NISSAN CUBE 2009 Owners Manual

Black plate (16,1)
5 Starting and driving
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
Precautions when starting and driving..................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)......................... 5-2
Three-way catalyst.......................................... 5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)............. 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover........................... 5-5
Off-road recovery........................................... 5-5
Rapid air pressure loss.................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving...................... 5-6
Ignition switch
(models without Intelligent Key system)................... 5-7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)............ 5-7
Manual Transmission (MT)................................ 5-8
Steering lock................................................. 5-8
Key positions................................................ 5-8
Push-button ignition switch
(models with Intelligent Key system)....................... 5-9
Operating range for engine start function............. 5-9
Push-button ignition switch operation................ 5-10
Push-button ignition switch positions................ 5-11
Intelligent Key battery discharge...................... 5-11
Before starting the engine.................................. 5-12
Starting the engine........................................... 5-12
Models without Intelligent Key system............... 5-12
Models with Intelligent Key system................... 5-13
Driving the vehicle............................................ 5-14Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).......... 5-14
Manual Transmission (MT).............................. 5-18
Parking brake.................................................. 5-20
Cruise control (if so equipped)............................ 5-21
Precautions on cruise control.......................... 5-21
Cruise control operations............................... 5-21
Break-in schedule............................................ 5-23
Increasing fuel economy.................................... 5-23
Sonar system (if so equipped)............................. 5-24
Parking/parking on hills...................................... 5-25
Electric power steering system............................ 5-26
Brake system.................................................. 5-27
Braking precautions...................................... 5-27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)...................... 5-28
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system................. 5-29
Cold weather driving......................................... 5-30
Freeing a frozen door lock.............................. 5-30
Anti-freeze.................................................. 5-30
Battery...................................................... 5-30
Draining of coolant water............................... 5-30
Tire equipment............................................ 5-31
Special winter equipment............................... 5-31
Driving on snow or ice.................................. 5-31
Engine block heater (if so equipped)................. 5-31
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Black plate (190,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
WARNING
.Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves
or others through inadvertent op-
eration 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.
.Properly secure all cargo with ropes
or straps to help prevent it from
sliding or shifting. Do not place
cargo higher than the seatbacks. In
a sudden stop or collision, unse-
cured cargo could cause personal
injury.EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
.Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless car-
bon monoxide. Carbon monoxide isdangerous. It can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
.If you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
.Do not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
.Do not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
.Keep the back door closed while
driving, otherwise exhaust gases
could be drawn into the passenger
compartment. If you must drive with
the back door open, follow these
precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation to off
and the fan control to high to
circulate the air.
.If electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the back door or
the body, follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle..If a special body, camper or other
equipment is added for recreational
or other usage, follow the manufac-
turer’s recommendation to prevent
carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle. (Some recreational vehicle
appliances such as stoves, refrig-
erators, heaters, etc. may also gen-
erate carbon monoxide.)
.The exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
— The vehicle is raised for service.
— You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
— You notice a change in the
sound of the exhaust system.
— You have had an accident invol-
ving damage to the exhaust
system, underbody, or rear of
the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYSTThe three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the three-way catalyst are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING5-2
Starting and driving
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Black plate (191,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
WARNING
.The exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people,
animals or flammable materials
away from the exhaust system com-
ponents.
.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.
CAUTION
.Do not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline will ser-
iously reduce the three-way
catalyst’s ability to help reduce ex-
haust pollutants.
.Keep your engine tuned up. Mal-
functions in the ignition, fuel injec-
tion, or electrical systems can cause
overrich fuel flow into the three-way
catalyst, causing it to overheat. Do
not keep driving if the engine mis-
fires, or if noticeable loss of perfor-
mance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have thevehicle inspected promptly by a
NISSAN dealer.
.Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, dama-
ging the three-way catalyst.
.Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
.Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper
tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon aspossible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi-
cator is illuminated, the system may not be able
to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
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Black plate (192,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.Additional information.The TPMS does not monitor the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
.The TPMS will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h) . Also, this system may not detect
a sudden drop in tire pressure (for example a
flat tire while driving) .
