5-30Starting and 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.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-15).
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 light
illuminates to indicate the VDC sys-
tem 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.2-18).
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 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
as shock absorbers, struts,
springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not NISSAN re-
commended for your vehicle or
are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants .................................... 10-2Fuel information .................................................................. 10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ........ 10-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ...................................... 10-8
Specifications ........................................................................\
........ 10-9 Engine ........................................................................\
.................. 10-9
Wheels and tires .............................................................. 10-10
Dimensions ........................................................................\
.. 10-11
When traveling or registering in
another country ..................................................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification .......................................................... 10-12 Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) plate ........................................................................\
...... 10-12
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ............................................................. 10-12
Engine serial number ................................................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............. 10-13
Emission control information label .................. 10-13
Tire and Loading Information label ................. 10-14
Air conditioner specification label ..................... 10-14
Installing front license plate ......................................... 10-15
Except for NISMO models ........................................ 10-15
For NISMO models ......................................................... 10-17 Removing air deflectors (except for
NISMO models) ........................................................................\
10-18
Vehicle loading information ......................................... 10-19
Terms ........................................................................\
............. 10-19
Vehicle load capacity ................................................ 10-20
Loading tips ...................................................................... 10-21
Measurement of weights ....................................... 10-21
Towing a trailer ...................................................................... 10-22
Flat towing ........................................................................\
......... 10-22 Automatic transmission .......................................... 10-22
Manual transmission ................................................. 10-22
Uniform tire quality grading ........................................ 10-23 Treadwear ........................................................................\
.. 10-23
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................................... 10-23
Temperature A, B and C ......................................... 10-23
Emission control system warranty ......................... 10-24
Reporting safety defects ................................................ 10-24
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test ........................................................................\
............... 10-25
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ......................................... 10-25
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ................................................................. 10-26
DOT (Department Of Transportation)
Quality Grades: All passenger car tires
must conform to federal safety require-
ments in addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where ap-
plicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Tempera-
ture A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart sig-
nificantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and
climate.
TRACTION AA, A, B AND C
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B and C. Those grades
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hy-
droplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.
TEMPERATURE A, B AND C
The temperature grades A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of
the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corre-
sponds to a level of performance whichall passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Exces-
sive speed, under-inflation, or exces-
sive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat build-
up and possible tire failure.
Technical and consumer information10-23
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING