5-144Starting and driving
illuminates 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 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 auto-
matically 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 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.
When the 4L position is selected with the
4WD shift switch, the VDC system is
disabled and the VDC off indicator light
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
illuminates (for 4WD models).
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-19) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-19).
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.
Starting and driving5-145
5-146Starting 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 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.
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
32°F (0°C), check antifreeze to assure
proper winter protection. 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, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-4).
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-148Starting and driving
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
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 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch ......................................... 6-2
Roadside assistance program ........................................... 6-2
Emergency engine shut off .................................................. 6-3
Flat tire ........................................................................\
.......................... 6-3Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .......... 6-3
Changing a flat tire .............................................................. 6-4
Jump starting ........................................................................\
....... 6-12
Push starting ........................................................................\
......... 6-14 If your vehicle overheats .................................................... 6-14
Towing your vehicle ............................................................... 6-16
Towing recommended by NISSAN ..................... 6-17
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ...... 6-19
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) manual shifting
(4WD models) ........................................................................\
....... 6-20
When 4WD warning light illuminates ............... 6-20
Operating procedure ..................................................... 6-21
To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the fol-
lowing procedure:
.Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times in less
than 1.5 seconds, or
. Push and hold the push-button igni-
tion switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except
the spare. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit and the “Tire Pressure
Low Add Air” warning appears in the
vehicle information display, one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning
light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16
MPH (25 km/h). For more details, see “Low
tire pressure warning light” (P.2-16) and
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
(P.5-5).
WARNING
.If the low tire pressure warning
light illuminates or Low Pressure
information is displayed on the
monitor screen while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneu-
vers or abrupt braking, reduce
vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Driv-
ing with under-inflated tires may permanently damage the tires
and increase the likelihood of tire
failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in ser-
ious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all four tires.
Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low
tire pressure warning light OFF. If
the light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire
pressure, a tire may be flat. If
you have a flat tire, replace it with
a spare tire as soon as possible.
. Since the spare tire is not
equipped with the TPMS, when a
spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash for ap-
proximately 1 minute. The light
will remain on after 1 minute.
Have your tires replaced and/or
TPMS system reset as soon as
possible. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for these
services.
. Replacing tires with those not
originally specified by NISSAN
In case of emergency6-3
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
6-4In case of emergency
could affect the proper operation
of the TPMS.
. Do not inject any tire liquid or
aerosol tire sealant into the tires,
as this may cause a malfunction
of the tire pressure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT 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.
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 auto-
matic transmission is in the P
(Park) position.
. 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.
MCE0001A
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocksat both the front
and back of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the flat tire to prevent the vehicle
from moving when it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the
vehicle may move and result in
personal injury.
6-8In case of emergency
looseness and dropping of the wheel
while driving. Lower the wheel on the
ground again, and make sure that
the hanging plate is properly set.
Hang the wheel again and make sure
that the wheel is held horizontally,
then store the wheel.
Jacking up the vehicle and remov-
ing the damaged tire
WARNING
.Never get under the vehicle while
it is supported only by the jack. If
it is necessary to work under the
vehicle, support it with safety
stands.
. Use only the jack provided with
your vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do
not use the jack provided with
your vehicle on other vehicles.
The jack is designed for lifting
only your vehicle during a tire
change.
. Use the correct jack-up points.
Never use any other part of the
vehicle for jack support. .
Never jack up the vehicle more
than necessary.
. Never use blocks on or under the
jack.
. Do not start or run the engine
while vehicle is on the jack, as it
may cause the vehicle to move.
. Do not allow passengers to stay
in the vehicle while it is on the
jack.
Carefully read the caution label at-
tached to the jack body and the follow-
ing instructions.SCE0875
1. Place the jack directly under the jack- up points as illustrated.
The jack should be used on level firm
ground.