0-14Illustrated table of contents
Warninglight Name
Page
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light 2-11
Automatic Transmission
(AT) check warning light (if
so equipped)2-11
Brake warning light
2-11
Charge warning light2-12
Engine oil pressure warning
light2-12
Intelligent Key system
warning light
2-12
Low tire pressure warning
light2-13
Master warning light
2-14
Seat belt warning light2-14
Supplemental air bag
warning light2-14
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light 2-15Indica-
tor light Name
Page
Cruise indicator light 2-15
Exterior light indicator2-15
Front passenger air bag
status light2-16
High beam indicator light
2-16
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)2-16
Rear fog light indicator light
(if so equipped) 2-17
Security indicator light
2-17
Soft top indicator light
(Roadster models)2-17
SynchroRev Match mode
(S-MODE) indicator (if so
equipped)2-17
Transmission position indi-
cator light (if so equipped)
2-18
Turn signal/hazard indica-
tor lights
2-18
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light2-18
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
SSS0508
FRONT-SEAT ACTIVE HEAD RE-
STRAINTS (if so equipped)
The Active Head Restraint moves forward
utilizing the force that the seatback
receives from the occupant in a rear-end
collision. The movement of the head
restraint helps support the occupant’s
head by reducing its backward move-
ment and helping absorb some of the
forces that may lead to whiplash-type
injuries.
Active Head Restraints are effective for
collisions at low to medium speeds in
which it is said that whiplash injury occurs
most.
Active Head Restraints operate only incertain rear-end collisions. After the colli-
sion, the head restraints return to their
original positions.
The front head restraints have multiple
adjustment notches.
Properly adjust the Active Head Restraints
as described in this section.
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-9
2-10Instruments and controls
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warn-
ing lightMaster warning lightRear fog light indicator light (if so
equipped)
Seat belt warning light and chimeSecurity indicator light
Automatic Transmission check warn-
ing light (if so equipped)Supplemental air bag warning lightSoft top indicator light (Roadster
models)
Brake warning light
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing lightSynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE)
indicator (if so equipped)
Cruise indicator lightTransmission position indicator (if so
equipped)
Charge warning lightExterior light indicatorTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light
Intelligent Key system warning lightHigh beam indicator light
Low tire pressure warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
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) come
on briefly and then go off:
,or,,,,,
If any light does not come on or operates
in a way other than described, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb and/or a
system malfunction. It is recommended
you have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Some indicators and warnings are also
displayed on the vehicle information dis-
play. (See “Vehicle information display”
(P.2-19).)
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking Sys-
tem (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminates and then
turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
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 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 with-
out anti-lock assistance. (See “Brake sys-
tem” (P.5-27).)
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light comes on for 2
seconds. If the light comes on at any
other time, it may indicate the transmis-
sion is not functioning properly. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
to check and repair the transmission.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is 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 applied, stop the vehicle and perform
the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
fluid as necessary. (See “Brake and
clutch fluid” (P.8-9).)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is
recommended you have this service
performed by a NISSAN dealer.
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 Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) warning light illu-
minate, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the brake
Instruments and controls2-11
2-12Instruments and controls
system checked, and if necessary re-
paired. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. (See “Anti-
lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
(P.2-11).)
WARNING
.Your brake system may not be
working properly if the warning
light is on. Driving could be dan-
gerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Other-
wise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dan-
gerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your
stopping distance 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 you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging
system is not functioning properly. Turn
the engine off and check the alternator
belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing or
if the light remains on, have your vehicle
serviced immediately. It is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alter-
nator belt is loose, broken or miss-
ing.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pres-
sure. 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 author-
ized 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.
(See “Engine oil” (P.8-6).)
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 covered by warranty. Turn off the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Key system warn-
ing light
After the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, this light comes on for about
2 seconds and then turns off.
This light warns of a malfunction with the
Intelligent Key system.
If the light comes on while the engine is
stopped, it may be impossible to start the
engine. If the light comes on while the
engine is running, you can drive the
vehicle. However in these cases, it is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for repair as soon as possible.
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ................................ 5-2
Three-way catalyst ............................................................... 5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ........... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................... 5-6
Off-road recovery .................................................................. 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ...................................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ........................ 5-7
Push-button ignition switch ................................................ 5-8 Operating range for engine start function ....... 5-8
Push-button ignition switch operation ................ 5-9
Push-button ignition switch positions ................. 5-9
Emergency engine shut off ........................................ 5-10
Intelligent Key battery discharge ........................... 5-10
Before starting the engine ................................................. 5-11
Starting the engine .................................................................. 5-11
Driving the vehicle .................................................................... 5-12 Automatic transmission ................................................ 5-12
Manual Transmission ....................................................... 5-17
Parking brake ........................................................................\
....... 5-21
Cruise control ........................................................................\
....... 5-22 Precautions on cruise control .................................. 5-22
Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-23
Break-in schedule ..................................................................... 5-24
Fuel efficient driving tips ..................................................... 5-24 Increasing fuel economy .................................................... 5-25
Parking/parking on hills ...................................................... 5-26
Power steering ........................................................................\
.... 5-27
Brake system ........................................................................\
....... 5-27
Braking precautions ....................................................... 5-27
Parking brake break-in ................................................ 5-28
Brake assist ........................................................................\
........... 5-28 Brake assist ........................................................................\
... 5-28
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................ 5-28
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .................. 5-30
Performance dampers (NISMO models) ................. 5-32
Cold weather driving ............................................................. 5-33 Freeing a frozen door lock ....................................... 5-33
Antifreeze ........................................................................\
........ 5-33
Battery ........................................................................\
............... 5-33
Draining of coolant water ......................................... 5-33
Tire equipment ................................................................... 5-33
Special winter equipment ......................................... 5-33
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-33
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ............... 5-34
Active noise cancellation/Active sound
enhancement (if so equipped) ....................................... 5-35 Active noise cancellation ........................................... 5-35
Active sound enhancement ..................................... 5-35
5-28Starting and driving
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes when-
ever the stopping effect of the parking
brake is weakened or whenever the
parking brake shoes and/or drums/ro-
tors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This will cause over-
heating of the brakes, wearing out the
brake and pads faster and reduce gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce
speed and downshift 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 sur-
face, be careful when braking,
accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking or accelerating 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 assist for the brakes will
not work. Braking will be harder.
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.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to
assist braking operation and is not a
collision warning or avoidance de-
vice. It is the driver’s responsibility to
stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) is a sophisticated device,
but it cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control dur-
ing braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping dis-
tances on slippery surfaces will
be longer than on normal sur-
BRAKE ASSIST
faces even with ABS. Stopping
distances 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
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install
the specified size of tires on
all four wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on
the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. See “Tire and Load-
ing Information label” (P.10-
14) of this manual.
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-26) of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols 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 prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre- venting 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 ABS 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 ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric 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 malfunc-
tion. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates 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
vehicle checked. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the
actuator rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure. This action is similar
to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation 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 operating properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Starting and driving5-29