2020 NISSAN QASHQAI Brake

5-130Starting and driving
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 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
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.

The chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following func-
tions:
.Intelligent Trace Control
. Intelligent Engine Brake
. Active Ride Control
INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL
This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels to aid tracing at corners
and help smooth vehicle response.
Intelligent Trace Control can be set to ON
(enabled) or OFF (disabled) through the
Vehicle Information Display “Settings”
page. See “Vehicle information display”
(P.2-19) for more information.
When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system, the Intelligent Trace Control is
also turned off.
JVS0403X
When the Intelligent Trace Control is
operated and the “Chassis Control” mode
is selected in the trip computer, the
Intelligent Trace Control graphics are
shown in the vehicle information display.
(See “Trip computer” (P.2-40).)
If the chassis control warning message
appears in the vehicle information dis-
play, it may indicate that the Intelligent
Trace Control is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service. (See
“Vehicle information display warnings
and indicators” (P.2-31).)
WARNING
The Intelligent Trace Control may not
be effective depending on the driv-
ing condition. Always drive carefully
and attentively.
When the Intelligent Trace Control is
operating, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise. This is
normal and indicates that the Intelligent
Trace Control is operating properly.
Even if the Intelligent Trace Control is set
to OFF, some functions will remain on to
assist the driver (for example, avoidance
Starting and driving5-131
CHASSIS CONTROL

5-132Starting and driving
scenes).
INTELLIGENT ENGINE BRAKE (Con-
tinuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models)
The Intelligent Engine Brake function
adds subtle deceleration by controlling
CVT gear ratio, depending on the corner-
ing condition calculated from driver’s
steering input and plural sensors. This
benefit to easier traceability and less
workload of adjusting speed with braking
at corners.
The Intelligent Engine Brake also adds
subtle deceleration with gear ratio con-
trol according to driver’s brake pedal
operation.
The Intelligent Engine Brake can be set to
ON (enabled) or OFF (disabled) through
the Vehicle Information Display “Settings”
page. See “Vehicle information display”
(P.2-19) for more information.
JVS0403X
When the Intelligent Engine Brake is
operated at corners and the “Chassis
Control” mode is selected in the trip
computer, the Intelligent Engine Brake
graphics are shown in the vehicle infor-
mation display. See “Trip computer” (P.2-
40) for more information.
If the chassis control warning message
appears in the vehicle information dis-
play, it may indicate that the Intelligent
Engine Brake is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING
The Intelligent Engine Brake may not
be effective depending on the driv-
ing condition. Always drive carefully
and attentively.
When the Intelligent Engine Brake is
operating, the needle of the tachometer
will rise up and you may hear an engine
noise. This is normal and indicates that
the Intelligent Engine Brake is operating
properly.

ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion
based on wheel speed information and
controls engine torque and four wheel
brake pressure to enhance ride comfort
in effort to restrain uncomfortable upper
body movement. This system come into
effect above 25 MPH (40 km/h). When the
VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Ride Control is
also turned off.
JVS0398X
When the brake control of the Active Ride
Control is operated and the “Chassis
Control” mode is selected in the trip
computer, the Active Ride Control gra-
phics are shown in the vehicle informa-
tion display. See “Trip computer” (P.2-40)
for more information.
If the chassis control warning message
appears in the vehicle information dis-
play, it may indicate that the Active Ride
Control is not functioning properly. Have
the system checked as soon as possible.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
When the Active Ride Control is operating,
you may hear noise and sense slightdeceleration. This is normal and indicates
that the Active Ride Control is operating
properly.
Starting and driving5-133

