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
properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the VDC warning 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 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 in-
clined surfaces such as higher
banked corners, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate. 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 warn-
ing 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
warning light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substi-
tute for winter tires or tire chains
on a snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-31
5-34Starting and driving
tion.
. 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 reaching it.
Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous ex-
haust gases under your vehicle.
Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehi-
cle.
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.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the en-
gine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,
depending on outside temperatures,
to properly warm the engine coolant.
Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it
away from moving parts.
WARNING
.Do not use your engine block
heater with an ungrounded elec-
trical system or a 2-pronged
adapter. You can be seriously
injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connec-
tion. .
Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before
starting the engine. Damage to
the cord could result in an elec-
trical shock and can cause ser-
ious injury.
. Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-
pronged extension cord rated
for at least 10A. Plug the exten-
sion 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.
6-4In case of emergency
possible. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for these
services.
. Replacing tires with those not
originally specified by NISSAN
could affect the proper operation
of the TPMS.
. NISSAN recommends using only
Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire
Sealant provided with your vehi-
cle. Other tire sealants may da-
mage the valve stem seal which
can cause the tire to lose air
pressure. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible after using tire repair
sealant (for models equipped
with the emergency tire puncture
repair kit).
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE (for models
with spare tire)
If you have a flat tire, follow the instruc-
tions below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road
and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to
the P (Park) position (Automatic trans-
mission models). Move the shift lever
to the R (Reverse) gear (Manual trans-
mission models).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assis-
tance personnel that you need assis-
tance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
.Make sure the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R
(Reverse), or the automatic trans-
mission into P (Park).
. Never change tires when the ve-
hicle is on a slope, ice or slippery
areas. This is hazardous. .
Never change tires if oncoming
traffic is close to your vehicle.
Wait for professional road assis-
tance.
6-8In case of emergency
aligned with the pin on the brake
rotor.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel nuts alternately and evenly in
the sequence illustrated (
,,,,)
until they are tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire touches the ground. Then, with the
wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel
nuts securely in the sequence as
illustrated. Lower the vehicle comple-
tely.
WARNING
.Incorrect wheel nuts or impro-
perly tightened wheel nuts can
cause the wheel to become loose
or come off. This could cause an
accident.
. Do not use oil or grease on the
wheel studs or nuts. This could
cause the nuts to become loose.
. Retighten the wheel nuts when
the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.).
. As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench. Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to specification at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specifications at each
lubrication interval.
. Adjust tire pressure to the COLD
pressure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked for
three hours or more or driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on
the Tire and Loading Information
label affixed to the driver side center
pillar.
Stowing the damaged tire and
tools
Coupe models:
1. Securely store the damaged tire and
jacking tools in the storage area.
2. Place the spare tire cover and the cargo room carpet over the damaged
tire.
3. Close the rear hatch.
SCE0845
Roadster models:
Securely store the jacking tools in the
storage area.
Place the spare tire cover and trunk room
carpet back in the trunk, and then close
the trunk lid.
Securely store the damaged tire accord-
ing to the following procedure as illu-
strated.
1. Put the damaged tire in the plastic bag
stored in the trunk.
2. Move the passenger seat forward, and then place the damaged tire
wrapped in the plastic bag behind
the seat.
6-10In case of emergency
— when the sealant has passedits expiration date (shown on
the label attached to the bot-
tle)
— when the cut or the puncture is approximately 0.25 in (6
mm) or longer
— when the tire sidewall is da- maged
— when the vehicle has been driven with extremely low tire
pressure
— when the tire has come off the inside or the outside of the
wheel.
— when the tire wheel is da- maged
— when two or more tires are flat
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
4. Automatic Transmission models:
Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
Manual Transmission models:
Move the shift lever to the R (Reverse)
position.
5. Turn off the engine.
6. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road assis-
tance personnel that you need assis-
tance.
7. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Make sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the manual trans-
mission is shifted into R (Reverse) or
the automatic transmission into P
(Park).
. Never repair tires when the vehi-
cle is on a slope, ice or slippery
areas. This is hazardous.
. Never repair tires if oncoming
traffic is close to your vehicle.
Wait for professional road assis-
tance.
JVE0122X
Getting emergency tire puncture
repair kit
Take out the emergency tire puncture
repair kit located under the cargo room
or in the trunk. The repair kit consists of
the following items:
Tire sealant bottleAir compressor*Speed restriction sticker
*: The compressor shape may differ
depending on the models.
NOTE:
For models with the emergency tire
puncture repair kit, a spare tire, jack
and rod are not equipped as standard.
6-16In case of emergency
SCE0791
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in
damage to the charging system and
cause personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
, position the two vehicles (and) to bring their batteries into
close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to
touch. 2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift
lever to the P (Park) position (Auto-
matic transmission models). Move the
shift lever to the N (Neutral) position
(Manual transmission models). Switch
off all unnecessary electrical systems
(light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with a
firmly wrung out moist cloth
to
reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the se- quence as illustrated (
???).
CAUTION
.Always connect positive (+) to
positive (+) and negative (−) to
body ground (as illustrated) —
not to the battery.
. Make sure the jumper cables do
not touch moving parts in the
engine compartment and that
clamps do not contact any other
metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle
at about 2,000 rpm, and
start the engine of the vehicle being
jump started
.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor en-
gaged for more than 10 seconds. If
the engine does not start right away,
push the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait 10 seconds before
trying again.
7. After starting your engine, carefullydisconnect the negative cable and
then the positive cable (
???).
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be
contaminated with corrosive acid.
9. Put the battery cover on. Do not attempt to start the engine by
pushing.CAUTION
.
Automatic transmission models
cannot be push-started or tow-
started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
. Three way catalyst equipped
models should not be started by
pushing since the three way cat-
alyst may be damaged.
. Never try to start the vehicle by
towing it; when the engine starts,
the forward surge could cause
the vehicle to collide with the
tow vehicle.
CAUTION
.Do not continue to drive if your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle
fire.
. To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radia-
tor cap while the engine is still
hot. When the radiator cap is
removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
. Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge
reading), or if you feel a lack of engine
power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take
the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the
shift lever to the P (Park) position
(Automatic transmission models).
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position (Manual transmission mod-
els).
Do not stop the engine.
In case of emergency6-17
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS