
Unlocking the steering wheel
1) Insert the key into the ignition switch.
2) Gently turn the ignition switch while rotating the steering wheel left and right. PRECAUTIONS ON PUSH-BUTTON
IGNITION SWITCH OPERATION WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition switch
while driving the vehicle except in an emergency.
(The engine will stop when the ignition switch is
pushed 3consecutive times or the ignition switch
is pushed and held for more than 2seconds.)
The steering wheel may lock and could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This could
result in serious vehicle damage or personal in-
jury.
REMOTE CONTROL KEY SYSTEM
The Remote Control Key system can operate the
ignition switch without taking the key out from your
pocket or bag. The operating environment and/or
conditions may affect the Remote Control Key sys-
tem operation.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are dis-
played in the vehicle information display and/or in
the meter. (See “Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section and “Vehicle information display”
in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
CAUTION
• Be sure to carry the Remote Control Key with
you when operating the vehicle.
• Never leave the Remote Control Key inside
the vehicle when you leave the vehicle. •
If the vehicle battery is discharged, the igni-
tion switch cannot be switched from the
“LOCK” position, and if the steering lock is
engaged, the steering wheel cannot be
moved. Charge the battery as soon as pos-
sible. (See “Remote Control Key battery
replacement” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.)
Operating range
The Remote Control Key can only be used for start-
ing the engine when the Remote Control Key is
within the specified operating range ➀as illus-
trated.
When the Remote Control Key battery is almost dis-
charged or strong radio waves are present near the
operating location, the Remote Control Key sys-
tem’s operating range becomes narrower and may
not function properly.
If the Remote Control Key is within the operating JVS0442XZ
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH (models with Remote Control Key
system)
Starting and driving5-15

range, it is possible for anyone, even someone who
does not carry the Remote Control Key, to push the
ignition switch to start the engine.
• The cargo bed area is not included in the operat-
ing range of the engine start function.
• If the Remote Control Key is placed on the in-
strument panel, inside the glove box, door pocket
or the corner of the interior compartment, the
Remote Control Key may not function.
• If the Remote Control Key is placed near the
door or window outside the vehicle, the Remote
Control Key may function.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AT)
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be switched to the “LOCK” position
until the shift lever is moved to the P(Park) position.
When pushing the ignition switch to the “OFF” posi-
tion, make sure the shift lever is in the P(Park) posi-
tion.
When the ignition switch cannot be switched to the
“LOCK” position:
1. [Shift to Park] warning appears on the vehicle
information display and achime sounds.
2. Move the shift lever to the P(Park) position.
3. If the ignition switch is in the “ACC” position, [PUSH] warning appears on the vehicle informa-
tion display.
4. Push the ignition switch. The ignition switch is switched to the “OFF” position. 5. Open the door. The ignition switch turns to the
“LOCK” position.
For warnings and indicators on the vehicle informa-
tion display, see “Indicators for operation” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section.
If the ignition switch is switched to the “LOCK”
position, 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 with the foot-
brake pedal depressed.
STEERING LOCK
The ignition switch is equipped with an anti-theft
steering lock device.
To lock steering wheel
1. Place the ignition switch in the “OFF” position where the ignition switch position indicator will
not illuminate.
2. Open or close the door. The ignition switch turns to the “LOCK” position.
3. Turn the steering wheel 1/6 of aturn to the right
or left from the straight up position.
To unlock steering wheel
Push the ignition switch, and the steering wheel will
be automatically unlocked.
CAUTION
• If the battery of the vehicle is discharged, the
push-button ignition switch cannot be
switched from the “LOCK” position. •
If the steering lock release malfunction indi-
cator (where fitted) appears in the vehicle in-
formation display, push the ignition switch
again while rotating the steering wheel slightly
to the right and left. (See “Vehicle information
display” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.)
IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS WARNING
Never place the ignition switch in the “OFF” posi-
tion while driving. The steering wheel may lock
and cause the driver to lose control of the ve-
hicle, resulting in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
CAUTION
• Do not leave the vehicle for extended periods
of time when the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the engine is not running. This
can discharge the battery.
• Use electrical accessories with the engine
running to avoid discharging the vehicle bat-
tery. If you must use accessories while the
engine is not running, do not use them for
extended periods of time and do not use mul-
tiple electrical accessories at the same time.
5-16 Starting and driving

