To start the NISSAN PURE DRIVE® Hybrid
System, depress the brake pedal and place
the ignition switch in the ON position when
the transmission is in the P (Park) position.
CAUTION
Do not start the system in the N (Neu-
tral) position under cold condition of
the system. Start in the P (Park) position
in that case.
The READY to drive indicator light
flashes until the hybrid system is ready to
drive.
If starting in a low temperature environ-
ment, the flashing time of the READY to
drive indicator light
becomes longer.
It cannot move out from the P (Park) range
during flashing.
When the READY to drive indicator
light
illuminates, the vehicle can be
driven, even if the gasoline engine is not
running.
NOTE:
The gasoline engine starts and stops au-
tomatically. It may stop during decelera-
tion or when the vehicle is stopped. The gasoline engine may automatically
run in the following conditions:
∙ The level of remaining charge in the Li- ion battery is low. The engine runs to
charge the Li-ion battery and to provide
power to drive the vehicle.
∙ The temperature of the engine coolant is low.
∙ When the A/C is used.
∙ When opening the door.
∙ When the engine hood is opened.
∙ When applying the brakes.
∙ Based on driving conditions.
∙ The shif t lever is moved to the P (Park) position, the driver’s seat belt is re-
leased and the driver’s side door is then
opened.
The hybrid system operates as follows
based on driving conditions and the Li-ion
battery charge.
The engine is hard to stop during these
driving conditions:
∙ When the A/C is on and outside tem- perature is high/low. ∙ When repeatedly starting and stopping
the engine.
STARTING AND SLOW SPEED
DRIVING
In some cases, the vehicle can be driven by
the electric motor during extremely slow
speed creep, but the engine starts when
accelerating or releasing the brakes.
MEDIUM OR HIGH SPEED DRIVING
The system automatically controls the
gasoline engine and electric motor in order
to obtain the optimum fuel mileage and
performance, depending on the driving
situation and available Li-ion battery
charge.
When the remaining battery level is low, the
Li-ion battery is charged by the electric
motor that is driven to generate electric
power while the vehicle is driving.
RAPID ACCELERATION
The vehicle is accelerated using both the
gasoline engine and the electric motor de-
pending on the available Li-ion battery
charge.
OPERATION OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM
HEV OverviewHEV-5
MR20DD engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-4)
2. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir(P. 8-12)
3. Inverter coolant reservoir (P. 8-6)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-7)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-7)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
7. Air cleaner (P. 8-15)
8. Fuse box (P. 8-19)
9. Radiator cap (P. 8-4)
Engine cover removed for clarity.
The 12–volt battery is located in the rear
cargo area of the vehicle.
Refer to the page number indicated in
parentheses for operating details.
LDI3135
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents
Power turned off to save the battery
This message appears af ter the ignition
switch is automatically turned to off to
save the 12–volt battery. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Push-button ignition
switch positions” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
Reminder: Turn OFF headlights
This warning appears when the headlights
are lef t in the ON position when exiting the
vehicle. Place the headlight switch in the
OFF or AUTO position. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Headlight and turn signal
switch” in this section.
Timer Alert – Time for a driver break?
This indicator appears when the set time is
reached. The time can be set up to six
hours. For additional information on set-
ting the timer, refer to “Alarm” in this sec-
tion.
Chassis Control System Error: See Own-
er’s Manual
This warning appears if the Integrated
Dynamics-control Module detects an error
in the Intelligent Trace Control, Intelligent
Engine Brake, or the Active Ride Control
systems. Have the system checked. It isrecommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Chassis control” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Cruise control indicator (if so equipped)
This indicator shows the cruise control sys-
tem status.
For additional information, refer to “Cruise
control” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) indica-
tors (if so equipped)
These indicators show the Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system status. The sta-
tus is shown by color. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC)” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Transmission Shif t Position Indicator
This indicator shows the transmission shif t
position.
CVT Error: See Owner’s Manual
This warning illuminates when there is a
problem with the CVT system. If this warn-
ing comes on, have the system checked. Itis recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
Malfunction: See Owner’s Manual (if so
equipped)
This warning appears when one or more of
the following systems (if so equipped) is
not functioning properly:
∙ Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
∙ Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
∙ Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
∙ Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
If one or more of these warning appears,
have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an NISSAN dealer for
this service.
