2015 NISSAN ALTIMA warning

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
the VDC System helps to perform the following
functions:● 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 control function) .
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
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, theindi-
cator in the instrument panel flashes to 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.
For additional information, refer to “Slip indicator
light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light” in the ”Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light comes on in the instrument panel.
The VDC system automatically turns off when the
indicator light is off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to indi-
cate 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
indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off and the
indicator 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.
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 the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-34Starting and driving

●Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not NISSAN
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the
indicator may
flash or the
indicator 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
indica-
tor light may illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the
indicator light
may illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads. ●
When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator 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
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns, the
system optimizes the distribution of force to each
of the four wheels depending on the radius of the
turn.
WARNING
●The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
●The active trace control and brake force
distribution systems may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition.
Always drive carefully and attentively.
● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not NISSAN
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
Starting and driving5-35

●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 inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light may illumi-
nate. 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 substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.WARNING
●Always turn and look back before back-
ing up. The RSS is not a substitute for
proper backing procedures.
● Read and understand the limitations of
the rear sonar system as contained in
this section. Inclement weather may af-
fect the function of the RSS; this may
include reduced performance or a false
activation.
● This system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects. ●
The system is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary ob-
jects to help avoid damaging the ve-
hicle. The system will not detect small
objects below the bumper, and may not
detect objects close to the bumper or
on the ground.
● If your vehicle sustains damage to the
rear bumper fascia, leaving it mis-
aligned or bent, the sensing zone may
be altered causing inaccurate measure-
ment of obstacles or false alarms.
The Rear Sonar System (RSS) sounds a tone to
warn the driver of obstacles near the rear bumper
when the shift lever is in R (Reverse) . The system
may not detect objects at speeds above 5 km/h
(3 mph) and may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
The RSS detects obstacles up to 1.8 meters
(5.9 feet) from the rear bumper with a decreased
coverage area at the outer corners of the bumper,
(refer to the illustration for approximate zone cov-
erage areas) . As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When the obstacle
is less than 25.0 cm (10 inches) away, the tone
will sound continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further than
25.0 cm (10 inches) from the side of the vehicle,
WSD0170
REAR SONAR SYSTEM (RSS) (if so
equipped)
5-36Starting and driving

the tone will sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object approaching, the
tone will sound again.
The RSS automatically turns on when the shift
lever is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition
switch is ON.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bum-
per fascia) free from snow, ice and large accumu-
lations of dirt (do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects) . If the sensors are covered, it will affect
the accuracy of the RSS.The sonar (parking sensor) system sounds a tone
to inform the driver of obstacles near the bumper.
When the “DISPLAY” key is ON, the sonar view
will automatically appear in the center display.
WARNING
●The sonar (parking sensor) system is a
convenience but it is not a substitute for
proper parking.
● The system is deactivated at speeds
above 6 mph (10 km/h). It is reactivated
at lower speeds. ●
The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other maneu-
vers. Always look around and check that
it is safe to do so before parking.
● Read and understand the limitations of
the sonar (parking sensor) system as
contained in this section. The colors of
the corner sonar indicator and the dis-
tance guide lines in the front/rear view
indicate different distances to the
object.
● Inclement weather or ultrasonic
sources such as an automatic car wash,
a truck’s compressed-air brakes or a
pneumatic drill may affect the function
of the system; this may include reduced
performance or a false activation.
● This function is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large stationary
objects to help avoid damaging the
vehicle.
● The system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects.
Always move slowly. The system will
not detect small objects below the bum-
per, and may not detect objects close to
the bumper or on the ground.
LSD2135
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-37

3. Tire chains may be used. For additional in-formation, refer to “Tire chains” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
● A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
●Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded. ●
Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
● Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist with cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or lower.
WARNING
●Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system or
a 2-pronged adapter. You can be seri-
ously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
● Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.
● Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
5-40Starting and driving

6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch......................6-2
Emergency engine shut off .........................6-2
First aid kit (if so equipped) .........................6-3
Flat tire ...........................................6-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........6-3
Changing a flat tire .............................6-4 Jump starting
.....................................6-8
Push starting ..................................... 6-10
If your vehicle overheats ........................... 6-10
Towing your vehicle ............................... 6-11
Towing recommended by NISSAN ..............6-12
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) .........6-13

Push the switch on to warn other drivers when
you must stop or park under emergency condi-
tions. All turn signal lights flash.
WARNING
●If stopping for an emergency, be sure to
move the vehicle well off the road.
● Do not use the hazard warning flashers
while moving on the highway unless
unusual circumstances force you to
drive so slowly that your vehicle might
become a hazard to other traffic.
● Turn signals do not work when the haz-
ard warning flasher lights are on. The flashers will operate with the ignition switch
placed in any position.
Some jurisdictions may prohibit the use of
the hazard warning flasher switch while
driving.
To shut off the engine in an emergency situation
while driving, perform the following procedure:
– Rapidly push the push-button ignition switch
three consecutive times in less than 1.5 sec-
onds, or
– Push and hold the push-button ignition switch for more than 2 seconds.
LIC0394
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCH EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF
6-2In case of emergency

A first aid kit is located in the trunk. To remove the
first aid kit:
Open the trunk. Lift the luggage floor. The first aid
kit
1is located in the storage cover2.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, and the “Tire
Pressure Low - Add Air” warning appears in the
vehicle information display, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. If equipped,
the system also displays pressure of all tires
(except the spare tire) on the display screen by
sending a signal from a sensor that is installed in
each wheel. If the vehicle is being driven with low
tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning light.
This system will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h). For
additional information, refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders”
in the “Instruments and controls” section and
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section.
WARNING
●Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those who
use a pacemaker should contact the
electric medical equipment manufac-
turer for the possible influences before
use.
● If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an accident
and could result in serious personal in-
jury. Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
LCE2131
FIRST AID KIT (if so equipped) FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3