check engine NISSAN MICRA 2012 Owners Manual

Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch
Each time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.
ON: With the engine running and theshift lever in the D (Drive) position,
the transmission upshifts into Over-
drive as vehicle speed increases.
Overdrive does not engage until the engine
has reached operating temperature.
OFF: For driving up and down longslopes where engine braking is nec-
essary push the Overdrive switch
once. The O/D 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
O/D OFF indicator 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 ex-
tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.
This reduces fuel economy.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation is activated, the auto-
matic transmission will be locked in third gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits 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 op-
erating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair it if necessary.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)

WARNING
●If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
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 by a NISSAN
dealer.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. When the temperature of the power steer-
ing system goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the power
steering system to overheat. You may hear a sound when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.
If the electric power steering warning light
PS
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
For additional information, refer to “Power steer-
ing warning light” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section. The brake system has two separate hydraulic
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 pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance 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.
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-19

WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes 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
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above5-10km/h
(3 - 6 MPH) . The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action
is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation 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 operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
the VDC System helps to perform the following
functions:
● 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.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-21

●When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light may illumi-
nate. This is not a malfunction. Restart
the engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole or use the remote keyless entry key fob (if so
equipped) .
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, refer to “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For additional information, refer to “Bat-
tery” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For additional information, refer to “Changing
engine coolant” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some states
and provinces prohibit their use. Check lo-
cal, state and provincial laws before install-
ing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-24Starting and driving

3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen forsteam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
5.
Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking, the
water pump belt is missing or loose, or the
cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
2, add coolant to the MAX level
1. If the reservoir is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiator when the engine is cold. If
there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the
radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
1.
This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) . The life expectancy of
the factory-fill coolant is 105,000 miles
(168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of non-distilled water will re-
duce the life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant.
Refer to the NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide for more details.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
For additional information on the location of the
engine coolant reservoir, refer to “Engine com-
partment check locations” in this section.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than
10 minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re- insert it all the way. 5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marks1. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
2, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening. Do not overfill
3.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some engine oil be-
tween oil maintenance intervals depending
on the severity of operating conditions or
depending on the property of the engine oil
used. More engine oil is consumed by fre-
quent acceleration/deceleration especially when the engine rpm is high. Consumption
is likely to be higher when the engine is
new. If the rate of oil consumption, after
driving for 3,000 miles (5,000 km), is more
than 0.5 liter per 600 miles (1,000 km), con-
sult a NISSAN dealer

Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, refer to “Jump start-
ing” in the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual for additional information. If the engine
does not start by jump starting, the battery may
have to be replaced. Contact a NISSAN dealer.
1. Water pump pulley
2. Generator pulley
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor (if soequipped) /Idler pulley (if so equipped)
5. Manual tensioner pulley
 Tension checking point

Child restraints.......1-16,1-17,1-18,1-20
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System ..............1-20
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-18,1-25,1-31,1-36
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-22
Child safety rear door lock ............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-12
Cleaningexteriorandinterior...........7-2
Clock.......................4-33 (models without navigation system) ....4-33
Clockset.....................4-33
Clock set/adjustment ..............4-33
Clutch Clutch fluid ..................8-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Cold weather driving ...............5-24
Compact disc (CD) player ........4-34,4-38
Controls Audiocontrols(steeringwheel).......4-44
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-7, 4-15
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Corrosionprotection ...............7-5
Cruisecontrol..................5-15
Cupholders................2-22,2-23
Curtain side-impact air bag system
(See supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag system) ...........1-52 D
Daytime light system ...............2-18
Defroster switch Rear window defroster switch .......2-16
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-18
Door locks .....................3-3
Door open warning light .............2-8
Drive belt .....................8-15
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-24
Driving with automatic transmission .....5-8
Driving with manual transmission ......5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Driving the vehicle .................5-8
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-17
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty .......9-18
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-7
Block heater .................5-25
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant...........8-8
Changingengineoil.............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine cooling system ............8-7 Engineoil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light
.......2-8
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-6
Engine serial number ............9-11
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine ..............5-7
Event data recorders ..............9-19
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Explanation of maintenance items ........8-2
Extended

storage switch ............8-23
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat tire .......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) .....8-11
Brake fluid ..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid ..................8-12
Enginecoolant.................8-7
Engineoil ...................8-9
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-47
Frontseats.....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-17
Fuel-filler cap .................3-11
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever ......3-11
Fuel-filler lid .................3-11
10-2

Fuel-filler lid and cap............3-11
Fuel gauge ...................2-5
Fuel octane rating ...............9-5
Fuel gauge .....................2-5
Fuses.......................8-20
Fusible links ...................8-21
G
Gascap .....................3-11
Gauge Fuel gauge ...................2-5
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-3
Tachometer ..................2-4
Trip computer .................2-5
Trip odometer .................2-4
General maintenance ...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-23
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth® ....4-46
Hazard warning flasher switch ..........6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ........2-17
Headlightcontrolswitch ............2-17
Headlights....................8-25
Head restraints ..................1-6
Heater Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-7, 4-15
Heater operation ............4-9,4-17
Hood release ...................3-9
Horn .......................2-20 I
Ignition switch ...................5-5
Immobilizer system ..........2-13,3-2,5-7
Important vehicle information label .......9-11
Increasing fuel economy .............5-17
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) .....................2-7
Inside mirror ...................3-14
Instrument brightness control ..........2-18
Instrument panel ...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-18
Intelligent Key system Remote keyless entry operation .......3-7
Interiorlight....................2-27
iPod® Player ...................4-42
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-20
J
Jump starting ...............6-10,8-15
K
Key.........................3-2
Key fob battery replacement ..........8-24
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) .........3-7
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system) ........3-6 L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-11
Emission control information label .....9-11
Engine serial number ............9-11
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-54
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-20
License plate Installing the license plate ..........9-12
Light A
irbagwarninglight.........1-55,2-10
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-29
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-7
Bulb replacement ..............8-29
Charge warning light .............2-8
Foglights...................8-29
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-17
Headlight control switch ..........2-17
Headlights..................8-25
Interior light ..................2-27
Lightbulbs..................8-25
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light.......................2-9
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-49
Security indicator light ............2-11
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-7
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-5
Doorlocks...................3-3
10-3