3-26Pre-driving checks and adjustments
WAD0090X
1. Pull the hood lock release handlelocated below the instrument panel
until the hood springs up.
2. Locate the lever
in between the
hood and grille, and push the lever up
with your fingertips.
3. Raise the hood.
4. Remove the support rod and insert it into the slot
.
Hold the coated part
when removing
or resetting the support rod. Avoid
direct contact with the metal parts, as
they may be hot immediately after the
engine has been stopped. When closing the hood:
1. While supporting the hood, return the
support rod to its original position.
2. Slowly lower the hood to about 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm) above the hood lock,
then let it drop.
3. Make sure it is securely latched.
WARNING
. Always be sure the liftgate has
been closed securely to prevent it
from opening while driving.
. Do not drive with the liftgate
open. This could allow dangerous
exhaust gases to be drawn into
the vehicle. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Exhaust gas
(carbon monoxide)” (P.5-4).
. To help avoid risk of injury or
death through unintended opera-
tion of the vehicle and or its
systems, including entrapment
in windows or inadvertent door
lock activation, do not leave chil-
dren, people who require the
assistance of others or pets un-
attended in your vehicle. Addi-
tionally, the temperature inside 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.
. Always be sure that hands and
feet are clear of the door frame to
avoid injury while closing the
liftgate.
LIFTGATE
3-28Pre-driving checks and adjustments
WARNING
.Fuel is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain
conditions. You could be burned
or seriously injured if it is misused
or mishandled. Always stop the
engine and do not smoke or allow
open flames or sparks near the
vehicle when refueling.
. Fuel may be under pressure. Turn
the cap a half of a turn, and wait
for any “hissing” sound to stop to
prevent fuel from spraying out
and possibly causing personal
injury. Then remove the cap.
. Use only an original equipment
type fuel-filler cap as a replace-
ment. It has a built-in safety valve
needed for proper operation of
the fuel system and emission
control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunc-
tion and possible injury.
JVP0540X
OPENING THE FUEL-FILLER DOOR
To open the fuel-filler door, pull the
release handle located below the instru-
ment panel. To lock, close the fuel-filler
door securely.
SPA2800
FUEL-FILLER CAP
To remove the fuel-filler cap:
1. Turn the fuel-filler cap counterclock-
wise
to remove.
2. Put the fuel-filler cap on the cap holder
while refueling.
To install the fuel-filler cap:
1. Insert the fuel-filler cap straight into the fuel-filler tube.
2. Turn the fuel-filler cap clockwise
until a single click is heard.
FUEL-FILLER DOOR
WARNING
.Gasoline is extremely flammable
and highly explosive under cer-
tain conditions. You could be
burned or seriously injured if it is
misused or mishandled. Always
stop engine and do not smoke or
allow open flames or sparks near
the vehicle when refueling.
. Do not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle
shuts off automatically. Contin-
ued refueling may cause fuel
overflow, resulting in fuel spray
and possibly a fire.
. Use only an original equipment
type fuel-filler cap as a replace-
ment. It has a built-in safety valve
needed for proper operation of
the fuel system and emission
control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunc-
tion and possible injury. It could
also cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to come on.
. Never pour fuel into the throttle
body to attempt to start your
vehicle. .
Do not fill a portable fuel contain-
er in the vehicle or trailer. Static
electricity can cause an explosion
of flammable liquid, vapor or gas
in any vehicle or trailer. To reduce
the risk of serious injury or death
when filling portable fuel contain-
ers:
— Always place the container on
the ground when filling.
— Do not use electronic devices when filling.
— Keep the pump nozzle in con- tact with the container while
you are filling it.
— Use only approved portable fuel containers for flammable
liquid.
CAUTION
. If fuel is spilled on the vehicle
body, flush it away with water to
avoid paint damage.
. Insert the cap straight into the
fuel-filler tube, then tighten until
the fuel-filler cap clicks. Failure to
tighten the fuel-filler cap properly
may cause the
malfunction indicator light (MIL) to illuminate.
