∙ Keep your engine tuned up.
∙ Follow the recommended scheduledmaintenance.
∙ Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
∙ Keep all the wheels in correct align- ment. Improper alignment increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
∙ Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. For additional information, refer to
“Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual. If any malfunction occurs in the AWD sys-
tem while the engine is running, the master
warning light will come on.
The master warning light may illuminate
while trying to free a stuck vehicle due to
high powertrain oil temperature. The driv-
ing mode may change to 2WD. AUTO mode
may change to LOCK mode before the
warning light illuminates. If the master
warning light illuminates during operation,
stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a
safe place immediately. Then, if the light
turns off af ter a while, you can continue
driving.
A large difference between the diameters
of the front and rear wheels will make the
warning light illuminate. Pull off the road in
a safe area and idle the engine. Check that
all tire sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct, and the tires are not worn.
CAUTION
∙ If the warning light remains on af ter
the above operation, have your ve-
hicle checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. ∙ If the warning light comes on while
driving, there may be a malfunction in
the AWD system. Reduce the vehicle
speed and have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
∙ The powertrain may be damaged if you continue driving with the warning
light illuminated.
∙ Never drive on dry, hard surface roads in the LOCK mode, as this will overload
the powertrain and may cause a seri-
ous malfunction.
WARNING
∙ For AWD equipped vehicles, do not at-tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shif t the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-99
the hybrid system and push the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The tempera-
ture of the power steering system will go
down af ter a period of time and the power
assist level will return to normal af ter start-
ing the hybrid system. The power steering
warning light will go off. Avoid repeating
such steering wheel operations that could
cause the power steering system to over-
heat.
You may hear a noise from the front of the
vehicle when the steering wheel is oper-
ated. This is a normal operational noise
and is not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning lightPSillu-
minates while the hybrid system is running,
it may indicate the power steering system
is not functioning properly and may need
servicing. Have the power steering system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the hybrid system running,
there will be no power assist for the steer-
ing but you will still have control of the ve-
hicle. At this time, greater steering effort is
required to operate the steering wheel, es-
pecially in sharp turns and at low speeds. For additional information, refer to “Power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and stopping distance will
be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshif t 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.
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-104Starting and driving
When the I-TC is operated and the “Chassis
Control” mode is selected in the vehicle in-
formation display, the I-TC graphics are
shown in the vehicle information display.
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle
information display” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
If the “Chassis Control System Error: See
Owner’s Manual” warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the I-TC is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.WARNING
The I-TC may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively.
When the I-TC is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise. This is normal and indicates that the
I-TC is operating properly.
Even if the I-TC is turned off, some functions
will remain on to assist the driver (for ex-
ample, avoidance scenes).
INTELLIGENT ENGINE BRAKE (I-EB)
The I-EB function adds subtle deceleration
by controlling Continuously Variable Trans-
mission (CVT) gear ratio, depending on the
cornering condition calculated from driv-
er’s steering input and plural sensors. This
benefit is for easier traceability and less
workload of adjusting speed with braking
at corners.
The I-EB also enhances braking feel by
adding subtle deceleration with CVT gear
ratio control according to driver’s brake
pedal operation
The I-EB can be set to on (enabled) or off
(disabled) through the vehicle information
display “Settings” page. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Vehicle information dis-
play” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.
LSD2185
5-110Starting and driving
When the I-EB is operated at corners and
the “Chassis Control” mode is selected in
the vehicle information display, the I-EB
graphics are shown in the vehicle informa-
tion display. For additional information, re-
fer to “Vehicle information display” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of this
manual.
If the “Chassis Control System Error: See
Owner’s Manual” warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the I-EB is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.WARNING
The I-EB may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively.
When the I-EB is operating, the needle of
the tachometer will rise up and you may
hear an engine noise. This is normal and
indicates that the I-EB is operating prop-
erly.
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (ARC)
This system senses upper body motion
(based on wheel speed information) and
controls engine torque and four wheel
brake pressure. This will enhance ride com-
fort in effort to restrain uncomfortable up-
per body movement when passing over
undulated road surfaces. This system
comes into effect above 25 mph (40 km/h).
When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC sys-
tem, the ARC is also turned off.
LSD2185
Starting and driving5-111
∙ The hill start assist system is not de-signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still on a hill. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to roll backwards and may
result in a collision or serious personal
injury.
