Get Starting and driving Guide for Nissan Micra 4 Door Fifth Generation (2017-2023)

5 Starting and driving

Precautions when starting and driving . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Three-way catalyst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Avoiding collision and rollover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Off-road recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Rapid air pressure loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Ignition switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Automatic transmission

(if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Manual transmission (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Ignition switch positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Before starting the engine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Driving the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Automatic transmission (A/T) (if so

Cruise control operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

Break-in schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

Fuel efficient driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Increasing fuel economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

Parking/parking on hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21

Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Brake system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Brake precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Brake assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system . . . . . . . . . 5-25

Brake force distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26

Cold weather driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

Freeing a frozen door lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

Draining of coolant water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

Tire equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-28

Special winter equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-28

Driving on snow or ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-28

Engine block heater (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . 5-29

equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Manual transmission (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . 5-14

Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16

Cruise control (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

Precautions on cruise control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND

DRIVING

WARNING

∙ If you suspect that exhaust fumes are

entering the vehicle, drive with all

windows fully open, and have the ve-

hicle inspected immediately.

b. You suspect that exhaust fumes

are entering into the passenger

compartment.

∙ Do not leave children or adults who

would normally require the assis-

tance of others alone in your vehicle.

Pets should also not be left alone.

They could accidentally injure them-

selves or others through inadvertent

operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,

sunny days, temperatures in a closed

vehicle could quickly become high

enough to cause severe or possibly

fatal injuries to people or animals.

c. You notice a change in the sound of

the exhaust system.

∙ Do not run the engine in closed spaces

such as a garage.

d. You have had an accident involving

damage to the exhaust system,

underbody, or rear of the vehicle.

∙ Do not park the vehicle with the en-

gine running for any extended length

of time.

THREE-WAY CATALYST

∙ Keep the rear vent windows, liftgates,

doors and trunk lids (if so equipped)

closed while driving, otherwise ex-

haust gases could be drawn into the

passenger compartment. If you must

drive with one of these open, follow

these precautions:

The three-way catalyst is an emission con-

trol device installed in the exhaust system.

Exhaust gases in the three-way catalyst

are burned at high temperatures to help

reduce pollutants.

∙ Properly secure all cargo to help pre-

vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not

place cargo higher than the seat-

backs. In a sudden stop or collision,

unsecured cargo could cause per-

sonal injury.

WARNING

1. Open all the windows.

∙ The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-

tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-

mals or flammable materials away

2. Turn the air recirculation mode off

and set the fan speed control to

the highest level to circulate the

air.

EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)

WARNING

from

the

exhaust

system

components.

∙ Do not breathe exhaust gases; they

contain colorless and odorless carbon

monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-

gerous. It can cause unconsciousness

or death.

∙ The exhaust system and body should

be inspected by a qualified mechanic

whenever:

∙ Do not stop or park the vehicle over

flammable materials such as dry

grass, waste paper or rags. They may

ignite and cause a fire.

a. The vehicle is raised for service.

5-2 Starting and driving

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.

AVOIDING COLLISION AND

ROLLOVER

∙ When parking, ensure that people or

inflammable materials are kept away

from the exhaust pipe.

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.

CAUTION

∙ Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits

from leaded gasoline will seriously re-

duce the three-way catalyst’s ability

to help reduce exhaust pollutants.

OFF-ROAD RECOVERY

While driving, the right side or left 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.

∙ Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-

tions in the ignition, fuel injection, 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 no-

ticeable loss of performance or other

unusual operating conditions are de-

tected. Have the vehicle inspected

promptly. It is recommended that you

visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

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.

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.

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.

∙ Avoid driving with an extremely low

fuel level. Running out of fuel could

cause the engine to misfire, damag-

ing the three-way catalyst.

4. When appropriate, slowly release the

accelerator pedal to gradually slow the

vehicle.

∙ Do not race the engine while warming

it up.

∙ Do not push or tow your vehicle to

start the engine.

Starting and driving 5-3

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.

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.

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.

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.

4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe

location off the road and away from

traffic if possible.

∙ 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.

5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradu-

ally stop the vehicle.

WARNING

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.

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.

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.

∙ The vehicle generally moves or pulls

in the direction of the flat tire.

∙ Do not rapidly apply the brakes.

Rapid air pressure loss can affect the han-

dling and stability of the vehicle, especially

at highway speeds.

∙ Do not rapidly release the accelerator

pedal.

∙ Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.

5-4 Starting and driving

IGNITION SWITCH

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.

DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND

DRIVING

WARNING

∙ Never remove the ignition key or place

the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-

tion while driving. The steering wheel

will lock. This may cause the driver to

lose control of the vehicle and could

result in serious vehicle damage or

personal injury.

WARNING

Never drive under the influence of alco-

hol 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 acci-

dent injuring yourself and others. Addi-

tionally, 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.

Starting and driving 5-5

To remove the key from the ignition switch:

The shift lever can be moved if the igni-

tion switch is in the ON position and the

foot brake pedal is depressed.

1. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) posi-

tion with the ignition switch in the ON

position.

1

There is an OFF position

between the

᭺

LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF posi-

tion is indicated by a “1” on the key cylin-

der.

2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK

position.

3. Remove the key from the ignition

switch.

If the shift lever is moved to the P (Park)

position after the ignition switch is turned

to the OFF position or when the ignition

switch cannot be turned to the LOCK posi-

tion, proceed as follows to remove the key:

SSD0392

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so

1. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) posi-

tion.

equipped)

The ignition lock is designed so the key

cannot be turned to the LOCK position and

removed until the shift lever is placed in the

P (Park) position.

