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
The displayed values on the screen indi-
cate general driving conditions. Accuracy
varies with driving habits and road condi-
tions.∙ Regenerated energy in the past 12 min- utes: The regenerated energy in the
past 12 minutes is indicated with sym-
bols. One symbol indicates a 30 watt-
hour. The energy of a 30 watt-hour illu-
minates a 30 watt bulb for an hour.
∙ Fuel consumption in the past 12 min- utes: Fuel consumption in the past
12 minutes is displayed.
∙ Current fuel consumption (Last col- umn): The current fuel consumption is
calculated and displayed based on dis-
tance and fuel consumption.
NOTE:
Information shown in the yellow column
means current (within 2 minutes) and in-
formation shown in the blue columns
means past (more than 2 minutes). This vehicle is equipped with two braking
systems:
∙ Hydraulic brake system
∙ Regenerative brake system
When the vehicle decelerates while the ve-
hicle is driven with the shif t lever in the D
(Drive) position, the Li-ion battery can be
charged by the electric motor. The electric
motor converts the energy of the rotating
wheels into electric power under the fol-
lowing circumstances: ∙ When the accelerator pedal is released
∙ When the brake pedal is depressed
∙ When there is no malfunction in the brake system or the NISSAN PURE
DRIVE® Hybrid System
The regenerative brake may not work
properly if the vehicle is installed with tires
and road wheels other than the ones
specified in this manual. While the regenerative cooperative brake
system is operating, you might feel a slight
vibration or hear the system working when
braking. This is normal.
The regenerative cooperative brake sys-
tem controls both hydraulic and regenera-
tive brakes. If you feel unusual deceleration
when braking, have the brake and hybrid
systems checked. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
REGENERATIVE BRAKE
HEV-10HEV Overview
While the VDC system is operating, you
might feel a slight vibration or hear the sys-
tem working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a disc brake pad requires
replacement, it makes a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in mo-
tion, whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is
opened while the ignition switch is placed
in the OFF position or placed in the OFF or
LOCK position with the key lef t in the ve-
hicle. Make sure the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK position, and take the
key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
and Intelligent Lane Intervention
(I-LI) warning chime (if so
equipped)
When the LDW or I-LI system is on, the
chime sounds if the vehicle is traveling
close to either the lef t or the right of a
traveling lane with detectable lane mark-
ers.
For additional information, refer to “Lane
Departure Warning (LDW)” or “Intelligent
Lane Intervention (I-LI)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF
position, a chime sounds when the driver’s
door is opened if the headlights or parking
lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before
leaving the vehicle.
NISSAN Intelligent Key® door
buzzer
The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if
any one of the following improper opera-
tions is found.∙ The Intelligent Key is lef t inside the ve- hicle when locking the doors.
∙ Any doors are not closed securely when locking the doors.
When the buzzer sounds, be sure to check
both the vehicle and the Intelligent Key. For
additional information, refer to “NISSAN In-
telligent Key®” in the “Pre-driving checks
and adjustments” section of this manual.
2-20Instruments and controls
The I-LI system warns the driver with a
warning light and a chime, and helps assist
the driver to return the vehicle to the center
of the traveling lane by applying the brakes
to the lef t or right wheels individually (for a
short period of time). For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Intelligent Lane Interven-
tion (I-LI)” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion and “Vehicle information display” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of this
manual.The vehicle should be driven with the VDC
system on for most driving conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the
VDC system reduces the engine output to
reduce wheel spin. The engine speed will
be reduced even if the accelerator is de-
pressed to the floor. If maximum engine
power is needed to free a stuck vehicle,
turn the VDC system off.To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC
OFF switch. The
indicator and the Au-
tomatic Emergency Braking (AEB) or Auto-
matic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pe-
destrian Detection system warning light
will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine to turn on the system. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system”, “Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB) and “Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian
Detection” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
LIC3344
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-55
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.
As with any vehicle, loss of control could
result in a collision with other vehicles or
objects or cause the vehicle to roll over,
particularly if the loss of control causes
the vehicle to slide sideways.
Be attentive at all times, and avoid driving
when tired. Never drive when under the in-
fluence of alcohol or drugs (including pre-
scription or over-the-counter drugs which
may cause drowsiness). Always wear your
seat belt as outlined in the “Safety – Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint sys-
tem” section of this manual, and also in-
struct your passengers to do so. Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
collisions and rollovers.
In a rollover crash,
an unbelted or improperly belted person
is significantly more likely to be injured
or killed than a person properly wearing
a seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or lef t side
wheels may unintentionally leave the road
surface. If this occurs, maintain control of
the vehicle by following the procedure be-
low. Please note that this procedure is only
a general guide. The vehicle must be driven
as appropriate based on the conditions of
the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a
straight course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accelerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle. 5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle to follow the road while vehicle
speed is reduced. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle back onto the road
surface until vehicle speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires re-
turn to the road surface. When all tires
are on the road surface, steer the ve-
hicle to stay in the appropriate driving
lane.
