•If the engine of the vehicle stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep grade, never at-
tempt to turn around. Your vehicle could tip or
roll over. Always drive backwards and straight
down in R (reverse) gear.
Never drive backwards with the shift lever in N
(Neutral) and/or with the clutch depressed and
using the brake as this could result in loss of
control.
•Heavy braking down a hill could cause your
brakes to overheat and fade, resulting in loss of
control and an accident. Apply the brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your vehicle speed.
•Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when
driving over rough terrain. Properly secure it so
that it will not be thrown forwards and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
•To avoid raising the centre of gravity excessively,
do not exceed the rated capacity of the roof rack/
gear bin (where fitted) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the luggage area as
far forwards and as low as possible. Do not equip
the vehicle with tyres larger than specified. This
could cause your vehicle to roll over.
•Accelerating quickly, sharp steering manoeuvres
or sudden braking may cause loss of control.
•Do not drive beyond the performance of the
tyres, even with 4WD. Sudden acceleration,
steering or braking may result in loss of control
and could cause the vehicle to become stuck.
•If at all possible, avoid sharp turning manoeuvres,
particularly at high speeds. Your 4WD vehicle
has a higher centre of gravity than a 2WD ve-
hicle and can tip over more easily. The vehicle is
not designed for cornering at the same speeds
as conventional 2WD models any more than low
sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto-
rily under off-road conditions. Failure to operate
this vehicle correctly could result in loss of con-
trol and/or a rollover accident.
•Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering
wheel when driving off-road. The steering wheel
could jerk 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 very hot. Particular care
should be taken if you are barefoot.
•Lower your speed when encountering strong
crosswinds. With its higher centre of gravity your
NISSAN is more affected by gusty side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle control.
•Be sure to check the brakes immediately after
driving in mud or water as specified in “Wet
brakes” later in this section.
•Whenever you drive off-road through sand, mud
or water as deep as the wheel hub, more fre-quent maintenance may be required. For details,
refer to the separately provided Warranty Infor-
mation and Maintenance Booklet.
•Rinse the underside of the vehicle with fresh
water after driving through mud or sand. Re-
move any brush or sticks that are trapped.
•Install the same size of winter tyres on all four (4)
wheels (such as studless tyres) or install snow
chains to the front wheels when driving on slip-
pery roads (e.g. after a snowfall) and drive care-
fully using 4WD.
•Avoid parking your vehicle on steep hills. If you
get out of the vehicle and it rolls forwards, back-
wards or sideways, you could be injured.
Starting and driving5-29
SYSTEM OPERATION
The forward emergency braking system will func-
tion when your vehicle is driven at speeds above
approximately 5 km/h (3 MPH).
If a risk of a forward collision is detected, the for-
ward emergency braking system will provide the
first warning to the driver by flashing the forward
collision warning light (orange) and providing an au-
dible warning.
If the driver applies the brakes quickly and forcefully
after the warning, and the forward emergency brak-
ing system detects that there is still the possibility of
a forward collision, the system will automatically in-
crease the braking force.
If the driver does not take action, the forward emer-
gency braking system issues the second visual
warning (red) and audible warning. If the driver re-
leases the accelerator pedal, then the system ap-
plies partial braking
If the risk of a collision becomes imminent, the for-
ward emergency braking system applies harder
braking automatically.
NOTE
The vehicle’s brake lights come on when braking
is performed by the forward emergency braking
system.
Depending on vehicle speed and distance to the
vehicle ahead, as well as driving and roadway con-
ditions, the system may help the driver avoid a for-ward collision or may help mitigate the
consequences if a collision should one be unavoid-
able.
If the driver is handling the steering wheel, acceler-
ating or braking, the forward emergency braking
system will function later or will not function.
The automatic braking will cease under the follow-
ing conditions:
•When the steering wheel is turned as far as nec-
essary to avoid a collision.
•When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
•When there is no longer a vehicle detected
ahead.
If the forward emergency braking system has
stopped the vehicle, the vehicle will remain at a
standstill for approximately 2 seconds before the
brakes are released.
WARNING
•The radar sensor does not detect the follow-
ing objects:
– Pedestrians, animals or obstacles in the
roadway
– Oncoming vehicles
– Crossing vehicles
•The radar sensor has some performance limi-
tations. If a stationary vehicle is in the vehi-
cle’s path, the forward emergency brakingsystem will not function when the vehicle is
driven at speeds over approximately 45 MPH
(70 km/h).
•The radar sensor may not detect a vehicle
ahead in the following conditions:
– Dirt, ice, snow or other material covering
the radar sensor.
– Interference by other radar sources.
– Snow or road spray from travelling
vehicles.
