Switch NISSAN NOTE 2012 Owners Manual

WARNING
•If the Electrically Power Assisted Steering
warning light (EPAS) illuminates while driv-
ing, the power assist for steering will be dis-
abled. Greater steering efforts are required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in
sharp turns and at low speed. Stop the ve-
hicle as soon as safely possible and contact a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop for fur-
ther assistance.
•In certain circumstances, factors external to
the EPAS system may contribute to the illumi-
nation of the warning light. If the warning light
illuminates, stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible if driving. Turn the ignition switch to
the “OFF” position and wait for approximately
20 seconds, then turn the ignition switch to
the ON position again. If the light remains illu-
minated, we recommend you to contact a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section for further details regarding
the EPAS warning light.
The EPAS (Electrically Power Assisted Steering)
system is designed to assist steering.
The steering may appear to feel slightly stiff follow-
ing parking manoeuvres including a great deal of
steering. This is not a malfunction; it is caused by a
control system designed to prevent the motor fromoverheating. No servicing is required. The EPAS
system will return to normal operation the next time
the vehicle is driven.
Similarly, the EPAS system may not provide full as-
sistance during periods of reduced battery voltage
but will recover once normal battery voltage is re-
stored.
If the EPAS warning light comes on while the engine
is running, it may indicate that the EPAS system is
not working properly. As result greater steering ef-
forts are required to steer the steering wheel, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
NOTE
Incorrectly inflated tyres can lead to poor steer-
ing ability and make the driver suspect a steering
problem: keep the vehicle’s tyres inflated to the
correct pressure at all times.
CAUTION
Any malfunction or accident that could have dam-
aged the steering components (including actual
or attempted theft damage) should be reported
to a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.The brake system has two separate hydraulic cir-
cuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have
braking ability with two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops or the drive belt is bro-
ken, 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 wa-
ter, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your brak-
ing 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 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.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake linings and pads faster and reduce fuel
economy performance.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes
from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a
lower gear before going down a slope or long down-
POWER STEERING SYSTEM BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-27

hill gradient. Overheated brakes may reduce brak-
ing performance and could result in loss of vehicle
control.
CAUTION
While driving on a slippery surface, be careful
when braking, accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking actions or sudden acceleration
could cause the wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
Be aware that brakes will fade if repeated heavy
brake applications are made.
Driving uphill
When starting on a steep gradient, it is sometimes
difficult to operate the brake (AT models) or both the
brake and clutch (MT models). Use the handbrake
to hold the vehicle. Do not slip the clutch (MT mod-
els). When ready to start, slowly release the hand-
brake while depressing the accelerator pedal and
releasing the clutch (MT models) or depressing the
accelerator pedal (AT models).
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for controlling
the vehicle while descending hills.
The gear lever (MT models) should be placed in a
gear position low enough to obtain sufficient engine
braking.
For AT models, the 2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear
should be selected.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
•The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent acci-
dents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances
may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow
covered roads, or if you are using snow
chains. Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
•Tyre type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
– When replacing tyres, install the specified
size of tyres on all four wheels.
– When installing a spare tyre, make sure it
is the proper size and type as specified on
the tyre placard. See “Vehicle
identification” in the “9. Technical
information” section for the tyre placard
location.
– For detailed information, see “Wheels and
tyres” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so that the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The
system detects the rotation speed at each wheeland varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing each
wheel from locking, the system helps the driver to
maintain steering control and helps to minimise
swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. Depress
the brake pedal with firm steady pressure, but do
not pump the brakes. The ABS will operate to pre-
vent the wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle to
avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may in-
crease the stopping distance.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and 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 does not indicate a malfunction. If the
computer senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS
off and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the self-
test or while driving, have the vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.
5-28Starting and driving

