power steering NISSAN CUBE 2010 3.G Owners Manual

Black plate (9,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
SSI0563
1. Front cup holders (P.2-31)
2. Headlight, fog light and turn signal switch— Headlight (P.2-23)
— Turn signal light (P.2-26)
— Fog light* (P.2-27) 3. Steering wheel
— Electric power steering system (P.5-25)
— Horn (P.2-28)
— Driver’s supplemental air bag (P.1-44)
4. Wiper and washer switch (P.2-20)
5. Fuse box cover (P.8-21)
6. Outside mirror remote control switch (P.3-27) 7. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch
(P.5-28)
8. Tilting steering wheel lever (P.3-25)
9. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (left side)* — Audio control* (P.4-41)
— Bluetooth
®Hands-Free Phone System control*
(P.4-44)
10. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (right side)* — Cruise control switches* (P.5-20)
11. Selector lever or Shift lever — Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(P.5-14)
— Manual Transmission (MT) (P.5-18)
12. Parking brake (P.5-20)
*: if so equipped
COCKPIT
Illustrated table of contents
0-7

Black plate (84,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
Low fuel warning light
High beam indicator light
Low tire pressure warning light
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light*
Overdrive off indicator light*
P position selecting warning light*
Security indicator light
Charge warning light
Seat belt warning light
Slip indicator light
Door open warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Low beam indicator light
Electric power steering warning light
Front passenger air bag status light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise indicator light*
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Intelligent Key system warning light*
Engine start operation indicator light**: if so equipped
CHECKING BULBSWith all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,
or
,
,
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go off (if so equipped):
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
If any light does not come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system checked by
a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS2-10
Instruments and controls

Black plate (86,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
Electric power steering warning
light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the electric power steering warning light illumi-
nates. After starting the engine, the electric
power steering warning light turns off. This
indicates the electric power steering system is
operational.
If the electric power steering warning light
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the electric power steering system is
not functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the electric power steering system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the power
assist to the steering will cease operation but
you will still have control of the vehicle. At this
time, greater steering efforts are required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
See “ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYS-
TEM” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Engine oil pressure warning light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or illuminates during normal driving,pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediately
and call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Key system warning light
(if so equipped)
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
This light illuminates or blinks as follows:
. The light blinks in yellow when the door is
closed with the Intelligent Key left outside
the vehicle and the ignition switch in the
ACC or ON position. Make sure that the Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle.
. The light blinks in green when the Intelligent
Key battery is running out of power. Replace
the battery with a new one. (See “KEY
BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.)
. The light illuminates in yellow when it warns
of a malfunction with the electrical steering
lock system or the Intelligent Key system.
If the warning light illuminates in yellow while the
engine is stopped, it may be impossible to free
the steering lock or to start the engine. If the
light comes on while the engine is running, you
can drive the vehicle. However in these cases,
contact a NISSAN dealer for repair as soon as
possible.
Low fuel warning light
This light illuminates when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches the 0
(empty) position.
There will be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel gauge
reaches the 0 position.
2-12
Instruments and controls

Black plate (102,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
SIC4130
To sound the horn, push the center pad area of
the steering wheel.
WARNING
Do not disassemble the horn. Doing so
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental front air bag system.
Tampering with the supplemental front
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury.
SIC1881
The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most
driving conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor.
If maximum engine power is needed to free a
stuck vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will illuminate.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. (See “VEHICLE
DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.) The digital clock (in the audio unit) displays time
when the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.
The clock ON or OFF mode can be selected.
If the power supply is disconnected, the
clock will not indicate the correct time.
Readjust the time.
HORN
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCHCLOCK (if so equipped)2-28
Instruments and controls

Black plate (10,1)
3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
Keys ............................................................... 3-2NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System keys ............ 3-2
Intelligent Keys (if so equipped) ......................... 3-3
Doors .............................................................. 3-4
Locking with key ............................................ 3-4
Locking with inside lock knob ........................... 3-5
Locking with power door lock switch .................. 3-5
Automatic door locks ...................................... 3-5
Child safety rear door lock ............................... 3-6
Remote keyless entry system (if so equipped) ........... 3-6
How to use remote keyless entry system ............. 3-7
Intelligent Key system (if so equipped) .................. 3-10
Intelligent Key operating range ........................ 3-12
Door locks/unlocks precaution ........................ 3-12
Intelligent Key operation ................................. 3-13
Battery saver system ..................................... 3-14 Warning lights and audible reminders
............... 3-14
Troubleshooting guide ................................... 3-15
How to use remote keyless entry function .......... 3-17
Hood ............................................................ 3-21
Back door ...................................................... 3-22
Bumpers and side sill extensions (Kro ¯
m models) . .... 3-23
Fuel-filler door ................................................. 3-24
Opening the fuel-filler door ............................. 3-24
Fuel-filler cap .............................................. 3-24
Tilt steering column .......................................... 3-25
Tilt operation ............................................... 3-26
Sun visors ...................................................... 3-26
Mirrors ........................................................... 3-26
Inside mirror ................................................ 3-26
Outside mirrors ............................................ 3-27

