•When this situation occurs, the Con-
tinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
position indicator light will blink and
the chime will sound.
• In the manual shif t mode, the trans-
mission may shif t up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the en-
gine speed is too high. When the ve-
hicle speed decreases, the transmis-
sion automatically shif ts down and
shif ts to first gear before the vehicle
comes to a stop.
• CVT operation is limited to automatic drive mode when CVT fluid temperature
is extremely low even if manual shif t
mode is selected. This is not a malfunc-
tion. When CVT fluid warms up, manual
mode can be selected.
• When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the shif t range may upshif t in lower rpm
than usual. This is not a malfunction.
Shif t lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shif t lever may not be moved from the
P (Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the shif t lever button
pressed. To move the shif t lever, perform
the following procedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shif t lock release cover us- ing a suitable tool. 4. Push down the shif t lock release using a
suitable tool.
5. Press the shif t lever button and move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shif t lock
release. The vehicle may be moved to
the desired location. Replace the re-
moved shif t lock release cover af ter the
operation. If the shif t lever cannot be
moved out of the P (Park) position, have
the Continuously Variable Transmission
system checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
5-22Starting and driving
Accelerator downshif t
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shif ts
the transmission down into a lower gear,
depending on the vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid tem-
perature protection mode. If the fluid tem-
perature becomes too high (for example,
when climbing steep grades in high tem-
peratures with heavy loads, such as when
towing a trailer), engine power and, under
some conditions, vehicle speed will be de-
creased automatically to reduce the
chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelera-
tor pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed
may be limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel
spinning and subsequent hard braking,
the fail-safe system may be activated.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may come on to indicate the fail-safemode is activated. For additional infor-
mation, see “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” (P. 2-13). This will occur even if all
electrical circuits are functioning prop-
erly. In this case, place the ignition switch
in the OFF position and wait for 10 sec-
onds. Then push the switch back to the
ON position. The vehicle should return to
its normal operating condition. If it does
not return to its normal operating condi-
tion, 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
reduced. The reduced speed may be
lower than other traffic, which could in-
crease the chance of a collision. Be es-
pecially careful when driving. If neces-
sary, pull to the side of the road at a safe
place and allow the transmission to re-
turn to normal operation, or have it re-
paired if necessary.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.
Starting and driving5-23
– Do not correct trailer sway by steeringor applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the
road in a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described in this section.
• Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember, the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
• Downshif t the transmission to a lower gear for engine braking when driving
down steep or long hills. This will help
slow the vehicle without applying the
brakes.
• Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
• Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while tow-
ing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
• NISSAN recommends that the cruise control not be used while towing a trailer. • Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
• Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts
af ter 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at
every break.
• When launching a boat, don't allow the water level to go over the exhaust tail
pipe or rear bumper.
• Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights before backing the trailer into the
water or the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
“Do-it-yourself ” (P. 8-2).
FLAT TOWING FOR ALL–WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.
Child safety rear door lock..........3-7Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2,7-4Cold weather driving............5-127Console box..................2-55Console light..................2-65Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT).......................5-18Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-10Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)............5-18Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-29CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-5Checking engine coolant level......8-5Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control................ .5-55Cup holders................. .2-56
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only).................2-40Daytime Running Lights (DRL) system. .2-40Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch
................... .2-34Dimensions and weights..........10-10Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-40
Door locks....................3-5Drive belt....................8-15Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-127Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)............5-18Precautions when starting and
driving................. .5-4, 5-11Driving the vehicle...............5-18Dynamic driver assistance switch.....2-47
E
E-call (SOS) Button..............2-48Economy - fuel................5-114Emergency engine shutoff.......5-15,6-2Emission control information label. . . .10-12Emission control system warranty. . . .10-30Engine
Before starting the engine........5-16Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-5Changing engine oil............8-6Changing engine oil filter.........8-6Checking engine coolant level......8-5Checking engine oil level.........8-6Engine compartment check
locations.................. .8-3Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Engine cooling system...........8-4Engine oil...................8-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-7Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-10Engine oil viscosity.............10-7Engine serial number..........10-12Engine specifications...........10-9Starting the engine............5-17Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Event Data recorders............10-32Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)......5-4Explanation of maintenance items.....9-2Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items...................... .9-5Extended storage switch..........2-51Eyeglass case.................2-55
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label.........10-12Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch)......................6-2Flat tire.................. .6-3, 6-4Floor mat positioning aid...........7-6Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-11Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-10Engine coolant................8-4Engine oil.................. .8-6Power steering fluid............8-11Windshield-washer fluid.........8-12
11-2