2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward

the ON position.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK

position.

When removing the key from the ignition

switch, make sure the shift lever is in the P

(Park) position.

4. Remove the key.

The shift lever is designed so it cannot be

moved out of P (Park) and into any of the

other gear positions if the ignition switch is

1

If the shift lever is not returned to the P

(Park) position, the ignition switch cannot

be moved to the LOCK position.

turned to the OFF position

removed from the switch.

or if the key is

᭺

5-6 Starting and driving

To lock the steering wheel, place the ig-

nition switch in the LOCK position. Re-

move the key. To unlock the steering

wheel, insert the key and turn it gently

while rotating the steering wheel slightly

right and left.

NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER

SYSTEM

The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System

will not allow the engine to start without

the use of the registered key.

If the engine fails to start using a registered

key (for example, when interference is

caused by another registered key, an auto-

mated toll road device or automatic pay-

ment device on the key ring), restart the

engine using the following procedure:

IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS

LOCK: Normal parking position (0)

OFF: (1)

The engine can be turned off without lock-

ing the steering wheel.

1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON po-

sition for approximately 5 seconds.

ACC: (Accessories) (2)

WSD0052

This position activates electrical accesso-

ries such as the radio when the engine is

not running.

2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or

LOCK position, and wait approximately

10 seconds.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so

equipped)

The ignition switch includes a device that

helps prevent accidental removal of the

key while driving.

ON: Normal operating position (3)

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.

This position turns on the ignition system

and the electrical accessories.

4. Restart the engine while holding the

device (which may have caused the in-

terference) separate from the regis-

tered key.

The key can only be removed when the

ignition switch is in the LOCK position.

START: (4)

In order for the steering wheel to be locked,

it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clock-

wise from the straight up position.

This position starts the engine. As soon as

the engine has started, release the key. It

automatically returns to the ON position.

If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN

recommends placing the registered key on

a separate key ring to avoid interference

from other devices.

Starting and driving 5-7

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

STARTING THE ENGINE

∙

Make sure the area around the vehicle is

clear.

1. Apply the parking brake.

floor) and hold it and then crank the

engine. Release the key and the ac-

celerator pedal when the engine

starts.

2. Automatic transmission:

Check fluid levels such as engine oil,

coolant, brake and clutch fluid (if so

equipped), and windshield-washer fluid

as frequently as possible, or at least

whenever you refuel.

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N

(Neutral). P (Park) is recommended.

∙ If the engine is very hard to start be-

cause it is flooded, depress the accel-

erator pedal all the way to the floor

and hold it. Crank the engine for

5-6 seconds. After cranking the en-

gine, release the accelerator pedal.

Crank the engine with your foot off

the accelerator pedal by placing the

ignition in the START position. Re-

lease the key when the engine starts.

If the engine starts, but fails to run,

repeat the above procedure.

The shift lever cannot be moved out

of the P (Park) position and into any

of the other gear positions if the ig-

nition switch is placed in the OFF po-

sition or if the key is removed from

the ignition switch.

∙

Check that all windows and lights are

clean.

Visually inspect tires for their appear-

ance and condition. Also check tires for

proper inflation.

The starter is designed not to oper-

ate if the shift lever is in any of the

driving positions.

∙

Lock all doors.

Position seat and adjust head re-

straints.

Manual transmission:

Move the shift lever to N (Neutral). De-

press the clutch pedal to the floor

while cranking the engine.

∙

Adjust inside and outside mirrors.

CAUTION

Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-

gers to do likewise.

Do not operate the starter for more

than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine

does not start, turn the key off and wait

10 seconds before cranking again, oth-

erwise the starter could be damaged.

3. Crank the engine with your foot off

the accelerator pedal by placing the

ignition switch in the START position.

Release the key when the engine

starts. If the engine starts, but fails to

run, repeat the above procedure.

∙

Check the operation of warning lights

when the key is turned to the ON posi-

tion. For additional information, refer to

“Warning lights, indicator lights and au-

dible reminders” in the “Instruments

and controls” section of this manual.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least

30 seconds after starting. Do not race

the engine while warming it up. Drive at

moderate speed for a short distance

first, especially in cold weather.

∙ If the engine is very hard to start in

extremely cold weather or when re-

starting, depress the accelerator

pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the

5-8 Starting and driving

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

NOTE:

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A/T)

(if so equipped)

The A/T in your vehicle is electronically con-

trolled to produce maximum power and

smooth operation.

∙ Do not downshift abruptly on slippery

roads. This may cause

control.

a

loss of

Care should be taken to avoid situations

that can lead to potential battery dis-

charge and potential no-start conditions

such as:

CAUTION

1. Installation or extended use of elec-

tronic accessories that consume bat-

tery power when the engine is not

running (phone chargers, GPS, DVD

players, etc.).

∙ Never shift to either the P (Park) or R

(Reverse) position while the vehicle is

moving forward and P (Park) or D

(Drive) position while the vehicle is re-

versing. This could cause an accident

or damage the transmission.

The recommended operating procedures

for this transmission are shown on the fol-

lowing pages. Follow these procedures for

maximum vehicle performance and driv-

ing enjoyment.

2. The vehicle is not driven regularly

∙ Except in an emergency, do not shift

to the N (Neutral) position while driv-

ing. Coasting with the transmission in

the N (Neutral) position may cause se-

rious damage to the transmission.

and/or only driven short distances.

