5-10Starting and driving
WARNING
The following actions can increase
the chance of losing control of the
vehicle if there is a sudden loss of tire
air pressure. Losing control of the
vehicle may cause a collision and
result in personal injury.
.The vehicle generally moves or
pulls in the direction of the flat
tire.
. Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
. Do not rapidly release the accel-
erator 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 gra-
dually stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either contact a roadside emer-
gency service to change the tire or see
“Changing a flat tire (models with
spare tire)” (P.6-4) of this Owner’s
Manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. Alcohol in the
bloodstream reduces coordination,
delays reaction time and impairs
judgement. Driving after drinking
alcohol increases the likelihood of
being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if
you are injured in an accident, alco-
hol can increase the severity of the
injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving.
However, you must choose not to drive
under the influence of alcohol. Every year
thousands of people are injured or killed
in alcohol-related accidents. Although the
local laws vary on what is considered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that
alcohol affects all people differently and
most people underestimate the effects of
alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t
mix! And that is true for drugs, too (over-
the-counter, prescription, and illegal
drugs). Don’t drive if your ability to oper-
ate your vehicle is impaired by alcohol,
drugs, or some other physical condition.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your vehicle is designed for both normal
and off-road use. However, avoid driving
in deep water or mud as your vehicle is
mainly designed for leisure use, unlike a
conventional off-road vehicle.
Remember that Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)
models are less capable than All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) models for rough road driving
and extrication when stuck in deep snow,
mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
.
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
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
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).
NOTE:
.A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is
driven without releasing the parking
brake. See “Audible reminders” (P.2-
18).
. While the electronic parking brake is
applied or released, an operating
sound is heard from the lower side
of the rear seat. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction.
. When the electronic parking brake is
frequently applied and released in a
short period of time, the parking
brake may not operate in order to
prevent the parking brake system
from overheating. If this occurs,
operate the electronic parking brake
switch again after waiting approxi-
mately 1 minute.
. If the electronic parking brake must
be applied while driving in an emer-
gency, pull up and hold the parking
brake switch. When you release the
parking brake switch, the parking
brake will be released.
. While pulling up the electronic park-
ing brake switch during driving, the
parking brake is applied and a chime
sounds. The electronic parking
brake indicator light in the meter
and in the parking brake switch
illuminate. This does not indicate a
malfunction. The electronic parking brake indicator light in the meter
and in the parking brake switch turn
off when the parking brake is re-
leased.
. When pulling the electronic parking
brake switch up with the ignition
switch in the OFF or ACC position,
the parking brake switch indicator
light will continue to illuminate for a
short period of time.The automatic brake hold function main-
tains the braking force without the driver
having to depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light or
intersection. As soon as the driver de-
presses the accelerator pedal again, the
automatic brake hold function is deacti-
vated and the braking force is released.
The operating status of the automatic
brake hold can be displayed on the
vehicle information display.
WARNING
.The automatic brake hold func-
tion is not designed to hold the
vehicle on a steep hill or slippery
road. Never use the automatic
brake hold when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill or slippery
road. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to move.
. When the automatic brake hold
function is activated but fails to
maintain the vehicle at a stand-
still, depress the brake pedal to
stop the vehicle. If the vehicle
unexpectedly moves due to out-
side conditions, the chime may
sound and automatic brake hold
warning may illuminate in the
vehicle information display.
Starting and driving5-29
AUTOMATIC BRAKE HOLD (if so equipped)
5-30Starting and driving
.Be sure to deactivate the auto-
matic brake hold function when
using a car wash or towing your
vehicle.
. Make sure to place the shift lever
in the P (Park) position and apply
the parking brake when parking
your vehicle, riding on or off the
vehicle, or loading luggage. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the
vehicle to move or roll away
unexpectedly and result in ser-
ious personal injury or property
damage.
. If any of the following conditions
occur, the automatic brake hold
function may not function. Have
the system checked promptly. It
is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Failure to operate the vehicle in
accordance with these conditions
could cause the vehicle to move
or roll away unexpectedly and
result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
— A warning message appears
in the vehicle information dis-
play.
— The indicator light on the automatic brake hold switch does not illuminate when the
switch is pushed.
. The automatic brake hold func-
tion will not be activated if the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light, electronic
parking brake warning light or
master warning light illuminate
and the Chassis Control System
Error message appears in the
vehicle information display.
. To maintain the braking force to
keep the vehicle to a standstill, a
noise may be heard. This is not a
malfunction.
JVP0497X
HOW TO ACTIVATE/DEACTIVATE
THE AUTOMATIC BRAKE HOLD
FUNCTION
How to activate the automatic
brake hold function
1. With the ignition switch in the ON
position, push the automatic brake
hold switch
. The indicator light on
the automatic brake hold switch
illuminates.
2. When the automatic brake hold func- tion goes into standby, the automatic
brake hold indicator light (white) illu-
minates.
To use the automatic brake hold function,