Nissan Rogue Sport (2018 year). Manual — part 24

5-94

Starting and driving

AEB WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTION
SYSTEM LIMITATIONS

WARNING

Listed below are the system limita-
tions for the AEB with pedestrian
detection system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in
serious injury or death.
. The AEB with pedestrian detec-

tion system cannot detect all
vehicles or pedestrians under all
conditions.

. The AEB with pedestrian detec-

tion system does not detect the
following objects:

— Small pedestrians (including

small children), animals and
cyclists.

— Pedestrians in wheelchairs or

using mobile transport such
as scooters, child-operated
toys, or skateboards.

— Pedestrians who are seated or

otherwise not in a full upright
standing or walking position.

— Obstacles on the roadway

— Oncoming vehicles

— Crossing vehicles

— Obstacles on the roadside

. The AEB with pedestrian detec-

tion system has some perfor-
mance limitations.

— If a stationary vehicle is in the

vehicle’s path, the AEB with
pedestrian detection system
will not function when the
vehicle is driven at speeds
over approximately 50 MPH
(80 km/h).

— For pedestrian detection, the

AEB with pedestrian detection
system will not function when
the vehicle is driven at speeds
over approximately 37 MPH
(60 km/h) or below approxi-
mately 6 MPH (10 km/h).

. The AEB with pedestrian detec-

tion system may not function for
pedestrians in darkness or in
tunnels, even if there is street
lighting in the area.

. For pedestrians, the AEB with

pedestrian detection system will
not issue the first warning.

. The AEB with pedestrian detec-

tion system may not function if
the vehicle ahead is narrow (for
example a motorcycle).

. The AEB with pedestrian detec-

tion system may not function if
speed difference between the
two vehicles is too small.

. The radar sensor may not func-

tion properly or detect a vehicle
ahead in the following conditions:

— Poor visibility (conditions such

a s r a i n , s n o w , f o g , d u s t
storms, sandstorms, and road
spray from other vehicles)

— Driving on a steep downhill

slope or roads with sharp
curves.

— Driving on a bumpy road sur-

face, such as an uneven dirt
road.

— If dirt, ice, snow or other ma-

terial is covering the radar
sensor area.

— Interference by other radar

sources.

. The camera may not function

properly or detect a vehicle
ahead in the following conditions:

— The camera area of wind-

shield is fogged up, or covered
with dirt, water drops, ice,
snow, etc.

— Strong light (for example, sun-

light or high beams from on-
coming vehicles) enters the
front camera. Strong light
causes the area around the
pedestrian to be cast in a
shadow, making it difficult to
see.

— A sudden change in bright-

ness occurs. (For example,
when the vehicle enters or
exits a tunnel or a shaded
area or lightning flashes.)

— The poor contrast of a person

to the background, such as
having clothing color or pat-
tern which is similar to the
background.

— The pedestrian’s profile is par-

tially obscured or unidentifi-
able due to the pedestrian
transporting cargo, wearing
bulky or very loose-fitting
clothing or accessories.

. The system performance may

degrade in the following condi-

tions:

— The vehicle is driven on a

slippery road.

— The vehicle is driven on a

slope.

— Excessively heavy baggage is

loaded in the rear seat or the
cargo area of your vehicle.

. The system is designed to auto-

matically check the sensor (radar
and camera)’s functionality, with-
in certain limitations. The system
may not detect blockage of sen-
sor areas covered by ice, snow or
stickers, for example. In these
cases, the system may not be
able to warn the driver properly.
Be sure that you check, clean and
clear sensor areas regularly.

. In some road and traffic condi-

tions, the AEB system may unex-
pectedly apply partial braking.
When acceleration is necessary,
depress the accelerator pedal to
override the system.

. The AEB system may react a

roadside object (traffic sign,
guard rail etc.)

. Braking distances increase on

slippery surfaces.

. Excessive noise will interfere with

the warning chime sound, and
the chime may not be heard.

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Starting and driving

SSD0253

When driving on some roads, such as
winding, hilly, curved, narrow roads, or
roads which are under construction, the
sensor may detect vehicles in a different
lane, or may temporarily not detect a
vehicle traveling ahead. This may cause
the system to work inappropriately.
The detection of vehicles may also be
affected by vehicle operation (steering
maneuver or traveling position in the
lane, etc.) or vehicle condition. If this
occurs, the system may warn you by
blinking the system indicator and
sounding the chime unexpectedly. You
will have to manually control the proper
distance away from the vehicle travel-
ing ahead.

