brakes NISSAN QASHQAI 2008 Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine WARNING
Never put anything on the rear parcel shelf, no
matter how small. Any object on it could cause
an injury in an accident or when the brakes are
applied suddenly.
Removal:
1. Open the back door (see “Back door lock” ear- lier in this section).
2. Detach both of the ropes (left and right)
j1 from
the inside of the back door.
3. Detach the parcel shelf from the rear seatback fasteners
j2 by carefully pulling the corners up-
wards.
4. Lift the parcel shelf
j3 up and rotate horizontally
to remove through the back door opening. CAUTION
Make sure the rear parcel shelf is carefully stored
when not in use in order to prevent any damage.
Installation:
1. Open the back door.
2. Position the parcel shelf
j3 over the rear seat-
back fastenersj2 and push downwards until
they “click” into place.
3. Attach the corresponding ropes to each side
j1
of the back door.
4. Close the back door (see “Back door lock” ear- lier in this section).
WARNING
Never put anything on the tonneau cover, no
matter how small. Any object on it could cause
an injury in case of an accident or if the brakes
are applied suddenly.
Do not leave the tonneau cover in position
when it is disengaged from the grooves.
Properly secure all cargo to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo
higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop
or collision, unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury
The child restraint top tether strap may be
damaged by contact with the tonneau cover
or items in the luggage compartment area.
Remove the tonneau cover from the vehicle
or store it in its storage space. Also, secure
any lose items in the luggage compartment.
Your child could be seriously injured or killed
in a collision if the top tether strap is dam-
aged.
The tonneau cover keeps the luggage compartment
contents hidden from the outside. It can only be
used when the 3rd row seats are folded down.
NPA838Z
REAR PARCEL SHELF (where fitted) TONNEAU COVER (where fitted)
Instruments and controls2-33

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Operating precautions ........................................ 5-35
Tyre pressure ..................................................... 5-36
Safety chains ...................................................... 5-36
Trailer brakes...................................................... 5-36
Trailer detection (where fitted) ............................ 5-36
Installation of coupling device ............................. 5-36
Vehicle security........................................................ 5-38
Power steering system............................................. 5-38
Brake system ........................................................... 5-39 Brake precautions .............................................. 5-39
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).......................... 5-39 Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system
(where fitted) ........................................................... 5-40
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) OFF
switch................................................................. 5-42
Cold weather driving................................................ 5-42 Battery ............................................................... 5-43
Engine coolant .................................................... 5-43
Tyre equipment ................................................... 5-43
Special winter equipment.................................... 5-43
Corrosion protection ........................................... 5-43

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine – Blinks slowly (about once every 2 seconds)Change the driving mode to 2WD and reduce
the vehicle speed as soon as safely possible.
If the warning light is still on after performing
the above operation, have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
4WD MODE INDICATOR LIGHTS
4WD mode indicator light ( LOCK):
This light comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, and turns off within 1
second. When selecting LOCK mode while the
engine is running, this light will illuminate simul-
taneously along with the 4WD mode indicator
light (AUTO).
4WD mode indicator light ( AUTO):
This light comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, and turns off within 1
second. If the engine is running, this light will illu-
minate when selecting AUTO mode.
The 4WD mode indicator light is located in the
tachometer.
The light should turn off within 1 second of the
ignition switch being turned to the ON position.
While the engine is running, the 4WD mode indi-
cator light will display the position selected by
the 4WD mode control. NOTE
The 4WD mode indicator light may blink while
shifting from one drive mode to another. Once
shifting is completed, the 4WD mode indicator
light will come on. If the indicator light does not
come on immediately, make sure that the area
around the vehicle is safe and free from ob-
stacles. Drive the vehicle straight (DO NOT ac-
celerate, decelerate or reverse), then turn the
4WD mode control.
If the 4WD warning lights comes on, the 4WD indi-
cator light(s) will go out.
DRIVING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
SAFELY
Your 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) models are
less capable than Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
for rough road driving and extrication when stuck,
for example, in deep snow or mud.
Please observe the following precautions:
Drive carefully when off-road and avoid danger-
ous areas. Always wear seat belts to help keep
you and your passengers in position when driv-
ing over rough terrain.
Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead drive
either straight up or straight down the slope. Off- road vehicles can tip over sideways much more
easily than they can forwards or backwards.
Many hills are too steep for any vehicle. 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 gears when 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 the engine of the vehicle stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep grade, never at-
tempt to turn around. Your vehicle could tip or
roll over. Always drive backwards and straight
down in R (Reverse) gear.
Never drive backwards under the following con-
ditions as this could result in loss of control:
– with the gear lever in N (Neutral) and/or with
the clutch depressed and using the brake
(MT models).
– with the selector lever in N (Neutral) and us- ing only the brake (AT or CVT models).
Heavy braking down a hill could cause your
brakes to overheat and fade, resulting in loss of
control and an accident. Apply the brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your vehicle speed.
Starting and driving5-27

