Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightPower steering warning light
(if so equipped)High beam indicator light (blue)
Brake warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Charge warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive OFF indicator light
(A/T models only)
Door open warning lightAutomatic Transmission position
indicator light (A/T models only)Security indicator light
Engine oil pressure warning lightCRUISE indicator light (if so equipped)Slip indicator light
High temperature warning light (red)Front fog light indicator light
(if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low windshield-washer fluid warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light
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:
,,,,,
The following lights (if so equipped) come
on briefly and then go off:
,,,,,
If any light fails to come on or operate in a
way other than described, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb and/or a system mal-
function. Have the system checked. It is
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-8Instruments and controls
(SRS)” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of
this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and/or pretensioner systems will not
operate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
This vehicle has various indicator lights
that may illuminate to indicate a system
status. For additional information, refer to
the specific light in this section.
Automatic Transmissionposition indicator light (A/T
models only)
When the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion, this indicator light shows the shif t le-
ver position. For additional information, re-
fer to “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
CRUISE indicator light (if soequipped)
The light comes on when the CRUISE
ON/OFF switch is pushed. The light goes
out when the CRUISE ON/OFF switch is
pushed again. When the CRUISE indicator
light comes on, the cruise control system is
operational.
For additional information, refer to “Cruise
control” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Front fog light indicatorlight (if so equipped)
The front fog light indicator light illumi-
nates when the front fog lights are on. For
additional information, refer to “Front fog
lights” in this section.
Front passenger air bagstatus light
The front passenger air bag status
light
will be lit and the passenger front
air bag will be off depending on how the
front passenger seat is being used.
For additional information, refer to “Front
passenger air bag and status light” in the
“Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemen-
tal restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the head-
light high beams are on and goes out when
the low beams are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes
on when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The
may also come on steady if the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing or if the
vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly and that the vehicle has at least 3 gal
(11.4 L) of fuel in the fuel tank.
Af ter a few driving trips, the
light
should turn off if no other potential emis-
sion control system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for
20 seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds
when the engine is not running, it indicates
that the vehicle is not ready for an emission
control system inspection/maintenance
2-12Instruments and controls
test. For additional information, refer to
“Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:∙ MIL on steady — An emission control system malfunction has been de-
tected. Check the fuel-filler cap if the
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning appears in
the trip computer. If the fuel-filler cap is
loose or missing, tighten or install the
cap and continue to drive the vehicle.
The
light should turn off af ter a
few driving trips. If the
light does
not turn off af ter a few driving trips, have
the vehicle inspected. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
∙ MIL blinking — An engine misfire has been detected which may damage the
emission control system. To reduce or
avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h). – avoid hard acceleration or decelera-
tion.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The MIL may stop blinking and come on
steady. Have the vehicle inspected. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Overdrive OFF indicator light (A/T models only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
function is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive
function is controlled by the overdrive
switch. For additional information, refer to “Driving
the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indi-
cates that the security systems equipped
on the vehicle are operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security
systems” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system is operat-
ing, thus alerting that the vehicle is nearing
its traction limits. The road surface may be
slippery.
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
Instruments and controls2-13
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS (if so
equipped)
∙ All doors lock automatically when thevehicle speed reaches 24 km/h
(15 mph).
∙ All doors unlock automatically when the transmission is placed in the P (Park)
position (if so equipped), when the igni-
tion is turned to the OFF position, or
when the key is removed from the igni-
tion.
CHILD SAFETY REAR DOOR LOCK
Child safety locks help prevent the rear
doors from being opened accidentally, es-
pecially when small children are in the ve-
hicle.
The child safety lock levers are located on
the edge of the rear doors.
When the lever is in the unlock position
2,
the door can be opened from the outside
or the inside.
When the lever is in the LOCK position
1,
the door can be opened only from the
outside.
WARNING
∙ Radio waves could adversely affect electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment
manufacturer for the possible influ-
ences before use.
∙ The remote keyless entry key fob transmits radio waves when the but-
tons are pressed. The radio waves
may affect aircraf t navigation and
communication systems. Do not op-
erate the remote keyless entry key
fob while on an airplane. Make sure
the buttons are not operated uninten-
tionally when the unit is stored for a
flight.
It is possible to lock/unlock all doors, turn
the interior light on, and activate the panic
alarm by using the key fob from outside the
vehicle.
