
5-102Starting and driving
JVS0892X
*1Warning light and indicators
*2Dynamic driver assistance switch
SSD0996
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNAVAIL-
ABLE
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the DCA system
is automatically canceled. The chime will sound
and the DCA system switch indicator will blink.
The system will not be able to be set.
.When the VDC system is off (To use the
DCA system, turn on the VDC, then push
the dynamic driver assistance switch.)
For details about the VDC system, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P.5-138) .

.When the VDC or ABS (including the
traction control system) operates
. When the SNOW mode switch is ON (To
use the DCA system, turn off the SNOW
mode switch, then turn on the dynamic
driver assistance switch
*2.)
For details about the SNOW mode switch,
see “SNOW mode switch” (P.2-47).
. When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H or
4L position (for 4WD models)
. When the radar signal is temporarily inter-
rupted
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no longer
present, turn the system off with the dynamic
driver assistance switch
*2. Turn the DCA
system back on to use the system.
JVS0482X
Condition B:
When the radar sensor area is covered with dirt
or is obstructed, making it impossible to detect a
vehicle ahead, the DCA system is automatically
canceled.
The chime sounds and the DCA system warning
light (orange) will come on and the “FRONT
RADAR OBSTRUCTION” warning will appear.
Action to take:
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle in
a safe place, place the shift lever in the P (Park)
position and turn the engine off. When the radar
signal is temporarily interrupted, clean the
sensor area and restart the engine. If the “FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION” warning
continues to be displayed, have the DCA system
checked. It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
Starting and driving5-103

Condition D
When VDC system is OFF, the FEB brake will
not operate. In this case only visible and audible
warning operates. The FEB system warning light
(orange) will illuminate.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist, the
FEB system will resume automatically.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If the FEB system malfunctions, it will be turned
off automatically, a chime will sound, the FEB
system warning light (orange)
*1will illuminate.
Action to take:
If the warning light (orange)
*1comes on, stop
the vehicle in a safe location and place the shift
lever in the P (Park) position. Turn the engine off
and restart the engine. If the warning light
continues to illuminate, have the FEB system
checked. It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
JVS0913X
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The sensor*Ais located below the front
bumper.
To keep the system operating properly, be sure
to observe the following:
. Always keep the sensor area of the front
bumper clean.
. Do not strike or damage the areas around
the sensor.
. Do not cover or attach stickers or similar
objects on the front bumper near the sensor
area. This could cause failure or malfunction.
. Do not attach metallic objects near the
sensor area (brush guard, etc.) . This could cause failure or malfunction.
. Do not alter, remove or paint the front
bumper. It is recommended you contact a
NISSAN dealer before customizing or re-
storing the front bumper.
FCC Notice:
For USA:
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 interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Warning
Changes or modification not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s) . Opera-
tion is subject to the following two condi-
tions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
Starting and driving5-111

*2: While changing in and out of the 4LO position, the engine must be running. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and the 4LO indicator will not be on
or flashing.
*3: Make sure that the 4LO indicator turns on when shifting the 4WD shift switch to the 4L position. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator light
will also turn on when 4L is selected. (See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” (P.5-138) .)
Starting and driving5-125

5-130Starting and driving
WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill.
Always drive carefully and atten-
tively. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Be especially careful
when stopped on a hill on frozen
or muddy roads. Failure to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
may result in a loss of control of the
vehicle and possible serious injury
or death.
. The hill start assist system is not
designed to hold the vehicle at a
standstill on a hill. Depress the
brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll
backwards and may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
. The hill start assist system may not
prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards on a hill under all load
or road conditions. Always be pre-
pared to depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards. Failure to do so may
result in a collision or serious per-
sonal injury.
The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate auto-
matically under the following conditions:
. The transmission is shifted to a forward or
reverse gear.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and
the hill start assist system will stop operating
completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate when
the transmission is shifted to the N (Neutral) or P
(Park) position or on a flat and level road.
When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light illuminates in the meter, the hill
start assist system will not operate. (See
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders” (P.2-10).)
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM

5-138Starting and driving
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates 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. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, 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
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 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, 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 automatically 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 lightwill 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.
When the 4L position is selected with the 4WD
shift switch, the VDC system is disabled and the
VDC off indicator light illuminates (for 4WD
models) .
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” (P.2-17) and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-20).
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 driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN recom-
mended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
system may not operate properly.
This could adversely affect vehicle
handling performance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. If engine control related parts are
not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked
corners, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate. 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 warning
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 warn- ing light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-139

5-140Starting and driving
SIC4455
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system ON for most
driving conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the
VDC system reduces the engine output to
reduce wheel spin. The engine speed will be
reduced even if the accelerator is depressed to
the floor. If maximum engine power is needed to
free a stuck vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system, push the VDC OFF switch. The VDC off
indicator light
will illuminate.Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn ON the system.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F(0
8C) ,
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “Engine
cooling system” (P.8-4).
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 efficiency, the battery should
be checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” (P.8-11) .
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling system”
(P.8-4) .
COLD WEATHER DRIVING