Warninglight Name Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light 2-15
or
Brake warning
light
2-15
Charge warning
light2-16
Door open warn-
ing light2-16
Engine oil pres-
sure warning light2-16
High temperature
warning light (red)
(if so equipped)2-16
Warning
light Name Page
Low fuel warning
light 2-17
Low tire pressure
warning light (if so
equipped)2-17
Low windshield-
washer fluid
warning light (if so
equipped)2-19
NISSAN Intelligent
Key® warning light
(if so equipped)
2-19
P position select-
ing warning lights
(if so equipped)2-19
Power steering
warning light
2-19
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-20
Warning
light Name Page
Supplemental air
bag warning light 2-20
Indicator
light Name Page
Continuously
Variable Trans-
mission (CVT) po-
sition indicator
light (if so
equipped) 2-21
Cruise main
switch indicator
light (if so
equipped)
2-21
Cruise set switch
indicator light (if
so equipped)
2-21
Engine start op-
eration indicator
light (if so
equipped)2-21
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9
orAnti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning lightP position selecting warning light
(if so equipped)High beam indicator light (blue)
orBrake warning lightPower steering warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Charge warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeOverdrive OFF indicator light (if so
equipped)
Door open warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightSecurity indicator light (if so equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning lightContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
position indicator light (if so equipped)Side light and headlight indicator light
(green) (if so equipped)
High temperature warning light (red)
(if so equipped)Cruise main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Slip indicator light
Low fuel warning lightCruise set switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low tire pressure warning light
(if so equipped)Engine start operation indicator light
(if so equipped)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
indicator light
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light (if so equipped)Front fog light indicator light
(if so equipped)
NISSAN Intelligent Key® warning light
(if so equipped)Front passenger air bag status light
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-14Instruments and controls
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) will
come on briefly and then go off:
or,(red),,,
,,,,
If any light does not 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
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
WARNING LIGHTS
This vehicle has various warning lights that
may illuminate to indicate a potential prob-
lem. For additional information, refer to the
specific light in this section.
orAnti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the ABS warning light illuminates
and then turns off. This indicates the ABS is
operational.
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 that 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 without anti-
lock assistance. For additional information,
refer to “Brake system” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
orBrake warninglight
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems. Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the park-
ing brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed 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 ap-
plied, stop the vehicle and perform the fol-
lowing:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Brake fluid” in the “Do-
it-yourself ” section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
Instruments and controls2-15
WARNING
∙ Your brake system may not be work-ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be
dangerous.
∙ Pressing the brake pedal with the en- gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
∙ If the brake fluid level is below the MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
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 ABS warning
light illuminates, it may indicate the ABS is
not functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked and, if necessary, repaired. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. Avoid high-speed
driving and abrupt braking. For additional
information, refer to “Anti-lock Braking Sys-
tem (ABS) warning light” in this section.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging sys-
tem is not functioning properly. Turn the
engine off and check the drive belt. If the
belt is loose, broken, missing, or if the light
remains on, have your vehicle serviced im-
mediately. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the drive belt
is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
Engine oil pressure
warning light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engine immediately
and call a NISSAN
dealer or other authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.Use
the dipstick to check the oil level. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Engine oil” in the
“Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as
it is safe to do so.
High temperature warning
light (red) (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the high temperature warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This in-
dicates that the high temperature sensor in
the engine coolant system is operational.
2-16Instruments and controls
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving..........5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..............5-2
Three-way catalyst ...........................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) (if so equipped) ........................5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ................5-6
Off-roadrecovery ............................5-7
Rapid air pressure loss .......................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...........5-8
Ignition switch (if so equipped) ...................5-8
Continuously Variable Transmission
(if so equipped) ...............................5-9
Manual transmission (if so equipped) .........5-9
Ignition switch positions .....................5-10
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped) .............................. 5-10
Push-button ignition switch (if so equipped) ....5-10
Operating range .............................. 5-11
Push-button ignition switch positions .......5-12
Emergency engine shut off ..................5-13
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery
discharge ................................... 5-13
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System .........5-14
Before starting the engine ......................5-14Starting the engine
............................. 5-14
Driving the vehicle .............................. 5-15
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) (if so equipped) ........................ 5-15
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ........5-20
Parking brake .................................. 5-21
Cruise control (if so equipped) ..................5-22
Precautions on cruise control ................5-23
Cruise control operations ....................5-23
Break-in schedule .............................. 5-24
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................5-25
Increasing fuel economy .......................5-26
Parking/parking on hills ........................5-27
Power steering ................................. 5-28
Brake system ................................... 5-29
Brake precautions ........................... 5-29
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..............5-29
Brake assist ................................. 5-30
V
ehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .........5-31
Brake force distribution ......................5-33
Cold weather driving ........................... 5-34
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................5-34
Antifreeze ................................... 5-34
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.
WARNING
∙ While driving on a slippery surface, becareful when braking, accelerating or
downshif ting. Abrupt braking or ac-
celerating 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 as-
sist for the brakes will not work. Brak-
ing will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be lon-
ger and the vehicle may pull to one side
during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the brake shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order
to assure the best brake performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
∙ The ABS is a sophisticated device, but
it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain
a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible for safety.
∙ Tire type and condition may also af- fect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-29
– When installing a spare tire, makesure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “Tire
and Loading Information label” in
the “Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels
do not lock during hard braking or when
braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to
prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,
hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low
speed in forward or reverse. When the self-
test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and does not indicate a mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds abov e3-6mph(5-
10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise
from under the hood or feel a vibration
from the actuator when it is operating. This
is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
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.
5-30Starting and driving
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates
to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non-slipping drive
wheel. The
indicator flashes if this oc-
curs. All other VDC functions are off and
the
indicator will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to
ON when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
∙ The VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and
be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully. ∙ Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may
illuminate.
∙ If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and both
the
andindicator lights
may illuminate.
∙ If engine control related parts are not NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate. ∙ When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
indicator may
flash or the
indicator light may
illuminate. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
∙ When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illumi-
nate. This is not a malfunction. Re-
start the engine af ter driving onto a
stable surface.
∙ If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN recommended ones are used,
the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
indicator may
flash or the
indicator light may
illuminate.
∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
5-32Starting and driving