WARNING

In these cases, the battery may need to

be charged to maintain battery health.

∙ Do not depress the accelerator pedal

while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-

tral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2 or 1.

Always depress the brake pedal until

shifting is completed. Failure to do so

could cause you to lose control and

have an accident.

∙ Start the engine in either the P (Park)

or N (Neutral) position. The engine will

not start in any other position. If it

does, have your vehicle checked. It is

recommended that you visit a NISSAN

dealer for this service.

∙ The cold engine idle speed is high, so

use caution when shifting the trans-

mission into a forward or reverse po-

sition before the engine has warmed

up.

∙ Shift into the P (Park) position and ap-

ply the parking brake when at a

standstill for longer than a short wait-

ing period.

∙ Avoid revving up the engine while the

vehicle is stopped. This could cause

unexpected vehicle movement.

Starting and driving 5-9

The shift lever cannot be moved out of P

(Park) and into any of the other gear po-

sitions if the ignition switch is turned to

the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the

key is removed.

∙ Keep the engine at idling speed while

shifting from the N (Neutral) position

to any driving position.

∙ To avoid possible damage to your ve-

hicle, when stopping the vehicle on an

uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by

depressing the accelerator pedal. The

foot brake should be used for this

purpose.

CAUTION

∙ Depress the foot brake pedal - Shift-

ing the shift lever to D (Drive), R (Re-

verse), 2 or 1 without depressing the

foot brake pedal causes the vehicle to

move slowly when the engine is run-

ning. Make sure the foot brake pedal is

depressed fully and the vehicle is

stopped before shifting the shift

lever.

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.

LSD2005

To move the shift lever:

2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed

and move the shift lever to a drive po-

sition.

A

∙ Make sure of the shift lever position-

Make sure the shift lever is in the de-

sired position. D (Drive), 2 and 1 are

used to move forward and R (Reverse)

to back up.

Press the button

the brake pedal.

while depressing

᭺

A

3. Release the parking brake, the foot

brake pedal, and then gradually start

the vehicle in motion.

Press the button

.

᭺

Just move the shift lever.

The automatic transmission is designed

so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-

pressed before shifting from P (Park) to

any drive position while the ignition

switch is in the ON position.

∙ Warm up the engine. Due to the higher

idle speeds when the engine is cold,

extra caution must be exercised when

shifting the shift lever into the driving

position immediately after starting

the engine.

5-10 Starting and driving

If the ignition switch cannot be placed in

the LOCK position, perform the following

steps:

parking brake first, then move the shift le-

ver into the P (Park) position.

Shifting

WARNING

R (Reverse)

1. Apply the parking brake when the ve-

hicle is stopped.

∙ Apply the parking brake if the shift

lever is in any position while the en-

gine is not running. Failure to do so

could cause the vehicle to move unex-

pectedly or roll away and result in se-

rious personal injury or property

damage.

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use

the R (Reverse) position only when the

vehicle is completely stopped.

2. Place the ignition switch in the ON po-

sition while depressing the foot brake

pedal.

Use the R (Reverse) position to back up.

Make sure the vehicle is completely

stopped before selecting the R (Reverse)

position. The brake pedal must be de-

pressed and the shift lever button

pressed to move the shift lever from P

(Park), N (Neutral) or any drive position to

R (Reverse).

3. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) po-

sition.

∙ 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 injuring your-

self and others.

4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK

position.

P (Park)

CAUTION

N (Neutral)

To prevent transmission damage, use

the P (Park) position only when the ve-

hicle is completely stopped.

After starting the engine, fully depress the

foot brake pedal, press the shift lever but-

ton and move the shift lever out of the P

(Park) position.

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.

Use the P (Park) 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 pressed 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

If the ignition switch is in the OFF or ACC

position for any reason while the shift lever

is in any position other than the P (Park)

position, the ignition switch cannot be

turned to the LOCK position.

D (Drive)

Use this position for all normal forward

driving.

Starting and driving 5-11

2 (Second gear)

4. Push down the shift lock release using

a suitable tool.

Use this position for hill climbing or engine

braking on downhill grades.

A

5. Press the shift lever button

and

᭺

move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)

position while holding down the shift

lock release.

1 (Low gear)

Use this position when climbing steep hills

slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,

sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-

ing on steep downhill grades.

6. Place the ignition switch in the ON po-

sition to unlock the steering wheel.

7. Release the parking brake.

Do not shift into the gears when the vehicle

speed exceeds the following limits, other-

wise the engine may over-rev and cause

engine damage.

The vehicle may be moved to the desired

location.

Replace the removed shift lock release

cover after the operation.

LSD2006

Shift Lever position

Shift lock release

1

2

50 km/h (31 mph)

95 km/h (59 mph)

If the shift lever cannot be moved out of the

P (Park) position, have the automatic trans-

mission system checked as soon as pos-

sible. It is recommended that you visit a

NISSAN dealer for this service.

If the battery is discharged, the shift lever

may not be moved from the P (Park) posi-

tion even with the foot brake pedal de-

pressed.

To move the shift lever, perform the follow-

ing procedure:

Accelerator downshift

— in D (Drive) position —

For passing or hill climbing, depress the

accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts

the transmission down into a lower gear,

depending on the vehicle speed.

1. Place the ignition switch into the LOCK

position and remove the key.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Remove the shift lock release cover us-

ing a suitable tool.