JVS0972X

SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNAVAIL-
ABLE

Condition A

In the following conditions, the AEB
system warning light (orange) will illumi-
nate and the system will be turned off
automatically.
. The radar sensor picks up interference

from another radar source.

. The camera area of windshield is

misted or frozen.

. Strong light is shining from the front.

. The cabin temperature is over ap-

proximately 104°F (40°C) in direct sun-
light.

. The camera area of windshield glass is

continuously covered with dirt, etc.

Action to take:

When the above conditions no longer
exist, the AEB with pedestrian detection
system will resume automatically.
NOTE:

When the inside of the windshield on
camera area is misted or frozen, it will
take a period of time to remove it after
air conditioner turns on. If dirt appears
on this area, it is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer.

Condition B

In the following condition, the AEB system
warning light (orange) will illuminate and
the “Unavailable: Front Radar Obstruc-
tion” warning message will appear in the
vehicle information display.
. The sensor area of the front of the

vehicle is covered with dirt or is
obstructed

Action to take:

If the warning light (orange) comes on,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn
the engine off. Clean the radar cover on
the front of the vehicle with a soft cloth,
and restart the engine. If the warning light
continues to illuminate, have the AEB with
pedestrian detection system checked. It is

recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
. When driving on roads with limited

road structures or buildings (for ex-
ample, long bridges, deserts, snow
fields, driving next to long walls).

Action to take:

When the above conditions no longer
exist, the AEB with pedestrian detection
system will resume automatically.

Condition C

When VDC system is OFF, the AEB brake
will not operate. In this case only visible
and audible warning operates. The AEB
system warning light (orange) will illumi-
nate.
Action to take:

When VDC system is ON, the AEB with
pedestrian detection system will resume
automatically.

SYSTEM MALFUNCTION

If the AEB with pedestrian detection
system malfunctions, it will be turned off
automatically, a chime will sound, the AEB
system warning light will (orange) will
illuminate and the warning message
“Malfunction” will appear in the vehicle
information display.

Action to take:

If the warning light (orange) comes on,
stop the vehicle in a safe location. Turn
the engine off and restart the engine. If
the warning light continues to illuminate,
have the AEB with pedestrian detection
system checked. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Starting and driving

5-97

5-98

Starting and driving

JVS1042X

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

The radar sensor

is located on the front

of the vehicle. The camera

is located on

the upper side of the windshield.
To keep the AEB with pedestrian detec-
tion system operating properly, be sure to
observe the following:
. Always keep the sensor area on the

front of the vehicle and windshield
clean.

. Do not strike or damage the areas

around the sensors (ex. bumper, wind-
shield).

. Do not cover or attach stickers or

similar objects on the front of the
vehicle near the sensor area. This

could cause failure or malfunction.

. Do not attach metallic objects near

the radar sensor area (brush guard,
etc.). This could cause failure or mal-
function.

. Do not place reflective materials, such

as white paper or a mirror, on the
instrument panel. The reflection of
sunlight may adversely affect the
camera unit’s detection capability.

. Do not alter, remove or paint the front

of the vehicle near the sensor area.
Before customizing or restoring the
sensor area, it is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer.

Radio frequency statement
For USA

FCC : OAYSRR3B

This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause
undesired operation.

FCC Warning

Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment

For Canada

Applicable law: Canada 310

This device complies with Industry Ca-
nada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

Frequency bands: 24.05 – 24.25GHz

Output power: less than 20 milliwatts

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000
km), follow these recommendations
to obtain maximum engine perfor-
mance and ensure the future relia-
bility and economy of your new
vehicle. Failure to follow these re-
commendations may result in shor-
tened engine life and reduced engine
performance.

. Avoid driving for long periods at con-

stant speed, either fast or slow. Do not
run the engine over 4,000 rpm.

. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

. Avoid quick starts.

. Avoid hard braking as much as possi-

ble.

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.
1.

Use smooth accelerator and brake
pedal application.

.

Avoid rapid starts and stops.

.

Use smooth, gentle accelerator and

brake application whenever possi-
ble.

.

Maintain constant speed while

commuting and coast whenever
possible.

2. Maintain constant speed.

.

Look ahead to try and anticipate

and minimize stops.

.

Synchronizing your speed with traf-

fic lights allows you to reduce your
number of stops.

.

Maintaining a steady speed can

minimize red light stops and im-
prove fuel efficiency.

3. Use air conditioning (A/C) at higher

vehicle speeds.

.

Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to open windows to cool
the vehicle due to reduced engine
load.

.

Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to use A/C to cool the
vehicle due to increased aerody-
namic drag.

.

Recirculating the cool air in the

cabin when the A/C is on reduces
cooling load.

4. Drive at economical speeds and dis-

tances.

.

Observing the speed limit and not

exceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h)
(where legally allowed) can improve
fuel efficiency due to reduced aero-
dynamic drag.

.

Maintaining a safe following dis-

tance behind other vehicles re-
duces unnecessary braking.

.

Safely monitoring traffic to antici-

pate changes in speed permits
reduced braking and smooth accel-
eration changes.

.

Select a gear range suitable to road

conditions.

5. Use cruise control.

.

Using cruise control during highway

driving helps maintain a steady
speed.

.

Cruise control is particularly effec-

tive in providing fuel savings when
driving on flat terrains.

6. Plan for the shortest route.

.

Utilize a map or navigation system

to determine the best route to save
time.

Starting and driving

5-99

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

5-100

Starting and driving

7. Avoid idling.

.

Shutting off your engine when safe

for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions.

8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.

.

Automated passes permit drivers to

use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and
avoid stopping and starting.

9. Winter warm up.

.

Limit idling time to minimize impact

to fuel economy.

.

Vehicles typically need no more

than 30 seconds of idling at start-
up to effectively circulate the en-
gine oil before driving.

.

Your vehicle will reach its ideal

operating temperature more
quickly while driving versus idling.

10. Keeping your vehicle cool.

.

Park your vehicle in a covered

parking area or in the shade when-
ever possible.

.

When entering a hot vehicle, open-

ing the windows will help to reduce
the inside temperature faster, re-
sulting in reduced demand on your
A/C system.

. Keep your engine tuned up.

. Follow the recommended scheduled

maintenance.

. Keep the tires inflated to the correct

pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.

. Use the recommended viscosity en-

gine oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation” (P.10-5).)

If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
4x4 system while the engine is running,
warning messages appear in the vehicle
information display.

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

INTELLIGENT 4X4 (if so equipped)

JVS1120X

If the “AWD Error” warning

appears,

there may be a malfunction in the In-
telligent 4x4 system. Reduce vehicle
speed and have your vehicle checked by
a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
The “AWD High Temp. Stop vehicle” (high
temperature) warning

may appear

while trying to free a stuck vehicle due

to increased oil temperature. The driving
mode may change to Two-Wheel Drive
(2WD). If this warning is displayed, stop
the vehicle with the engine idling, as soon
as it is safe to do so. Then if the warning
turns off, you can continue driving.
The “Tire Size Incorrect” warning

may

appear if there is a large difference
between the diameters of front and rear
wheels. Pull off the road in a safe area,
with the engine idling. Check that all tire
sizes are the same, that the tire pressure
is correct and that the tires are not
excessively worn. Turn off the Intelligent
4x4 LOCK switch and do not drive fast.
If any warning message continues to be
displayed, have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING

. For AWD equipped vehicles, do

not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the
transmission to any drive or re-
verse position with the engine
running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.

. Do not attempt to test an AWD

equipped vehicle on a 2–wheel
dynamometer (such as the dy-
n a m o m e t e r s u s e d b y s o m e
states for emissions testing) or
similar equipment even if the
other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure that you
inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with
AWD before it is placed on a
dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in
drive train damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.

CAUTION

. Do not operate the engine on a

free roller when any of the wheels
raised.

. The power train may be damaged

if you continue driving with the
“AWD Error” warning on.

. If the warning message remains

on after the above operation,
have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. It is recom-

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5-101

5-102

Starting and driving

mended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

. If the “AWD Error” warning ap-

pears while driving, there may be
a malfunction in the AWD system.

Reduce the vehicle speed and
have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

. Never drive on dry, hard surface

roads in the LOCK mode, as this
will overload the powertrain and
may cause a serious malfunction.

JVS1024X

INTELLIGENT 4X4 LOCK SWITCH
OPERATIONS

The Intelligent 4x4 LOCK switch is located
on the lower side of the instrument panel.
This switch is used to select the AUTO or
LOCK mode depending on the driving
conditions.

LOCK mode:

The AWD LOCK indicator light will illumi-
nate.
AUTO mode:

The AWD LOCK indicator light will turn off.
Each time you push the switch, the AWD
mode will switch: AUTO ? LOCK ? AUTO.