.The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure
is adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the
recommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h)
to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire
pressure warning light. Use a tire pressure
gauge to check the tire pressure.
.Tire pressure rises and falls depending on
the heat caused by the vehicle’s operation
and the outside temperature. Low outside
temperature can lower the temperature of
the air inside the tire which can cause a
lower tire inflation pressure. This may cause
the low tire pressure warning light to
illuminate. If the warning light illuminates in
low ambient temperature, check the tire
pressure for all four tires.
For additional information, see “Low tire pres-sure warning light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section and “TIRE PRESSURE MON-
ITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.
WARNING
.If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble. Driving with under-inflated tires
may permanently damage the tires
and increase the likelihood of tire
failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious
personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD
tire pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If you have a flat tire, replace it
with a spare tire as soon as possi-
ble. (See “FLAT TIRE” in the “6. In
case of emergency” section for
changing a flat tire.).When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will
remain on after 1 minute. Contact
your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/
or system resetting.
.Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
.Do not inject any tire liquid or
aerosol tire sealant into the tires,
as this may cause a malfunction of
the tire pressure sensors.
CAUTION
.The TPMS may not function properly
when the wheels are equipped with
tire chains or the wheels are buried
in snow.
.Do not place metalized film or any
metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the
windows. This may cause poor re-
ception of the signals from the tire
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Starting and driving
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Black plate (193,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
pressure sensors, and the TPMS will
not function properly.
Some devices and transmitters may temporarily
interfere with the operation of the TPMS and
cause the low tire pressure warning light to
illuminate. Some examples are:
.Facilities or electric devices using similar
radio frequencies are near the vehicle.
.If a transmitter set to similar frequencies is
being used in or near the vehicle.
.If a computer (or similar equipment) or a DC/
AC converter is being used in or near the
vehicle.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Cana-
da.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause un-
desired operation of the device.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND ROLL-
OVER
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.
As with any vehicle, a loss of control could
result in a collision with other vehicles or
objects, or cause the vehicle to rollover,
particularly if the loss of control causes the
vehicle to slide sideways.Be attentive at all
times, and avoid driving when tired. Never drive
when under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(including prescription or over-the-counter
drugs which may cause drowsiness) . Always
wear your seat belt as outlined in the “SEAT
BELTS” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of this
manual, and also instruct your passengers to do
so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
collisions and rollovers.In a rollover crash, an
unbelted or improperly belted person issignificantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERYWhile 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 below. 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.
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.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accel-
erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle to follow the road while the vehicle
speed is reduced. Do not attempt to drive
the vehicle back onto the road surface until
vehicle speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the
steering wheel until both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the
Starting and driving
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Black plate (194,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
appropriate driving lane.
.If you decide that it is not safe to return
the vehicle to the road surface based on
vehicle, road or traffic conditions, gra-
dually slow the vehicle to a stop in a safe
place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSSRapid 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.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by main-
taining the correct air pressure and visually
inspect the tires for wear and damage. See
“WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance
and 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
vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on
the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air
pressure. Losing control of the vehicle
may cause a collision and result in
personal injury.
.The vehicle generally moves or pulls
in the direction of the flat tire.
.Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
.Do not rapidly release the accelera-
tor pedal.
.Do not rapidly turn the steering
wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel
with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel-
erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location
off the road and away from traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually
stop the vehicle.6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and
either contact a roadside emergency service
to change the tire or see “CHANGING A
FLAT TIRE” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section of this Owner’s Manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. Alcohol in the blood-
stream reduces coordination, delays
reaction time and impairs judgement.
Driving after drinking alcohol increases
the likelihood of being involved in an
accident injuring yourself and others.
Additionally, if you are injured in an
accident, alcohol can increase the se-
verity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents.
Although the local laws vary on what is
considered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is
that alcohol affects all people differently and
most people underestimate the effects of
alcohol.
