Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in colli-
sions and rollovers.In a rollover crash, an
unbelted or improperly belted person is
significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If this
occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by follow-
ing the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle
must be driven as appropriate based on the con-
ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the ve- hicle to follow the road while vehicle speed
is reduced. Do not attempt to drive the ve-
hicle back onto the road surface until vehicle
speed is reduced. 6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the
steering wheel until both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the ap-
propriate driving lane.
● If you decide that it is not safe to return the
vehicle to the road surface based on ve-
hicle, road or traffic conditions, gradually
slow the vehicle to a stop in a safe place
off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can occur
if the tire is punctured or is damaged due to
hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure loss
can also be caused by driving on under-inflated
tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by maintain-
ing the correct air pressure and visually inspect
the tires for wear and damage. For additional
information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Do-it-yourself” section of this manual. If a tire
rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out” while
driving, maintain control of the vehicle by follow-
ing the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on the con-
ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury.
●
The vehicle generally moves or pulls in
the direction of the flat tire.
● Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
● Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
● Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop the vehicle.
Starting and driving5-7
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position
until the shift lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.● When placing the ignition switch in the
LOCK position, make sure that the shift lever
is in the P (Park) position.
● When removing the key from the ignition
switch (if it is inserted) , make sure that the
shift lever is in the P (Park) position. When the ignition switch cannot be placed to the
LOCK position:
1. Shift the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
2. Move the ignition switch slightly in the ON direction.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi- tion.
4. Remove the key if it is inserted in the ignition switch.
If the ignition switch is placed to the LOCK posi-
tion, the shift lever cannot be moved from the P
(Park) position.
The shift lever can be moved if the ignition
switch is in the ON position and the foot
brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position1between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to the LOCK position and removed until
the shift lever is placed in the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition switch,
make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) posi-
tion.
If the shift lever is not returned to the P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be moved to
the LOCK position.
SSD0392SSD0503
Starting and driving5-9
To remove the key from the ignition switch:1. Shift the shift lever to the P (Park) position with the ignition switch in the ON position.
2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
If the shift lever is shifted to the P (Park) position
after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF
position or when the ignition switch cannot be
turned to the LOCK position, proceed as follows
to remove the key: 1. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) posi- tion.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward the ON position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi- tion.
4. Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position
1or if the key is removed from the
switch. The shift lever can be moved if the ignition
switch is in the ON position and the foot
brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position
1between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
The ignition switch includes a device that helps
prevent accidental removal of the key while driving.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, place the igni-
tion switch in the LOCK position. Remove
the key. To unlock the steering wheel, in-
sert the key and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
WSD0052
5-10Starting and driving
The shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the brake pedal is
depressed.
If the battery of the vehicle is discharged,
the push-button ignition switch cannot be
moved from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed in the meter. For additional information,
refer to “Warning lights, indicator lights and au-
dible reminders” in this section.
OPERATING RANGE
The Intelligent Key functions can only be used
when the Intelligent Key is within the specified
operating range.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost dis-
charged or strong radio waves are present near
the operating location, the Intelligent Key sys-
tem’s operating range becomes narrower and
may not function properly.
If the Intelligent Key is within the operating range,
it is possible for anyone, even someone who does
not carry the Intelligent Key, to turn the ignition
switch to start the engine.The operating range of the engine start function
is inside of the vehicle
1.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed on the instru-
ment panel, rear parcel shelf, inside the
glove box, storage bin or door pocket, the
Intelligent Key may not function.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed near the door
or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent
Key may function.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
The ignition switch can only be locked in this
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while carrying the
Intelligent Key or with the Intelligent Key inserted
in the port.
The ignition switch will lock when any door is
opened or closed with the ignition switched off.
OFF
The ignition switch is in the OFF position when
the engine is turned off using the ignition switch.
No lights will illuminate on the ignition switch.WSD0165
5-12Starting and driving
4. Push the ignition switch while depressingthe brake pedal within 10 seconds after the
chime sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the brake
pedal, the ignition switch position will change to
ACC.
NOTE: ● When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the engine is
started by the above procedures, the
NISSAN Intelligent Key® warning light
may blink in yellow (on the meter) even
if the NISSAN Intelligent Key® is inside
the vehicle. This is not a malfunction.
To stop the warning light from blinking,
touch the ignition switch with the
NISSAN Intelligent Key® again.
