wait for 10 seconds. Then place the igni-
tion switch back in the ON position. The
vehicle should return to its normal oper-
ating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have the
transmission checked and repaired, if
necessary. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode or fail-safe operation oc-
curs, vehicle speed may be gradually re-
duced. The reduced speed may be lower
than other traffic, which could increase
the chance of a collision. Be especially
careful when driving. If necessary, pull
to the side of the road at a safe place
and allow the transmission to return to
normal operation, or have it repaired if
necessary.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
WARNING
∙ Do not downshif t abruptly on slipperyroads. This may cause a loss of
control.
∙ Do not over-rev the engine when shif ting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
∙ Do not rest your foot on the clutchpedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
∙ Fully depress the clutch pedal before shif ting to help prevent transmission
damage.
∙ Stop your vehicle completely before shif ting into R (Reverse).
∙ When the vehicle is stopped with the engine running (for example, at a stop
light), shif t to N (Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.Shif ting
To change gears, or when upshif ting or
downshif ting, depress the clutch pedal
fully, shif t into the appropriate gear, then
release the clutch slowly and smoothly.
To ensure smooth gear changes, fully de-
press the clutch pedal before operating the
shif t lever. If the clutch pedal is not fully
depressed before the transmission is
shif ted, a gear noise may be heard. Trans-
mission damage could occur.
Start the vehicle in the 1 (1st) position and shif t
to the 2 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 4 (4th) and 5 (5th) gear in
sequence according to the vehicle speed.
LSD0128
5-20Starting and driving
You cannot shif t directly from 5th gear into
R (Reverse). First shif t into N (Neutral), then
into R (Reverse).
If it is difficult to move the shif t lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (1st), shif t into N (Neutral), then
release the clutch pedal. Depress the
clutch pedal again and shif t into R (Re-
verse) or 1 (1st).
Suggested up-shif t speeds
The following are suggested vehicle
speeds for shif ting into a higher gear.
These suggestions relate to fuel economy
and vehicle performance. Actual upshif t
speeds will vary according to road condi-
tions, the weather and individual driving
habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude ar-
eas (less than 4,000 f t [1219 m]):
GEAR CHANGEmph (km/h)
1st to 2nd 9 (14)
2nd to 3rd 12 (19)
3rd to 4th 21 (34)
4th to 5th 28 (45)
5th —
For quick acceleration in low altitude areas
and high altitude areas (over 4,000 f t [1219 m]):
Gear changemph (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
5th —
Suggested maximum speed in
each gear
Downshif t to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear suggested
for that speed. Always observe posted
speed limits, and drive according to the road
conditions, which will ensure safe operation.
Do not over-rev the engine when shif ting to
a lower gear as it may cause engine damage
or loss of vehicle control.
GEARmph (km/h)
1st 29 (47)
2nd 53 (85)
3rd 78 (125)
4th —
5th —
WARNING
∙ Be sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
∙ Do not release the parking brake from outside the vehicle.
∙ Do not use the shif t lever in place of the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully
engaged.
∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly be-
come high enough to cause a signifi-
cant risk of injury or death to people
and pets.
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-21
1. CANCEL switch
2. ACCEL/RES switch
3. COAST/SET switch
4. ON/OFF switch
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
∙ If the cruise control system malfunc-tions, it cancels automatically.
∙ To properly set the cruise control sys- tem, use the following procedures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
∙ When it is not possible to keep thevehicle at a set speed.
∙ In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in speed.
∙ On winding or hilly roads.
∙ On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
∙ In very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shif t into N (Neutral) without depress-
ing the clutch pedal when the cruise
control is set. Should this occur, depress
the clutch pedal and turn the ON/OFF
switch off immediately. Failure to do so
may cause engine damage.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 - 89 mph (40 - 144 km/h) with-
out keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control, push the
ON/OFF switch. The CRUISE indicator light
in the instrument panel comes on.
To set cruising speed, accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET
indicator light in the instrument panel
comes on. Take your foot off the accelera-
tor pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set
speed.
∙ To pass another vehicle, depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.
∙ The vehicle may not maintain the set speed when going up or down steep
hills. If this happens, drive without the
cruise control.
