2023 NISSAN QASHQAI Drive shift

5-20Starting and driving
2.Vehicle is not driven regularly and/
or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
REMOTE ENGINE START (if so
equipped)
Vehicles started with the remote engine
start function require the ignition switch
to be placed in the ON position before the
shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position. To place the ignition switch in
the ON position, perform the following
steps:
1. Make sure that the Intelligent Key is carried with you.
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. Push the ignition switch once to the ON position.
For additional information about the
remote engine start function, see “Re-
mote engine start” (P.3-23).
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS-
MISSION (CVT)
The Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) in your vehicle is electronically
controlled to produce maximum power
and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures
for this transmission are shown on the
following pages. Follow these procedures
for maximum vehicle performance and
driving enjoyment.
Engine power may be automatically
reduced to protect the CVT if the engine
speed increases quickly when driving
on slippery roads or while being tested
on some dynamometers.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before moving
the shift lever out of the P (Park)
position.
This CVT is designed so that the foot
brake pedal must be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any
driving position while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
The shift lever cannot be moved out
of the P (Park) position and into any
of the other positions if the ignition
switch is placed in the LOCK or OFF position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and move the shift lever to a driving
position.
3. Release the parking brake and foot brake pedal, and then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
.Do not depress the accelerator
pedal while shifting from P (Park)
or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), D
(Drive), or manual shift mode. Al-
ways depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure
to do so could cause you to lose
control and have an accident.
. Cold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a
forward or reverse gear before
the engine has warmed up.
. Never shift to either the P (Park)
or R (Reverse) position while ve-
hicle is moving forward and P
(Park) or D (Drive) while the vehi-
cle is reversing. This could cause
an accident or damage the trans-
mission.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE

5-22Starting and driving
brake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage,
move the shift lever to the P (Park)
or R (Reverse) position only when the
vehicle is completely stopped.
P (Park):
Use this position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal must be depressed and
the shift lever button pushed in to move
the shift lever from N (Neutral) or any
drive position to P (Park). Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill,
apply the parking brake first, then move
the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position. The
brake pedal must be depressed and the
shift lever button pushed in to move the shift lever from P (Park), N (Neutral) or
any driving position to R (Reverse).
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle
is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
Manual shift mode
When the shift lever is shifted from the D
(Drive) position to the manual shift gate,
the transmission enters the manual shift
mode. Shift ranges can be selected
manually by moving the shift lever up or
down.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range
is displayed on the position indicator in
the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:
M1
?
M2 ?
M3 ?
M4 ?
M5 ?
M6 ?
M7 ?
M8
// / / / / /
.
When shifting up, move the shift lever
to the + (up) side. The transmission
shifts to a higher range.
. When shifting down, move the shift
lever to the − (down) side. The trans-
mission shifts to a lower range.
. Moving the shift lever to the same side
twice will shift the ranges in succes-
sion. However, if this motion is rapidly
done, the second shifting may not be
completed properly.
. When canceling the manual shift
mode, return the shift lever to the D
(Drive) position. The transmission re-
turns to the normal driving mode.
M8 (8th):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
However, you need to shift down the
gears manually when accelerating or
passing another vehicle.
M7 (7th), M6 (6th) and M5 (5th):
Use these positions when driving up long
slopes, or for engine braking when driving
down long slopes.
M4 (4th), M3 (3rd) and M2 (2nd) :
Use these positions for hill climbing or
engine braking on downhill grades.

M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep
hills slowly or driving slowly through deep
snow, sand or mud, or for maximum
engine braking on steep downhill grades.
.Remember not to drive at high speeds
for extended periods of time in lower
than M7 range. This reduces fuel
economy.
. In the manual shift mode, the trans-
mission may not shift to the se-
lected range. This helps maintain
driving performance and reduces
the chance of vehicle damage or
loss of control.
. In the manual shift mode, the trans-
mission automatically shifts down
to 1st gear before the vehicle comes
to a stop. When accelerating again, it
is necessary to shift up to the
desired range.
. When the CVT fluid temperature is
extremely low, the manual shift mode
may not work and automatically shift
as a drive mode. This is not a mal-
function. In this case, return the shift
lever to the D (Drive) position and drive
for a while and then shift to the
manual shift mode.
. When the CVT fluid temperature is
high, the shift range may upshift at a
lower engine speed than usual. This is not a malfunction.Accelerator downshift — In D posi-
tion —
For passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This
shifts 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
temperature becomes too high (for ex-
ample, when climbing steep grades in
high temperature with heavy loads), en-
gine power and, under some conditions,
vehicle speed will be decreased automa-
tically to reduce the chance of transmis-
sion damage. Vehicle speed can be
controlled with the accelerator 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 MIL may illuminate to indicate the
fail-safe mode is activated. (See “Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL)” (P.2-16).)
This will occur even if all electricalcircuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the
OFF position and wait for 10 seconds.
Then turn 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 con-
dition, have the transmission checked
and repaired, if necessary. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature
protection mode or fail-safe opera-
tion occurs, vehicle speed may be
gradually reduced. 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.
Starting and driving5-23

