HOW TO TURN OFF THE VDC
SYSTEM
The vehicle should be driven with the Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ON for
most driving conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
the VDC system reduces the engine output
to reduce wheel spin. The engine speed will
be reduced even if the accelerator is de-
pressed to the floor. If maximum engine
power is needed to free a stuck vehicle,
turn the VDC system off.To turn off the VDC system, perform the
following steps in the vehicle information
display.
1. Press the
button on the steering
wheel until “Settings” appears and then
press the OK button.
2. Use the scroll dial to select the “VDC Set- ting” and then press the OK button.
3. Select “System” and press the OK button. The
indicator light will illuminate.
Turn “VDC Setting” back on in the vehicle
information display or restart the engine to
turn on the VDC system.
RISE-UP AND BUILD-UP
The system gradually adjusts braking
power during normal braking to help pro-
vide an enhanced brake feel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution 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 driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
LSD4274
Starting and driving5-179
•Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
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 ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
both the
and theindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may
illuminate. •
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate 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 surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindi-
cator lights may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the engine
af ter driving onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road. The chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following
functions:
• Intelligent Trace Control
• Active Ride Control (if so equipped)
INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL
(I-TC)
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 I-TC
is also turned off.
The amount of brake control is changed
based on Drive Mode Selector.
When the I-TC is not functioning properly,
the master warning light illuminates, and
the warning message “Chassis Control
System Error” will also appear in the vehicle
information display.
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-180Starting and driving
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the I-TC is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. For
additional information, see “Vehicle infor-
mation display warnings and indicators”
(P. 2-37).
WARNING
The I-TC may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively.
When the I-TC is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise. This is normal and indicates that the
I-TC is operating properly. You may also feel
deceleration when the I-TC is operating.
However, this is not a malfunction.
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (ARC) (if so
equipped)
This system senses upper body motion
and controls four wheel brake pressure.
This will enhance ride comfort in an effort
to restrain uncomfortable upper body
movement when passing over undulated
road surfaces. When the VDC system is
turned off, the ARC is also turned off.
If the chassis control system error warning
message appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display, it may indicate that the ARC is
not functioning properly. Have the system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit an NISSAN dealer for
this service.
WARNING
The ARC may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively.
When the ARC is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise. This is normal and indicates that the
ARC is operating properly. You may also feel
deceleration when the ARC is operating.
However, this is not a malfunction.
WARNING
• Never rely solely on the hill descent
control system to control vehicle
speed when driving on steep down-
hill grades. Always drive carefully and
attentively when using the hill de-
scent control system and decelerate
the vehicle speed by depressing the
brake pedal if necessary. Be espe-
cially careful when driving on frozen,
muddy or extremely steep downhill
roads. Failure to control vehicle
speed may result in a loss of control
of the vehicle and possible serious
injury or death.
• The hill descent control may not con-
trol the vehicle speed on a hill under
all load or road conditions. Always be
prepared to depress the brake pedal
to control vehicle speed. Failure to do
so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
The hill descent control system helps
maintain vehicle speed when driving under
15 mph (25 km/h) on steeper downhill
grades. Hill descent control is useful when
engine braking alone cannot control ve-
hicle speed. Hill descent control applies the
HILL DESCENT CONTROL SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-181
vehicle brakes to control vehicle speed al-
lowing the driver to concentrate on steer-
ing while reducing the burden of brake and
accelerator operation.
If the hill descent control system ON indica-
tor light is blinking, the hill descent control
is engaged; however, the hill descent con-
trol will not control the vehicle speed.
• Once the system is activated, the indica-tor light will remain on in the instrument
panel. For additional information, see “Hill
descent control system ON indicator
light” (P. 2-17).