Be sure to remove the key from the ve-
hicle before locking the doors.
The key fob can operate at a distance of
approximately 10 m (33 f t) from the vehicle.
The effective distance depends upon the
conditions around the vehicle.
SPA2037
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
3-6Pre-driving checks and adjustments
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving..........5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..............5-2
Three-way catalyst ...........................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover ................5-3
Off-roadrecovery ............................5-3
Rapid air pressure loss .......................5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...........5-5
Ignition switch ...................................5-5
Automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ...............................5-5
Manual transmission (if so equipped) .........5-6
Ignition switch positions ......................5-7
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ..........5-7
Before starting the engine .......................5-7
Starting the engine ..............................5-8
Driving the vehicle ...............................5-9
Automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ...............................5-9
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ........5-13
Parking brake .................................. 5-15
Cruise control (if so equipped) ..................5-16
Precautions on cruise control ................5-16Cruise control operations
....................5-16
Break-in schedule .............................. 5-17
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................5-18
Increasing fuel economy .......................5-19
Parking/parking on hills ........................5-20
Power steering ................................. 5-21
Brake system ................................... 5-22
Brake precautions ........................... 5-22
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..............5-22
Brake assist ................................. 5-24
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .........5-24
Brake force distribution ......................5-25
Cold weather driving ........................... 5-26
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................5-26
Antifreeze ................................... 5-26
Battery...................................... 5-26
Draining of coolant water ....................5-27
Tire equipment .............................. 5-27
Special winter equipment ...................5-27
Driving on snow or ice .......................5-27
Engine block
heater ......................... 5-28
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving
af ter drinking alcohol increases the
likelihood of being involved in an acci-
dent injuring yourself and others. Addi-
tionally, if you are injured in an accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under the
influence of alcohol. Every year thousands of
people are injured or killed in alcohol-related
collisions. Although the local laws vary on
what is considered to be legally intoxicated,
the fact is that alcohol affects all people dif-
ferently and most people underestimate the
effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!
That is true for drugs (over-the-counter,
prescription) and illegal drugs, too. Don’t
drive if your ability to operate your vehicle is
impaired by alcohol, drugs, or some other
physical condition.
WARNING
∙ Never remove the ignition key or placethe ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion while driving. The steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(if so equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so the key
cannot be turned to the LOCK position and
removed until the shif t lever is placed in the
P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition
switch, make sure the shif t lever is in the P
(Park) position.
If the shif t lever is not returned to the P
(Park) position, the ignition switch cannot
be moved to the LOCK position.
SSD0392
IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving5-5
To remove the key from the ignition switch:1. Move the shif t lever to the P (Park) posi- tion with the ignition switch in the ON
position.
2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
If the shif t lever is shif ted to the P (Park)
position af ter the ignition switch is turned
to the OFF position or when the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK posi-
tion, proceed as follows to remove the key: 1. Move the shif t lever into the P (Park) position.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward the ON position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
The shif t 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 shif t lever can be moved if the igni-
tion 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 posi-
tion is indicated by a “1” on the key cylin-
der.
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 clock-
wise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, place the ig-
nition switch in the LOCK position. Re-
move the key. To unlock the steering
WSD0052
5-6Starting and driving
1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shif t lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). P (Park) is recommended.
The shif t lever cannot be moved out
of the P (Park) position and into any
of the other gear positions if the ig-
nition switch is placed in the OFF po-
sition or if the key is removed from
the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to oper-
ate if the shif t lever is in any of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shif t lever to N (Neutral). De-
press the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off
the accelerator pedal by placing the
ignition switch in the START position.
Release the key when the engine
starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.
∙ If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when re-
starting, depress the accelerator
pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it and then crank the
engine. Release the key and the ac-
celerator pedal when the engine
starts.
∙ If the engine is very hard to start be- cause it is flooded, depress the accel-
erator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it. Crank the engine for
5-6 seconds. Af ter cranking the en-
gine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off
the accelerator pedal by placing the
ignition in the START position. Re-
lease the key when the engine starts.
If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start, turn the key off and wait
10 seconds before cranking again, oth-
erwise the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds af ter starting. Do not race
the engine while warming it up. Drive at
moderate speed for a short distance
first, especially in cold weather. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not
running (phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.).
2. The vehicle is not driven regularly
and/or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
STARTING THE ENGINE
5-8Starting and driving