AWD mode

Wheels driven

AWD LOCK indicator light

Use conditions

AUTO

Distribution of torque to
the front and rear wheels
changes automatically,
depending on road condi-
tions encountered [ratio;
100 : 0 /? 50 : 50]. This
results in improved driving
stability.*1

-

For driving on paved
or slippery roads

LOCK

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) *2*3*

For driving on rough
roads

*1:

When the rotation difference between the
front and rear wheels is large, the AWD
mode may change from AUTO to LOCK
for a while, however, this is not a mal-
function.

*2:

The LOCK mode will change to the AUTO
mode automatically when the vehicle has
been driven at a high speed. The AWD
LOCK indicator light turns off.

*3:

The LOCK mode will automatically be
cancelled when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF position.

. The AWD torque distribution between

the front and rear wheels can be
displayed in the vehicle information
display. See “Vehicle information dis-
play” (P.2-18).

. If the Intelligent 4x4 LOCK switch is

operated while accelerating or decel-
erating, or if the ignition switch is
turned off, you may feel a jolt. This is
normal.

. The oil temperature of the powertrain

parts will increase if the vehicle is
continuously operated under condi-
tions where the difference in rotation
between the front and rear wheels is
large (wheel slip), such as when driving
the vehicle on rough roads, through
sand or mud, or freeing a stuck
vehicle. In these cases, the master
warning light illuminates and the
AWD mode changes to 2WD to protect

the powertrain parts. Stop driving
with the engine idling and wait until
the warning light turns off and the
AWD returns to the AUTO mode. If the
warning light remains on, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. It
is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.

WARNING

. When driving straight, shift the

Intelligent 4x4 LOCK switch to
AUTO. Do not operate the Intelli-
gent 4x4 LOCK switch when mak-
ing a turn or backing up.

. Do not operate the Intelligent 4x4

LOCK switch with the front wheel
spinning.

. Engine idling speed is high while

warming up the engine. Be espe-
cially careful when starting or
driving on slippery surfaces.

. When turning the vehicle in LOCK

mode on paved roads, you may
feel a braking effect. This is a
normal condition of the AWD
model.

Starting and driving

5-103

5-104

Starting and driving

SSD0488

WARNING

. Do not stop or park the vehicle

over flammable materials such as
dry grass, waste paper or rags.
They may ignite and cause a fire.

. Never leave the engine running

while the vehicle is unattended.

. Do not leave children unattended

inside the vehicle. They could
unknowingly activate switches
or controls. Unattended children
could become involved in serious
accidents.

. To help avoid risk of injury or

death through unintended opera-
tion of the vehicle and/or its
systems, do not leave children,
people who require the assis-
tance of others or pets unat-
t e n d e d

i n

y o u r

v e h i c l e .

Additionally, the temperature in-
side a closed vehicle on a warm
day can quickly become high
enough to cause a significant risk
of injury or death to people and
pets.

. Safe parking procedures require

that both the parking brake be
applied and the transmission

placed into P (Park) for Continu-
ously Variable Transmission (CVT)
model or in an appropriate gear
for Manual Transmission (MT)
model. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unex-
pectedly or roll away and result in
an accident.

. Make sure the CVT shift lever has

been pushed as far forward as it
can go and cannot be moved
without depressing the foot
brake pedal.

1.

Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Continuously Variable Transmission

(CVT) models:

Move the shift lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission (MT) models:

Move the shift lever to the R (Reverse)
gear. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the shift lever in the 1st gear.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from roll-

ing into the street when parked on a
sloping drive way, it is a good practice
to turn the wheels as illustrated.

.

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:

Turn the wheels into the curb and

move the vehicle forward until the

curb side wheel gently touches the

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

curb.

.

HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:

Turn the wheels away from the

curb and move the vehicle back

until the curb side wheel gently

touches the curb.

.

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB:
Turn the wheels toward the side of

the road so the vehicle will move

away from the center of the road if

it moves.

4. Models with Intelligent Key system:

Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.
Models without Intelligent Key sys-
tem:

Place the ignition switch in the LOCK
position and remove the key.

WARNING

. If the engine is not running or is

turned off while driving, the
power assist for the steering will
not work. Steering will be harder
to operate.

. When the electric power steering

warning light illuminates with the
engine running, the power assist
for the steering will cease opera-
tion. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will
be harder to operate.