Black plate (126,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
WARNING
.Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should con-
tact the electric medical equipment
manufacturer for the possible influ-
ences before use.
. The Intelligent Key transmits radio
waves when the buttons are
pushed. The FAA advises that the
radio waves may affect aircraft na-
vigation and communication sys-
tems. Do not operate the
Intelligent Key while on an airplane.
Makesurethebuttonsarenot
operated unintentionally when the
unit is stored during a flight.
The Intelligent Key system can operate all the
door locks using the remote controller function
or pushing the request switch on the vehicle
without taking the key out from a pocket or
purse. The operating environment and/or condi-
tions may affect the Intelligent Key system
operation.
Be sure to read the following before using the
Intelligent Key system.
CAUTION
. Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key
with you when operating the vehi-
cle.
. Never leave the Intelligent Key in
the vehicle when you leave the
vehicle.
The Intelligent Key is always communicating with
the vehicle as it receives radio waves. The
Intelligent Key system transmits weak radio
waves. Environmental conditions may interfere
with the operation of the Intelligent Key system
under the following operating conditions.
. When operating near a location where
strong radio waves are transmitted, such
as a TV tower, power station and broad-
casting station.
. When in possession of wireless equipment,
such as a cellular phone, transceiver, and
CB radio.
. When the Intelligent Key is in contact with or
covered by metallic materials.
. When any type of radio wave remote control
is used nearby.
. When the Intelligent Key is placed near an
electric appliance such as a personal computer.
. When the vehicle is parked near a parking
meter.
In such cases, correct the operating conditions
before using the Intelligent Key function or use
the mechanical key.
Although the life of the battery varies depending
on the operating conditions, the battery’s life is
approximately 2 years. If the battery is dis-
charged, replace it with a new one.
Since the Intelligent Key is continuously receiv-
ing radio waves, if the key is left near equipment
which transmits strong radio waves, such as
signals from a TV and personal computer, the
battery life may become shorter.
For information regarding replacement of a
battery, see “KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
Because the steering wheel is locked electri-
cally, unlocking the steering wheel with the
ignition switch in the LOCK position is impos-
sible when the vehicle battery is completely
discharged. Always be careful that the vehicle
battery is not completely discharged.
As many as 4 Intelligent Keys can be registered
and used with one vehicle. For information about
the purchase and use of additional Intelligent
INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEM (if so
equipped)3-10
Pre-driving checks and adjustments

Black plate (16,1)
5 Starting and driving
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
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
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 ................ 5-10
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 ................... 5-13Driving the vehicle
............................................ 5-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) .......... 5-14
Manual Transmission (MT) .............................. 5-18
Parking brake .................................................. 5-20
Cruise control (if so equipped) ............................ 5-20
Precautions on cruise control .......................... 5-20
Cruise control operations ............................... 5-21
Break-in schedule ............................................ 5-22
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 5-23
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 5-24
Electric power steering system ............................ 5-25
Brake system .................................................. 5-26
Braking precautions ...................................... 5-26
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ...................... 5-26
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ................. 5-28
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-29
Freeing a frozen door lock .............................. 5-29
Anti-freeze .................................................. 5-29
Battery ...................................................... 5-29
Draining of coolant water ............................... 5-29
Tire equipment ............................................ 5-30
Special winter equipment ............................... 5-30
Driving on snow or ice .................................. 5-30
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................. 5-30

Black plate (229,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
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. Models with Intelligent Key system:
Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
Models without Intelligent Key system:
Place the ignition switch in the LOCK
position and remove the key.
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 electric power steering
warning light illuminates with the
engine running, the power assist for
the steering will cease operation.
You will still have control of the
vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate.
The electric power steering system is designed
to provide 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
overheating of the electric 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 electric power steering
system goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the electric
power steering system to overheat. You may hear a fricative sound when the
steering wheel is operated quickly. However,
this is not a malfunction.
If the electric power steering warning light
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the electric power steering system is
not functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the electric power steering system
checked by a NISSAN dealer. (See “Electric
power steering warning light” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the power
assist for the steering will cease operation. You
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns and at low speeds.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
Starting and driving
5-25

Black plate (232,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, 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
conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steering
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.
When the VDC system operates, theindicator in the instrument panel flashes so note
the following:
. The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Slip indicator light” in the “2. Instruments
and controls” section and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
and
indicatorlightscomeoninthe
instrument panel. The VDC system automatically
turns off when these indicator lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator illuminates to
indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC
switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC
system still operates to prevent one drive wheel
from slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes
if this occurs. All other VDC functions are off and
the
indicator will not flash. The VDC
System is automatically reset to on when the
ignition switch is placed in the off position then
back to the on position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN recom-
mended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle hand-
ling performance, and the
in-
dicator may flash or bothand
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM5-28
Starting and driving

Black plate (248,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 17
When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators are familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends that you
have a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions.
WARNING
.Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dol-
lies must be used.
. Always attach safety chains before
towing. For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV) , see “FLAT TOW-
ING” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.TOWING YOUR VEHICLE6-12
In case of emergency