When the ignition switch is pushed without depress-
ing the brake pedal (automatic transmission model)
or the clutch pedal (manual transmission model),
the ignition switch position will change as follows:
• Push once to change to “ACC”.
• Push two times to change to “ON”.
• Push three times to change to “OFF”.
• Push four times to return to “ACC”.
• Open or close any door to return to “LOCK”
from the “OFF” position.
LOCK position
The ignition switch and steering lock can only be
locked at this position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the “ACC” position while carrying the
Remote Control Key. ACC position
The electrical accessory power activates at this po-
sition without the engine turned on.
ON position
The ignition system and the electrical accessory
power activate at this position without the engine
turned on.
OFF position
The engine is turned off with the steering wheel
unlocked.
REMOTE CONTROL KEY BATTERY
DISCHARGE
If the battery of the Remote Control Key is dis-
charged, or environmental conditions interfere with
the Remote Control Key operation, start the engine
according to the following procedure:
1.
Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the shift lever to the P(Park) position. Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the
N(Neutral) position.
2. Firmly depress the brake pedal.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Remote Con- trol Key as illustrated. (A chime will sound.)
4. Push the ignition switch while depressing the brake pedal (AT model) or the clutch pedal (MT
model) within 10 seconds after the chime
sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3isperformed, when the ignition switch
is pushed without depressing the brake pedal (AT
model) or the clutch pedal (MT model), 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 Key Battery low
warning appears on the vehicle information
display even if the Remote Control Key is in-
side the vehicle. This is not
amalfunction. To
turn off the warning, touch the ignition switch
with the Remote Control Key again.
• If the Key Battery low warning appears on the
vehicle information display, replace the bat-
tery as soon as possible. (See “Remote Con-
trol Key battery replacement” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.) JVS0241XZ
SSD0944Z
Starting and driving
5-17

Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1
→
←M2→
←M3→
←M4→
←M5→
←M6→
←M7
M7(
7th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving at
highway speeds.
M6( 6th) andM5(5th):
Use these positions when driving up long slopes, or
for engine braking when driving down long slopes.
M4( 4th),M3(3rd) andM2(2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
M1( 1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or
driving slowly through deep snow, or for maximum
engine braking on steep downhill grades.
• Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time in lower than 7th gear.
This reduces fuel economy.
• Moving the shift lever to the same side twice will
shift the ranges in succession. However, if this
motion is rapidly done, the second shifting may
not be completed properly.
• In the manual shift mode, the transmission
may not shift to the selected gear or may au-
tomatically shift to the other gear. This helps
maintain driving performance and reduces the
chance of vehicle damage or loss of control. •
When the transmission does not shift to the
selected gear, the Automatic Transmission
(AT) position indicator light (in the vehicle in-
formation display) will blink and the buzzer
will sound.
• In the manual shift mode, the transmission
automatically shifts down to 1st gear before
the vehicle comes to
astop. When accelerat-
ing again, it is necessary to shift up to the
desired range.
Accelerator downshift -inD(Drive)
position
For passing or climbing hills, depress the accelera-
tor pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission
down into alower gear, depending on the vehicle
speed.
Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift lever may not
be moved from the P(Park) position even with the
brake pedal depressed. To release the shift lock, perform the following pro-
cedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the “OFF” or “LOCK”
position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cap jAa nd push down
the shift lock release button.
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 j
A.
Place the ignition switch in the “ON” position to
release the steering wheel lock.
The vehicle may be moved, by pushing, to the de-
sired location.
If the shift lever cannot be moved out of the P(Park)
position, have an approved dealer or qualified work-
shop check the AT system as soon as possible.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, the AT will be
locked in any of the forward gears depending on
conditions.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions,
such as excessive wheel spinning and subse-
quent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be
activated. This will occur even if all electrical cir-
cuits are functioning properly. In this case, place
the ignition switch in the “OFF” position and wait
for 3seconds. Then place the ignition switch back
in the “ON” position. The vehicle should return to JVS0444X
Starting
and driving
5-21