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when
driving over rough terrain. Properly secure it so
that it will not be thrown forwards and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
To avoid raising the centre of gravity excessively,
do not exceed the rated capacity of the roof rack/
gear bin (where fitted) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the luggage area as
far forwards and as low as possible. Do not equip
the vehicle with tyres larger than specified. This
could cause your vehicle to rollover.
Accelerating quickly, sharp steering manoeuvres
or sudden braking may cause loss of control.
Do not drive beyond the performance of the
tyres, even with 4WD. Sudden acceleration,
steering or braking may result in loss of control
and could cause the vehicle to become stuck.
If at all possible, avoid sharp turning manoeuvres,
particularly at high speeds. Your 4WD vehicle
has a higher centre of gravity than a 2WD ve-
hicle and can tip over more easily. The vehicle is
not designed for cornering at the same speeds
as conventional 2WD models any more than low
sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto-
rily under off-road conditions. Failure to operate
this vehicle correctly could result in loss of con-
trol and/or a rollover accident.
Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering
wheel when driving off-road. The steering wheel
could jerk and injure your hands. Instead, drive
with your fingers and thumbs on the outside of
the rim.
Before operating the vehicle, ensure that the
driver and all passengers have their seat belts
fastened.
Avoid raising the centre of gravity by loading
things on the roof or equipping the vehicle with
tyres larger than specified in this manual.
Always drive with the floor mats in place as the
floor may become very hot. Particular care
should be taken if you are barefoot.
Lower your speed when encountering strong
crosswinds. With its higher centre of gravity your
NISSAN is more affected by gusty side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle control.
Be sure to check the brakes immediately after
driving in mud or water as specified in “Wet
brakes” later in this section.
Whenever you drive off-road through sand, mud
or water as deep as the wheel hub, more fre-
quent maintenance may be required. For details,
refer to the separately provided Warranty Infor-
mation and Maintenance Booklet.
Rinse the underside of the vehicle with fresh
water after driving through mud or sand. Re-
move any brush or sticks that are trapped.
Install the same size of winter tyres on all four (4)
wheels (such as studless tyres) or install snow
chains to the front wheels when driving on slip-
pery roads (e.g. after a snowfall) and drive care-
fully using 4WD.
Avoid parking your vehicle on steep hills. If you
get out of the vehicle and it rolls forwards, back-
wards or sideways, you could be injured.
5-28Starting and driving

