NISSAN MURANO 2005 1.G Owners Manual

WARNING
A vehicle equipped with AWD (All-
Wheel Drive) should never be tested
using a two wheel dynamometer, similar
to the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing, or similar
equipment. Make sure you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle
is an AWD equipped vehicle before it is
placed on a dynamometer. Failure to do
so may result in transmission damageor unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
AWD LOCK SWITCH OPERATIONSThe AWD LOCK switch located in front of the
shift lever is used to select AUTO/LOCK de-
pending on the driving conditions.
Each time you push the lower part of the switch,
the AWD mode will switch: AUTO→LOCK→
AUTO.
The AWD system electronically controls the
coupling.
Push the lower part of the AWD LOCK switchAto select the AUTO or LOCK mode depend-
ing on the driving conditions.
LOCK modePush the lower part of the switch
A
when the
vehicle is stopped or driving under approximately
10 km/h (6 MPH).
The AWD LOCK indicator light will come on.
AUTO modePush the lower part of the switch
A. The AWD
LOCK indicator light will go off.
SSD0418
USING ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
(if so equipped)5-24
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AWD
modeWheel drivenAWD LOCK
indicator
lightUse conditions
AUTODistribution of torque to the front and rear
wheels changes automatically, depending
on road conditions encountered
[100:0]↔[50:50].
This results in improved driving stability.*1Goes off.For driving on paved or slippery
roads
LOCK All wheel drive*2, *3 AWD LOCK For driving on rough roads
*1: When the rotation difference between the front and rear wheels is large, the AWD mode may change from
AUTO to LOCK for a while, however, this is not a malfunction.
*2: LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically when the vehicle is accelerated or the vehicle speed is
over approximately 10 km/h (6 MPH). The AWD LOCK indicator light does not go off.
LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically when the vehicle has been driven for a long period at
a high speed. The AWD LOCK indicator light goes off.
*3: LOCK mode will automatically be cancelled when the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
If the AWD LOCK switch is operated while accelerating or decelerating, or if the ignition switch
is turned off, you may feel a jerk. This is normal.

The oil temperature of power train parts will increase if the vehicle is continuously operated under
conditions where the difference in rotation between the front and rear wheels is large (wheel slip),
such as when driving the vehicle on rough roads through sand, mud or freeing a stuck vehicle. In
these cases, the AWD warning light blinks rapidly and the AWD mode changes to 2WD condition
to protect the power train parts. If you stop driving with the engine idling and wait until the warning
light stops blinking, the AWD returns to the AUTO mode.
WARNING

Do not place an AWD equipped ve-
hicle on a two wheel dynamometer or
raise two wheels off the ground and
shift the transmission to any D (drive)
or R (reverse) position. Doing so may
result in transmission damage or un-
expected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle dam-
age or personal injury.

When driving straight, shift the AWD
lock switch to AUTO. Do not operate
the AWD lock switch when making a
turn or backing up.

Do not operate the AWD lock switch
with the front wheel spinning.

Engine idling speed is high while
warming up the engine. Be especially
careful when starting or driving on
slippery surfaces with the AWD lock
switch set in AUTO or LOCK.

When turning the vehicle in
ON/LOCK mode on paved roads, you
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may feel a braking effect. This is a
normal condition of the AWD model.
AWD WARNING LIGHTThe AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon
after the engine is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
when the ignition switch is ON, the warning light
will remain illuminated.
High-temperature power-train oil due to continu-
ous operation of the vehicle to free a stuck
vehicle makes the warning light blink rapidly
(about twice per second). The driving mode may
change to 2 wheel drive condition. AUTO mode
may change to LOCK mode before the warning
light blinks. This is normal. If the warning light
blinks rapidly during operation, stop the vehicle
with the engine idling in a safe place immedi-
ately. Then if the light goes off after a while, you
can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning light
blink slowly (about once per two seconds). Pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the engine.
Check that all tire sizes are the same, tire
pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
WARNING
Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle with two wheels on a
two wheel dynamometer and the other
two wheels raised. Doing so may result
SSD0314A
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in transmission damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal in-
jury.
CAUTION

If the warning light comes on while
driving, AUTO or LOCK mode will be
changed to 2 wheel drive condition.
Reduce the vehicle speed and have
your vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.

When the warning light comes on,
the 2 wheel condition may be en-
gaged even if the driving mode is in
AUTO or LOCK. Be especially careful
when driving.

Never drive on dry hard surface roads
in the LOCK mode, as this will over-
load the power-train and may cause a
serious malfunction.

If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehiclechecked by a NISSAN dealer as soon
as possible.

The power-train may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking rapidly.
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WARNING

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.

Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.

Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
WARNING

Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park).
Failure to do so could cause the ve-
hicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in an accident.

Make sure the shift lever has been
pushed as far forward as it can go
and cannot be moved without de-
pressing the button at the end of the
lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
Turn the wheels into the curband move the
vehicle forward until the curbside wheel
gently touches the curb.
SD1006MA
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS5-28
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HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curband
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
3
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. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to use
a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist
steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However, much
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns or at low speeds.
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 much harder to operate.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping 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.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes,
increases wear on the brake linings and pads,
and reduces gas mileage.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.

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.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed
at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure
to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding.By preventing wheel lockup, the system helps
the driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery sur-
faces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the ABS operationmay indicate that road conditions are hazardous
and extra care is required while driving.
Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the
meter. The brake system will then behave nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for repair at your
earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
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cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with the anti-lock brake
system. Stopping distances 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 vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.

When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.

When installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See
“Vehicle identification” in the “9.
Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section for tire placard location.When accelerating or driving on a slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors
detect these movements and control the braking
and engine output to help improve vehicle sta-
bility.

When the VDC system is operating, the
“SLIP” indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.

When only the Traction Control System
(TCS) portion of the VDC system is operat-
ing, the “SLIP” indicator in the instrument
panel blinks.

If the “SLIP” indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. Be
sure to drive carefully. See “Slip indicator
light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.

Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
“SLIP” and “VDC OFF” indicator lights illumi-
nate in the instrument panel. As long as these
indicators are illuminated, the VDC system
function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction.The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The
ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other driving
wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
system turned off, all VDC system functions and
TCS functions will be turned off. The ABLS
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. When the ABLS system is activated,
the “SLIP” indicator light will blink and you may
hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or backward. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of a malfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)
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WARNING

The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.

If engine related parts such as a muf-
fler are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC
OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.

Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars and bushings are not
NISSAN-approved or are extremely
deteriorated the VDC system may not
operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the “VDC OFF” indica-tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.

If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indica-
tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.

When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the “VDC OFF” indi-
cator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.

When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.

If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC sys-tem may not operate properly and the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indi-
cator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.

The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow-covered road.5-32
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTIFREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
antifreeze to assure proper winter protection. For
additional information, see “Engine cooling sys-
tem” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section for changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Please consult a
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some provinces
and states prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure
they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the
chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use of tire
chains may be prohibited according to loca-
tion. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according tothe chain manufacturer’s suggestions.Use
only SAE Class S chains.Class “S” chains
are used on vehicles with restricted tire to
vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use
Class “S” chains are designed to meet the
SAE standard minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or
body component required to accommodate
the use of a winter traction device (tire chains
or cables). The minimum clearances are de-
termined using the factory equipped tire size.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibility
of whipping action damage to the fenders or
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be adversely
affected.

Never install tire chains on TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tires.

Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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