NISSAN MURANO 2008 Owners Manual

Black plate (319,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
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.
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.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONSYour NISSAN is designed for both normal and
off-road use. However, avoid driving in deep
water or mud as your NISSAN is mainly
designed for leisure use, unlike a conventional
off-road vehicle.
Remember that Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) mod-
els are less capable than All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) models for rough road driving and
extrication when stuck in deep snow, mud, or
the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
.Drive carefully when off the road
and avoid dangerous areas. Every
person who drives or rides in this
vehicle should be seated with their
seat belt fastened. This will keep
you and your passengers in position
when driving over rough terrain.
.Do not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.
.Many hills are too steep for anyvehicle. If you drive up them, you
may stall. If you drive down them,
you may not be able to control your
speed. If you drive across them, you
may roll over.
.Do not shift ranges while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
.Stay alert when driving to the top of
a hill. At the top there could be a
drop-off or other hazard that could
cause an accident.
.If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
range. Never back down in N (Neu-
tral) , using only the brake, as this
could cause loss of control.
.Heavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes
lightly and use a low range to
control your speed.
.Unsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough
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Black plate (320,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
terrain. Properly secure all cargo so
it will not be thrown forward and
cause injury to you or your passen-
gers.
.To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacityoftheroofrack(ifso
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the
cargo area as far forward and as
low as possible. Do not equip the
vehicle with tires larger than speci-
fied in this manual. This could cause
your vehicle to roll over.
.Do not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could
move suddenly and injure your
hands. Instead drive with your fin-
gers and thumbs on the outside of
the rim.
.Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
.Always drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may became hot.
.Lower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With a highercenter of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
.Do not drive beyond the perfor-
mance capability of the tires, even
with AWD engaged.
.For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with
the engine running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or un-
expected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle da-
mage or personal injury.
.Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing) , or similar equip-
ment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure
you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with
AWDbeforeitisplacedona
dynamometer. Using the wrong test
equipment may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehiclemovement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury. (AWD models)
.When a wheel is off the ground due
to an unlevel surface, do not spin
the wheel excessively.
.Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
.If at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your vehicle has a higher
center of gravity than a conventional
passenger car. The vehicle is not
designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional passenger
cars. Failure to operate this vehicle
correctly could result in loss of
control and/or a rollover accident.
.Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial) , and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Install tire chains
on the front wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
.Be sure to check the brakes imme-
diately after driving in mud or water.
See “BRAKE SYSTEM” later in this
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section for wet brakes.
.Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle
and it rolls forward, backward or
sideways, you could be injured.
.Whenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. See
the maintenance information in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide”.
.Spinning the front wheels on slip-
pery surfaces may cause the AWD
warning light to flash and the AWD
system to automatically switch from
the AWD mode to the 2WD mode.
This could reduce traction. Be espe-
cially careful when towing a trailer.
(AWD models)
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.
SSD0689
Without Intelligent Key system
Before operating the push-button ignition
switch, be sure to move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position.
Be sure to insert the key into the key port
*1.
(Except for the Intelligent Key system equipped
model)
INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEM (if so
equipped)The Intelligent Key system can operate the
ignition switch without taking the key out from
your pocket or purse. The operating environment
and/or conditions may affect the Intelligent Key
system operation.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
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Black plate (322,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
CAUTION
.Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key
with you when operating the vehi-
cle.
.Never leave the Intelligent Key in-
side the vehicle when you leave the
vehicle.
SSD0436
Operating rangeThe Intelligent Key functions 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 turn
the ignition switch to start the engine..The cargo 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.
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Black plate (323,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
SSD0688
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.
(No position illuminates.)
.Push center four times to return to ACC.
.Open or close any door to return to LOCK
during the OFF position.The ignition switch is equipped with an anti-theft
steering lock device.
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.
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.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a right or left turn
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 steering lock release
malfunction indicator appears on the dot
matrix liquid crystal display, push the
push-button ignition switch again whilelightly turning the steering wheel right and
left. (See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL
DISPLAY” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.)
