Page 265 of 380

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling intotraffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
● HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
A
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
B
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
C
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion. The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, especially
in sharp turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
●
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-22Starting and driving
Page 266 of 380

Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the 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.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
effect of the parking brake is weakened or when-
ever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors
are replaced, in order to assure the best braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
●The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels. – When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Tire and loading
information label” in the “Technical
and consumer information” section
of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do
not lock during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the brake
fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
Starting and driving5-23
Page 267 of 380

WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result 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 malfunc-
tion, 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.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6mph(5
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies 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 hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal ex-
ceeds a certain level, the brake assist is activated
generating greater braking force than a conven-
tional brake booster even with light pedal force.
WARNING
The brake assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. it is the driv-
ers responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all times.
●
ABLS system uses automatic braking to
transfer power from a slipping drive wheel to
the wheel on the same axle with more trac-
tion. The ABLS system applies braking to
the slipping wheel, which helps redirect
power to the other wheel.
● The ABLS system is always on. In some
conditions, the system may automatically
turn the ABLS system off. If the system is
automatically turned off, normal brake func-
tion will continue. ABLS will function even
when the VDC system is turned off.
● The ABLS does not operate if both wheels
on a drive axle are slipping.
WARNING
● The ABLS system helps provide in-
creased traction, but will not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion or by careless driving or dangerous
driving practices. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery surfaces. Al-
ways drive carefully.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM
5-24Starting and driving
Page 268 of 380

●Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not NISSAN
approved for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ABLS system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the slip indicator light
may illuminate.
● If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the ABLS system may not
operate properly and the slip indicator
light may illuminate.
● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN
recommended ones are used, the ABLS
system may not operate properly and
the slip indicator light may illuminate. The VDC system uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC System helps to per-
form the following functions:
● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
indi-
cator in the instrument panel flashes to note the
following: ●
The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip indicator
light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
indicator light” in the ”Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light comes on in the instrument panel.
The VDC system automatically turns off when the
indicator light is on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to indi-
cate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transferring
power to a non slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off and the
indicator will not
flash.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-25
Page 269 of 380

The VDC system is automatically reset to ON
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse
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 VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully. ●
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not NISSAN
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the
indicator may
flash or the
indicator light may
illuminate.
● If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and both the
andindicator light may
illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
and
the
indicator light may illuminate. ●
When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
This is not a malfunction. Restart the
engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns, the
system optimizes the distribution of force to each
of the four wheels depending on the radius of the
turn.
5-26Starting and driving
Page 270 of 380

WARNING
●The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not NISSAN
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the
indicator may
flash or both the
andindica-
tor lights may illuminate.
● If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate. ●
If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the engine after driv-
ing onto a stable surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
WARNING
● Always turn and look back before back-
ing up. The RSS is not a substitute for
proper backing procedures.
● Read and understand the limitations of
the rear sonar system as contained in
this section. Inclement weather may af-
fect the function of the RSS; this may
include reduced performance or a false
activation.
● This system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects.
LSD0088
REAR SONAR SYSTEM (RSS) (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-27
Page 271 of 380

●The system is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary ob-
jects to help avoid damaging the ve-
hicle. The system will not detect small
objects below the bumper, and may not
detect objects close to the bumper or
on the ground.
● If your vehicle sustains damage to the
rear bumper fascia, leaving it mis-
aligned or bent, the sensing zone may
be altered causing inaccurate measure-
ment of obstacles or false alarms.
The RSS sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the shift
lever is in R (Reverse) . The system may not
detect objects at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h)
and may not detect certain angular or moving
objects.
The RSS detects obstacles up to 5.9 feet (1.8 m)
from the rear bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the bumper, (refer to
the illustration for approximate zone coverage
areas) . As you move closer to the obstacle, the
rate of the tone increases. When the obstacle is
less than 10 inches (25.0 cm) away, the tone will
sound continuously. If the RSS detects a station-
ary or receding object further than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) from the side of the vehicle, the tone will sound for only 3 seconds. Once the system
detects an object approaching, the tone will
sound again.
The RSS automatically turns on when the shift
lever is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition is
on. The RSS OFF switch on the instrument panel
allows the driver to turn the RSS on and off. To
turn the RSS off, the ignition must be on, and the
shift lever in R (Reverse) . An indicator light on the
switch will illuminate when the system is turned
off. If the indicator light illuminates when the RSS
is not turned off, it may indicate a malfunction in
the RSS.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bum-
per fascia) free from snow, ice and large accumu-
lations of dirt (do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects) . If the sensors are covered, it will affect
the accuracy of the RSS.
WARNING
●
Always turn and look back before back-
ing up. The rear sonar system is not a
substitute for proper backing
procedures.
● Always look around before proceeding.
The front sonar system is not a substi-
tute for proper driving procedures.
Rear Sensor
LSD0095
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
5-28Starting and driving
Page 272 of 380

●Read and understand the limitations of
the front and rear sonar system as con-
tained in this section. Inclement
weather may affect the function of the
sonar system, this may include reduced
performance or a false activation.
● This system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects. ●
The system is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary ob-
jects to help avoid damaging the ve-
hicle. The system will not detect small
objects below the bumper, and may not
detect objects close to the bumper or
on the ground.
● If your vehicle sustains damage to the
front bumper fascia or the rear bumper
fascia, leaving it misaligned or bent, the
sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles
or false alarms.
The Rear Sonar System sounds a tone to warn
the driver of obstacles near the rear bumper. The
Rear Sonar System automatically turns on when
the shift lever is placed in R (Reverse) and the
ignition is ON. The system may not detect objects
at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not
detect certain angular or moving objects.
The Rear Sonar System detects obstacles up to
5.9 feet (1.8 meters) from the rear bumper with a
decreased coverage area at the outer corners of
the bumper, (refer to the illustration for approxi-
mate zone coverage areas) . As you move closer
to the obstacle, the rate of the tone increases.
When the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound continuously.
If it detects a stationary or receding object further than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the side of the
vehicle, the tone will sound for only 3 seconds.
Once the system detects an object approaching,
the tone will sound again.
The Front Sonar System sounds a tone to warn
the driver of obstacles near the front bumper. The
front sonar system automatically turns on when
the shift lever is placed in a forward gear and the
ignition switch is in the ON position. The system
may not detect objects at speeds above 3 mph
(5 km/h) and may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
The Front Sonar System detects obstacles up to
3 feet (1.0 m) from the front bumper with a
decreased coverage area at the outer corners of
the bumper, (refer to the illustration for approxi-
mate zone coverage areas) . As you move closer
to the obstacle, the rate of the tone increases.
When the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound continuously.
If it detects a stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the side of the
vehicle, the tone will sound for only 3 seconds.
Once the system detects an object approaching,
the tone will sound again.
Front Sensor
LSD0202
Starting and driving5-29