•If engine related parts, such as a muffler, are
not standard equipment or are extremely de-
teriorated, the ESP OFF indicator light (
)
and/or the “SLIP” indicator light ()may
illuminate.
•If brake related parts, such as brake pads,
rotors and callipers, are not standard equip-
ment or are extremely deteriorated, the ESP
system may not operate properly and the ESP
OFF indicator light (
) and/or the “SLIP” indi-
cator light () may illuminate.
•Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts, such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings,
are not NISSAN-approved or are extremely
deteriorated, the ESP system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance and the ESP OFF
indicator light (
) and/or the “SLIP” indicator
light () may illuminate.
•When driving on extremely inclined surfaces,
such as higher banked corners, the ESP sys-
tem may not operate properly and the ESP
OFF indicator light (
) and/or the “SLIP” indi-
cator light () may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads. If ESP OFF indicator
light
does illuminate after driving on ex-
treme surfaces, restart the engine to reset
the ESP system.
•If wheels or tyres other than the
recommended ones are used, the ESP sys-tem may not operate properly and the ESP
OFF indicator light (
) and/or the “SLIP” indi-
cator light () may illuminate.
•The ESP system is not a substitute for winter
tyres or snow chains on a snow covered road.
NOTE
•The ESP system should be switched on under
normal circumstances although it may be ad-
vantageous to switch off the ESP system to
allow wheelspin under the following condi-
tions:
– when driving in deep snow or mud
– when trying to rock a vehicle free that is
stuck in snow
– when driving with snow chains
•If the ESP system has been switched off, drive
carefully with reduced speed. When road con-
ditions allow, ESP should be switched back
on.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY
PROGRAMME (ESP) OFF SWITCH
A.LHD models
B.RHD models
The vehicle should be driven with the Electronic
Stability Programme (ESP) system “ON” for most
driving conditions.
When the vehicle get stuck in mud or snow, the
ESP system reduces the engine output to decrease
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced even
if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maxi-
mum engine power is needed to free a stuck ve-
hicle, turn the ESP system off.
To turn off the ESP system, push the ESP OFF
switch. The ESP OFF indicator light (
) will come
on.
NSD311Z
5-30Starting and driving

NOTE
The ESP system cannot be switched off when
the ESP system is operating and the “SLIP” indi-
cator light (
) is blinking.
Push the ESP OFF switch again, or restart the en-
gine, to turn the system ON. See “Electronic Stabil-
ity Programme (ESP) system (where fitted)” earlier
in this section for operational details.
WARNING
•Whatever the conditions, drive with caution.
Accelerate and decelerate with great care. If
accelerating or decelerating too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
•Allow more stopping distance in cold weather
driving. Braking should be started sooner than
on dry surfaces.
•Keep at a greater distance from the vehicle in
front of you on slippery roads.
•Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain), very cold
snow and ice can be slick and very difficult to
drive on. The vehicle will have a lot less trac-
tion or grip under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
•Watch for slippery spots (black ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before driving on it. Try not to brake
while actually on the ice and avoid any sud-
den steering manoeuvres.
•Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas under
your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehicle.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze
and damage the battery. To maintain maximum effi-ciency, the battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze,
drain the cooling system. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling system” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
TYRE EQUIPMENT
1) The SUMMER tyres are of a tread design to pro-
vide superior performance on dry surfaces. How-
ever, the performance of these tyres will be sub-
stantially 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 tyres on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
for tyre type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2) For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tyres may be used. However, some countries,
provinces and states prohibit their use. Check
applicable laws before installing studded tyres.
CAUTION
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tyres on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tyres.
3) Snow chains may be used, if desired. But the
use of snow chains may be prohibited in some
areas. Therefore, check the local laws before
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-31

In case of a flat tyre, follow the instructions as de-
scribed below:
STOPPING THE VEHICLE
WARNING
•Make sure that the handbrake is securely ap-
plied.
•For Manual Transmission (MT) models: Make
sure the gear lever is in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion.
For Automatic Transmission (AT) models:
Make sure that the selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
•Never change tyres when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or a slippery area. This is hazard-
ous.
•Never change tyres if oncoming traffic is close
to your vehicle. Wait for professional road as-
sistance.
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road, away from
traffic.
2. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. Shift the gear lever (MT models) into the R (Re-
verse) position [AT models, move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position].
6. Turn off the engine.7. Open the bonnet (for details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section) in order to:
•Warn other traffic.
•Signal to professional road assistance that
you require assistance.
8. Have all passengers exit the vehicle and stand in
a safe place, away from traffic and clear of the
vehicle.
CHANGING FLAT TYRE (Models with
spare wheel, where fitted)
Blocking the wheels
WARNING
Make sure to block the appropriate wheel to pre-
vent the vehicle from moving, which may cause
personal injury.
Place suitable blocks
j1 in front of and behind thewheel diagonally opposite the flat tyre
jA to prevent
the vehicle from moving when it is on the jack.
MCE0001DZ
FLAT TYRE
In case of emergency6-3

