Nissan Titan (2019 year). Manual — part 24

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance
and ensure the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may re-
sult in shortened engine life and re-
duced engine performance.

∙ Avoid driving for long periods at con-

stant speed, either fast or slow, and 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 pos-

sible.

∙ Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles

(805 kilometers). Your engine, axle or
other parts could be damaged.

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 possible.

∙ Maintain constant speed while com-

muting and coast whenever pos-
sible.

2. Maintain Constant Speed

∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and

minimize stops.

∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic

lights allows you to reduce your num-
ber of stops.

∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini-

mize red light stops and improve 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 aerodynamic 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 effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag.

∙ Maintaining a safe following distance

behind other vehicles reduces un-
necessary braking.

∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate

changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.

∙ Select a gear range suitable to road

conditions.

5. Use Cruise Control

∙ Using cruise control during highway

driving helps maintain a steady
speed.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

Starting and driving

5-43

∙ Cruise control is particularly effective

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.

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 engine oil be-
fore driving.

∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-

ating

temperature

more

quickly

while driving versus idling.

10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool

∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking

area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible.

∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening

the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C sys-
tem.

∙ 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.

∙ For vehicles equipped with

, use

4H or 4L position only when necessary.
4-Wheel Drive operation lowers fuel
economy.

∙ Use the recommended viscosity engine

oil. For additional information, refer to
“Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

5-44

Starting and driving

WARNING

∙ For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-

tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.

∙ Do

not

attempt

to

test

a

4WD

equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamometers
used by some states for emissions
testing) or similar equipment even if
the other two wheels are raised off the
ground. Make sure you inform test fa-
cility personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with 4WD before it is placed
on a dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in drive-
train damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in seri-
ous

vehicle

damage

or

personal

injury.

CAUTION

∙ Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or

4LO position on dry hard surface
roads. Driving on dry, hard surfaces in
4H or 4LO may cause unnecessary
noise, tire wear and increased fuel
consumption.

If the 4WD vehicle information display
warning message turns on when you
are driving on dry hard surface roads:

– In the 4H position, shift the 4WD

shift switch to 2WD.

– In the 4LO position, stop the ve-

hicle, move the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed, and shift the
4WD shift switch to 2WD.

∙ If the vehicle information display

warning message is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

USING 4–WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) (if so
equipped)

Starting and driving

5-45

TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING
PROCEDURES

The part time 4WD system provides 3 posi-
tions (2WD, 4H and 4LO), so you can select
the desired drive mode according to the
driving conditions.

2WD or 4WD shift procedure:

4WD shift switch

position

Wheels driven

Indicator

Use conditions

4WD shift procedure

4WD shift

Transfer 4LO posi-
tion

2WD

Rear wheels

For driving on dry, paved
roads (Economy drive)

Move the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> 4H
The 4WD shift indicator will indicate that the
transfer shift position is engaged.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MOVE THE SHIFT
LEVER TO THE N (NEUTRAL) POSITION IN
THIS OPERATION. PERFORM THIS OPERA-
TION WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT.

4H

Four wheels

For driving on rocky, sandy or
snow-covered roads

N (Neutral)

*1
May blink

N (Neutral) disengages the
automatic transmission
(A/T) mechanical parking
lock, which will allow the ve-
hicle to roll. Do not leave the
transfer shift position in N
(Neutral).*2

1. Stop the vehicle.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, move

the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.

3. With the brake pedal depressed, de-

press and turn the 4WD shift switch to
4LO or 4H.

THE TRANSFER CASE DOES NOT ENGAGE
BETWEEN 4H AND 4LO (OR 4LO TO 4H) UN-
LESS YOU HAVE FIRST STOPPED THE VE-
HICLE, DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND
MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO N (NEUTRAL). *3

4LO

Four wheels

Illuminated

For use when maximum
power and traction is re-
quired (for example, on steep
grades or rocky, sandy,
muddy roads)

5-46

Starting and driving

*1: Before moving the shift lever from N (Neutral), wait until the 4LO indicator stays on steady. This indicates that the 4WD shift procedure

is completed and the transfer gear is correctly set in the 4LO position. If the vehicle is shifted into gear before the indicator is on steady,
the transfer gear may grind, not engage correctly or stay in the N (Neutral) position.

