engine overheat NISSAN KICKS 2023 Owners Manual

High temperature warning
light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position, the high temperature warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates that the high temperature
sensor in the engine coolant system is
operational.
When driving, the high temperature
warning light may turn off. This indicates
that the engine coolant temperature is
within the normal range.
CAUTION
If the high temperature warning light
illuminates while the engine is running,
it may indicate the engine temperature
is extremely high. Stop the vehicle
safely as soon as possible. If the vehicle
is overheated, continuing vehicle op-
eration may seriously damage the en-
gine. For additional information, see “If
your vehicle overheats” (P. 6-12).
LED Headlight system
warning light (if so
equipped)
This light illuminates when there is an error
with the system.
For additional information, see “Headlight
and turn signal switch” (P. 2-44).
Master warning light (if so
equipped)
This light illuminates red when various ve-
hicle information display warnings appear.
For additional information, see “Vehicle in-
formation display” (P. 2-24).
Rear seat belt warning light
and chime (if so equipped)
This warning light appears for 65 seconds
af ter the ignition is placed in the ON posi-
tion and the engine is started.
This warning light shows the status of the
three rear seat belts. When one of the rear
seat belts are buckled, the corresponding
rear seat belt indicator will appear white or
not illuminate for models with a trip com-
puter. When one of the rear seat belts are
unbuckled, the corresponding rear seat
belt indicator will appear red. Af ter a change in buckle status, a chime will
sound and the warning will appear for an-
other 65 seconds.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
the driver and front passenger seat belts.
For additional information, see “Seat belts”
(P. 1-9).
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF or LOCK position.
The blinking security indicator light indi-
cates that the security systems equipped
on the vehicle are operational.
For additional information, see “Security
systems” (P. 2-38).
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
Instruments and controls2-15

WARNING
• The exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people,
animals or flammable materials
away from the exhaust system
components.
• 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. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously
reduce the three-way catalyst's abil-
ity to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
• Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if no-
ticeable loss of performance or other
unusual operating conditions are de-
tected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service. •
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing 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
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended 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 all your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver’s responsibility to maintain cor-
rect tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumi-
nation 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 com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illu-
minated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunc-
tion indicator 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, includ-
ing the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
Starting and driving5-5

– The braking force is applied by theautomatic brake hold function for
3 minutes or longer.
– The shif t lever is in the P (Park) position.
– The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
– The ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
–
The parking brake is applied manually.– If a malfunction occurs in the auto- matic brake hold function.
Manual operation
The electronic parking brake will not be au-
tomatically applied if the engine is stopped
without using the ignition switch (for ex-
ample, by engine stalling). In such a case,
you have to apply the parking brake
manually.
To apply: Pull the switch up
O1. The indica-
tor light
OAwill illuminate.
To release: With the ignition switch in the
ON position, depress the brake pedal and
push the switch down
O2. The indicator
light
OAwill turn off.
Before driving, check that the electronic
parking brake indicator light (
or PARK)
goes out. For additional information, see “Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders” (P. 2-11).
NOTE:
• A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is
driven without releasing the parking
brake. For additional information, see
“Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders” (P. 2-11).
• While the electronic parking brake is applied or released, an operating
sound is heard from the lower side of
the rear seat. This is normal and does
not indicate a malfunction.
• When the electronic parking brake is frequently applied and released in a
short period of time, the parking brake
may not operate in order to prevent the
parking brake system from overheat-
ing. If this occurs, operate the elec-
tronic parking brake switch again af ter
waiting approximately 1 minute.
• If the electronic parking brake must be applied while driving in an emergency,
pull up and hold the parking brake
switch. When you release the parking
brake switch, the parking brake will be
released. • While pulling up the electronic parking
brake switch during driving, the park-
ing brake is applied and a chime
sounds. The electronic parking brake
indicator light in the meter and in the
parking brake switch illuminates. This
does not indicate a malfunction. The
electronic parking brake indicator light
in the meter and in the parking brake
switch turns off when the parking
brake is released.
• When pulling the electronic parking brake switch up with the ignition
switch in the OFF or AUTO ACC position,
the parking brake switch indicator
light will continue to illuminate for a
short period of time.
5-24Starting and driving

• HEADED UPHILL WITH CURBO2:
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
O3:
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. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK po- sition and remove the key from the
vehicle.
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 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 power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servic-
ing. Have the power steering system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates 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, see “Power
steering warning light” (P. 2-20).
POWER STEERING
Starting and driving5-131

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 downshif t 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, accelerat-
ing or downshif ting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating 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
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking 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 (if so
equipped) are replaced, in order to assure
the best braking performance.
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 ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-132Starting and driving

6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch..................6-2
Emergency engine shut off ......................6-2
Flat tire ..........................................6-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) .......................................6-3
Changing a flat tire ...........................6-4
Jump starting .................................. 6-10Push starting
................................... 6-12
If your vehicle overheats ........................6-12
Towing your vehicle ............................ 6-13
Towing recommended by NISSAN ...........6-13
Vehicle recovery
(freeing a stuck vehicle) .....................6-14

