2014 NISSAN QASHQAI traction control

•Avoid steep uphill grades.
•If possible, reduce the load being carried or
towed.
The Malfunction Indicator light may stop blinking
and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer or
qualified workshop. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without having the
engine control system checked and repaired as
necessary could lead to poor driveability,
reduced fuel economy and possible damage to
the engine control system, which may affect your
warranty coverage.
Rear fog light indicator light
(where fitted)
The light comes on when the rear fog light is
switched on (see “Rear fog light (where fitted)” later
in this section).
Side light and headlight indicator
light
This light comes on when the side light or headlight
position is selected, see “Headlight and turn signal
switch” later in this section for further details.
SLIP indicator light
(where fitted)
The SLIP indicator blinks when the Electronic Sta-
bility Programme (ESP) system is operating, thus
alerting the driver to the fact that the road surface is
slippery and the vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working, this is nor-
mal.
The light will continue to blink for a few seconds
after the ESP system stops limiting wheel spin.
For additional information see “Electronic Stability
Programme (ESP) OFF indicator light (where
fitted)” earlier in this section and “Electronic Stabil-
ity Programme (ESP) system (where fitted)” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.
Trailer direction indicator light
The light will light up whenever an additional electri-
cal load is detected by the direction indicator sys-
tem.
For additional information, see “Trailer towing” in
the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The direction indicator lights will flash when the turn
signal switch or hazard warning flasher switch is
turned on. See “Headlight and turn signal switch”
later in this section and see “Hazard warning flasher
switch” in the “6. In case of emergency” section for
further details.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Door open reminder chime
The chime will sound if any door other than the driv-
er’s door is left open and the power door lock switch
is held down.
Intelligent Key models:The external buzzer will
sound if the vehicle is being locked remotely or us-
ing an outside door lock switch and any door is
open.
Parking brake reminder buzzer
A buzzer will sound when driving away if the parking
brake has not been released. Stop the vehicle and
release the parking brake.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound for 10 seconds if the driver’s
door is opened while the external lights are turned
on and the ignition switch is in the “OFF” or LOCK
position.
See “Headlight and turn signal switch” later in this
section for further details on the headlight operation.
Fog light reminder chime
A chime will sound if the ignition switch is in the
“OFF” or LOCK position and the headlight switch is
in the AUTO position (where fitted) and the fog lights
are left on.
See “Fog light switch” later in this section for further
details.
2-12Instruments and controls

NORMAL OPERATION
The ABS operates at speeds above 5 to 10 km/h (3
to 6 MPH). The speed varies according to road con-
ditions.
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 bonnet or feel a vibration from the actua-
tor when it is operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required 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 care-
fully. See “Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
•Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the “SLIP”
indicator light (
) will come on in the combina-
tion 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 slipperysurface. 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 is acti-
vated, 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 indi-
cate 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.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAMME (ESP) SYSTEM (where fitted)
5-60Starting and driving

•Turn off the ECO mode system when accelera-
tion is required, such as when:
– driving with a heavy load of passengers or
cargo in the vehicle
– driving on a steep uphill slopeWARNING
•Whatever the conditions, drive with caution.
Accelerate and decelerate with great care. If
accelerating or decelerating too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
•Allow more stopping distance in cold weather
driving. Braking should be started sooner than
on dry surfaces.
•Keep at a greater distance from the vehicle in
front of you on slippery roads.
•Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain), very cold
snow and ice can be slick and very difficult to
drive on. The vehicle will have a lot less trac-
tion or grip under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
•Watch for slippery spots (black ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before driving on it. Try not to brake
while actually on the ice and avoid any sud-
den steering manoeuvres.
•Do not use cruise control (where fitted) on
slippery roads.
•Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas under
your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehicle.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze
and damage the battery. To maintain maximum effi-
ciency, the battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze,
drain the cooling system. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling system” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
TYRE EQUIPMENT
1) The SUMMER tyres are of a tread design to pro-
vide superior performance on dry surfaces. How-
ever, the performance of these tyres will be sub-
stantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD & SNOW
or ALL SEASON tyres on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop
for tyre type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2) For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tyres may be used. However, some countries,
provinces and states prohibit their use. Check
applicable laws before installing studded tyres.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-66Starting and driving