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine steep slope consider the incline (the towing
weights quoted are for a 12% slope).
Follow the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
the intervals specified in the separately provided
Warranty Information and Maintenance booklet.
Trailer towing requires more fuel than under nor-
mal circumstances because of a considerable
increase in traction power required and resis-
tance.
When towing a trailer, observe the following re-
stricted towing speed:
Speed: below 100 km/h (62 MPH)
CAUTION
While towing a trailer, check the engine coolant
temperature gauge regularly to prevent engine
overheating.
TYRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tyres to the
maximum recommended COLD tyre pressure, as
indicated on the tyre placard (for full loading). Make
sure the trailer tyre pressures are correct.
CAUTION
Do not tow a trailer when the vehicle is installed
with a temporary-use spare tyre.
SAFETY CHAINS
Always use a suitable chain between the vehicle
and trailer. The chain should be attached to the hitch
and not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners. The chain should not drag on the ground:
passing the chain across the trailer hitch may be the
best practice depending on your trailer.
TRAILER BRAKES
Ensure that trailer brakes are installed as required
by local regulations. Also check that all other trailer
equipment conforms to local regulations.
TRAILER DETECTION (where fitted)
When towing a trailer and the turn signal switch is
used, the electrical system of the vehicle will detect
an additional electrical load of the trailer lighting. As
a result, the trailer direction indicator light comes
on.
INSTALLATION OF COUPLING
DEVICE
NISSAN recommends that the coupling device for
trailer towing be installed under the following condi-
tions:
Maximum permissible vertical load on the cou-
pling device: 736 N (75 kg, 165 lb)
The coupling device, mounting points and instal-
lation parts on your vehicle: as shown as an ex-
ample in the illustration. Follow all of the coupling device manufacturer’s in-
structions for installation and use.
5-36Starting and driving

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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-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 or CVT models) or
both the brake and clutch (MT models). Use the
handbrake to hold the vehicle. Do not slip the clutch
(MT models). When ready to start, slowly release
the handbrake while depressing the accelerator
pedal and releasing the clutch (MT models) or de-
pressing the accelerator pedal (AT or CVT 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 the AT or CVT models, a low gear position in
the manual shift mode, low enough to obtain suffi-
cient engine braking, 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 wheel
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-39

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine and 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
thevehicleatalowspeedinforwardorreverse.
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.
Normal operation
The ABS will not initiate at speeds below 5 to 10
km/h (3 to 6 MPH). The speeds will vary according
to road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies and
releases hydraulic pressure. This action is similar to
pumping the brakes very quickly. You may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise from
the actuator under the bonnet when it is operating.
This is normal and indicates that the ABS is working
properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that
road conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving. When accelerating, driving on slippery surfaces or
suddenly avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle
might swerve or slip. The Electronic Stability Pro-
gramme (ESP) system continuously monitors and
compares the driver’s intended speed and the travel
direction. The system adjusts wheel brake pressure
and engine torque to assist in improving vehicle sta-
bility.
When the ESP system is operating, the “SLIP”
indicator light () in the combination meter
blinks.
When only the traction control (TCS) system in
the ESP system is operating, the “SLIP” indica-
tor light (
) in the combination meter will also
blink.
If the “SLIP” indicator light () blinks, the
road conditions are slippery. Be sure to drive
carefully. See “Warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.
Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the “SLIP”
indicator light (
) and the ESP indicator light
() come on in the combination meter.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the trac-
tion control function is cancelled.
The ESP system uses Active Brake Limited Slip
(ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction. The Ac-
tive Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system works when
one of the driving wheels is spinning on a slippery
ELECTRONIC STABILITY
PROGRAMME (ESP) SYSTEM
(where fitted)
5-40Starting and driving

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine surface. The Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) sys-
tem, brakes the spinning wheel to distribute the driv-
ing power to the other driving wheel.
If the vehicle is operated with the ESP system turned
off, all ESP and TCS functions will be turned off.
The Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system and
ABS will still operate with the ESP system off. If the
Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system or the ABS
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 does
not indicate a malfunction.
While the ESP system is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the bonnet. This is normal and
indicates that the ESP system is working properly.
The ESP computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time the engine is started
and the vehicle moves forwards or reverses 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 ESP system is designed to help improve
driving stability but does not prevent accidents
caused by abrupt steering operation at high
speeds, or careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be es-
pecially careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces. Always drive carefully.
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”
indicator light () may illuminate.
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts, such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabiliser 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” indi-
cator 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”
indicator light () may illuminate. Do not
drive on these types of roads. If ESP OFF indi-
cator light
does illuminate after driving
on extreme surfaces, restart the engine to re-
set 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”
indicator 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.
Starting and driving5-41