If the
light illuminates be-
cause the fuel-filler cap is loose
or missing, tighten or install the
cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn
off after a few driving trips. If the
light does not turn off after a
few driving trips, have the vehicle
inspected. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
For additional information, see
“Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” (P.2-16).
. The LOOSE FUEL CAP warning
message will be displayed if the
fuel-filler cap is not properly tigh-
tened. It may take a few driving
trips for the message to be dis-
played. Failure to tighten the fuel-
filler cap properly after the LOOSE
FUEL CAP warning message is
displayed may cause the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
to illuminate.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-29
away from the exhaust system
components.
. Do not stop or park the vehicle
over flammable materials such as
dry grass, wastepaper or rags.
They may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
.Do not use leaded gasoline. De-
posits from leaded gasoline will
seriously reduce the three-way
catalyst’s ability to help reduce
exhaust pollutants.
. Keep your engine tuned up. Mal-
functions in the ignition, fuel in-
jection, or electrical systems can
cause overrich fuel flow into the
three-way catalyst, causing it to
overheat. Do not keep driving if
the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other
unusual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
. Avoid driving with an extremely
low fuel level. Running out of fuel
could cause the engine to misfire, damaging the three-way catalyst.
. Do not race the engine while
warming it up.
. Do not push or tow your vehicle
to start the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufac-
turer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, you should deter-
mine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that illumi-
nates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low
tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon
as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping abil-
ity.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with
a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating prop-
erly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure tell-
tale. When the system detects a malfunc-
tion, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then re-
main continuously illuminated. This se-
quence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunc-
tion exists. When the malfunction indica-
tor is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including
the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning prop-
erly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires
Starting and driving5-5
JVS0404X
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is
discharged, or environmental conditions
interfere with the Intelligent Key opera-
tion, start the engine according to the
following procedure:
1. Move the shift lever to the P (Park)position (for CVT models) or the shift
lever to the N (Neutral) position (for MT
models).
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Intelligent Key as illustrated. (A chime
will sound.) 4. Push the ignition switch while depres-
sing the brake pedal within 10 sec-
onds after the chime sounds. The
engine will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the
ignition switch is pushed without depres-
sing the brake pedal, the ignition switch
position will change to ACC.
NOTE:
. When the ignition switch is pushed
to the ON position or the engine is
started by the above procedures, the
“Key Battery Low” warning appears
(on the Vehicle information display)
even if the Intelligent Key is inside
the vehicle. This is not a malfunction.
To turn off the warning, touch the
ignition switch with the Intelligent
Key again.
. If the “Key Battery Low” warning
appears (on the Vehicle information
display), replace the battery as soon
as possible. (See “Intelligent Key
battery replacement” (P.8-23).)
.Make sure the area around the vehicle
is clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid, and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible,
or at least whenever you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appear-
ance and condition. Also check tires
for proper inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head re-
straints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is placed in
the ON position. (See “Warning lights,
indicator lights and audible remin-
ders” (P.2-10).)
Starting and driving5-17
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
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
4. Insert the mechanical key and pushdown the shift lock release.
5. Push the shift lever button and move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position while holding down the shift
lock release.
Place the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion. The vehicle may be moved to the
desired location.
Replace the removed shift lock release
cover after the operation.
If the shift lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position, have the CVT system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved
from the P (Park) position while the
engine is running and the brake
pedal is depressed, the stop lights
may not work. Malfunctioning stop
lights could cause an accident injur-
ing yourself and others.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (MT)
WARNING
. Do not downshift abruptly on
slippery roads. This may cause a
loss of control.
. Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
. When the high fluid temperature
protection mode or fail-safe op-
eration occurs, vehicle speed may
be gradually reduced. The re-
duced 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.
CAUTION
.Do not rest your foot on the
clutch pedal while driving. This may damage the clutch.
. Fully depress the clutch pedal
before shifting to help prevent
transmission damage.
. Stop your vehicle completely be-
fore shifting into R (Reverse).
. When the vehicle is stopped for a
period of time, for example at a
stop light, shift to N (Neutral) and
release the clutch pedal with the
foot brake applied.
Starting and driving5-25
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).