5-6
Starting and driving
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Black plate (195,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And
that is true for drugs, too (over-the-counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs) . Don’t drive if
your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by
alcohol, drugs, or some other physical condition.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
SSD0392
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS-
MISSION (CVT)The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
.When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, make sure that the selector
lever is in the P (Park) position.
.When removing the key from the ignition
switch, make sure that the selector lever is in
the P (Park) position.
When the ignition switch cannot be turned to
the LOCK position:
IGNITION SWITCH (models without
Intelligent Key system)
Starting and driving
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Black plate (196,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
1. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly in the ON
direction.
3. TurntheignitionswitchtotheLOCK
position.
4. Remove the key.
If the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P (Park) position. The selector lever can
be moved if the ignition switch is in the ON
position with the foot brake pedal depressed.
There is an OFF position
*1
between the
LOCK and ACC positions, although it is not
marked on the ignition switch.
SSD0503
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (MT)The ignition switch includes a device that helps
prevent accidental removal of the key while
driving.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
To turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position
from the ACC or ON position, turn the key to the
OFF position, push the key in, then turn the key
to the LOCK position.
There is an OFF position
*1
in between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position is
indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
STEERING LOCK
To lock steering wheel1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
2. Remove the key.
3. Turn the steering wheel 1/6 of a turn
clockwise from the straight up position.To unlock steering wheel1. Insert the key into the ignition switch.
2. Gently turn the ignition switch while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.KEY POSITIONS
LOCK (0)The key can only be removed from the ignition
switch at this position.
The steering lock can only be locked at this
position.OFF (1)The engine is turned off with the steering wheel
unlocked.ACC (2)The electrical accessory power activates without
the engine turned on.
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Starting and driving
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Black plate (197,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
ON (3)The ignition system and the electrical accessory
power activate without the engine turned on.START (4)The engine starter activates and the engine will
start. The ignition switch, when released, will
automatically turn to the ON position.
CAUTION
As soon as the engine has started,
release the ignition switch immediately.
WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except
in an emergency. (The engine will stop
when the ignition switch is pushed 3
consecutive times or the ignition switch
is pushed and held for more than 2
seconds.) If the engine stops while the
vehicle is being driven, this could lead
to a crash and serious injury.
Before operating the push-button ignition
switch, be sure to move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position.
SSD0436
OPERATING RANGE FOR ENGINE
START FUNCTIONThe Intelligent Key can only be used for starting
the engine when the Intelligent Key is within the
specified operating range
*1.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost
discharged or strong radio waves are present
near the operating location, the Intelligent Key
system’s operating range becomes narrower
and may not function properly.
If the Intelligent Key is within the operating
range, it is possible for anyone, even someone
who does not carry the Intelligent Key, to push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
(models with Intelligent Key system)
Starting and driving
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Black plate (198,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
.The cargo room area is not included in the
operating range but the Intelligent Key may
function.
.If the Intelligent Key is placed on the
instrument panel, inside the glove box or
door pocket, the Intelligent Key may not
function.
.If the Intelligent Key is placed near the door
or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent
Key may function.
SSD0859
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
OPERATIONWhen the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal, the ignition switch
position will change as follows:
.Push center once to change to ACC.
.Push center two times to change to ON.
.Push center three times to change to OFF.
.Push center four times to return to ACC.
.Open or close any door to return to LOCK
during the OFF position.
The indicator light
*A
on the ignition switchilluminates when the ignition switch is in the
ACC or ON position.
The ignition switch is equipped with an anti-theft
steering lock device.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 to the right or left from
the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, push the
ignition switch to the OFF position. To
unlock the steering wheel, push the igni-
tion switch.
If the ignition switch position does not
change from LOCK when pushing the
ignition switch, turn the steering wheel
right and left, then push the ignition switch
again.
If the battery of the vehicle is discharged,
the push-button ignition switch position
cannot be moved from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the meter. (See “WARNING/
INDICATOR LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMIN-
DERS” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.)
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch position cannot be switched to LOCK
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
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Starting and driving
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