do not leave the spare key in the vehicle – keep
it in a safe place at home.
•Do not leave the spare key or Intelligent Key in
the vehicle – keep it in a safe place at home.
•Do not leave a note of your vehicle’s key number
in the vehicle. A thief may break into the vehicle,
note the key number and return with a new key
and drive the vehicle.WARNING
•If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assistance for the
steering will not work. The steering will be
harder to operate.
•When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the power
assistance for the steering will cease opera-
tion. You will still have control of the vehicle
but the steering will be harder to operate.
The electric power steering system is designed to
provide power assistance while driving to allow you
to operate the steering wheel with light force.
The steering effort can be set to [Normal] or [Sport]
in the vehicle information display under the heading
[Driver assistance]. (See “[Driver assistance]” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section.)
NOTE
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assistance for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the electric power steering system and
protect it from becoming damaged. While the
power assistance is reduced, steering wheel op-
eration will become heavy. When the tempera-
ture of the electric power steering system de-
creases, the power assistance level will return to
normal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel op-
erations that could cause the electric power
steering system to overheat.
VEHICLE SECURITY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-57

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

NORMAL OPERATION
The ABS operates at speeds above 5 to 10 km/h (3
to 6 MPH). The speed varies according to road con-
ditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies and
releases hydraulic pressure. This action is similar to
pumping the brakes very quickly. You may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise from
under the bonnet or feel a vibration from the actua-
tor when it is operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.When accelerating, driving on slippery surfaces or
suddenly avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle
might swerve or slip. The Electronic Stability Pro-
gramme (ESP) system continuously monitors and
compares the driver’s intended speed and the travel
direction. The system adjusts wheel brake pressure
and engine torque to assist in improving vehicle sta-
bility.
•When the ESP system is operating, the “SLIP”
indicator light () in the combination meter
blinks.
•When only the traction control (TCS) system in
the ESP system is operating, the “SLIP” indica-
tor light (
) in the combination meter will also
blink.
•If the “SLIP” indicator light () blinks, the road
conditions are slippery. Be sure to drive care-
fully. See “Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
•Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the “SLIP”
indicator light (
) will come on in the combina-
tion meter.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the trac-
tion control function is cancelled.
The ESP system uses Active Brake Limited Slip
(ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction. The Ac-
tive Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system works when
one of the driving wheels is spinning on a slipperysurface. The Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) sys-
tem, brakes the spinning wheel to distribute the driv-
ing power to the other driving wheel.
If the vehicle is operated with the ESP system turned
off, all ESP and TCS functions will be turned off.
The Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system and
ABS will still operate with the ESP system off. If the
Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system is acti-
vated, the “SLIP” indicator light (
) will blink and
you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
While the ESP system is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the bonnet. This is normal and
indicates that the ESP system is working properly.
The ESP computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time the engine is started
and the vehicle moves forwards or reverses 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 ESP system is designed to help improve
driving stability but does not prevent accidents
caused by abrupt steering operation at high
speeds, or careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be es-
pecially careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces. Always drive carefully.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAMME (ESP) SYSTEM (where fitted)
5-60Starting and driving

If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the ESP sys-
tem reduces the engine output to decrease wheel
spin. The engine speed will be reduced even if the
accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maximum
engine power is needed to free a stuck vehicle, turn
the ESP system off.
To turn off the ESP system, push the ESP OFF
switch. The ESP OFF indicator light (
) will
come on.
NOTE
The ESP system cannot be switched off when
the ESP system is operating and the “SLIP” indi-
cator light (
) is blinking.
Push the ESP OFF switch again, or restart the en-
gine, to turn the system ON. See “Electronic Stabil-
ity Programme (ESP) system (where fitted)” earlier
in this section for operational details.The chassis control is an electric control module
that includes the following functions:
•Active Trace Control
•Active Engine Brake
•Active Ride Control
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
WARNING
The active trace control may not be effective de-
pending on the driving condition. Always drive
carefully and attentively.
This system senses driving based on the driver’s
steering and acceleration/braking patterns, and con-
trols brake pressure at individual wheels to aid trac-
ing at corners and help smooth vehicle response.
The Active trace control system is switched ON
(enabled) or OFF (disabled) through the Vehicle In-
formation Display. See “[Driver assistance]” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section for more infor-
mation.
When the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
OFF switch is used to turn off the ESP system, the
active trace control is also turned off.
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-62Starting and driving

13. After the engine cools down, check the coolant
level in the engine coolant reservoir with the
engine running.
14. If the level is low, remove the engine coolant
reservoir cap and add coolant slowly into the
reservoir. After refilling the reservoir to the MAX
level, install the reservoir cap.
WARNING
Before removing the engine coolant reservoir
cap and to avoid the danger of being scalded,
cover the reservoir cap with a rag and loosen
the reservoir cap to the first notch to allow the
steam to escape.
15. Close the bonnet.
Have your vehicle inspected or repaired by a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.When towing your vehicle, local regulations for tow-
ing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. To assure proper tow-
ing and to prevent accidental damage to your ve-
hicle, NISSAN recommends that you have a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have the
service operator carefully read the following precau-
tions.WARNING
•Do not allow any occupants in the vehicle that
is being towed.
•Never get under your vehicle after it has been
lifted by a tow truck.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS
•When towing:Make sure that the transmission,
axles, steering system and power train are in
working condition. If any unit is damaged, the
vehicle must be towed using a dolly or be placed
on a flat bed lorry.
•Release the parking brake and shift the manual
transmission (MT) or XTRONIC transmission
(CVT) into the N (Neutral) position before start-
ing to tow the vehicle.
•Always attach safety chains before towing.
NCE3022WD models
TOW TRUCK TOWING
6-14In case of emergency