The Stop/Start System is designed to prevent un-
necessary fuel consumption, exhaust emissions,
and noise during ajourney:
• When you stop the vehicle with the shift lever in
N(
Neutral) and clutch pedal released, the en-
gine is turned off automatically.
• When you push the clutch pedal, the engine is
automatically turned on.
CAUTION
At the end of the journey the engine must be
stopped and ignition turned off. Lock the vehicle
as normal. Turning the ignition switch OFF will
shut down all electrical systems. Failure to do
this may result in aflat battery.
NOTE
For model with Stop/Start System, use the spe-
cial battery that is enhanced in regard to the
charge-discharge capacity and life performance.
Avoid using anon-special battery for the Stop/
Start System, as this may cause early deteriora-
tion of the battery or amalfunction of the Stop/
Start System. For the battery, it is recommended
to use Genuine RENAULT parts. For more infor-
mation, contact an approved dealer or qualified
workshop.
NOTE
The Stop/Start System will not activate under
the following conditions:
• When the engine is kept idling without any
driving after the engine is turned on. •
When the engine coolant temperature is low.
• When the battery capacity is low.
• When the battery temperature is low.
• When the vehicle is moved.
• When the vacuum in the brake servo
decreases.
• When the engine bonnet is opened with the
engine running.
• 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 Stop/Start System indicator blinks
at
alow speed.
• When the fan speed control is in any position
other than OFF (0) while the air flow control is
in the front defogger position.
• When the front defogger switch is on.
• When the temperature inside the vehicle is
too high or low. (When the Auto air condition-
ing system is off, the Stop/Start System will
operate.)
• When the fan speed of the air conditioner is
set to the maximum speed.
• When the Stop/Start OFF switch is turned on.
• When the power consumption is large. •
When the vehicle is travelling at altitudes
higher than 2000
m(6562 ft) (MT model).
• For Manual Transmission (MT) models
• When the shift lever is in any position except
the
N(Neutral) position.
• When the clutch pedal is depressed.
• When the Remote Control Key is not in the
vehicle.
• When the steering wheel is turning or turned
more than 45 degrees.
NOTE
The engine will not restart even if the clutch pedal
is pressed while the Stop/Start System is acti-
vated under the following condition:
• When the engine bonnet is opened.
• When the driver seat belt is unfastened and
the driver’s door is opened.
• When the shift lever is not in the
N(Neutral)
position.
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 or high.
• When the battery is replaced or the battery
terminal is disconnected for extended peri-
ods and then reconnected.
STOP/START SYSTEM
(where fitted)
Starting and driving5-23

NOTE
When the Stop/Start System indicator illumi-
nates, the engine starts running automatically
under at least one of the following conditions:
• The battery voltage becomes low (due to elec-
trical load from other vehicle systems like
headlights, heaters, etc., or auxiliary devices
connected to the 12 volt socket inside the
vehicle).
• The vehicle speed is above about
2km/h (1
MPH).
• The front defogger is operated.
• When the temperature inside the vehicle is
too high or low. (When the air conditioner is
off, the Stop/Start System will operate.)
• When the front defogger is turned on. (The
engine may not start depending on the out-
side temperature.)
• When the battery capacity is low.
• When the power consumption is high.
• When the clutch pedal is depressed.
CAUTION
Only engage gear when the clutch pedal is fully
depressed. NOTE
The following conditions will prevent the Stop/
Start System from automatically restarting the
engine. Starting the engine with the ignition
switch operation is then necessary:
• The driver’s seat belt is unfastened, and driv-
er’s door is open.
• The bonnet is open.
Use this system while waiting at stoplight, etc. When
the vehicle is stopped for long periods of time, turn
off the engine.
When the engine is stopped by the Stop/Start Sys-
tem, heating, cooling and dehumidifying functions
will be deactivated. To avoid the air conditioning
functions from being deactivated, turn off the Idling
Stop mode by pressing the Stop/Start OFF switch.
STOP/START SYSTEM DISPLAY
Engine stop When the engine is stopped the information is dis-
played for
afew seconds.
Stop/Start System ON or OFF
If the Stop/Start System is activated or deactivated
using the Stop/Start System OFF switch, the mes-
sage is shown.
CO2 or fuel saved and engine stop time JVS0341XZ JVS0638XZ
JVS0430XZ
5-24 Starting and driving

The CO2 or fuel saved and the engine stop time
mode shows the following items:
• The CO2 saved shows the estimated quantity of
CO2 exhaust emissions that were prevented by
the Stop/Start System every time the engine is
automatically stopped.
• The engine stop time shows the time that the
engine has been stopped for by the Stop/Start
System.
For more information, see “Stop/Start System
(where fitted)” earlier in this section.
Auto start deactivation
If the engine stops when the Stop/Start System is
activated, and will not start automatically, the mes-
sage is shown. Key LOCK warning
The information is displayed and
abuzzer sounded
to remind the driver to turn the ignition switch OFF
to avoid aflat battery.
The message can only be cleared by turning or
pushing the ignition switch OFF (or restarting the
engine).
System fault This message is displayed when the Stop/Start Sys-
tem is malfunctioning.
Have the system checked by an approved dealer or
qualified workshop.
STOP/START OFF SWITCH
The system can be temporarily deactivated by press-
ing the Stop/Start OFF switch. Pressing the switch
again or restarting the engine by using the ignition
switch will reactivate the Stop/Start System.
•
When the Stop/Start System is deactivated while
the engine is running, the engine is prevented
from automatically stopping.
• When the Stop/Start System is deactivated after
the engine has been automatically stopped by
the Stop/Start System, the engine will immedi-
ately restart if suitable conditions are present.
The engine will then be prevented from automati-
cally stopping during the same journey. JVS0344XZ JVS0345XZ
JVS0346XZ NSD710
Starting and driving
5-25

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 anoise from
under the bonnet or feel avibration 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 the differential lock (where fitted) is engaged,
the ABS warning light illuminates. This indicates that
the anti-lock function is not fully operating. (See
“Rear differential locking system (where fitted)” ear-
lier in this section for the rear differential lock func-
tion.) WARNING
• Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and decelerate with great care. If
accelerating or decelerating too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
• Allow more stopping distance in cold weather
driving. Braking should be started sooner than
on dry pavement.
• Keep at
agreater distance from the vehicle in
front of you on slippery roads.
• Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain), very cold
snow and ice can be slick and very difficult to
drive on. The vehicle will have
alot less trac-
tion or grip under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
• Watch for slippery spots (glaring ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If
apatch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any sudden
steering manoeuvres.
• Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
• Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas under
your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehicle. BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze
and damage the battery. To maintain maximum effi-
ciency, the battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze,
drain the cooling system, including the engine block.
Refill before operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
TYRE EQUIPMENT
1. If you have snow tyres installed on the front/rear
wheels of your vehicle, they should be of the
same size, loading range, construction and type
(bias, bias-belted or radial) as the rear/front tyres.
2. If the vehicle is to be operated in severe winter conditions, snow tyres should be installed on all
four wheels.
3. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tyres may be used. However, some countries, prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before installing stud-
ded tyres.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tyres, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tyres.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-51