ignition NISSAN CUBE 2009 Repair Manual
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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 (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
Starting and driving
5-3
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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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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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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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.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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Black plate (199,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
When the ignition switch cannot be pushed
toward the LOCK position, proceed as follows:
1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Open the door. The ignition switch will
change to the LOCK position.
The selector lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the brake pedal is
depressed.PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)The ignition switch can only be locked in this
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while carrying the
Intelligent Key.ACC (Accessories)This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not
running.
ON (Normal operating position)This position turns on the ignition system and
electrical accessories.OFFThe engine can be turned off without locking the
steering wheel.
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be switched to the LOCK position
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the push-
button ignition switch in ACC or ON
position when the engine is not running
for an extended period. This can dis-
charge the battery.
SSD0860
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGEIf the battery of the Intelligent Key is discharged,
or environmental conditions interfere with the
Intelligent Key operation, start the engine
according to the following procedure:
1. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Intelligent
Key as illustrated. (A chime will sound.)
4. Push the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal within 10 seconds after the
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Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
chime sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the brake
pedal, the ignition switch position will change to
ACC.
NOTE:
.When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the engine is
started by the above procedures, the
Intelligent Key system warning light
may blink in yellow even if the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle. This is
not a malfunction. To stop the warning
light from blinking, touch the ignition
switch with the Intelligent Key again.
.If the Intelligent Key system warning
light in the meter is blinking in green,
replace the battery as soon as possible.
(See “KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-your-
self” section.).Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
.Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
.Check that all windows and lights are clean.
.Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
.Lock all doors.
.Position seat and adjust head restraints.
.Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
.Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
.Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
MODELS WITHOUT INTELLIGENT KEY
SYSTEM1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed so that it does not
operate unless the selector lever is in either
of the above positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) models:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Depress the clutch pedal fully to
the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
switch to START. Release the switch 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 restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold
it and then crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
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Starting and driving
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starts.
.If the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it. Crank the engine for 5 - 6
seconds. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank
the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the igni-
tion switch to START. Release the
ignition switch 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 ignition switch
off and wait 10 seconds before cranking
again, otherwise the starter could be
damaged.
4.Warm-up
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. In cold weather,
keep the engine running for a minimum of 2 -3 minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
5. To stop the engine, move the selector lever
to the P (Park) position (CVT model) or move
the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position (MT
model) , and turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
MODELS WITH INTELLIGENT KEY
SYSTEM1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
when operating the ignition switch.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position.
Depress the brake pedal and push the
ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
.If the engine is very hard to start inextremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and
while holding, crank the engine. Release
the accelerator pedal when the engine
starts.
.If the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it. Push the ignition switch to
the ON position to start cranking the
engine. After 5 or 6 seconds, stop
cranking by pushing the ignition switch
to OFF. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank
the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby depressing the
brake pedal and pushing the push-
button ignition switch to start the engine.
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, push the ignition switch
to OFF and wait 10 seconds before
cranking again, otherwise the starter
could be damaged.
Starting and driving
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Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
4.Warm-up
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. In cold weather,
keep the engine running for a minimum of 2 -
3 minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
When racing the engine up to 4,000 rpm or
more under no load condition, the engine
will enter the fuel cut mode.
5. To stop the engine, move the selector lever
to the P (Park) position, and push the
ignition switch to the OFF position.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS-
MISSION (CVT)The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
in your vehicle is electronically controlled to
produce maximum power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Engine power may be automatically re-
duced to protect the CVT if the engine
speed increases quickly when driving on
slippery roads or while being tested on
some dynamometers.Starting the vehicle1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before moving the selector
lever out of the P (Park) position.
This CVT is designed so that the foot
brake pedal must be depressed before
shifting from P (Park) to any driving
position while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of the P (Park) position and into any of
the other positions if the ignition
switch is placed in the LOCK, OFF or
ACC position or if the key is removed.2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed, push
the selector lever button and move the
selector lever to a driving position.
3. Release the parking brake and foot brake
pedal, and then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.
WARNING
.Do not depress the accelerator
pedal while shifting from P (Park)
or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse) , D
(Drive) or L (Low) . Always depress
the brake pedal until shifting is
completed. Failure to do so could
cause you to lose control and have
an accident.
.Cold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a
forward or reverse gear before the
engine has warmed up.
.Never shift to P (Park) or R (Re-
verse) while vehicle is moving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause you to lose
control and have an accident.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-14
Starting and driving
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