If the battery of the vehicle is discharged,
the push-button ignition switch cannot be
turned from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the dot matrix liquid crystal display
between the speedometer and tachometer. (See
“DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
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 or with the key inserted in the
port.ACC (Accessories)This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not
running.
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Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
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
positions when the engine is not run-
ning for an extended period. This can
discharge the battery.
SSD0690
KEY PORT
Models without Intelligent Key systemBe sure to insert the key into the key port
*1
before pushing the ignition switch. Make sure
that the key ring side faces backward as
illustrated. Insert the key in the port until it is
latched and secured.
To remove the key from the port, push the
ignition switch to the OFF position and pull the
key out of the port.
While the door is opened, and for 15 seconds
after the door is closed, the guide light
*B
of
the key port
*A
illuminates.
If the ignition switch is pushed without the key inthe key port, the guide light will blink.
Battery discharge:
If the battery of the key is almost discharged, the
guide light
*B
of the key port
*A
blinks and
the indicator appears on the dot matrix liquid
crystal display. (See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID
CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.)
To replace the battery, see “BATTERY REPLA-
CEMENT” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.
Models with Intelligent Key systemIntelligent Key battery discharge:
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is almost
discharged, the guide light
*B
of the key port
*A
blinks and the indicator appears on the dot
matrix liquid crystal display. (See “DOT MATRIX
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)
In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key into the
port*1
allows you to start the engine. Make
sure that the key ring side faces backward as
illustrated. Insert the Intelligent Key in the port
until it is latched and secured.
To remove the Intelligent Key from the port, push
the ignition switch to the OFF position and pull
the Intelligent Key out of the port.
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Black plate (325,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
NOTE:
The key port does not charge the key
battery. If you see the low battery indicator
in the dot matrix liquid crystal display,
replace the battery as soon as possible.
(See “BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.)
CAUTION
.Never place anything except the key
in the key port. Doing so may cause
damage to the equipment.
.Make sure the key is in the correct
direction when inserting it to the
key port. The engine may not start if
it is in the incorrect direction.
.Remove the key from the key port
after the ignition switch is pushed to
the OFF position..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 pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)1. 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.
3. Insert the key into the key port. (Without the
Intelligent Key System)
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 in
extremely 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
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
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Black plate (326,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
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.
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, shift 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 pushed to the LOCK, OFF or
ACC position.DRIVING THE VEHICLE
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Black plate (327,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed 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) position. Always
depress the brake pedal until shift-
ing 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.
CAUTION
.When stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brake should be used for
this purpose.
.Do not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
SSD0691
ShiftingTo move the selector lever,
: Push the button
*A
while depressing
the brake pedal.
: Push the button
*A
.
: Just move the selector lever.
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal, push the selector lever button and move
the selector lever from the P (Park) position to
any of the desired shift positions.
Starting and driving
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Black plate (328,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2008/ 6/ 26
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine
is not running. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly
or roll away and result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
CAUTION
Use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position
only when the vehicle is completely
stopped.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector
lever button pushed in to move the selec-
tor lever from N (Neutral) or any drive
position to P (Park) .Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Make sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position.The brake pedal
must be depressed and the selector lever
button pushed in to move the selector
lever from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any
driving position to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled
engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
L (Low):
Use this position for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill gradients/climbing steep slopes
and whenever approaching sharp bends. Do not
use the L position in any other circumstances.
SSD0692
Overdrive (O/D) OFF switchWhen the O/D OFF switch is pushed with the
selector lever in the D (Drive) position, theindicator light in the instrument panel illuminates.
Use the overdrive off mode when you need
improved engine braking.
To turn off the overdrive off mode, push the O/D
OFF switch again. The
indicator light will
turn off.
Each time the engine is started, or when the
selector lever is shifted to any position other
than the D (Drive) position, the overdrive off
mode will be automatically turned off.
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Starting and driving