5-12 Starting and driving

OFF:

For driving up and down long

slopes where engine braking is

necessary push the O/D off

switch once. The Overdrive OFF

indicator light in the instrument

panel comes on at this time.

Fail-safe

When the fail-safe operation occurs, the

Automatic Transmission will be locked in

any of the forward gears depending on

conditions.

If the vehicle is driven under extreme

conditions, such as excessive wheel

spinning and subsequent hard braking,

the fail-safe system may be activated.

This will occur even if all electrical cir-

cuits are functioning properly. In this

case:

When cruising at a low speed or climbing a

gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable

shift shocks as the transmission shifts into

and out of overdrive repeatedly. In this

case, depress the overdrive switch to turn

the overdrive off. The Overdrive OFF indica-

tor light in the instrument panel comes on

at this time.

∙

Place the shift lever in the P (Park)

position.

LSD2012

When driving conditions change, depress

the O/D off switch to turn the overdrive on.

Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch

Place the ignition switch in the OFF

position and wait for 3 seconds.

Each time your vehicle is started, the trans-

mission is automatically “reset” to overdrive

ON.

Remember not to drive at high speeds for

extended periods of time with the over-

drive off. This reduces fuel economy.

Then place the ignition switch back in

the ON position.

ON:

With the engine running and

the shift lever in the D (Drive)

position, the transmission up-

shifts into overdrive as vehicle

speed increases.

The vehicle should return to its normal

operating condition. If it does not return

to its normal operating condition, have

the transmission checked and repaired,

if necessary. It is recommended that you

visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Overdrive does not engage until the en-

gine has reached operating tempera-

ture.

Starting and driving 5-13

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so

equipped)

∙ Do not shift to the N (Neutral) position

while driving. Doing so may result in

an accident due to loss of engine

braking.

WARNING

∙ Do not downshift abruptly on slippery

roads. This may cause

control.

a

loss of

∙ Do not over-rev the engine when

shifting to a lower gear. This may

cause a loss of control or engine

damage.

CAUTION

WSD0096

∙ Do not rest your foot on the clutch

pedal while driving. This may cause

clutch damage.

Shifting

To change gears, or when upshifting or

downshifting, depress the clutch pedal

fully, shift into the appropriate gear, then

release the clutch slowly and smoothly.

∙ Fully depress the clutch pedal before

shifting to help prevent transmission

damage.

To ensure smooth gear changes, fully de-

press 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. Trans-

mission damage could occur.

∙ Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

∙ When the vehicle is stopped with the

engine running (for example, at a stop

light), shift to N (Neutral) and release

the clutch pedal with the foot brake

applied.

5-14 Starting and driving

Start the vehicle in the 1 (1st) position and

shift to the 2 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 4 (4th) and 5 (5th)

gear in sequence according to the vehicle

speed.

For normal acceleration in low altitude ar-

eas (less than 1219 m [4,000 ft]):

Suggested maximum speed in

each gear

Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is

not running smoothly, or if you need to ac-

celerate.

GEAR CHANGE

1st to 2nd

2nd to 3rd

3rd to 4th

4th to 5th

5th

km/h (mph)

14 (9)

19 (12)

34 (21)

45 (28)

—

You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into

R (Reverse). First shift into N (Neutral), then

into R (Reverse).

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 engine

when shifting to a lower gear as it may

cause engine damage or loss of vehicle

control.

If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R

(Reverse) or 1 (1st), shift into N (Neutral), then

release the clutch pedal. Depress the

clutch pedal again and shift into R (Re-

verse) or 1 (1st).

For quick acceleration in low altitude areas

and high altitude areas (over 1219

[4,000 ft]):

m

Gear change

1st to 2nd

2nd to 3rd

3rd to 4th

4th to 5th

5th

km/h (mph)

24 (15)

40 (25)

64 (40)

72 (45)

—

Suggested up-shift speeds

The following are suggested vehicle

speeds for shifting into a higher gear.

These suggestions relate to fuel economy

and vehicle performance. Actual upshift

speeds will vary according to road condi-

tions, the weather and individual driving

habits.

HR16DE engine model (5 M/T)

GEAR

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

km/h (mph)

43 (27)

79 (49)

116 (72)

157 (97)

—

Starting and driving 5-15

PARKING BRAKE

3. While pulling up on the parking brake

WARNING

B

lever slightly, press the button

lower the lever completely.

and

᭺

∙ Be sure the parking brake is fully re-

leased before driving. Failure to do so

can cause brake failure and lead to an

accident.

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warn-

ing light goes out.

∙ Do not release the parking brake from

outside the vehicle.

∙ Do not use the shift lever in place of

the parking brake. When parking, be

sure the parking brake is fully

engaged.

∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death

through unintended operation of the

vehicle and/or its systems, do not

leave children, people who require the

assistance of others or pets unat-

tended in your vehicle. Additionally,

the temperature inside a closed ve-

hicle on a warm day can quickly be-

come high enough to cause a signifi-

cant risk of injury or death to people

and pets.

WSD0048

To engage: Pull the parking brake lever up

A

.

᭺

To release:

1. Firmly apply the foot brake.

2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral)

position.

Automatic transmission models:

Move the shift lever to the P (Park) po-

sition.

5-16 Starting and driving

CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)

∙

To pass another vehicle, depress the

accelerator pedal. When you release the

pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-

ously set speed.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driv-

ing under the following conditions:

∙ When it is not possible to keep the

vehicle at a set speed.

The vehicle may not maintain the set

speed when going up or down steep

hills. If this happens, drive without the

cruise control.

∙ In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies

in speed.

To cancel the preset speed, use one of the

∙ On winding or hilly roads.

∙ On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).

∙ In very windy areas.

following three methods:

∙

Push the CANCEL switch.

Tap the brake pedal.

Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle

control and result in an accident.

LSD2430

Push the CRUISE ON/OFF switch. The

CRUISE indicator light in the instrument

panel will go out.

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE

CONTROL

1. CANCEL switch

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

The cruise control is automatically can-

celed if:

The cruise control allows driving at a speed

between 37 - 144 km/h (23 - 89 mph) with-

out keeping your foot on the accelerator

pedal.

2. ACCEL/RES switch

3. COAST/SET switch

4. CRUISE ON/OFF switch

∙

You depress the brake pedal while

pushing the ACCEL/RES or COAST/SET

switch. The preset speed is deleted

from memory.

To turn on the cruise control, push the

CRUISE ON/OFF switch. The CRUISE indica-

tor light in the instrument panel comes on.

∙

If the cruise control system malfunc-

tions, it cancels automatically.

∙

The vehicle slows down more than

13 km/h (8 mph) below the set speed.

To set cruising speed, accelerate the ve-

hicle to the desired speed, push the

COAST/SET switch and release it. Take your

foot off the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle

maintains the set speed.

∙

To properly set the cruise control sys-

tem, use the following procedures.

You move the shift lever to N (Neutral).

Starting and driving 5-17

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use

To resume the preset speed, push and

release the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle

returns to the last set cruising speed when

the vehicle speed is over 37 km/h (23 mph).

CAUTION

one of the following three methods:

During the first 2,000 km (1,200 miles),

follow these recommendations to ob-

tain maximum engine performance

and ensure the future reliability and

economy of your new vehicle. Failure to

follow these recommendations may re-

sult in shortened engine life and re-

duced engine performance.

∙

Depress the accelerator pedal. When

the vehicle attains the desired speed,

push and release the COAST/SET

switch.

∙

Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch.

When the vehicle attains the speed you

desire, release the switch.

∙

Avoid driving for long periods at con-

stant speed, either fast or slow, and do

not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.

Push and release the ACCEL/RES

switch. Each time you do this, the set

speed increases by about 1.6 km/h

(1 mph).

∙

Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use

one of the following three methods:

∙

Avoid quick starts.

∙

Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the

vehicle attains the desired speed, push

the COAST/SET switch and release it.

Avoid hard braking as much as pos-

sible.

Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.

Release the switch when the vehicle

slows to the desired speed.

Push and release the COAST/SET

switch. Each time you do this, the set

speed decreases by about 1.6 km/h

(1 mph).

5-18 Starting and driving

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient

Driving Tips to help you achieve the most

fuel economy from your vehicle.

∙ Above 64 km/h (40 mph), it is more

efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle

due to increased aerodynamic drag.

∙ Cruise control is particularly effective

in providing fuel savings when driving

on flat terrains.

1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake

∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin

when the A/C is on reduces cooling

load.

6. Plan for the Shortest Route

Pedal Application

∙ Utilize a map or navigation system to

determine the best route to save

time.

∙ Avoid rapid starts and stops.

4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-

∙ Use smooth, gentle accelerator and

brake application whenever possible.

tances

7. Avoid Idling

∙ Observing the speed limit and not

exceeding 97 km/h (60 mph) (where

legally allowed) can improve fuel effi-

ciency due to reduced aerodynamic

drag.

∙ Shutting off your engine when safe

for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds

saves fuel and reduces emissions.

∙ Maintain constant speed while com-

muting and coast whenever pos-

sible.

Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads

8.

2. Maintain Constant Speed

∙ Automated passes permit drivers to

use special lanes to maintain cruis-

ing speed through the toll and avoid

stopping and starting.

∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and

minimize stops.

∙ Maintaining a safe following distance

behind other vehicles reduces un-

necessary braking.

∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic

lights allows you to reduce your num-

ber of stops.

∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate

changes in speed permits reduced

braking and smooth acceleration

changes.

9. Winter Warm Up

∙ Limit idling time to minimize impact

to fuel economy.

∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini-

mize red light stops and improve fuel

efficiency.

∙ Vehicles typically need no more than

30 seconds of idling at start-up to

effectively circulate the engine oil be-

fore driving.

∙ Select a gear range suitable to road

conditions.

3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher

Vehicle Speeds

5. Use Cruise Control

∙ Below 64 km/h (40 mph), it is more

efficient to open windows to cool the

vehicle due to reduced engine load.

∙ Using cruise control during highway

∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-

ating temperature more quickly

while driving versus idling.

driving helps maintain

speed.

a

steady

Starting and driving 5-19

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool

The following methods are recommended

by NISSAN to increase fuel economy on

NISSAN vehicles. All these recommenda-

tions can help you to achieve a higher level

of fuel economy in your vehicle.

∙

Keep the tires inflated to the correct

pressure. Low tire pressure increases

tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking

area or in the shade whenever pos-

sible.

Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

Improper alignment increases tire wear

and lowers fuel economy.

∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening

the windows will help to reduce the

inside temperature faster, resulting in

reduced demand on your A/C sys-

tem.

∙

Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-

tain cruising speeds with a constant ac-

celerator position.

Air conditioner operation lowers fuel

economy. Use the air conditioner only

when necessary.

Drive at moderate speeds on the high-

way. Driving at high speed lowers fuel

economy.

When cruising at highway speeds, it is

more economical to use the air condi-

tioner and leave the windows closed to

reduce drag.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and brak-

ing. Maintain a safe distance behind

other vehicles.

∙

Use the recommended viscosity engine

oil. For additional information, refer to

“Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-

tions” in the “Technical and consumer

information” section of this manual.

Use a proper gear range which suits

road conditions. On level roads, shift

into high gear as soon as possible.

∙

Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

Keep your engine tuned up.

Follow the recommended scheduled

maintenance.

5-20 Starting and driving

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

∙ Do not leave children unattended in-

side the vehicle. They could unknow-

ingly activate switches or controls or

make the vehicle move. Unattended

children could become involved in se-

rious accidents.

∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death

through unintended operation of the

vehicle and/or its systems, do not

leave children, people who require the

assistance of others or pets unat-

tended in your vehicle. Additionally,

the temperature inside a closed ve-

hicle on a warm day can quickly be-

come high enough to cause a signifi-

cant risk of injury or death to people

and pets.

WSD0050

WARNING

∙ Safe parking procedures require that

both the parking brake be set and the

transmission placed into P (Park) for

automatic transmission models or in

an appropriate gear for manual trans-

mission models. Failure to do so could

cause the vehicle to move unexpect-

edly or roll away and result in an acci-

dent. Make sure the shift lever has

been pushed as far forward as it can

go and cannot be moved without de-

pressing the foot brake pedal.

∙ Do not stop or park the vehicle over

flammable materials such as dry

grass, waste paper or rags. They may

ignite and cause a fire.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)

position. When parking on an uphill

grade, place the shift lever in 1st gear.

Automatic transmission models:

Move the shift lever to the P (Park) po-

sition.

∙ Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

Starting and driving 5-21

POWER STEERING

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling

into traffic when parked on an incline, it

is a good practice to turn the wheels as

illustrated.

erations that could cause the power steer-

ing system to overheat.

WARNING

∙ If the engine is not running or is

turned off while driving, the power as-

sist for the steering will not work.

Steering will be harder to operate.

You may hear a sound when the steering

wheel is operated quickly. However, this is

not a malfunction.

A

∙

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB

:

᭺

Turn the wheels into the curb and

move the vehicle forward until the curb

side wheel gently touches the curb.

If the electric power steering warning light

PS illuminates while the engine is running,

it may indicate the power steering system

is not functioning properly and may need

servicing. Have the power steering system

checked. It is recommended that you visit a

NISSAN dealer for this service.

∙ When the power steering warning

light illuminates with the engine run-

ning, there will be no power assist for

the steering. You will still have control

of the vehicle but the steering will be

harder to operate. Have the power

steering system checked. It is recom-

mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer

for this service.

B

∙

HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB

:

᭺

Turn the wheels away from the curb

and move the vehicle back until the

curb side wheel gently touches the

curb.

When the electric power steering warning

light illuminates with the engine running,

there will be no power assist for the steer-

ing but you will still have control of the ve-

hicle. At this time, greater steering effort is

required to operate the steering wheel, es-

pecially in sharp turns and at low speeds.

∙

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

The power steering system is designed to

provide power assist while driving to oper-

ate the steering wheel with light force.

C

CURB

:

᭺

Turn the wheels toward the side of the

road so the vehicle will move away

from the center of the road if it moves.

When the steering wheel is operated re-

peatedly or continuously while parking or

driving at a very low speed, the power as-

sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.

This is to prevent overheating of the power

steering system and protect it from getting

damaged. While the power assist is re-

duced, steering wheel operation will be-

come heavy. When the temperature of the

power steering system goes down, the

power assist level will return to normal.

Avoid repeating such steering wheel op-

For additional information, refer to “Power

steering warning light” in the “Instruments

and controls” section of this manual.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK

position and remove the key.

5-22 Starting and driving

BRAKE SYSTEM

The brake system has two separate hy-

draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,

you will still have braking at two wheels.

shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,

in order to assure the best braking perfor-

mance.

WARNING

∙ While driving on a slippery surface, be

careful when braking, accelerating or

downshifting. Abrupt braking or ac-

celerating could cause the wheels to

skid and result in an accident.

This procedure is described in the vehicle

service manual. It is recommended that

you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

Vacuum assisted brakes

The brake booster aids braking by using

engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you

can stop the vehicle by depressing the

brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-

sure on the brake pedal will be required to

stop the vehicle and stopping distance will

be longer.

∙ If the engine is not running or is

turned off while driving, the power as-

sist for the brakes will not work. Brak-

ing will be harder.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING

∙ The ABS is a sophisticated device, but

it cannot prevent accidents resulting

from careless or dangerous driving

techniques. It can help maintain ve-

hicle control during braking on slip-

pery surfaces. Remember that stop-

ping distances on slippery surfaces

will be longer than on normal sur-

faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-

tances may also be longer on rough,

gravel or snow covered roads, or if you

are using tire chains. Always maintain

a safe distance from the vehicle in

front of you. Ultimately, the driver is

responsible for safety.

Wet brakes

When the vehicle is washed or driven

through water, the brakes may get wet. As

a result, your braking distance will be lon-

ger and the vehicle may pull to one side

during braking.

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal

while driving. This will overheat the brakes,

wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce

gas mileage.

To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe

speed while lightly pressing the brake

pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until

the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving

the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes

function correctly.

To help reduce brake wear and to prevent

the brakes from overheating, reduce speed

and downshift to a lower gear before going

down a slope or long grade. Overheated

brakes may reduce braking performance

and could result in loss of vehicle control.