– If the vehicle ahead is narrow (e.g. motor-
cycle).
– When driving on a steep downhill slope or
roads with sharp curves.
– When towing a trailer.
•In some road or traffic conditions, the forward
emergency braking system may unexpectedly
apply partial braking. When acceleration is
necessary, continue to depress the accelera-
tor pedal to override the system.
•Braking distances increase on slippery sur-
faces.
•Excessive noise will interfere with the warn-
ing chime sound, and the chime may not be
heard.
•The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality, within cer-
tain limitations. The system may not detect
some forms of obstruction of the sensor area
Starting and driving5-41
of the front bumper such as ice, snow, stick-
ers, for example. In these cases, the system
may not be able to warn the driver properly.
Be sure that you check, clean and clear the
sensor area of the front bumper regularly
Turning the forward emergency braking
system ON/OFF
Perform the following steps to turn the forward
emergency braking system ON or OFF.
1. Using the
orswitches and the ENTER but-
ton on the left side of the steering wheel, select
the Settings menu in the vehicle information dis-
play. (See “Settings” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section
2. Using the
orswitches and the ENTER but-
ton, navigate to the [Driver Assistance] menu,
followed by the [Driving Aids] menu.
3. In the [Driving Aids] menu, highlight the [Emer-
gency Brake] item and use the ENTER button to
toggle between ON (enabled) or OFF (disabled).When the forward emergency braking system is
turned off, the forward emergency braking system
warning light (orange) will illuminate.System temporarily unavailable
Condition A:
When the radar picks up interference from another
radar source, making it impossible to detect a ve-
hicle ahead, the forward emergency braking system
is automatically turned off. The forward emergency
braking system warning light (orange) and the for-
ward collision warning light (orange) will illuminate.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist, the for-
ward emergency braking system will resume auto-
matically.
Condition B:
When the sensor area of the front bumper is cov-
ered with dirt or obstructed, making it impossible to
detect a vehicle ahead, the forward emergency brak-ing system is automatically turned off. The forward
emergency braking system warning light (orange)
and the forward collision warning light (orange) will
illuminate and the “front radar obstruction” warning
message will appear in the vehicle information dis-
play.
Action to take:
If the warning light (orange) comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe location and turn the engine off.
Check to see if the sensor area of the front bumper
is blocked. If the sensor area of the front bumper is
blocked, remove the blocking material. Restart the
engine. If the warning light continues to illuminate,
have the forward emergency braking system
checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.System malfunction
If the forward emergency braking system malfunc-
tions, it will be turned off automatically, a chime will
sound, the forward emergency braking system
warning light (orange) and the forward collision
warning light (orange) will illuminate and the warn-
ing message [Malfunction] will appear in the vehicle
information display.
Action to take:
If the warning light (orange) comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe location, turn the engine off and
restart the engine. If the warning light continues to
illuminate, have the forward emergency braking sys-
tem checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop.
JVS0299XZ
5-42Starting and driving
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
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 engine related parts, such as a muffler, are
not standard equipment or are extremely de-
teriorated, the “SLIP” indicator light (
) may
illuminate.
•If brake related parts, such as brake pads,
rotors and callipers, are not standard equip-
ment or are extremely deteriorated, the ESP
system may not operate properly and the
“SLIP” indicator light (
) may illuminate.
•Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts, such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabiliser bars and bushings,
are not NISSAN-approved or are extremely
deteriorated, the ESP system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance and the “SLIP” in-
dicator light (
) may illuminate.
•When driving on extremely inclined surfaces,
such as higher banked corners, the ESP sys-
tem may not operate properly and the “SLIP”
indicator light (
) may illuminate. Do not
drive on these types of roads. If ESP OFF indi-
cator light
does illuminate after driving
on extreme surfaces, restart the engine to re-
set the ESP system.
•If wheels or tyres other than the
recommended ones are used, the ESP sys-
tem may not operate properly and the “SLIP”
indicator light (
) may illuminate.
•The ESP system is not a substitute for winter
tyres or snow chains on a snow covered road.NOTE
•The ESP system should be switched on under
normal circumstances although it may be ad-
vantageous to switch off the ESP system to
allow wheelspin under the following condi-
tions:
– When driving in deep snow or mud.
– When trying to rock a vehicle free that is
stuck in snow.
– When driving with snow chains.
•If the ESP system has been switched off, drive
carefully with reduced speed. When road con-
ditions allow, ESP should be switched back
on.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY
PROGRAMME (ESP) OFF SWITCH
The vehicle should be driven with the Electronic
Stability Programme (ESP) system “ON” for most
driving conditions.
NSD487Left hand drive (LHD)
NSD488Right hand drive (RHD)
Starting and driving5-61