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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 bumper fascia) free from
snow, ice and large accumula-
tions of dirt. Do not clean the
sonar 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 signal of front obstacles when the
shift lever is in the D (Drive) position and
both front and rear obstacles when the
shift lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
WAF0775X
Sonar Operation Table
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 get 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
sounds continuously.
SONAR FUNCTION SETTINGS
The camera aiding sonar function set-
tings can be changed using the following
procedures.
1. Push the MENU button on the Display
Commander.
2. Touch the "Settings" key on the touch screen display.
3. Touch the "Parking Sonar" key.
Starting and driving5-137
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5-138Starting and driving
Available setting items:
Setting itemAction
Parking Sonar When this item is turned on, the front and rear sonar is activated.
When this item is turned off (indicator turns off), the front and rear sonar is deactivated. The amber markers are
displayed at the corners of the vehicle icon. When the Intelligent Around View® Monitor (if so equipped) or the
RearView Monitor (if so equipped) is activated next time after placing the ignition switch in the ON position, a gray
sonar icon will briefly flash on the touch screen display, indicating that the sonar system is off.
Auto Show Sonar Image When the sonar detects an object while this item is turned on, the Intelligent Around View® Monitor or the RearView Monitor will interrupt the current view in the display to show the surround area of the vehicle.
Front Only When this item is turned on, only the front sonar is activated. The amber markers are displayed at the rear corners of
the vehicle icon.
Distance Adjust the sensitivity level of the sonar.
Volume Adjust the tone volume of the sonar.
NOTE:
Do not adjust any of the Parking Sonar settings while the vehicle is moving. Make sure the parking brake is firmly applied.
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WAF0783X
Example
TURNING ON AND OFF THE SONAR
FUNCTION
When the “P” keyis touched, the
indicator lighton the key will turn off
and the sonar will turn off temporarily.
The Moving Object Detection (MOD) (if so
equipped), the Rear Automatic Braking
(RAB), and the Intelligent Back-up Inter-
vention (I-BI) (if so equipped) systems will
also be turned off at the same time. See
“Moving Object Detection (MOD)” (P.4-31),
“Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)” (P.5-116)
and “Intelligent Back-up Intervention (I-
BI)” (P.5-63).
When the “P” key
is touched again, the
indicator lightwill turn on and the sonar will turn back on.
In the cases below, the sonar will be
turned back on automatically:
.
When the shift lever is in the R
(Reverse) position.
. When the CAMERA button is pushed
and a screen other than the camera
view is shown on the display.
. When vehicle speed decreases below
approximately 5 MPH (8 km/h).
. When the ignition switch is placed in
the OFF position and turned back to
the ON position again.
To prevent the sonar system from acti-
vating altogether, use the sonar system
settings menu. See “Sonar function set-
tings” (P.4-28).
When both Sonar and the MOD system
are deactivated from the settings menu,
the "P" key
will disappear from the
display. (See “Sonar function settings”
(P.4-28) and “MOD function settings” (P.4-
34).)
WAF0776X
Example
When the corner of the vehicle moves
closer to an object, the corner sonar
indicator
appears. When the center of
the vehicle moves close to an object, the
center sonar (if so equipped) indicator
appears.
Starting and driving5-139
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5-140Starting and driving
WAF0777X
Example
The system indicatorswill appear when
the vehicle moves closer to an object.
SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limita-
tions 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 sonar system as
contained in this section. Incle-
ment weather may affect the function of the sonar system; this
may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.
. The sonar 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 sonar
system; this may include reduced
performance or a false activation.
. 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
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; complex-
shaped objects or multiple ob-
jects in close.
. The sonar system may not detect
objects at speed above 3 MPH (5
km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects. .
The sonar system may not oper-
ate in the following conditions:
— When rain, snow, ice, dirt, etc.
adheres to the sonar sensor.
— When a loud sound is heard in the area around the vehicle.
— When the surface of the ob- stacle is diagonal to the front
or rear of the vehicle.
— When a sonar sensor or the area around the sensor is
extremely hot or cold.
. The sonar system may uninten-
tionally operate in the following
conditions:
— When there is overgrown
grass in the area around the
vehicle.
— When there are bumps, pro- trusions or manhole covers on
the road surface.
— When the vehicle drives through a draped flag or a
curtain.
— When there is an accumula- tion of snow or ice behind the
vehicle.
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— When driving on a steep hill.
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.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The sonar sensors are located on the
front and rear bumpers. (See “Exterior
front” (P.0-3) and “Exterior rear” (P.0-4).)
.Always keep the area near the sonar
sensors clean.
. If the sonar sensors are dirty, wipe
them off with a soft cloth while being
careful to not damage them.
. 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 obstructing
the area around the sonar sensors.
. Do not subject the area around the
sonar sensors to strong impact. Also,
do not remove or disassemble the
sonar sensors. If the sonar sensors
and peripheral areas are deformed in
an accident, etc., have the sonar
sensors checked by a NISSAN dealer.
. Do not attach stickers (including
transparent material), install acces-
sories or apply additional paint on
the sonar sensors and their surround-
ing areas. This may cause a malfunc-
tion or improper operation.
. When washing the vehicle using a
high-pressure washer, do not apply
direct washer pressure on the sonar
sensors. This may cause a malfunction
of the sonar sensors.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the steering will not work.
Steering will be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt
breaks, you will still have control of the
vehicle. However, much greater steering
effort is needed, especially in sharp turns
and at low speeds.
Starting and driving5-141
POWER STEERING
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5-142Starting and driving
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate
hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunc-
tions, you will still have braking ability at
two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a
sound when the brake pedal is fully
depressed slowly. This is not a malfunc-
tion and indicates that the brake assist
mechanism is operating properly.
Hydraulically-assisted brakes
The hydraulically-assisted brake system is
designed to use a hydraulic pump driven
electrically, to assist braking. If the engine
stops, you can stop the vehicle by de-
pressing the foot brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the foot brake
pedal will be required to stop the vehicle.
The stopping distance will be longer.
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 brakesfunction correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes when-
ever the stopping effect of the parking
brake is weakened or whenever the
parking brake shoes and/or drums/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.
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 and pads faster and reduce gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes 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.
BRAKE SYSTEM
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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-
13).
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-28).
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-
tion, it switches the ABS off and
Starting and driving5-143
BRAKE ASSIST
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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