If the accelerator or brake pedal is de-
pressed while the hill descent control sys-
tem is on, the system will stop operating
temporarily. As soon as the accelerator or
brake pedal is released, the hill descent
control system begins to function again if
the hill descent control operating condi-
tions are fulfilled.WARNING
• Never rely solely on the hill start as-
sist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
Depress the brake pedal when the
vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be
especially careful 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 possible
serious injury or death.
• The hill start assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still 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 may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always be prepared to depress
the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle 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 backward in the
time it takes the driver to release the brake
pedal and apply the accelerator when the
vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically
under the following conditions:
• The shif t lever is moved to a forward or
reverse gear.
• The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
Af ter 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and hill start assist will stop operating
completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the
shif t position is moved to N (Neutral) or P
(Park), or on a flat and level road.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-182Starting and driving
The 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 convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper
parking.
• The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other ma-
neuvers. Always look around and
check that it is safe to do so before
parking.
• Read and understand the limitations
of the sonar system as contained in
this section. The colors of the corner
sonar indicator indicates 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 af-
fect the function of the system; this
may include reduced performance 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, and may not de-
tect objects close to the bumper or
on the ground.
• The sonar system may not detect the
following objects: fluff y 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.
LSD4335
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-183
NOTE:
The system will automatically be turned
on when the engine is restarted.
SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations
for the sonar system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in seri-
ous injury or death.
• Read and understand the limitations
of the sonar system as contained in
this section. Inclement weather may
affect the function of the sonar sys-
tem; this may include reduced per-
formance 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 af-
fect the function of the system; this
may include reduced performance or
a false activation.
LSD4276
For vehicles with the 12.3 inch (31.2 cm) display
Starting and driving5-187
• If the sonar sensors are dirty, wipe themoff with a sof t 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 ob-
jects obstructing the area around the so-
nar sensors.
• Do not subject the area around the sonar sensors to strong impact. Also, do not
remove or disassemble the sonar sen-
sors. 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 trans- parent material), install accessories or
apply additional paint on the sonar sen-
sors and their surrounding areas. This
may cause a malfunction 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 so-
nar sensors. The Idling Stop System activates to prevent
unnecessary fuel consumption, exhaust
emissions and noise.
• When you stop the vehicle, the engine is
turned off automatically.
• When you release the brake pedal to be- gin moving again, the engine is turned on
automatically.
WARNING
The engine restarts if the vehicle
moves at approximately 1 mph (2
km/h) or more (on a downhill grade,
etc.) while the engine is turned off by
the Idling Stop System. Depress the
brake pedal immediately to stop the
vehicle to prevent an accident.
CAUTION
At the end of the journey the engine
must be stopped and ignition switch be
pushed off. Lock the vehicle as normal.
Pushing the ignition switch off will shut
down all electrical systems. Failure to
do this may result in a discharged
battery.
NOTE:
The Idling Stop System will not activate
under the following conditions:
• When the vehicle is in TOW mode.
• When the engine is kept idling without
the vehicle being driven af ter the en-
gine is turned on.
• When the engine coolant temperature
is low.
• When the battery capacity is low.
• When the battery temperature is low or
extremely high
• When the vehicle is moving.
• When a negative pressure booster
decreases.
• When the engine hood is opened with
the engine running.
• When the engine is turned on with the
engine hood open.
• When the driver’s seat belt is not
fastened.
• When the driver’s door is open.
• When the steering wheel is operated.
• When the Idling Stop System indicator
blinks at a low speed.
IDLING STOP SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-189
4-Wheel Drive (4WD) model
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread patter 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 re-move ice and snow from the windows
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 snowdrif ts.
• Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield- washer fluid reservoir.
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” un-
der 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 down-
shif ting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
• 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 steer-
ing maneuvers.
• Do not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
• Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
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.
WARNING
• Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical sys-
tem or a 2-pronged adapter. You can
be seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.
• Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before
starting the engine. Damage to the
cord could result in an electrical
shock and can cause serious injury.
• Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10 A.
Plug the extension cord into a
Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) pro-
tected, 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.
Starting and driving5-195