ABS NISSAN VERSA HATCHBACK 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light (if so
equipped)2-7
or
Brake warning light 2-7
Charge warning light 2-8
Door open warning
light2-8
Electric power
steering warning
light2-8
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-8
High temperature
warning light (red)2-8
Warning
lightName Page
Intelligent Key lock
warning light (M/T
models) (if so
equipped)2-9
Low fuel warning
light2-9
Low tire pressure
warning light2-9
Low windshield
washer fluid warning
light (if so equipped)2-10
NISSAN Intelligent
Key ™ warning light
(if so equipped)2-10
P position selecting
warning light (CVT
models) (if so
equipped)2-11
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-11
Warning
lightName Page
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-11
Indicator
lightName Page
Automatic Transmis-
sion (A/T) / Con-
tinuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
position indicator
light2-11
CRUISE main
switch indicator light
(if so equipped)2-11
Cruise SET switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-12
Front passenger air
bag status light2-12
High beam indicator
light (blue)2-12
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-10Illustrated table of contents
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie


FRONT-SEAT ACTIVE HEAD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING
●Always adjust the head restraints prop-
erly as specified in this section. Failure
to do so can reduce the effectiveness of
the Active Head Restraint.
●Active Head Restraints are designed to
supplement other safety systems. Al-
ways wear seat belts. No system can
prevent all injuries in any accident.●Do not attach anything to the head re-
straint stalks. Doing so could impair
Active Head Restraint function.
The Active Head Restraint moves forward utiliz-
ing the force that the seatback receives from the
occupant in a rear-end collision. The movement
of the head restraint helps support the occu-
pant’s head by reducing its backward movement
and helping absorb some of the forces that may
lead to whiplash-type injuries.
Active Head Restraints are effective for collisions
at low to medium speeds in which it is said that
whiplash injuries occur most.
Active Head Restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original positions.
Properly adjust the Active Head Restraints as
described in this section.
HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT
To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower,
push and hold the lock knob and push the head
restraint down.
WARNING
Head restraints should be adjusted prop-
erly as they may provide significant pro-
tection against injury in an accident. Do
not remove them. Check the adjustment
after someone else uses the seat.
SPA1025LRS0286
1-6Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie


orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light (if so equipped)Low tire pressure warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
orBrake warning lightLow windshield washer fluid warning light (if so
equipped)High beam indicator light (Blue)
Charge warning lightNISSAN Intelligent Key™ warning light (if so
equipped)Low temperature indicator light (blue)
Door open warning lightP position selecting warning light (CVT mod-
els) (if so equipped)Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Electric power steering warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeOverdrive OFF indicator light (A/T / CVT mod-
els)
Engine oil pressure warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightSecurity indicator light
High temperature warning light (Red)Automatic Transmission (A/T)/Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) position indicator
lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Intelligent Key lock warning light (M/T models)
(if so equipped)CRUISE main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Low fuel warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-6Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie


CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
or,,,,,
If equipped, the following lights come on briefly
and then go off:
or,(red) ,(blue) ,,
,,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
Brake systemin theStarting and drivingsec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
●Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
●If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Instruments and controls2-7
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie


5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Off-road recovery...............................5-5
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-6
Ignition switch. . ...................................5-7
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped).........5-7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).........5-9
Automatic transmission.........................5-10
Manual transmission...........................5-11
Key positions.................................5-11
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system...............5-12
Before starting the engine.........................5-12
Starting the engine...............................5-13
Driving the vehicle................................5-14
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)..........5-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)...............................5-17
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-21Parking brake....................................5-23
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-24
Precautions on cruise control...................5-24
Cruise control operations.......................5-24
Break-in schedule................................5-25
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-26
Parking/parking on hills............................5-27
Power steering...................................5-28
Brake system....................................5-28
Brake precautions.............................5-28
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-29
Cold weather driving..............................5-30
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-30
Anti-freeze....................................5-30
Battery.......................................5-30
Draining of coolant water.......................
5-31
Tire equipment................................5-31
Special winter equipment.......................5-31
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-31
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-32
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie


WARNING
●While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
●If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
WARNING
●The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
●Tire type and condition 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 that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
Starting and driving5-29
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie


WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
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 malfunc-
tion, 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.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6MPH(5
- 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies 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 under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole or use the remote keyless entry keyfob (if so
equipped) .
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see “Battery” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-30Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie


The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
log shown in the “NISSAN Service and Mainte-
nance Guide.” When replacing the filter, wipe the
inside of the air cleaner filter housing and the
cover with a damp cloth.
To remove the air cleaner filter, push the tabs
1
and pull the unit upward2.
WARNING
●Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or oth-
ers to be burned. The air cleaner not
only cleans the air, it stops the flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with the air cleaner
removed, and be careful when working
on the engine with the air cleaner
removed.
●Never pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER (if so
equipped)
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry of air-
borne dust and pollen particles and reduces
some objectionable outside odors. The filter is
located behind the glove box. Refer to the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide” for
change intervals.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is
clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blades with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the blades
and using the wiper, replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
SDI1864
AIR CLEANERWINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie


10 Index
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-36
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air bag
system) ...................1-43
Side and curtain (See supplemental
side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system)...............1-47
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-50
Airbagwarninglight...........1-50,2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-3
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Airflowcharts ..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-14
Anchorpointlocations.............1-20
Antenna.....................4-28
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-7
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-29
Armrests .....................1-5
Audible reminders................2-13Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-24
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-18
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-16
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-21
Radio ....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch....4-27
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-30
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....8-13
Driving with automatic transmission....5-14
Transmission selector lever lock
release................5-16,5-20
Automatic door locks...............3-6
B
Battery......................8-16
Chargewarninglight.............2-8
Before starting the engine...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Block heater
Engine....................5-32
Bluetoothhands-free phone system.....4-29
Booster seats..................1-31
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-29
Brake fluid..................8-15
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30Brake system................5-28
Brake warning light..............2-7
Brake wear indicators........2-13,8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-23
Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Brakes......................8-22
Break-in schedule................5-25
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-21
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-7
Bulb replacement................8-30
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-28
Cargocover...................2-27
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning.............4-26
CD changer (See audio system)........4-24
CD player (See audio system).........4-18
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-19
Child restraints..........1-10,1-15,1-17
Precautions on child
restraints............1-15,1-25,1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-20
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes,audiblereminders...........2-13
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-17,4-21
REVIEW COPY—2009 Versa(vrs)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/10/08—debbie