Parking brake break-in

Break in the parking brake shoes whenever

the stopping effect of the parking brake is

weakened or whenever the parking brake

∙ Tire type and condition may also af-

fect braking effectiveness.

Starting and driving 5-23

Anti-lock Braking System will operate to

prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer

the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

Normal operation

– When replacing tires, install the

specified size of tires on all four

wheels.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-

ates at speeds above 5 - 10 km/h (3 -

6 mph). The speed varies according to road

conditions.

– When installing a spare tire, make

sure that it is the proper size and

type as specified on the Tire and

Loading Information label. For ad-

ditional information, refer to “Tire

and Loading Information label” in

the “Technical and consumer infor-

mation” section of this manual.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so

may result in increased stopping

distances.

When the ABS senses that one or more

wheels are close to locking up, the actuator

rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-

sure. This action is similar to pumping the

brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-

tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise

from under the hood or feel a vibration

from the actuator when it is operating. This

is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-

erating properly. However, the pulsation

may indicate that road conditions are haz-

ardous and extra care is required while

driving.

Self-test feature

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-

cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,

hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The

computer has a built-in diagnostic feature

that tests the system each time you start

the engine and move the vehicle at a low

speed in forward or reverse. When the self-

test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise

and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.

This is normal and does not indicate a mal-

function. If the computer senses a mal-

function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-

nates the ABS warning light on the

instrument panel. The brake system then

operates normally but without anti-lock

assistance.

– For additional information, refer to

“Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-

yourself” section of this manual.

The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels

do not lock during hard braking or when

braking on slippery surfaces. The system

detects the rotation speed at each wheel

and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-

vent each wheel from locking and sliding.

By preventing each wheel from locking, the

system helps the driver maintain steering

control and helps to minimize swerving

and spinning on slippery surfaces.

BRAKE ASSIST

When the force applied to the brake pedal

exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is

activated generating greater braking force

than a conventional brake booster even

with light pedal force.

Using the system

Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.

Depress the brake pedal with firm steady

pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The

If the ABS warning light illuminates during

the self-test or while driving, have the ve-

hicle checked. It is recommended that you

visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

5-24 Starting and driving

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)

SYSTEM

The VDC system uses various sensors to

monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.

Under certain driving conditions, the VDC

system helps to perform the following

functions:

When the VDC system operates, the

indicator light in the instrument panel

flashes so note the following:

WARNING

The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist

braking operation and is not a collision

warning or avoidance device. It is the

driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive

safely and be in control of the vehicle at

all times.

∙

The road may be slippery or the system

may determine some action is required

to help keep the vehicle on the steered

path.

∙

Controls brake pressure to reduce

wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel

so power is transferred to a non slipping

drive wheel on the same axle.

∙

You may feel a pulsation in the brake

pedal and hear a noise or vibration from

under the hood. This is normal and indi-

cates that the VDC system is working

properly.

Controls brake pressure and engine

output to reduce drive wheel slip based

on vehicle speed (traction control func-

tion).

∙

Adjust your speed and driving to the

road conditions.

Controls brake pressure at individual

wheels and engine output to help the

driver maintain control of the vehicle in

the following conditions:

For additional information, refer to “Slip in-

dicator light” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control

(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the “Instru-

ments and controls” section of this manual.

– Understeer (vehicle tends to not fol-

low the steered path despite in-

creased steering input)

If a malfunction occurs in the system,

the

and

indicator lights come

on in the instrument panel. The VDC sys-

tem automatically turns off when these in-

dicator lights are on.

– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due

to certain road or driving conditions)

The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the

The VDC system can help the driver to

maintain control of the vehicle, but it can-

not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv-

ing situations.

VDC system. The

indicator light illu-

minates to indicate the VDC system is off.

When theVDC OFF switch is used to turn off

the system, the VDC system still operates

Starting and driving 5-25

to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by

transferring power to a non slipping drive

∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

sion. If suspension parts such as

shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-

bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are

not NISSAN recommended for your

vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,

the VDC system may not operate

properly. This could adversely affect

vehicle handling performance and

∙ When driving on an unstable surface

such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or

wheel. The

this occurs. All other VDC functions are off

and the indicator light will not flash.

indicator light flashes if

ramp, the

flash or the

illuminate. This is not a malfunction.

Restart the engine after driving onto

a stable surface.

indicator light may

The VDC system is automatically reset to

on when the ignition switch is placed in the

off position then back to the on position.

∙ If wheels or tires other than the

NISSAN recommended ones are used,

the VDC system may not operate

The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-

ture that tests the system each time you

start the engine and move the vehicle for-

ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When

the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk

noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake

pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-

tion of a malfunction.

the

indicator light may flash.

∙ If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not

NISSAN recommended or are ex-

tremely deteriorated, the VDC system

may not operate properly and

properly and the

may flash and the

may illuminate.

indicator light

∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for

winter tires or tire chains on a snow

covered road.

the

illuminate.

indicator

light

may

∙ If engine control related parts are not

NISSAN recommended or are ex-

WARNING

BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION

During braking while driving through turns,

the system optimizes the distribution of

force to each of the front and rear wheels

depending on the radius of the turn.

∙ The VDC system is designed to help

the driver maintain stability but does

not prevent accidents due to abrupt

steering operation at high speeds or

by careless or dangerous driving

techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and

be especially careful when driving and

cornering on slippery surfaces and al-

ways drive carefully.

tremely deteriorated, the

tor light may illuminate.

indica-

∙ When driving on extremely inclined

surfaces such as higher banked cor-

ners, the VDC system may not operate

properly and the

may flash or the

indicator light

may illuminate. Do not drive on these

types of roads.