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements ....................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance...................................... 8-2
General maintenance .......................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ...................................... 8-2
General maintenance ............................................... 8-2 Explanation of general maintenance items ........... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ......................................... 8-4
Engine compartment ................................................ 8-5
Engine cooling system ............................................. 8-6 Checking engine coolant level............................. 8-6
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-6
Engine oil................................................................. 8-8 Checking engine oil level .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil ............................................ 8-9
Changing engine oil filter .................................... 8-11
Protect the environment ...................................... 8-13
Fuel filter (Diesel engine models) ............................. 8-13 Draining water .................................................... 8-13
Bleeding the fuel system ..................................... 8-14
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................... 8-14
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid ......... 8-14
Brakes ..................................................................... 8-15 Checking brake pedal......................................... 8-15
Checking handbrake........................................... 8-15
Brake and clutch fluid .............................................. 8-15
Window washer fluid/headlight cleaner fluid
(where fitted) ........................................................... 8-16
Battery..................................................................... 8-17 Vehicle battery .................................................... 8-17
Jump-starting ...................................................... 8-19 Integrated keyfob/Intelligent Key battery
replacement........................................................ 8-19
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-21
Spark plugs (Petrol engine models).......................... 8-21
Air cleaner filter........................................................ 8-21 Viscous paper type ............................................. 8-22
Dry paper type (where fitted) .............................. 8-22
Wiper blades ........................................................... 8-22 Cleaning ............................................................. 8-22
Front window wiper replacement ........................ 8-22
Back door window wiper replacement ................ 8-23
Windscreen washer nozzle ................................. 8-23
Fuses ...................................................................... 8-23 Passenger compartment ..................................... 8-23
Engine compartment ........................................... 8-24
Lights ...................................................................... 8-25 Headlights .......................................................... 8-25
Exterior lights ...................................................... 8-27
Interior lights....................................................... 8-27
Light locations .................................................... 8-27
Wheels and tyres ..................................................... 8-31 Tyre inflation pressure......................................... 8-31
Types of tyres ..................................................... 8-31
Snow chains....................................................... 8-32
Tyre rotation ....................................................... 8-32
Tyre wear and damage ....................................... 8-33
Tyre age ............................................................. 8-33
Changing tyres and wheels ................................. 8-33
Four-wheel drive (4WD) models ......................... 8-33
Wheel balance.................................................... 8-33

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
If the brake pedal suddenly goes down further than
normal, the pedal feels “spongy” or the vehicle
seems to take longer to stop, see a NISSAN dealer
or qualified workshop.
CHECKING HANDBRAKE
Periodically check the holding ability of the hand-
brake by parking on a steep hill and restraining the
vehicle by using only the handbrake. If it does not
hold satisfactorily, see a NISSAN dealer or qualified
workshop.
jALHD models
jB RHD models
WARNING
Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the vehicle’s
stopping ability.
Clean the filler cap before removing.
Brake and clutch fluids are poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked contain-
ers out of the reach of children.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level
is between the MIN
j2 and MAXj1 lines or the
brake warning light comes on, add fluid up to the
MAX line. See “Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants”
in the “9. Technical information” section for the rec-
ommended brake and clutch fluid type.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system should
be thoroughly checked by a NISSAN dealer or quali-
fied workshop.
CAUTION
NISSAN recommends that refilling and check-
ing the brake and clutch systems should be
left to a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
who will have the necessary fluids and techni-
cal knowledge.
Do not spill the fluid on painted surfaces. This
will damage the paint. If fluid is spilled, wash
with water.
NDI1038
BRAKES
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15