Page 409 of 556

BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate
hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunc-
tions, you will still have braking at two
wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and the stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This will cause over-
heating of the brakes, wearing out the
brake pads faster and reduce gas mile-
age.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce
speed and downshift to a lower gear
before going down a slope or long grade.
Overheated brakes may reduce braking
performance and could result in loss of
vehicle control.
WARNING
.While driving on a slippery sur-
face, be careful when braking,
accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking or accelerating
could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
. If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the
power assist for the brakes will
not work. Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance will be
longer and the vehicle may pull to one
side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake
pedal to heat-up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake pads when-
ever the stopping effect of the parking
brake is weakened or whenever the
parking brake pads and/or calipers/ro-
tors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Starting and driving5-155
BRAKE SYSTEM
Page 410 of 556

5-156Starting and driving
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking
force than a conventional brake booster
even with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to
assist braking operation and is not a
collision warning or avoidance de-
vice. It is the driver’s responsibility to
stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) is a sophisticated device,
but it cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control dur-
ing braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping dis-
tances on slippery surfaces will
be longer than on normal sur- faces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Always maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install
the specified size of tires on
all four wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on
the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. See “Tire and Load-
ing Information label” (P.10-11)
of this manual.
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-25) of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols the brakes so the wheels do not lock
during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies
the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre- venting each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes.
The ABS will operate to prevent the
wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle
to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing
so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a
computer. The computer has a built-in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move
the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and does not indicate a malfunc-
tion. If the computer senses a malfunc-
BRAKE ASSIST
Page 411 of 556

tion, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates 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. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while 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 slip
indicator 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
slip indicator light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The vehicle information display is used to
turn off the VDC system. The VDC off
indicator
illuminates to indicate the
VDC system is off. When the VDC system
is turned off, the VDC system still oper-
ates to prevent one drive wheel from
slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The slip indicator
light
flashes if this occurs. All other
VDC functions are off, and the slip in-
dicator 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 “Slip indicator light” (P.2-20) and
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indi-
cator light” (P.2-20).
Starting and driving5-157
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
Page 412 of 556

5-158Starting 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 slip 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 slip indicator
light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are
not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the slip
indicator light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely in-
clined surfaces such as higher
banked corners, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
slip indicator light
may illu-
minate. Do not drive on these
types of roads.
. When driving on an unstable sur-
face such as a turntable, ferry,
elevator or ramp, the slip indica-
tor 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 slip
indicator light
may illuminate. .
The VDC system is not a substi-
tute for winter tires or tire chains
on a snow covered road.
HOW TO TURN OFF THE VDC SYS-
TEM
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 out-
put to reduce wheel spin. The engine
speed will be reduced even if the accel-
erator is depressed to the floor. If max-
imum engine power is needed to free a
stuck vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
Page 413 of 556

WAF0521XExample
To turn off the VDC system, perform the
following steps in the vehicle information
display.
1. Push the
button on the
steering wheel until “Settings” appears
and then push the job dial.
2. Use the scroll dial to select “VDC Setting” and then push it.
3. Select “System” and push the scroll dial. The
indicator light will illumi-
nate.
Turn “VDC Setting” back on in the vehicle
information display or restart the engine
to turn on the VDC system.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through
turns, the system optimizes the distribu-
tion 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 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
indicator light
may flash or both theandindicator lights 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 both the
andindicator lights may illumi-
nate.
. If engine control related parts are
not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
. When driving on extremely in-
clined surfaces such as higher
banked corners, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
indicator light may flash or
both theandindicator
lights 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
indica-
tor light may flash or both the
andindicator lights may illu-
minate. 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
Starting and driving5-159
Page 414 of 556

5-160Starting and driving
used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the
indicator light may flash or both
theandindicator lights
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
. 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.
When the VDC system is turned off, the
Intelligent Trace Control is also turned off.
Amount of brake control is changed
based on Drive Mode selector.
When Intelligent Trace Control is not
functioning properly, the master warning
light illuminates, and warning message
“Chassis Control System Error” will also
appear in the vehicle information display.
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.2-34).)
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, sense slight deceleration,
or hear a noise. This is normal and
indicates that Intelligent Trace Control is
operating properly.
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion
and controls four wheel brake pressure.
This will enhance ride comfort in effort to
restrain uncomfortable upper body
movement when passing over undulated
road surfaces. When the VDC system is
turned off, the Active Ride Control is also
turned off.
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.
CHASSIS CONTROL
Page 415 of 556

WARNING
The Active Ride Control may not be
effective depending on the driving
condition. Always drive carefully and
attentively.
When the Active Ride Control is operating,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal, sense slight deceleration, or hear a
noise. This is normal and indicates that
Active Ride Control is operating properly.
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 or
on a flat and level road.
When the slip indicator light illuminates in
the meter, the hill start assist system will
not operate. (See “Slip indicator light” (P.2-
20).)
Starting and driving5-161
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
Page 416 of 556

5-162Starting and driving
WAF0648XExampleThe sonar system sounds a tone to
inform the driver of obstacles around
the vehicle using the sonar sensors
located in the front and rear bumpers.
When the sonar system is turned on, the
sonar view will automatically appear in
the vehicle information display.
WARNING
.The sonar system is a conveni-
ence but it is not a substitute for
proper parking. .
The driver is always responsible
for safety during parking and
other maneuvers. Always look
around and check that it is safe
to do so before parking.
. Read and understand the limita-
tions of the sonar system as
contained in this section. The
colors of the sonar indicator in-
dicates 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 sonar system is designed as
an aid to the driver in detecting
large stationary objects to help
avoid damaging the vehicle.
. The sonar system is not designed
to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. Always move
slowly. The system will not detect
small objects below the bumper/
vehicle side, and may not detect
objects close to the bumper/ve-
hicle side or on the ground.
. The sonar system may not detect
the following objects: fluffy ob-
jects 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.
SONAR SYSTEM (if so equipped)