● If the NISSAN Intelligent Key® warning
light in the meter is blinking in green,
replace the battery as soon as pos-
sible. For additional information, refer
to “Battery replacement” in the “Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device (which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices. ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid (if so equipped) ,
and windshield-washer fluid as frequently as
possible, or at least whenever you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head
restraints/headrests.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is placed in the ON posi-
tion. For additional information, refer to
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-14Starting and driving
3. Using a protective cloth on the tip of ascrewdriver, remove the shift lock release
cover.
● If available, a plastic trim tool can also be
used.
4. Push down the shift lock release using a suitable tool.
5. Push the shift lever button
Aand move the
shift lever to the N (Neutral) position while
holding down the shift lock release.
6. Place the ignition switch in the ON position to unlock the steering wheel.
7. Release the parking brake.
The vehicle may be moved to the desired loca-
tion.
Replace the removed shift lock release cover
after the operation.
If the shift lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position, have the CVT system checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch
When the O/D OFF switch is pushed with the
shift lever in the D (Drive) position, the
light
in the instrument panel illuminates. For additional
information, refer to “Overdrive OFF indicator
light” in the “Instruments and controls” section of
this manual.
Use the overdrive OFF mode when you need
improved engine braking.
To turn off the overdrive OFF mode, push the O/D
OFF switch again. The
indicator light will
turn off.
Each time the engine is started, or when the shift
lever is shifted to any position other than D (Drive) , the overdrive OFF mode will be automati-
cally turned off.
Accelerator downshift
— in D (Drive) 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.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, the CVT will
not be shifted into the selected driving position.
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
“Instruments 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
place the ignition switch back in the ON
position. The vehicle should return to its
normal operating condition. If it does not
return to its normal operating condition,
have the transmission checked and re-
LSD2012
5-20Starting and driving
Shifting
WARNING
●Apply the parking brake if the shift lever
is in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal in-
jury or property damage.
● If the shift lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and
others.
After starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal, push the shift lever button and move
the shift lever out of the P (Park) position.
If the ignition switch is in the OFF or ACC posi-
tion for any reason while the shift lever is in any
position other than the P (Park) position, the
ignition switch cannot be turned to the LOCK
position.
If the ignition switch cannot be placed in the
LOCK position, perform the following steps: 1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is stopped. 2. Place the ignition switch in the ON position
while depressing the foot brake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
P (Park)
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the shift lever
button pushed in to move the shift lever
from N (Neutral) or any drive position to P
(Park) . Apply the parking brake. When parking
on a hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift
the shift lever into the P (Park) position.
R (Reverse)
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
R (Reverse) position only when the vehicle
is completely stopped. Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position.
The brake
pedal must be depressed and the shift lever
button pushed in to move the shift lever
from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive po-
sition to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
2 (Second gear)
Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
1 (Low gear)
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
Starting and driving5-23
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
WARNING
●Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
● Do not over-rev the engine when shift-
ing to a lower gear. This may cause a
loss of control or engine damage.
● Do not shift to the N (Neutral) position
while driving. Doing so may result in an
accident due to loss of engine braking.
CAUTION
●Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may cause clutch
damage.
● Fully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.
● Stop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse) .
● When the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running (for example, at a stop
light) , shift to N (Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.Shifting
To change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into
the appropriate gear, then release the clutch
slowly and smoothly.
To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress
the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever. If
the clutch pedal is not fully depressed before the
transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be
heard. Transmission damage could occur.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd,
4th up to 5th gear in sequence according to
vehicle speed. On the manual transmission, you cannot shift
directly from 5th gear into R (Reverse) . First shift
into N (Neutral) , then into R (Reverse) .
The shift lever ring returns to its original position
when the shift lever is moved to the N (Neutral)
position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (1st) , shift into N (Neutral) , then
release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch
pedal again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1 (1st) .
Suggested up-shift speeds
The following are suggested vehicle speeds for
shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions
relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance.
Actual upshift speeds will vary according to road
conditions, the weather and individual driving
habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude areas (less
than 4,000 ft [1219 m]):
GEAR CHANGE
mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd 9 (14)
2nd to 3rd 12 (19)
3rd to 4th 21 (34)
4th to 5th 28 (45)
5th —
SSD0535
5-26Starting and driving