5-24Starting and driving
Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)
The Adaptive Shift Control automatically
operates when the transmission is in the
“D” (Drive) position and selects an appro-
priate gear depending on the road con-
ditions such as uphill or downhill.
Control on uphill and curving roads:
A low gear is maintained that suits the
degree of the slope to allow smooth
driving with a small number of shifts.
Control on downhill roads:
The Adaptive Shift Control shifts to a low
gear that suits the degree of the slope
when the accelerator pedal is depressed,
and uses the engine braking to help
driving in the downhill.
Control on winding roads:
A low gear is maintained on continuous
curves that involve repeated acceleration
and deceleration, so that smooth accel-
eration is available instantly when the
accelerator pedal is depressed.
NOTE:
.Adaptive Shift Control may not op-
erate when the transmission oil
temperature is low immediately
after the start of driving or when it
is very hot. .
During some driving situations, hard
braking for example, the Adaptive
Shift Control may automatically op-
erate. The transmission may auto-
matically shift to a lower gear for
engine braking. This increases en-
gine speed but not vehicle speed.
Vehicle speed is controlled by the
accelerator pedal when the vehicle
is in the Adaptive Shift Control
mode.
. When the Adaptive Shift Control
operates, the transmission some-
times maintains a lower gear for a
longer period of time than when
Adaptive Shift Control is not operat-
ing. Engine speed will be higher for a
specific vehicle speed while Adap-
tive Shift Control is operating than
when Adaptive Shift Control is not
operating.
JVS0392X
Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shift lever may not be moved from the
P (Park) position even with the brake
pedal depressed and the shift lever but-
ton pushed.
To move the shift lever, perform the
following procedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover (shown in the illustration above) using
a suitable tool.

5-26Starting and driving
SSD0552
Shifting
To change gears, or when upshifting or
downshifting, fully depress the clutch
pedal, shift into the appropriate gear,
then slowly and smoothly release the
clutch pedal.
To ensure smooth gear changes, be sure
to fully depress the clutch pedal before
operating the shift lever. If the clutch
pedal is not fully depressed before the
transmission is shifted, a gear noise may
be heard. Transmission damage could
occur.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear in
sequence according to vehicle speed.To back up, pull the shift lever ring
upward and then move it to the R
(Reverse) gear after stopping the vehicle
completely.
The shift lever ring returns to its original
position when the shift lever is moved to
the N (Neutral) position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
the R (Reverse) or 1st gear, shift to the N
(Neutral) position, and then release the
clutch pedal once. Fully depress the
clutch pedal again and shift into the R
(Reverse) or 1st gear.Suggested maximum speed in
each gear
Downshift 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 sug-
gested 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 en-
gine when shifting to a lower gear as it
may cause engine damage or loss of
vehicle control.
Gear
MPH (km/h)
1st 28 (46)
2nd 50 (81)
3rd 70 (112)
4th 90 (145)
5th —
6th —

WARNING
.Never drive the vehicle with the
parking brake applied. The brake
will overheat and fail to operate
and will lead to an accident.
. Never release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle. If the
vehicle moves, it will be impossi-
ble to push the foot brake pedal
and will lead to an accident.
. Never use the shift lever in place
of the parking brake. When park-
ing, be sure the parking brake is
fully applied.
. To help avoid risk of injury or
death through unintended opera-
tion of the vehicle and/or its
systems, do not leave children,
people who require the assis-
tance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle.
Additionally, the temperature in-
side a closed vehicle on a warm
day can quickly become high
enough to cause a significant risk
of injury or death to people and
pets.
SPA2331
PEDAL TYPE
To apply the parking brake, firmly depress
the parking brake pedal.
To release the parking brake, depress and
hold the foot brake
and then fully
depress and release the parking brake
pedal
.
Before driving, be sure that the brake
warning light has turned off.
JVP0498X
SWITCH TYPE (models with elec-
tronic parking brake system)
The electronic parking brake can be
applied or released automatically or by
operating the parking brake switch.
Automatic operation
With the vehicle stationary, the electronic
parking brake is automatically applied
when the engine is turned off with the
ignition switch.
For the model with the automatic brake
hold function, the electronic parking
brake will apply automatically if the igni-
tion switch is placed in the “OFF” position
when the brake force is maintained by
Starting and driving5-27
PARKING BRAKE

