Nissan Micra (2018 year). Manual — part 13

wheel, insert the key and turn it gently
while rotating the steering wheel slightly
right and left.

IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS

LOCK: Normal parking position (0)

OFF: (1)

The engine can be turned off without lock-
ing the steering wheel.

ACC: (Accessories) (2)

This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.

ON: Normal operating position (3)

This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.

START: (4)

This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.

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:

1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON po-

sition for approximately 5 seconds.

2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or

LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.

4. Restart the engine while holding the

device (which may have caused the in-
terference) separate from the regis-
tered key.

If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered key on
a separate key ring to avoid interference
from other devices.

∙ Make sure the area around the vehicle is

clear.

∙ 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.

∙ 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 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.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

Starting and driving

5-7

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Automatic transmission:

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). P (Park) is recommended.

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.

The starter is designed not to oper-
ate if the shift lever is in any of the
driving positions.

Manual transmission:

Move the shift lever to N (Neutral). De-
press the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.

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.

∙ 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

floor) and hold it and then crank the
engine. Release the key and the ac-
celerator pedal when the engine
starts.

∙ 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.

CAUTION

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.

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.

NOTE:

Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:

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.).

2. The vehicle is not driven regularly

and/or only driven short distances.

In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.

STARTING THE ENGINE

5-8

Starting and driving

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(if so equipped)

The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled to produce
maximum power and smooth operation.

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.

WARNING

∙ 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.

∙ 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.

∙ Avoid revving up the engine while the

vehicle is stopped. This could cause
unexpected vehicle movement.

∙ Do not downshift abruptly on slippery

roads. This may cause a loss of
control.

CAUTION

∙ 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.

∙ 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.

∙ 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.

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

ply the parking brake when at a
standstill for longer than a short wait-
ing period.

∙ 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.

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.

2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed

and move the shift lever to a drive po-
sition.

3. Release the parking brake, the foot

brake pedal, and then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.

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.

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

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.

CAUTION

∙ Depress the foot brake pedal - Shift-

ing the shift lever to D, R, 2 or 1 without
depressing

the

foot

brake

pedal

causes the vehicle to move slowly
when the engine is running. Make
sure the foot brake pedal is depressed
fully and the vehicle is stopped before
shifting the shift lever.

∙ Make sure of the shift lever position-

Make sure the shift lever is in the de-
sired position. D, 2 and 1 are used to
move forward and R to back up.

∙ 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.

To move the shift lever:

Press the button

䊊

A

while depressing

the brake pedal.

Press the button

䊊

A

.

Just move the shift lever.

Shifting

WARNING

∙ 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.

∙ 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.

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.

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.

LSD2005

5-10

Starting and driving

If the ignition switch cannot be placed in
the LOCK position, perform the following
steps:

1. Apply the parking brake when the ve-

hicle is stopped.

2. Place the ignition switch in the ON po-

sition while depressing the foot brake
pedal.

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

sition.

4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK

position.

P (Park)

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use
the P (Park) position only when the ve-
hicle is completely stopped.

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 parking brake first, then shift
the shift lever into the P (Park) position.

R (Reverse)

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use
the R (Reverse) position only when the
vehicle is completely stopped.

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).

N (Neutral)

Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.

D (Drive)

Use this position for all normal forward
driving.

2 (Second gear)

Use this position for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.

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.

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.

Shift Lever position

1

2

50 km/h (31 mph)

95 km/h (59 mph)

Starting and driving

5-11

Shift lock release

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:

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.

4. Push down the shift lock release using

a suitable tool.

5. Press the shift lever button

䊊

A

and

move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position while holding down the shift
lock release.

6. Place the ignition switch in the ON po-

sition to unlock the steering wheel.

7. Release the parking brake.

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 automatic trans-
mission system checked as soon as pos-
sible. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.

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.

Fail-safe

When the fail-safe operation occurs, the
A/T 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:

∙ Place the shift lever in the P (Park)

position.

∙ Place the ignition switch in the OFF

position and wait for 3 seconds.

∙ Then place the ignition switch back in

the ON position.

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.

LSD2006

5-12

Starting and driving

Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch

Each time your vehicle is started, the trans-
mission is automatically “reset” to overdrive
ON.

ON:

With the engine running and
the shift lever in the D (Drive)
position, the transmission up-
shifts into overdrive as vehicle
speed increases.

Overdrive does not engage until the en-
gine has reached operating tempera-
ture.

OFF:

For driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking is
necessary push the overdrive
switch once. The Overdrive OFF
indicator light in the instrument
panel comes on at this time.

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.

When driving conditions change, depress
the overdrive switch to turn the overdrive
on.

Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the over-
drive off. This reduces fuel economy.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
(if so equipped)

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.

CAUTION

∙ Do not rest your foot on the clutch

pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.

∙ Fully depress the clutch pedal before

shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.

∙ 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.

∙ Do not shift to the N (Neutral) position

while driving. Doing so may result in
an accident due to loss of engine
braking.

LSD2012

Starting and driving

5-13

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.

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.

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.

You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into
R (Reverse). First shift into N (Neutral), then
into R (Reverse).

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).

Suggested up-shift speeds

The following are suggested vehicle speeds
for shifting into a higher gear. These sugges-
tions relate to fuel economy and vehicle per-
formance. Actual upshift speeds will vary ac-
cording to road conditions, the weather and
individual driving habits.