Repairing tyre
1. Shake the sealant bottle well.
2. Remove the bottle cap and the orange plug from
the top of the compressor.
3. Screw the bottle into the opening of the com-
pressor (where the orange plug was).
4. Put the speed restriction sticker in a location
where the driver can see it while driving.5. Screw the air compressor tube securely into the
tyre valvejA.
6. Insert its power plug to the power outlet
jBin
the vehicle. For details, see “Power outlet” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section.
7. Turn the ignition switch to the Acc position.
8. Switch on the compressor, and inflate the tyre to
the pressure that is specified on the tyre placard
affixed to the driver’s side centre pillar.
CAUTION
Do not operate the compressor for more than 10
minutes.
If the tyre pressure does not increase to the speci-
fied pressurewithin 10 minutes, the tyre may be
seriously damaged andthe tyre cannot be repaired
with this tyre repair kit. Contact a NISSAN dealer
or qualified workshop.
9. Remove the air compressor from the tyre valve.
Immediately drive the vehicle at a speed of 80
km/h (50 MPH) or less.
10. After 10 minute or 5 km (3 mile) drive, check
the tyre pressure. The temporary repair is com-
pleted if the tyre pressure does not drop.
If the tyre pressure is lower than specified, re-
peat the steps from step5.
If the pressure drops again or under 130 kPa
(19 psi),the tyre cannot be repaired with this
tyre repair kit. Contact a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop.
NCE314
NCE315
NCE316
6-8In case of emergency

•Never lean over the battery while jump-start-
ing.
•Never allow battery fluid to come into contact
with eyes, skin, clothes or the vehicle’s
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a corrosive
sulphuric acid which can cause severe burns.
If the fluid comes into contact with anything,
immediately flush the contacted area with
plenty of water.
•Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
•The booster battery must be rated at 12 volts.
Use of an incorrectly rated battery will dam-
age your vehicle.
•Never attempt to jump-start a frozen battery.
It could explode and cause serious injury.
1. Prepare vehicle
jA with the booster battery for
the vehiclejB being jump-started.
CAUTION
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3. Shift the gear lever (MT models) into the N (Neu-
tral) position [AT models, move the selector lever
to the P (Park) position].
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems
(headlights, hazard lights etc,).
5. Ensure that the ignition switch of the vehicle be-
ing jump-started is in the LOCK position.6. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
7. Remove the vent caps (where fitted) on the bat-
tery and cover the battery with an old cloth.
8. Connect the jump leads in the sequence (
j1→j2→j3→j4 ) as illustrated.
CAUTION
•Always connect positivej+ to positivej+
and negativej- to body ground (for ex-
ample, engine lift bracket, etc.) – not to
the battery’s negative
j-.
•An incorrect connection could damage the
charging system.
•Be sure that the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine compart-
ment.
•Be careful not to allow contact between
the positive jump lead connector and the
vehicle or the negative lead during con-
nection and disconnection.
9. Start the engine of the other vehicle
jA and let it
run for a few minutes. Keep the engine speed at
about 2,000 rpm.
10. Start the engine of your vehicle
jB in the nor-
mal way.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged formore than 10 seconds. If the engine does not
start immediately, turn the ignition switch to
“OFF” and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
11. After starting the engine of your vehicle, care-
fully disconnect the negative lead and then the
positive lead (
j4→j3→j2→j1).
12. Remove and dispose of the cloth that was used
to cover the vent holes as it may be contami-
nated with corrosive acid.
13. Install the vent caps (where fitted).
14. Close the bonnet.
6-10In case of emergency