ECO mode indicator
This indicator shows when the ECO mode
is engaged.
For additional information, refer to “ECO
mode switch” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
High Coolant Temp Stop Vehicle
This warning appears when the tempera-
ture of the engine coolant is too high. Stop
the vehicle in a safe location as soon as
Instruments and controls2-35
System maintenance........................ 5-95
Break-in schedule .............................. 5-97
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................5-97
Increasing fuel economy .......................5-99
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped) ...........5-99
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Lock Switch
Operations ................................. 5-100
Parking/parking on hills .......................5-102
Power steering ................................ 5-103
Brake system .................................. 5-104
Brake precautions .......................... 5-104
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .............5-105
Brake assist ................................ 5-106
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ........5-107 Brake force distribution
.....................5-108
Chassis Control ............................... 5-109
Intelligent Trace Control (I-TC) ...............5-109
Intelligent Engine Brake (I-EB) ...............5-110
Active Ride Control (ARC) ....................5-111
Hill start assist system ......................... 5-112
Cold weather driving .......................... 5-113
Freeing a frozen door lock ..................5-113
Antifreeze .................................. 5-113
12–volt battery .............................. 5-113
Draining of coolant water ...................5-114
Tire equipment ............................. 5-114
Special winter equipment ..................5-114
Driving on snow or ice ......................5-114
∙ Make sure the area around the vehicle isclear.
∙ Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, 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 appear- ance and condition. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
∙ Check that all doors are closed.
∙ Position seat and adjust head re- straints.
∙ Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
∙ Fasten seat belts and ask all passen- gers to do likewise.
∙ Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position. For additional information,
refer to “Warning lights, indicator lights
and audible reminders” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this
manual. 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shif t lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). P (Park) is recommended.
The NISSAN PURE DRIVE Hybrid Sys-
tem is designed not to operate if the
shif t lever is in any of the driving po-
sitions.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the ignition switch to start the hybrid sys-
tem. The READY to drive indicator will
illuminate on the meter.
When starting the hybrid system at
very low outside temperatures, the
READY to drive indicator light will
flash and it may take longer for the
READY to drive indicator light to illu-
minate. When the READY to drive in-
dicator light is flashing, it cannot be
shif ted out of P (Park).
NOTE:
Do not start the vehicle in the N (Neutral)
position (in cold conditions only). ∙ The hybrid system may not start even
with the READY to drive indicator light
illuminated. Once the READY to drive
indicator light is illuminated you may
begin driving the vehicle. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume 12-
volt battery 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 12-volt battery may
need to be charged to maintain 12-volt
battery health.
REMOTE HYBRID START
Vehicles started with the Remote Hybrid
Start require the ignition switch to be
placed in the ON position before the shif t
lever can be moved from the P (Park) posi-
tion. To place the ignition switch in the ON
position, follow these steps: 1. Make sure that the Intelligent Key is on you.
2. Apply the brake.
BEFORE STARTING THE NISSAN
PURE DRIVE® HYBRID SYSTEM STARTING THE NISSAN PURE DRIVE®
HYBRID SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-17
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
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
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........8-3
Engine cooling system ..........................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ................8-5
Changing engine coolant .....................8-5
Inverter cooling system .........................8-6
Checking inverter coolant level ...............8-7
Changing inverter coolant ....................8-7
Engine oil ........................................8-7
Checking engine oil level .....................8-7
Changing engine oil ..........................8-8
Changing engine oil filter ....................8-10
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ............................................. 8-11
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-11
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ............8-12
12-VoltBattery.................................. 8-13
Jump starting ............................... 8-14
Spark plugs .................................... 8-14
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-14Air cleaner
...................................... 8-15
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ........................8-16
Cleaning .................................... 8-16
Replacing ................................... 8-16
Brakes.......................................... 8-18
Fuses ........................................... 8-19
Engine compartment ....................... 8-19
Passenger compartment ....................8-20
Battery replacement ........................... 8-21
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-22
Lights .......................................... 8-23
Headlights ................................... 8-23
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-23
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-24
Wheels and tires ................................ 8-27
Tire pressure ................................ 8-27
Tire labeling ................................. 8-30
T
ypes of tires ................................ 8-33
Tire chains .................................. 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-35