∙ The hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on
a hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the
brake pedal to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards. Failure to do
so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill
start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied. This helps prevent the
vehicle from rolling backward in the time it
takes the driver to release the brake pedal
and apply the accelerator.
Hill start assist will operate automatically
under the following conditions: ∙ The shif t lever is moved to a forward or reverse gear.
∙ The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake. The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
Af ter 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and hill start assist will stop operating
completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the
shif t lever is moved to N (Neutral) or P (Park)
or on a flat and level road.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before in-
serting it into the key hole, or use the
NISSAN Intelligent Key®.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper win-
ter protection. For additional information,
refer to “Engine cooling system” in the “Do-
it-yourself ” section of this manual.
12–VOLT BATTERY
If the 12–volt 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 12–volt battery should be
checked regularly. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “12–volt battery” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-113
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be lef t outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before oper-
ating the vehicle. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Changing engine coolant” in
the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance
of these tires will be substantially re-
duced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, NISSAN recommends the use
of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES
on all four wheels. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for the tire
type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian prov-
inces prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before install-
ing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used. For additionalinformation, refer to “Tire chains” in the
“Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
∙ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re- move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
∙ A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack to give it firm support.
∙ A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow- drif ts.
∙ Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
∙Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very
cold snow or ice can be slick and very
hard to drive on. The vehicle will have
much less traction or “grip” under these
conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet
ice until the road is salted or sanded.
∙ Whatever the condition, drive with caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shif ting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
∙ Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
∙ Allow greater following distances on slippery roads.
∙ Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
∙ Do not use the cruise control on slip- pery roads.
∙ Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
5-114Starting and driving
4. Push and hold the ignition switch forabout 90 seconds. Even if the hybrid
system starts using this procedure, the
system may be malfunctioning. Do not
continue to use this emergency proce-
dure to start the system. Have the ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice.
If the hybrid system still does not start, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. Jump starting provides power to the
12–volt system to allow the electrical sys-
tems to operate. The electrical systems
must be operating to allow the Li-ion bat-
tery to be charged. Jump starting does not
charge the Li-ion battery.
To start the hybrid system with a booster
battery, the instructions and precautions
below must be followed.
WARNING
∙ The engine may start at any time
without warning when the ignition is
on and the hybrid system is in the
READY mode. When jump starting
keep your hands, clothing, hair and
tools away from fans, belts and any
other parts that can move to avoid
personal injury.
∙ If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to a 12–volt battery explosion, re-
sulting in severe injury or death. It
could also damage your vehicle.
∙ Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away from
the battery. Make sure that the vent
tube is mounted. ∙ Do not allow battery fluid to come into
contact with eyes, skin, clothing or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulfuric acid solution which
can cause severe burns. If the fluid
should come into contact with any-
thing, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
∙ Keep 12–volt battery out of the reach of children.
∙ The booster battery must be rated at 12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
∙ Whenever working on or near a bat- tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jew-
elry. Do not lean over the battery
when jump starting.
∙ Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
∙ Your vehicle has an automatic engine cooling fan. It could come on at any
time. Keep hands and other objects
away from it.
JUMP STARTING
6-12In case of emergency
WARNING
∙ Do not continue to drive if your vehicleoverheats. Doing so could cause en-
gine damage or a vehicle fire.
∙ To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is still
hot. When the radiator or coolant res-
ervoir cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
∙ Do not open the hood if steam is com- ing out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
the “Hybrid System Overheated Stop Ve-
hicle” vehicle information display warning),
or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc. take the following
steps. 1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, ap- ply the parking brake and move the
shif t lever to P (Park).
Do not turn off the NISSAN PURE
DRIVE® Hybrid System. 2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maxi-
mum hot and fan control to high
speed.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the
radiator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off
the hybrid system.) Do not open the
hood further until no steam or coolant
can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should
not leak water. If the coolant is leaking
or the cooling fan does not run, stop
the hybrid system. 6. Visually check drive belts for damage
or looseness. Also check if the cooling
fan is running. The radiator hoses and
radiator should not leak water. If cool-
ant is leaking, the water pump belt is
missing or loose, or the cooling fan
does not run, stop the hybrid system.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine cool-
ing fan can start at any time.
7. Af ter the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the engine coolant res-
ervoir tank with the engine running. Add
coolant to the engine coolant reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-15