CAUTION
•Three-way catalyst equipped models should
not be started by pushing the vehicle as the
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
•Automatic transmission (AT) models cannot
be started by pushing the vehicle. This may
cause transmission damage.
•Never try to start the vehicle by towing it; when
the engine starts, the forward surge could
cause the vehicle to collide with the tow ve-
hicle.
WARNING
•Never continue driving if the engine of your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could cause a ve-
hicle fire.
•Never open the bonnet if steam is coming
out.
•Never remove the radiator cap (where fitted)
or engine coolant reservoir cap when the en-
gine is hot. If the radiator cap (where fitted) or
engine coolant reservoir cap is removed while
the engine is hot, pressurised hot water will
spurt out and possibly cause burning, scald-
ing or serious injury.
•If steam or coolant is coming out of the en-
gine, stand clear of the vehicle to prevent get-
ting injured.
•The engine cooling fan will start whenever the
coolant temperature exceeds preset degrees.
•Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewel-
lery or clothing to come into contact with, or
get caught in, the cooling fan or drive belts.
If the engine of your vehicle is overheating (indi-
cated by the engine coolant temperature warning
light (red)) or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect an unusual noise, etc., proceed as follows:
1. Move and park the vehicle safely off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher lights.
3. Apply the handbrake.4. Shift the gear lever (M/T models) into the N (Neu-
tral) position [AT models, move the selector lever
to the P (Park) position].
DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE.
5. Open all windows.
6. Switch off the air conditioner system (where fit-
ted).
7. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature
control to maximum “HOT” and fan speed con-
trol to maximum speed.
8. Exit the vehicle.
9. Visually inspect and listen for steam or coolant
escaping from the radiator before opening the
bonnet. Wait until no steam or coolant can be
seen before proceeding.
10. Open the bonnet. For details, see “Bonnet
release” in the “3. Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
11. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
12. Visually check the radiator and radiator hoses
for leakage.
WARNING
If coolant is leaking, the cooling fan belt is
missing or loose or the cooling fan is not run-
ning, stop the engine.
PUSH-STARTING ENGINE OVERHEAT
In case of emergency6-11

13. After the engine cools down, check the coolant
level in the engine coolant reservoir with the
engine running.Do not open the radiator cap
(where fitted).
14. If the level is low, remove the engine coolant
reservoir cap and add coolant slowly into the
reservoir. After refilling the reservoir to the MAX
level, install the reservoir cap.
WARNING
Before removing the engine coolant reservoir
cap and to avoid the danger of being scalded,
cover the reservoir cap with a rag and loosen
the reservoir cap to the first notch to allow the
steam to escape.
15. Close the bonnet.
Have your vehicle inspected or repaired by a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.When towing your vehicle, local regulations for tow-
ing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. To assure proper tow-
ing and to prevent accidental damage to your ve-
hicle, NISSAN recommends that you have a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have the
service operator carefully read the following precau-
tions.WARNING
•Do not allow any occupants in the vehicle that
is being towed.
•Never get under your vehicle after it has been
lifted by a tow truck.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS
•When towing:Make sure that the transmission,
axles, steering system and power train are in
working condition. If any unit is damaged, the
vehicle must be towed using a dolly or be placed
on a flat bed lorry.
•Release the handbrake and shift the manual
transmission (MT), or automatic transmission
(AT) into the N (Neutral) position before starting
to tow the vehicle.
•When towing manual transmission models
with the front wheels on the ground:Move the
gear lever to the N (Neutral) position and turn the
ignition switch to the “OFF” position then secure
the steering wheel in a straight ahead position
using a rope or similar device.Never place theignition switch in the LOCK position.This will
result in damage to the steering lock mecha-
nism.
•When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the handbrake.
•Always attach safety chains before towing.
TOW TRUCK TOWING
6-12In case of emergency

Handbrake*:
Confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
steep hill with only the handbrake applied.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat adjust-
ers, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely in every posi-
tion. Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g.
buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage. See “Seat belt maintenance” in the
“1. Safety — seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section for further details.
Steering wheel:
Check for any change in the steering conditions,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or strange
noises.
Warning lights and audible reminders:
Make sure that all warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders are operating properly.
Windscreen defogger:
Check that the air comes out of the defogger outlets
properly when operating the heater or air condi-
tioner.Windscreen wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precautions
which should be closely observed.
•Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
handbrake securely and block the wheels to
prevent the vehicle from moving. For a manual
transmission models, move the gear lever to
N (Neutral) position. [For automatic transmis-
sion models, move the selector lever to P
(Park) position.]
•Do not work under the engine bonnet while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine and wait
until it cools down.
•Be sure to turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”
or LOCK position.
When the ignition switch is in the ON or Acc
position, the cooling fan may start to operate
suddenly even when the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working near
the engine.
•If you must work with the engine running,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from moving fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
•It is advisable to remove ties and any jewel-
lery, such as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself