CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten the seat belts and place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. The following lights (if
so equipped) will come on:
,or,,
The following lights (if so equipped) come
on briefly and then go off:
,or,,,,,
If any light does not come on or operates
in a way other than described, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb and/or a
system malfunction. It is recommended
you have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Some indicators and warnings are also
displayed on the vehicle information dis-
play. (See “Vehicle information display”
(P.2-19).)
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking Sys-
tem (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminates and then
turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while
the engine is running, or while driving, it
may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-
lock function is turned off. The brake
system then operates normally, but with-
out anti-lock assistance. (See “Brake sys-
tem” (P.5-27).)
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light comes on for 2
seconds. If the light comes on at any
other time, it may indicate the transmis-
sion is not functioning properly. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
to check and repair the transmission.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake
not applied, stop the vehicle and perform
the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
fluid as necessary. (See “Brake and
clutch fluid” (P.8-9).)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is
recommended you have this service
performed by a NISSAN dealer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and
the brake fluid level is sufficient, if both
the brake warning light and the Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) warning light illu-
minate, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the brake
Instruments and controls2-11
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ....................... 5-2Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ................................. 5-2
Three-way catalyst ................................................................ 5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ............ 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ..................................... 5-6
Off-road recovery ................................................................... 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ....................................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ......................... 5-7
Push-button ignition switch ................................................. 5-8 Operating range for engine start function ........ 5-8
Push-button ignition switch operation ................. 5-9
Push-button ignition switch positions .................. 5-9
Emergency engine shut off .......................................... 5-10
Intelligent Key battery discharge ............................. 5-10
Before starting the engine .................................................... 5-11
Starting the engine ..................................................................... 5-11
Driving the vehicle ...................................................................... 5-12 Automatic transmission .................................................. 5-12
Manual Transmission ......................................................... 5-17
Parking brake ........................................................................\
......... 5-21
Cruise control ........................................................................\
........ 5-22 Precautions on cruise control ................................... 5-22
Cruise control operations ............................................. 5-23
Break-in schedule ...................................................................... 5-24
Fuel efficient driving tips ...................................................... 5-24 Increasing fuel economy ..................................................... 5-25
Parking/parking on hills ....................................................... 5-26
Power steering ........................................................................\
..... 5-27
Brake system ........................................................................\
........ 5-27
Braking precautions ........................................................ 5-27
Parking brake break-in ................................................. 5-28
Brake assist ........................................................................\
............ 5-28 Brake assist ........................................................................\
.... 5-28
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................. 5-28
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ................... 5-30
Performance dampers (NISMO models) .................. 5-32
Cold weather driving .............................................................. 5-33 Freeing a frozen door lock ........................................ 5-33
Antifreeze ........................................................................\
......... 5-33
Battery ........................................................................\
................ 5-33
Draining of coolant water .......................................... 5-33
Tire equipment .................................................................... 5-33
Special winter equipment .......................................... 5-33
Driving on snow or ice .................................................. 5-33
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................ 5-34
Active noise cancellation/Active sound
enhancement (if so equipped) ........................................ 5-35 Active noise cancellation ............................................ 5-35
Active sound enhancement ...................................... 5-35
5-28Starting and driving
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes when-
ever the stopping effect of the parking
brake is weakened or whenever the
parking brake shoes and/or drums/ro-
tors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This will cause over-
heating of the brakes, wearing out the
brake and pads faster and reduce gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes 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 sur-
face, be careful when braking,
accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking or accelerating 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.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking
force than a conventional 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 de-
vice. It is the driver’s responsibility to
stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) is a sophisticated device,
but it cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control dur-
ing braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping dis-
tances on slippery surfaces will
be longer than on normal sur-
BRAKE ASSIST
6-2In case of emergency
SIC2574
Push the switch on to warn other drivers
when you must stop or park under
emergency conditions. All turn signal
lights will flash.
WARNING
.If stopping for an emergency, be
sure to move the vehicle well off
the road.
. Do not use the hazard warning
flashers while moving on the
highway unless unusual circum-
stances force you to drive so
slowly that your vehicle might
become a hazard to other traffic. .
Turn signals do not work when
the hazard warning flasher lights
are on.
The flasher can be actuated with the
ignition switch in any position.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of
the hazard warning flasher switch while
driving. In the event of a roadside emergency,
Roadside Assistance Service is available
to you. Please refer to your Warranty
Information Booklet for details.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCHROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
7-4Appearance and care
.If glass cleaner gets on the soft
top, immediately wash it off with
clean water.
. Do not apply direct water pres-
sure, such as high pressured
water from household hoses, on
the lining of the soft top and
vehicle body, as this may cause
water to leak into the inside of
your vehicle.
After cleaning, always be sure the top and
its storage are completely drybefore
opening the top. Opening the top while
it is wet or damp may cause interior water
damage, water stains or mildew on the
top.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove
built-up wax residue and to avoid a
weathered appearance before reapplying
wax.
A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choos-
ing the proper product.
. Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions sup-
plied with the wax. .
Do not use a wax containing any
abrasives, cutting compounds or clea-
ners that may damage the vehicle
finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polish-
ing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish
may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possi-
ble from the paint surface to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning
products are available at a NISSAN dealer
or any automotive accessory stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter,
the underbody must be cleaned regularly.
This will prevent dirt and salt from build-
ing up and causing the acceleration of
corrosion on the underbody and suspen-
sion. Before the winter period and again
in the spring, the underseal must be
checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is
normal for glass to become coated with a
film after the vehicle is parked in the hot
sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will
easily remove this film.
CAUTION
. When cleaning the inside of the
windows, do not use sharp-
edged tools, abrasive cleaners or
chlorine-based disinfectant clea-
ners. They could damage the
electrical conductors, radio an-
tenna elements or rear window
defroster elements.
. If glass cleaner gets on the soft
top, immediately wash it off with
clean water (Roadster models).
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the
vehicle to maintain their appearance.
.Clean the inner side of the wheels
when the wheel is changed or the
underside of the vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents
or corrosion. Such damage may cause
loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire
bead.
. NISSAN recommends that the road
wheels be waxed to protect against
road salt in areas where it is used
during winter.
Maintenance................................................................. 8-2
Seat belt usage ......................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system................... 1-30
When starting and driving................................. 5-2
Predictive course line settings............................ 4-22
Push starting................................................................\
...... 6-17
Push warning (Automatic
Transmission models)............................................... 2-20
Push-button ignition switch......................... 5-8, 5-9
R
Radio........................................................................\
............... 4-30 Car phone or CB radio ...................................... 4-75
Rapid air pressure loss................................................. 5-6
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test........................................................................\
..... 10-25
Rear hatch........................................................................\
.... 3-18
Rear hatch opener ........................................................ 3-18
Rear hatch opener switch....................................... 3-18
Rear hatch release switch....................................... 3-19
Rear parcel box ............................................................... 2-45
Rear window defroster switch ........................... 2-33
RearView Monitor (models with
navigation system)........................................................ 4-17
Recorders, Event data ............................................ 10-25
Registering your vehicle in
another country ........................................................... 10-12
Remote keyless entry system .............................. 3-14
Repairing flat tire (with emergency tire
puncture repair kit) ......................................................... 6-9
Reporting safety defects ...................................... 10-24
Roadside assistance program ............................... 6-2
Rollover ........................................................................\
............. 5-6
Roof, Soft top.................................................................... 3-23
S
Safety, Child seat belts................................................ 1-16
Satellite radio operation .......................................... 4-53
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment ...................... 1-4
Front power seat adjustment ......................... 1-3
Front seats...................................................................... 1-3
Seat belt(s) Child safety................................................................... 1-16
Infants.................................................................\
.............. 1-16
Injured persons ......................................................... 1-12
Larger children .......................................................... 1-17
Precautions on seat belt usage................... 1-10
Pregnant women..................................................... 1-12
Seat belt cleaning ..................................................... 7-7
Seat belt extenders................................................ 1-15
Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-15
Seat belt warning light and chime........... 2-14
Seat belts ....................................................................... 1-10
Seat belts with pretensioners ...................... 1-43
Three-point type ...................................................... 1-12
Seat(s) Climate controlled seats.................................. 2-40
Heated seats ............................................................. 2-38
Seats ........................................................................\
............ 1-2
Secondary rear hatch release............................ 3-20
Secondary trunk lid release .................................. 3-22
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle
Immobilizer System), Engine start .................. 2-30
Security system, Vehicle
security system ............................................................... 2-29
Servicing air conditioner......................................... 4-30
SETTING button ................................................................ 4-11
Shift lever, Shift lock release.................................. 5-17
Shift lock release, Transmission ......................... 5-17 Shift “P” warning (Automatic
Transmission models)............................................... 2-20
Shifting
Automatic transmission.................................... 5-12
Manual transmission ........................................... 5-17
Soft top Care and cleaning.................................................... 7-3
If the top does not open or close............ 3-30
Opening using the Intelligent Key ........... 3-28
Soft top indicator light.......................... 2-17, 3-26
Soft top operation ................................................ 3-23
Spare tire........................................................................\
.... 10-10
Spark plugs........................................................................\
.. 8-14
Speedometer ....................................................................... 2-6
Standard maintenance ................................................ 9-7
Starting Before starting the engine............................... 5-11
Jump starting ............................................................ 6-15
Precautions when starting
and driving..................................................................... 5-2
Push starting.............................................................. 6-17
Starting the engine................................................ 5-11
STATUS button .................................................................. 4-8
Status light, Front passenger air bag ............ 1-38
Steering Power steering ........................................................ 5-27
Power steering fluid ............................................... 8-8
Steering-wheel-mounted controls
for audio ....................................................................... 4-73
Storage ........................................................................\
.......... 2-43
Sun visors ........................................................................\
.... 3-38
Supplemental air bag warning labels ............ 1-44
Supplemental air bag warning light .... 1-44, 2-14
Supplemental restraint system.......................... 1-30 Precautions on supplemental
restraint system ...................................................... 1-30
11-5