∙ If you decide that it is not safe to re- turn the vehicle to the road surface
based on vehicle, road or traffic con-
ditions, gradually slow the vehicle to a
stop in a safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged
due to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air
pressure loss can also be caused by driving
on under-inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the han-
dling and stability of the vehicle, especially
at highway speeds.
5-10Starting and driving
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by
maintaining the correct air pressure and
visually inspecting the tires for wear and
damage. For additional information, refer
to “Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-yourself ”
section of this manual. If a tire rapidly loses
air pressure or “blows-out” while driving,
maintain control of the vehicle by following
the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The ve-
hicle must be driven as appropriate based
on the conditions of the vehicle, road and
traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pres-
sure. Losing control of the vehicle may
cause a collision and result in personal
injury.
∙ The vehicle generally moves or pullsin the direction of the flat tire.
∙ Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
∙ Do not rapidly release the accelerator pedal.
∙ Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel. 1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering
wheel with both hands and try to hold a
straight course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accelerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from
traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradu- ally stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and contact a roadside emergency
service to change the tire. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Changing a
flat tire” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving af-
ter drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident in-
juring yourself and others. Additionally, if
you are injured in an accident, alcohol can
increase the severity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under the
influence of alcohol. Every year thousands of
people are injured or killed in alcohol-related
collisions. Although the local laws vary on
what is considered to be legally intoxicated,
the fact is that alcohol affects all people dif-
ferently and most people underestimate the
effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!
That is true for drugs (over-the-counter,
prescription) and illegal drugs, too. Don’t
drive if your ability to operate your vehicle is
impaired by alcohol, drugs, or some other
physical condition.
Starting and driving5-11
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your NISSAN is designed for both normal
and off-road use. However, avoid driving in
deep water or mud as your NISSAN is
mainly designed for leisure use, unlike a
conventional off-road vehicle.
Remember that 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) mod-
els are less capable than All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) models for rough road driving and
extrication when stuck in deep snow or
mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
∙ Spinning the front wheels on slipperysurfaces may cause the AWD warning
message to display and the AWD sys-
tem to automatically switch from the
AWD to the 2WD mode. This could re-
duce the traction. Be especially care-
ful when towing a trailer (AWD
models). ∙ Drive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle
should be seated with their seat belt
fastened. This will keep you and your
passengers in position when driving
over rough terrain.
∙ Do not drive across steep slopes. In- stead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road ve-
hicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.
∙ Many hills are too steep for any ve- hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.
∙ Do not shif t gears while driving on downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
∙ Stay alert when driving to the top of a hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident. ∙ If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill, never
attempt to turn around. Your vehicle
could tip or roll over. Always back
straight down in the R (Reverse) gear
and apply brakes to control your
speed.
∙ Heavy braking going down a hill could cause your brakes to overheat and
fade, resulting in loss of control and
an accident. Apply brakes lightly and
use a low gear to control your speed.
∙ Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it will
not be thrown forward and cause in-
jury to you or your passengers.
∙ To avoid raising the center of gravity excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load.
∙ Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible.
Do not equip the vehicle with tires
larger than specified in this manual.
This could cause your vehicle to roll
over.
5-12Starting and driving
∙ Do not grip the inside or spokes of thesteering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.
∙ Before operating the vehicle, ensure that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
∙ Always drive with the floor mats in place as the floor may become hot.
∙ Lower your speed when encountering strong crosswinds. With a higher cen-
ter of gravity, your NISSAN is more af-
fected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
∙ Do not drive beyond the performance capability of the tires, even with AWD
engaged.
∙ 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. ∙ Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamometers
used by some states for emissions
testing) or similar equipment even if
the other two wheels are raised off the
ground. Make sure you inform test fa-
cility personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is placed
on a dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in drive-
train damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal
injury.
∙ When a wheel is off the ground due to an unlevel surface, do not spin the
wheel excessively.
∙ Accelerating quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
∙ If at all possible, avoid sharp turning maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN vehicle has a
higher center of gravity than a pas-
senger car. The vehicle is not de-
signed for cornering at the same
speeds as passenger cars. ∙ Failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly could result in loss of control
and/or a rollover accident.
∙ Always use tires of the same type, size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted, or radial), and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Install tire chains on
the front wheels when driving on slip-
pery roads and drive carefully.
∙ Be sure to check the brakes immedi- ately af ter driving in mud or water. For
additional information, refer to “Brake
precautions” in this section.
∙ Avoid parking your vehicle on steep hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it
rolls forward, backward or sideways,
you could be injured.
∙ Whenever you drive off-road through sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. For additional
information, refer to “Maintenance
under severe operating conditions” in
the “Maintenance and schedules” sec-
tion of this manual.
Starting and driving5-13