Type B (if so equipped)
WSD0231
Starting and driving5-23
To cancel the preset speed,use one of the
following three methods:
∙ Push the CANCEL switch; the CRUISE indicator light in the instrument panel
goes out.
∙ Tap the brake pedal; the CRUISE indica- tor light goes out.
∙ Push the ON/OFF switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instrument panel
goes out.
The cruise control is automatically can-
celed and the CRUISE light in the instru-
ment panel goes out if: ∙ You depress the brake or clutch pedal while pushing the ACCEL/RES or
SET/COAST switch. The preset speed is
deleted from memory.
∙ The vehicle slows down more than 8 mph (13 km/h) below the set speed.
∙ You depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission), or move the shif t lever to
N (Neutral) (Continuously Variable
Transmission). To reset at a faster cruising speed,
use
one of the following three methods:
∙
Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the COAST/SET switch.
∙ Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch. When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
∙
Push and release the ACCEL/RES switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed in-
creases by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed, use
one of the following three methods:
∙ Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.
∙ Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Release the switch when the vehicle
slows to the desired speed.
∙ Push and release the COAST/SET switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed decreases by about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and
release the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle
returns to the last set cruising speed when
the vehicle speed is over 25 mph (40 km/h).
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance
and ensure the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may re-
sult in shortened engine life and re-
duced engine performance.
∙ Avoid driving for long periods at con- stant speed, either fast or slow, and do
not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
∙ Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
∙ Avoid quick starts.
∙ Avoid hard braking as much as pos- sible.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
5-24Starting and driving
Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake
Pedal Application
∙ Avoid rapid starts and stops.
∙ Use smooth, gentle accelerator and brake application whenever possible.
∙ Maintain constant speed while com- muting and coast whenever pos-
sible.
2. Maintain Constant Speed
∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights allows you to reduce your num-
ber of stops.
∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini- mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency. 3.
Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher
Vehicle Speeds
∙ Below 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
∙ Above 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag.
∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
∙ Observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag.
∙ Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces un-
necessary braking.
∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.
∙ Select a gear range suitable to road conditions. 5.
Use Cruise Control
∙ Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady
speed.
∙ Cruise control is particularly effective in providing fuel savings when driving
on flat terrains.
6. Plan for the Shortest Route
∙ Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save
time.
7. Avoid Idling
∙ Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll
Roads
∙ Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
Starting and driving5-25
9.Winter Warm Up
∙ Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
∙ Vehicles typically need no more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil be-
fore driving.
∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper- ating temperature more quickly
while driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool
∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible.
∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C sys-
tem. ∙ Keep your engine tuned up.
∙ Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
∙ Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
∙ Keep the wheels in correct alignment. 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.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
5-26Starting and driving
WARNING
∙ Do not stop or park the vehicle overflammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire. ∙ Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models or in an appropriate
gear for manual transmission (M/T)
models. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or
roll away and result in an accident.
Make sure the shif t lever has been
pushed as far forward as it can go and
cannot be moved without depressing
the foot brake pedal. ∙ Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly be-
come high enough to cause a signifi-
cant risk of injury or death to people
and pets.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. M/T models
Place the shif t lever in the R (Reverse)
position. When parking on an uphill
grade, place the shif t lever in 1st gear.
CVT models
Move the shif t lever into the P (Park)
position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it
is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
SSD0488
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-27
∙ HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB1:
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb
side wheel gently touches the curb.
∙ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB
2:
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO CURB
3:
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position and remove the key.
WARNING
∙ If the engine is not running or isturned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the steering will not work.
Steering will be harder to operate.
∙ When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine run-
ning, there will be no power assist for
the steering. You will still have control
of the vehicle, but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assist while driving to oper-
ate the steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power as-
sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.
This is to prevent overheating of the power
steering system and protect it from getting
damaged. While the power assist is re-
duced, steering wheel operation will be-
come heavy. When the temperature of the
power steering system goes down, the
power assist level will return to normal.
Avoid repeating such steering wheel op- erations that could cause the power steer-
ing system to overheat.
You may hear a sound when the steering
wheel is operated quickly. However, this is
not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servic-
ing. 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 engine running, there will
be no power assist for the steering, but you
will still have control of the vehicle. At this
time, greater steering effort is required to
operate the steering wheel, especially 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.
POWER STEERING
5-28Starting and driving