CAUTION
•
Do not push start this vehicle. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
• Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models cannot be push-
started or tow-started. Attempting
to do so may cause transmission
damage. If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by a
(red) high temperature warning light
(if
so equipped)), or if you feel a lack of engine
power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take the
following steps.
WARNING
• Do not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could cause
engine damage or a vehicle fire.
• To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is still hot. When
the coolant reservoir cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
• Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, ap- ply the parking brake and move the shif t
lever to P (Park).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed. 3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off
the engine.) Do not open the hood fur-
ther until no steam or coolant can be
seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor 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.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into con-
tact with, or get caught in, engine belts
or the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-12In case of emergency

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50%
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) and 50% water to provide
year-round antifreeze and coolant protec-
tion. The antifreeze solution contains rust
and corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine
cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING
• Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is hot. Wait until
the engine and radiator cool down.
Serious burns could be caused by
high pressure fluid escaping from the
radiator. For additional information
on precautions, see “If your vehicle
overheats” (P. 6-12).
• The coolant reservoir is equipped
with a pressure type coolant reser-
voir cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a Genuine NISSAN coolant
reservoir cap.
CAUTION
• Never use any cooling system addi-
tives such as radiator sealer. Addi-
tives may clog the cooling system
and cause damage to the engine,
transmission and/or cooling system.
• When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent. Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-
diluted to provide antifreeze protec-
tion to -34° F (-37° C). If additional
freeze protection is needed due to
weather where you operate your ve-
hicle, add Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) concen-
trate following the directions on the
container. If an equivalent coolant
other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used, fol-
low the coolant manufacturer’s in-
structions to maintain minimum an-
tifreeze protection to -34° F (-37° C).
The use of other types of coolant so-
lutions other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent may damage the en-
gine cooling system. •
The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
or 7 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
(or equivalent coolant), including
Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green), or the
use of non-distilled water may re-
duce the life expectancy of the
factory-fill coolant. For additional in-
formation, refer to the “Maintenance
and schedules” section of this
manual.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-4Do-it-yourself

Af termarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any af termarket fuel additives (for ex-
ample, fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers,
etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of
these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active sol-
vents or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can
cause persistent, heavy “spark knock.”
(“Spark knock” is a metallic rapping
noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine
damage. If you detect a persistent heavy
spark knock even when using gasoline
of the stated octane rating, or if you hear
steady spark knock while holding a
steady speed on level roads, it is recom-
mended that you have a NISSAN dealer
correct the condition. Failure to correct
the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which NISSAN is not responsible.Incorrect ignition timing may result in
spark knock, af ter-run and/or overheating,
which may cause excessive fuel consump-
tion or engine damage. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not
a cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
Technical and consumer information10-5

Maintenance precautions.........8-2Outside the vehicle.............9-3Seat belt maintenance..........1-16Under the hood and vehicle.......9-4Maintenance requirements..........9-2Maintenance schedules............9-7Malfunction indicator light..........2-19Manual front seat adjustment........1-3Map lights....................2-75Map pocket...................2-61Menu button...................4-5Meters and gauges..............2-4Instrument brightness control.....2-50Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror. . .3-29Heated mirrors...............3-30Outside mirrors..............3-29Rearview...................3-28Vanity mirror................3-28Mirrors......................3-28Moving Object Detection (MOD)......4-27
N
NISSAN Anti-Thef t System......2-39, 5-14NISSAN Intelligent Key®..........3-2,3-6NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge
indicator.....................5-13NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System................. .2-40, 5-14NissanConnect® Owner's Manual......4-2
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating). .10-5Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine oil............8-6Changing engine oil filter.........8-6Checking engine oil level.........8-5Engine oil.................. .8-5Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-6Engine oil viscosity.............10-6Outside mirrors................3-29Overheat
If your vehicle overheats.........6-12Owner's manual order form........10-23Owner's manual/service manual order
information................. .10-23
P
Parking
Parking brake operation.........5-22Parking/parking on hills.........5-130Parking brake...........2-14,2-17,2-21Personal lights.................2-75Phone, Bluetooth® hands-free system. .4-66PowerPower door locks..............3-5Power outlet................2-59Powerrearwindows............2-72Power steering system.........5-131
Power windows...............2-71Rear power windows...........2-72Power outlet................. .2-59Power steering................5-131Precautions
Maintenance precautions.........8-2On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions................. .5-9Precautions on booster
seats............1-19,1-26, 1-33, 1-38Precautions on child
restraints.........1-19,1-26,1-33, 1-38Precautions on seat belt usage......1-9Precautions on supplemental restraint
system................... .1-41Precautions when starting and
driving.................... .5-4Push starting..................6-12
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio..........4-66FM/AM radio................4-48Steering wheel audio control
switch................... .4-62Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test...................... .10-22Rear Automatic Braking (RAB).......5-81Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).......5-46Rear Door Alert.........2-32, 2-33, 2-58Rear power windows.............2-72Rear seat.....................1-4
11-5