For normal acceleration in low altitude ar-
eas (less than 1219 m [4,000 ft]):

GEAR CHANGE

km/h (mph)

1st to 2nd

14 (9)

2nd to 3rd

19 (12)

3rd to 4th

34 (21)

4th to 5th

45 (28)

5th

—

For quick acceleration in low altitude areas
and high altitude areas (over 1219 m
[4,000 ft]):

Gear change

km/h (mph)

1st to 2nd

24 (15)

2nd to 3rd

40 (25)

3rd to 4th

64 (40)

4th to 5th

72 (45)

5th

—

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.

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.

WSD0096

5-14

Starting and driving

HR16DE engine model (5 M/T)

GEAR

km/h (mph)

1st

43 (27)

2nd

79 (49)

3rd

116 (72)

4th

157 (97)

5th

—

WARNING

∙ Be sure the parking brake is fully re-

leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.

∙ Do not release the parking brake from

outside the vehicle.

∙ Do not use the 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.

To engage: Pull the parking brake lever up

䊊

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.

WSD0048

PARKING BRAKE

Starting and driving

5-15

3. While pulling up on the parking brake

lever slightly, press the button

䊊

B

and

lower the lever completely.

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warn-

ing light goes out.

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL

1. CANCEL switch

2. ACCEL/RES switch

3. COAST/SET switch

4. CRUISE ON/OFF switch

∙ If the cruise control system malfunc-

tions, it cancels automatically.

∙ To properly set the cruise control sys-

tem, use the following procedures.

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.

∙ In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies

in speed.

∙ On winding or hilly roads.

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

∙ In very windy areas.

Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

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.

To turn on the cruise control, push the
CRUISE ON/OFF switch. The CRUISE indica-
tor light in the instrument panel comes on.

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.

LSD2430

CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)

5-16

Starting and driving

∙ To pass another vehicle, depress the

accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously 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.

To cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following three methods:

∙ Push the CANCEL switch.

∙ Tap the brake pedal.

∙ Push the CRUISE ON/OFF switch. The

CRUISE indicator light in the instrument
panel will go out.

The cruise control is automatically can-
celed if:

∙ You depress the brake pedal while

pushing the ACCEL/RES or SET/COAST
switch. The preset speed is deleted
from memory.

∙ The vehicle slows down more than

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

∙ You move the shift lever to N (Neutral).

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use
one of the following three methods:

∙ 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.

∙ Push and release the ACCEL/RES switch.

Each time you do this, the set speed in-
creases by about 1.6 km/h (1 mph).

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use
one of the following three methods:

∙ Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the

vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.

∙ 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).

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

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.

∙ Avoid driving for long periods at con-

stant speed, either fast or slow, and do
not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.

∙ Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

∙ Avoid quick starts.

∙ Avoid hard braking as much as pos-

sible.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

Starting and driving

5-17

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.

1. Use Smooth Accelerator and

Brake Pedal Application

∙ Avoid rapid starts and stops.

∙ Use smooth, gentle accelerator and

brake application whenever possible.

∙ Maintain constant speed while com-

muting and coast whenever pos-
sible.

2. Maintain Constant Speed

∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and

minimize stops.

∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic

lights allows you to reduce your num-
ber of stops.

∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini-

mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency.

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

Vehicle Speeds

∙ Below 64 km/h (40 mph), it is more

efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.

∙ Above 64 km/h (40 mph), it is more

efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag.

∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin

when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.

4. Drive at Economical Speeds and

Distances

∙ 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.

∙ Maintaining a safe following distance

behind other vehicles reduces un-
necessary braking.

∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate

changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.

∙ Select a gear range suitable to road

conditions.

5. Use Cruise Control

∙ Using cruise control during highway

driving helps maintain a steady
speed.

∙ Cruise control is particularly effective

in providing fuel savings when driving
on flat terrains.

6. Plan for the Shortest Route

∙ Utilize a map or navigation system to

determine the best route to save
time.

7. Avoid Idling

∙ Shutting off your engine when safe

for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions.

8. Buy an Automated Pass for

Toll Roads

∙ Automated passes permit drivers to

use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

5-18

Starting and driving

9. Winter Warm Up

∙ Limit idling time to minimize impact

to fuel economy.

∙ Vehicles typically need no more than

30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil be-
fore driving.

∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-

ating

temperature

more

quickly

while driving versus idling.

10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool

∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking

area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible.

∙ 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.

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.

∙ Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-

tain cruising speeds with a constant ac-
celerator position.

∙ Drive at moderate speeds on the high-

way. Driving at high speed lowers fuel
economy.

∙ Avoid unnecessary stopping and brak-

ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.

∙ 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.

∙ Keep the tires inflated to the correct

pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

∙ Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.

∙ Air conditioner operation lowers fuel

economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.

∙ When cruising at highway speeds, it is

more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.

∙ 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.

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

Starting and driving

5-19

WARNING

∙ 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.

∙ 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.

∙ Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

∙ Do not leave children unattended in-

side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls.
Unattended children could become
involved in serious 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.

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.

WSD0050

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

5-20

Starting and driving

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.

∙ HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB

䊊

A

:

Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb
side wheel gently touches the curb.

∙ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB

䊊

B

:

Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.

∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB

䊊

C

:

Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it moves.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK

position and remove the key.

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.

∙ 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.

The power steering system is designed to
provide power assist while driving to oper-
ate the steering wheel with light force.

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-
erations that could cause the power steer-
ing system to overheat.

You may hear a sound when the steering
wheel is operated quickly. However, this is
not a malfunction.

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 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.

For additional information, refer to “Power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.

POWER STEERING

Starting and driving

5-21

The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.

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.

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 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.

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.

∙ 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.

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.

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.

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

shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.

This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

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.

∙ Tire type and condition may also af-

fect braking effectiveness.

BRAKE SYSTEM

5-22

Starting and driving