The electric power steering is designed to
provide power assist while driving to
operate the steering wheel with light
force.
When the steering wheel is operated
repeatedly or continuously while parking
or driving at a very low speed, the power
assist for the steering wheel will be
reduced. This is to prevent overheating
of the electric power steering and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power
assist is reduced, steering wheel opera-
tion will become heavy. When the tem-
perature of the electric power steering
goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such

steering wheel operations that could
cause the electric power steering to over-
heat.
You may hear a noise when the steering
wheel is operated quickly. However, this is
not a malfunction.
If the electric power steering warning
light

illuminates while the engine is

running, it may indicate the electric
power steering is not functioning prop-
erly and may need servicing. Have the
electric power steering checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. (See “Electric power
steering warning light” (P.2-12).)
When the electric power steering warning
light illuminates with the engine running,
the power assist for the steering will
cease operation. You will still have control
of the vehicle. However, greater steering
effort is needed, especially in sharp turns
and at low speeds.
The mode of the Power Steering can be
changed to:
. NORMAL

. SPORT
For more information, see “Vehicle infor-
mation display” (P.2-18).

Starting and driving

5-105

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

5-106

Starting and driving

BRAKING PRECAUTIONS

The brake system has two separate
hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunc-
tions, you will still have braking at two
wheels.

Vacuum assisted brakes

The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and the stopping dis-
tance will be longer.

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This will cause over-
heating of the brakes, wearing out the
brake pads faster and reduce gas mile-
age.
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 grade.
Overheated brakes may reduce braking
performance and could result in loss of
vehicle control.

WARNING

. While driving on a slippery sur-

face, be careful when braking,
accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking or accelerating
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 brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake
pedal to heat-up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.

Parking brake break-in

Break in the parking brake shoes when-
ever the stopping effect of the parking
brake is weakened or whenever the
parking brake shoes and/or drums/ro-
tors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

BRAKE SYSTEM

BRAKE ASSIST

When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking
force than a conventional brake booster
even with light pedal force.

WARNING

The Brake Assist is only an aid to
assist braking operation and is not a
collision warning or avoidance de-
vice. It is the driver’s responsibility to
stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING

. The Anti-lock Braking System

(ABS) is a sophisticated device,
but it cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control dur-
ing braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping dis-
tances on slippery surfaces will
be longer than on normal sur-

faces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Always maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible 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 Informa-
tion label. See “Tire and Load-
ing Information label” (P.10-
10) of this manual.

— For detailed information, see

“Wheels and tires” (P.8-29) of
this manual.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols 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 prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre-

venting each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize 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 prevent the
wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle
to avoid obstacles.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing
so may result in increased stopping
distances.

Self-test feature

The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric 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 malfunc-
tion. If the computer senses a malfunc-

Starting and driving

5-107

BRAKE ASSIST

5-108

Starting and driving

tion, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates 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. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Normal operation

The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 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 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 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. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under
certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem helps to perform the following func-
tions.
. Controls brake pressure to reduce

wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel
so power is transferred to a non
slipping drive wheel on the same axle.

. Controls brake pressure and engine

output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction con-
trol function).

. Controls brake pressure at individual

wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle
in the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not

follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)

— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due

to certain road or driving condi-
tions).

The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it
cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in
all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light

in the instrument panel

flashes so note the following:

. The road may be slippery or the

system may determine some action
is required to help keep the vehicle on
the steered path.

. You may feel a pulsation in the brake

pedal and hear a noise or vibration
from under the hood. This is normal
and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.

. Adjust your speed and driving to the

road conditions.

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light

illuminates in the

instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is
off. When the VDC switch is used to turn
off the system, the VDC system still
operates to prevent one drive wheel from
slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The VDC warning
light

flashes if this occurs. All other

VDC functions are off, and the VDC
warning light

will not flash. The VDC

system is automatically reset to on when
the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-15) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-17).

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle
forward or in reverse 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 VDC system is designed to

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

. Do not modify the vehicle’s sus-

pension. If suspension parts such
a s s h o c k a b s o r b e r s , s t r u t s ,
springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not NISSAN re-
commended for your vehicle or
are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the VDC warning light

may illuminate.

. If brake related parts such as

brake pads, rotors and calipers
are not NISSAN recommended or
are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning
light

may illuminate.

. If engine control related parts are

not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
warning light

may illuminate.

. When driving on extremely in-

clined surfaces such as higher
banked corners, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light

may illumi-

nate. Do not drive on these types
of roads.

. When driving on an unstable sur-

face such as a turntable, ferry,
elevator or ramp, the VDC warn-
ing light

may illuminate. This

is not a malfunction. Restart the
engine after driving onto a stable
surface.

. If wheels or tires other than the

NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC
warning light

may illuminate.

. The VDC system is not a substi-

tute for winter tires or tire chains
on a snow covered road.

Starting and driving

5-109