5-26 Starting and driving

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK

WARNING

∙ If engine control related parts are not

NISSAN recommended or are ex-

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply

de-icer through the key hole. If the lock

becomes frozen, heat the key before in-

serting it into the key hole or use the re-

mote keyless entry key fob (if so equipped).

∙ The VDC system is designed to help

the driver maintain stability but does

not prevent accidents due to abrupt

steering operation at high speeds or

by careless or dangerous driving

techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and

be especially careful when driving and

cornering on slippery surfaces and al-

ways drive carefully.

tremely deteriorated, the

tor light may illuminate.

indica-

∙ When driving on extremely inclined

surfaces such as higher banked cor-

ners, the VDC system may not operate

ANTIFREEZE

properly and the

may flash or the

indicator light

In the winter when it is anticipated that the

temperature will drop below 0°C (32°F),

check the antifreeze to assure proper win-

ter protection. For additional information,

refer to “Engine cooling system” in the “Do-

it-yourself” section of this manual.

may illuminate. Do not drive on these

types of roads.

∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

sion. If suspension parts such as

shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-

bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are

not NISSAN recommended for your

vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,

the VDC system may not operate

properly. This could adversely affect

vehicle handling performance, and

∙ When driving on an unstable surface

such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or

ramp, the

flash or the

illuminate. This is not a malfunction.

Restart the engine after driving onto

a stable surface.

indicator light may

BATTERY

This vehicle is equipped with a sealed

maintenance free battery. It is recom-

mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for

service.

the

indicator light may flash.

∙ If wheels or tires other than the

NISSAN recommended ones are used,

the VDC system may not operate

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

∙ If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not

NISSAN recommended or are ex-

tremely deteriorated, the VDC system

may not operate properly and

If the vehicle is to be left outside without

antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-

ing the engine block. Refill before operating

the vehicle. For additional information, refer

to “Changing engine coolant” in the “Do-it-

yourself” section of this manual.

properly and the

may flash and the

may illuminate.

indicator light

the

illuminate.

indicator

light

may

∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for

winter tires or tire chains on a snow

covered road.

Starting and driving 5-27

TIRE EQUIPMENT

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT

It is recommended that the following items

be carried in the vehicle during winter:

∙ Whatever the condition, drive with

caution. Accelerate and slow down

with care. If accelerating or down-

shifting too fast, the drive wheels will

lose even more traction.

1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to

provide superior performance on dry

pavement. However, the performance

of these tires will be substantially re-

duced in snowy and icy conditions. If

you operate your vehicle on snowy or

icy roads, NISSAN recommends the use

of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES

on all four wheels. It is recommended

that you visit a NISSAN dealer for the tire

type, size, speed rating and availability

information.

∙

A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-

move ice and snow from the windows

and wiper blades.

∙ Allow more stopping distance under

these conditions. Braking should be

started sooner than on dry pavement.

∙

A sturdy, flat board to be placed under

the jack to give it firm support.

∙ Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-

drifts.

∙ Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).

These may appear on an otherwise

clear road in shaded areas. If a patch

of ice is seen ahead, brake before

reaching it. Try not to brake while on

the ice, and avoid any sudden steering

maneuvers.

Extra washer fluid to refill the

windshield-washer fluid reservoir.

2. For additional traction on icy roads,

studded tires may be used. However,

some U.S. states and Canadian prov-

inces prohibit their use. Check local,

state and provincial laws before install-

ing studded tires.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

∙ Snow can trap dangerous exhaust

gases under your vehicle. Keep snow

clear of the exhaust pipe and from

around your vehicle.

∙ Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain),

very cold snow or ice can be slick and

very hard to drive on. The vehicle will

have much less traction or “grip” un-

der these conditions.Try to avoid driv-

ing on wet ice until the road is salted

or sanded.

Skid and traction capabilities of studded

snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be

poorer than that of non-studded snow

tires.

3. Tire chains may be used. For additional

information, refer to “Tire chains” in the

“Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

5-28 Starting and driving

6. Before starting the engine, unplug and

properly store the cord to keep it away

from moving parts.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so

equipped)

Engine block heaters are used to assist

with cold temperature starting.

∙ Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged

extension cord rated for at least 10 A.

Plug the extension cord into a Ground

Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,

grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure to

use the proper extension cord or a

grounded outlet can result in a fire or

electrical shock and cause serious

personal injury.

The engine block heater should be used

when the outside temperature is -7°C (20°F)

or lower.

WARNING

To use the engine block heater:

1. Turn the engine off.

∙ Do not use your engine block heater

with an ungrounded electrical system

or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be

seriously injured by an electrical

shock if you use an ungrounded

connection.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine

block heater cord.

3. Plug the engine block heater cord into

a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-

sion cord.

∙ Disconnect and properly store the en-

gine block heater cord before starting

the engine. Damage to the cord could

result in an electrical shock and can

cause serious injury.

4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground

Fault

Interrupt

(GFI)

protected,

grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.

5. The engine block heater must be

plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours, de-

pending on outside temperatures, to

properly warm the engine coolant. Use

an appropriate timer to turn the engine

block heater on.

Starting and driving 5-29

MEMO

5-30 Starting and driving

Starting and driving for Your Nissan Micra 4 Door Fifth Generation (2017-2023)

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