5-134Starting and driving
WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving backward on a
hill. Always drive carefully and
attentively. Depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped
on a steep hill. Be especially care-
ful 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 possi-
ble 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 roll-
ing backwards on a hill under all
load or road conditions. Always
be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from
rolling backwards. Failure to do so may result in a collision or
serious personal 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
automatically under the following condi-
tions:
. The transmission is shifted to a for-
ward 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 (CVT
models) 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 “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light” (P.2-15).)
WAF0072X
The RSS sounds a tone to inform the
driver of obstacles near the rear bumper.
When the “Display” key is on, the sonar
view will automatically appear in the
touchscreen display. An additional view
of the sonar status will appear in the
vehicle information display for reference.
WARNING
. The RSS is a convenience but it is
not a substitute for proper park-
ing.
. The driver is always responsible
for safety during parking and
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM REAR SONAR SYSTEM (RSS)

other maneuvers. Always look
around and check that it is safe
to do so before parking.
. Read and understand the limita-
tions of the RSS as contained in
this section. The colors of the
sonar indicator and the distance
guide lines in the rear view in-
dicate 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 perfor-
mance or a false activation.
. The RSS is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large sta-
tionary objects to help avoid da-
maging the vehicle.
. The RSS is not designed to pre-
vent contact with small or mov-
ing objects. Always move slowly.
The system will not detect small
objects below the bumper, and
may not detect objects close to
the bumper or on the ground.
. The RSS may not detect the
following objects: fluffy objects
such as snow, cloth, cotton, glass, wool, etc.; thin objects such as
rope, wire and chain, etc.; or
wedge-shaped objects.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper fascia, leaving it misaligned or
bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of ob-
stacles or false alarms.
CAUTION
. Excessive noise (such as audio
system volume or an open vehi-
cle window) will interfere with the
tone and it may not be heard.
. Keep the sonar sensors (located
on the rear bumper fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accu-
mulations of dirt. Do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects. If the
sensors are covered, the accuracy
of the sonar function will be
diminished.
SYSTEM OPERATION
The system informs with a visual and
audible alert of rear obstacles when the
shift lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
Range Rear sonar
Sound Display
P (Park) B C
R (Reverse) O O
N (Neutral) B C
D (Drive) B C
O = Display / Beep when detect
C = Display on camera view
B = No display and beep
The system is deactivated at speeds
above 6 MPH (10 km/h). It is reactivated
at lower speeds.
The intermittent tone will stop after 3
seconds when an obstacle is detected by
only the corner sensor and the distance
does not change. The tone will stop when
the obstacle gets away from the vehicle.
When the object is detected, the indicator
(green) appears and blinks and the tone
sounds intermittently. When the vehicle
moves closer to the object, the color of
the indicator turns yellow and the rate of
the blinking increases. When the vehicle is
very close to the object, the indicator
stops blinking and turns red, and the tone
Starting and driving5-135

5-138Starting and driving
RSS LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the RSS limitations
for the sonar system. Failure to
operate the vehicle in accordance
with these system limitations could
result in serious injury or death.
.Read and understand the limita-
tions of the RSS as contained in
this section. Inclement weather
may affect the function of the
RSS; this may include reduced
performance or a false activation.
. The system is deactivated at
speeds above 6 MPH (10 km/h).
It is reactivated at lower speeds.
. 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 RSS;
this may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.
. The RSS is not designed to pre-
vent contact with small or mov-
ing objects. Always move slowly.
The system will not detect small
objects below the bumper or on
the ground. .
The RSS may not detect the
following objects: fluffy objects
such as snow, cloth, cotton,
glass-wool, etc.; thin objects such
as rope, wire and chain, etc.; or
wedge-shaped objects.
. The RSS may not detect objects
at speed above 3 MPH (5 km/h)
and may not detect certain angu-
lar or moving objects.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNAVAIL-
ABLE
When sonar blockage is detected, the
system will be deactivated automatically.
The system is not available until the
conditions no longer exist.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by
temporary ambient conditions such as
splashing water, mist or fog. The blocked
condition may also be caused by objects
such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing the
sonar sensors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer
exist, the system will resume automati-
cally.
WAF0077X
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The sonar sensorsare located on the
rear bumper. Always keep the area near
the sonar sensors clean.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by
temporary ambient conditions such as
splashing water, mist or fog.
The blocked condition may also be
caused by objects such as ice, frost or
dirt obstructing the sonar sensors.
Check for and remove objects obstruct-
ing the area around the sonar sensors.
Do not attach stickers (including trans-
parent material), install accessories or

5-140Starting and driving
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
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 win-
dows 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
snow-drifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
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 caution. Accelerate and slow
down with care. If accelerating or
downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more trac-
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 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.