- If the 4WD vehicle information display warning message illuminates, perform the following procedure to return the transfer case to
the correct operating condition.

1. Turn off the engine by placing the ignition switch in the OFF position.

2. Start the engine.

- Check that the 4WD vehicle information display warning message turns off. If the warning message in the vehicle information display
stays on, have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

3. Apply the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.

4. With the brake pedal depressed, move the 4WD shift switch to the desired mode.

- Be sure to wait until the transfer gear change completes before shifting the shift lever from the N (Neutral) position.

*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition switch must be in the ON position and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to

take place and for the 4WD shift and 4LO position indicators to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicators
will be on or flashing.

*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO. The

indicator light will also turn

on when 4LO is selected. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in this section.

Starting and driving

5-47

The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used
to select either 2WD or 4WD depending on
the driving conditions. There are three
types of drive modes available: 2WD, 4H and
4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls
the transfer case operation. Rotate the
switch to move between each mode: 2WD,
4H and 4LO.

To change into or out of 4LO, the vehicle
MUST be stationary, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral), and depress the brake
pedal. The switch must be pushed and
turned to select 4LO.

WARNING

∙ When parking, apply the parking

brake before stopping the engine and
make sure that the 4WD shift indica-
tor is on and the Automatic Transmis-
sion Park (ATP) warning light goes off.
Otherwise, the vehicle could unex-
pectedly move even if the A/T is in the
P (Park) position.

∙ The 4LO indicator must stop blinking

and remain illuminated or turn off be-
fore shifting the transmission into
gear. If the shift lever is shifted from
the N (Neutral) position to any other
gear when the 4LO indicator is blink-
ing,

the

vehicle

may

move

unexpectedly.

CAUTION

∙ Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-

tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

∙ The 4H position provides greater trac-

tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption
and higher oil temperatures, and
could

damage

drivetrain

compo-

nents.

Speeds

over

62

mph

(100 km/h) in 4H is not recommended.

∙ The 4LO position provides maximum

power and traction. Avoid raising ve-
hicle speed excessively, as the maxi-
mum speed is approximately 31 mph
(50 km/h).

∙ When driving straight, shift the 4WD

shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shift switch
when making a turn or reversing.

∙ Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (be-

tween 2WD and 4H) while driving on
steep downhill grades. Use the engine
brake and low A/T gears (M1 or M2) for
engine braking.

∙ Do not operate the 4WD shift switch

(between 2WD and 4H) with the rear
wheels spinning.

∙ Do not drive on dry hard surface roads

in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on
dry hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may
cause unnecessary noise and tire
wear. NISSAN recommends driving in
the

2WD

position

under

these

conditions.

∙ The 4WD transfer case may not be

shifted between 4H and 4LO at low
ambient temperatures and the trans-
fer 4LO position indicator may blink
even when the 4WD shift switch is
shifted. After driving for a while you
can change the 4WD transfer case be-
tween 4H and 4LO.

When driving on rough roads,

∙ Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.

∙ Drive carefully according to the road

surface conditions.

5-48

Starting and driving

When the vehicle is stuck,

∙ Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.

∙ Place stones or wooden blocks under

the tires to free the vehicle.

∙ Use the Electronic locking rear differen-

tial (E-Lock) system (if so equipped). For
additional information, refer to “Elec-
tronic locking rear differential (E-lock)
system” in this section.

∙ If it is difficult to free the vehicle, rock the

vehicle back and forth between reverse
and drive gears.

∙ If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, place

stones or wooden blocks under the
tires. Then try the recovery procedures
above. Tire chains may be effective.

CAUTION

∙ Do not spin the tires excessively. Tires

will sink deep into the mud, making it
difficult to free the vehicle.

∙ Avoid shifting gears with the engine

running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.

4WD shift switch operations

∙ Shift the 4WD shift switch to either the

2WD, 4H or 4LO position, depending on
driving conditions.

∙ If the 4WD shift switch is operated

while making a turn, accelerating or
decelerating or if the key switch is
turned off while in the 4H or 4LO, you
may feel a jolt. This is not abnormal.

∙ You may hear some noise as the sys-

tem shifts or engages. This is not ab-
normal.

CAUTION

∙ When driving straight, shift the 4WD

shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shift switch
when making a turn or reversing.

∙ Do not shift the 4WD shift switch

while

driving

on

steep

downhill

grades. Use the engine brake and low
automatic transmission gears (M1 or
M2) for engine braking.

∙ Do not operate the 4WD shift switch

with the rear wheels spinning.

∙ Before placing the 4WD shift switch in

the 4H position from 2WD, ensure the
vehicle speed is less than 62 mph
(100 km/h). Failure to do so can dam-
age the 4WD system.

∙ Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-

tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

LSD2463

Starting and driving

5-49

4WD shift indicator

The 4WD shift indicator is located in the
vehicle information display.

While the engine is running, the 4WD shift
indicator will illuminate the position se-
lected by the 4WD shift switch.

∙ The 4WD shift indicator may come on

while shifting from one drive mode to
the other. When the shifting is com-
pleted, the 4WD shift indicator will
stay on.

∙ If the 4WD vehicle information display

warning message comes on, the 4WD
indicator goes out.

CAUTION

∙ If the 4WD shift indicator indication

changes to 2WD when the 4WD shift
switch is shifted to the 4H position at
low ambient temperatures, the 2WD
mode may be being engaged due to
malfunctioning drive system. If the in-
dicator does not return to normal and
the 4WD vehicle information display
warning message comes on, have the
system checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.

LSD2328

5-50

Starting and driving

Warning message

Warning message

Warning message comes on when:

Vehicle information display

4WD Error: See Owner’s Manual

There is a malfunction in the 4–Wheel Drive system

FRT & RR tire size difference: See Owner’s Manual

The difference in wheel rotation is large

CAUTION

∙ If the warning message comes on

during operation or rapidly after
stopping the vehicle for a while, have
your vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.

∙ Shifting between 4H and 4LO is not

recommended when the 4WD warn-
ing message turns on.

∙ When the warning message comes

on, the 2WD mode may be engaged
even if the 4WD shift switch is in 4H. Be
especially careful when driving. If cor-
responding parts are malfunctioning,
the 4WD mode will not be engaged
even if the 4WD shift switch is shifted.

∙ Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or

4LO position on dry hard surface
roads. Driving on dry, hard surfaces in
4H or 4LO may cause unnecessary
noise, tire wear and increased fuel
consumption.

If the 4WD warning message turns on
when you are driving on dry hard sur-
face roads:

Starting and driving

5-51

–

In the 4H position, shift the 4WD

shift switch to 2WD.

– In the 4LO position, stop the ve-

hicle, move the automatic trans-
mission shift lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position with the brake pedal
depressed, and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.

∙ If the warning message is still on after

the above operation, have your ve-
hicle checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

∙ The transfer case may be damaged if

you continue driving with the warning
message on.

The E-Lock system can provide additional
traction and should only be used when a
vehicle has become or is becoming stuck.
This system operates by electronically
“locking” the two rear drive wheels to-
gether, allowing them to turn at the same
speed. The system is used when it is not
possible to free a stuck vehicle even when
using the 4LO position (4-Wheel Drive ve-
hicles).
When added traction is required, activate
the E-Lock system by pushing the switch
on. For additional information, refer to
“Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual. Once the
system fully engages, the indicator light in
the instrument panel will remain on. When
the system is activated, both rear wheels
will engage, providing added traction.

The rear wheels may momentarily slip or
move to engage the system, and the sys-
tem will only engage up to approximately
4 mph (7 km/h). Once the vehicle is free, the
system should be turned off and driving
resumed.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is dis-
abled and the ABS warning light illumi-
nates when the E-Lock system is on.

WARNING

∙ Never leave the E-Lock system on

when driving on paved or hard-
surfaced roads. Turning the vehicle
may result in the rear wheels slipping
and result in an accident and personal
injury. After using the E-Lock system
to free the vehicle, turn the system off.

∙ Use the E-Lock system only in an

emergency when it is not possible to
free a stuck vehicle even when using
4LO. Never use the E-Lock system on a
slippery road surface such as snow or
ice surface. Using the E-Lock system
when driving in these road conditions
may cause unexpected movement of
the vehicle during engine braking, ac-
celerating or turning, which may re-
sult in an accident and serious per-
sonal injury.

∙ Observe the above warnings. Other-

wise, loss of normal steering control
may result. This may result in an acci-
dent and serious personal injury.

ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)

5-52

Starting and driving

CAUTION

∙ After using the E-Lock system, or during

normal driving, turn the switch off to pre-
vent possible damage to the drivetrain
components from extended use.

∙ Avoid quick starts while the E-Lock sys-

tem is in operation. Otherwise, the drive-
train components could be damaged.

∙ When the E-Lock system is in opera-

tion, turning the vehicle becomes dif-
ficult. This can be dangerous, espe-
cially at high speeds. Doing so could
damage the drivetrain components.

∙ Do not operate the E-Lock system

when the vehicle is turning or when
one side wheel is rotating. Otherwise,
the drivetrain components could be
damaged.

∙ The E-Lock system operates only

when the engine is running.

∙ In 4H mode, the E-Lock system does

not operate when the E-Lock system
switch is turned to the ON position. (The
E-Lock system indicator light will flash.)

∙ Observe the above cautions. Other-

wise, loss of normal steering control
may result.

When the ignition switch is in the OFF posi-
tion, the ECO management display ap-
pears.

䊊

1

Previous 5 times (History)

䊊

2

Current fuel economy

䊊

3

Best fuel economy

The result of ECO evaluation is displayed
30 seconds after the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position and the vehicle is
driven at least 1/3 miles (500 meters).

䊊

1

The average fuel economy for the pre-
vious 5 times will be displayed.

䊊

2

The average fuel economy since the
last reset will be displayed.

䊊

3

The best fuel economy of the past his-
tory will be displayed.

The ECO Drive Report can be set to be ON
or OFF.

LSD2472

ECO DRIVE REPORT (if so equipped)

Starting and driving

5-53

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.

∙ Safe parking procedures require that

both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park). Fail-
ure to do so could cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly or roll away and
result in an accident. Make sure the
shift lever has been pushed as far for-
ward as it can go and cannot be
moved without depressing the foot
brake pedal.

∙ Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death

through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly be-
come high enough to cause a signifi-
cant risk of injury or death to people
and pets.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) po-

sition.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling

into traffic when parked on an incline, it
is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.

∙ HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB

䊊

A

:

Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb
side wheel gently touches the curb.

∙ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB

䊊

B

:

Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.

WSD0050

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

5-54

Starting and driving

∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB

䊊

C

:

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. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK

position.

The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to as-
sist steering.

If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.

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.

The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.

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 surface, be

careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or ac-
celerating 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 as-
sist for the brakes will not work. Brak-
ing will be harder.

POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

Starting and driving

5-55

Wet brakes

When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be lon-
ger 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 drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.

This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING

∙ The ABS is a sophisticated device, but

it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces 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
responsible for safety.

∙ Tire type and condition may also af-

fect 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. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “Tire
and Loading Information label” in
the “Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.

– For additional information, refer to

“Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.

The 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 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
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to
prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

5-56

Starting and driving

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may

result

in

increased

stopping

distances.

Self-test feature

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes 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 mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, 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 ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Normal operation

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds above 3 - 6 mph (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 applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion 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 op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.

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 device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.

Starting and driving

5-57

∙ The ABLS system uses automatic brak-

ing to transfer power from a slipping
drive wheel to the wheel on the same
axle with more traction. The ABLS sys-
tem applies braking to the slipping
wheel, which helps redirect power to
the other wheel.

∙ On 4–Wheel Drive (4WD) models the

ABLS system operates in both 4H and
4LO modes. If 4WD mode is engaged,
the ABLS system operates for both
drive axles. On 2–Wheel Drive vehicles,
the ABLS system operates on the drive
axle only.

∙ The ABLS system is always on. In some

conditions, the system may automati-
cally turn the ABLS system off. If the sys-
tem is automatically turned off, normal
brake function will continue. ABLS will
function even when the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system is turned off.

∙ The ABLS system does not operate if

both wheels on a drive axle are slipping.

WARNING

∙ The ABLS system helps provide in-

creased traction, but will not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration or by careless driving or dan-
gerous driving practices. Reduce ve-
hicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces. Always drive carefully.

∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN approved for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the
ABLS system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance, and the
slip indicator light may illuminate.

∙ If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ABLS sys-
tem may not operate properly and the
slip indicator light may illuminate.

∙ If wheels or tires other than the

NISSAN recommended ones are used,
the ABLS system may not operate
properly and the slip indicator light
may illuminate.

ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM

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Starting and driving