5-28Starting and driving
automatic brake hold function.
The electronic parking brake is automati-
cally released as soon as the vehicle
starts while the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
WARNING
.The electronic parking brake will
not be automatically applied
when the engine is stopped with-
out using the ignition switch (for
example, by engine stalling).
Without the vehicle stationary,
the electronic parking brake will
not be automatically applied
even if the engine is turned off
with the ignition switch.
. Before leaving the vehicle, move
the shift lever to the 1 (1st) or R
(Reverse) position and check that
the electronic parking brake in-
dicator light is illuminated to
confirm that the electronic park-
ing brake is applied. The electro-
nic parking brake indicator light
will remain on for a period of time
after the driver’s door is locked.
CAUTION
When parking in an area where the
outside temperature is below 32°F
(0°C), do not apply the parking brake
to prevent it from freezing.
For safe parking, place the shift lever
in the 1 (1st) or R (Reverse) position
and securely block the wheels.
NOTE:
. To keep the electronic parking brake
released after the engine is turned
off, place the ignition switch in the
OFF position, depress the brake
pedal and push down the parking
brake switch before opening the
driver’s door.
. If a malfunction occurs in the elec-
tronic parking brake system (for
example, due to battery discharge),
it is recommended to contact a
NISSAN dealer.
. If the shift lever is moved to the P
(Park) position when the brake force
is maintained by the automatic
brake hold function, the electronic
parking brake will apply automati-
cally. .
If the driver’s seat belt is unfastened
when the brake force is maintained
by the automatic brake hold func-
tion, the electronic parking brake
will apply automatically.
. If the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position when the brake force is
maintained by the automatic brake
hold function, the electronic parking
brake will apply automatically.
Manual operation
The electronic parking brake will not be
automatically applied if the engine is
stopped without using the ignition switch
(for example, by engine stalling). In such a
case, you have to apply the parking brake
manually.
To apply: Pull the switch up
. The
indicator lightwill illuminate.
To release: With the ignition switch in the
ON position, depress the brake pedal and
push the switch down
. The indicator
lightwill turn off.
Before driving, check that the electronic
parking brake indicator light
goes
out. For additional information, see
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audi-
ble reminders” (P.2-10).

the following conditions need to be met.
.The driver’s seat belt is fastened.
. The electronic parking brake is re-
leased.
. The shift lever is not in the P (Park)
position.
. The vehicle is not parked on a steep
hill.
NOTE:
The automatic brake hold function re-
sets to OFF every time the ignition
switch is switched from the OFF posi-
tion to the ON position.
How to deactivate the automatic
brake hold function
While the automatic brake hold function
is activated, push the automatic brake
hold switch to turn off the automatic
brake hold indicator light and deactivate
the automatic brake hold function. To
deactivate the automatic brake hold
function while the brake force has been
maintained by the automatic brake hold
function, depress the brake pedal and
push the automatic brake hold switch.
WARNING
Make sure to firmly depress and hold
the brake pedal when turning off the
automatic brake hold function while
the brake force is applied. When the
automatic brake hold function is
deactivated, the brake force will be
released. This could cause the vehi-
cle to move or roll away unexpect-
edly.
Failure to prevent the vehicle from
rolling may result in serious personal
injury or property damage.
HOW TO USE THE AUTOMATIC
BRAKE HOLD FUNCTION
For additional information on using the
automatic brake hold function, refer to
the instructions outlined in this section.
To maintain braking force auto-
matically
With the automatic brake hold function
activated and the automatic brake hold
indicator light (white) illuminated on the
meter, depress the braking pedal to stop
the vehicle. The brake force is automati-
cally applied without your foot depressed
on the brake pedal. While the brake hold is maintained, the automatic brake hold
indicator light (green) illuminates on the
meter.
To start the vehicle from a stand-
still
With the shift lever not in the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position, depress the accelerator
pedal while the brake force is maintained.
The brake force will automatically be
released to restart the vehicle. The auto-
matic brake hold indicator light (white) on
the meter illuminates and the automatic
brake hold returns to standby.
Parking
When the shift lever is in the P (Park)
position with the brake force maintained
by the automatic brake hold function, the
parking brake will automatically be ap-
plied and the brake force of the auto-
matic brake hold will be released. The
automatic brake hold indicator light turns
off. When the parking brake is applied
with the brake force maintained by the
automatic brake hold function, the brake
force of the automatic brake hold will be
released. The automatic brake hold in-
dicator light turns off.
NOTE:
.
Under the following conditions, the
parking brake will automatically be
Starting and driving5-31