2023 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine

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 device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert,
drive safely and be in control of the ve-
hicle at all times. The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions:
• 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 out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control 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 conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it can-
not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv-
ing situations. When the VDC system operates, the
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 indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, see “Slip indica-
tor light” (P. 2-21) and “Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-21).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in
the instrument panel. The VDC system au-
tomatically turns off when these indicator
lights are on.
The vehicle information display is used to
turn off the VDC system. The
indicator
light and the AEB with Pedestrian Detec-
tion system warning light illuminate to in-
dicate the VDC and AEB with Pedestrian
Detection systems are off.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-177

When the vehicle information display is
used to turn off the system, the VDC sys-
tem still operates to prevent one drive
wheel from slipping by transferring power
to a non-slipping drive wheel. The
indicator light flashes if this occurs. All
other VDC functions are off and the
indicator 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.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward 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 indica-
tion of a malfunction.
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.
• 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.
5-178Starting and driving

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 ABLS system uses automatic brak-
ing to transfer power from a slipping drive
wheel to the wheel on the same axle with
more traction. The ABLS system applies
braking to the slipping wheel, which helps
redirect power to the other wheel.
• The ABLS system is always on. In some conditions, the system may automati-
cally turn the ABLS system off. If the sys-
tem is automatically turned off, normal
brake function will continue. ABLS will
function even when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system is turned off.
• The ABLS does not operate if both wheels on a drive axle are slipping.
WARNING
• The ABLS system helps provide in-
creased traction, but will not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration or by careless driving or dan-
gerous driving practices. Reduce ve-
hicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces. Always drive carefully.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM
5-180Starting and driving

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 a 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
vehicle brakes to control vehicle speed al-
lowing the driver to concentrate on steer-
ing while reducing the burden of brake and
accelerator operation. The hill descent
control system will only work in the Sand
and Mud/Rut mode.
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. 2-18).
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.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
5-182Starting and driving

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.
• 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.
• When the fan speed control is in any
position other than “OFF,” (0) while the
air flow control is in the front defroster
position.
IDLING STOP SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-189

•When the front defroster switch is on.
• When the rear window defroster switch
is on.
• When the temperature inside the ve-
hicle is lower than approximately 20°C
(68°F), unless the Air Conditioning ECO
customize option is selected, and the
ECO driving mode is on.
• When the temperature inside the ve-
hicle is higher than approximately 30°C
(86°F), unless the Air Conditioning ECO
customize option is selected, and the
ECO driving mode is on. (When the air
conditioner is off, the Idling Stop Sys-
tem will operate.)
• When the fan speed of the air condi-
tioner is set to the maximum speed,
unless the Air Conditioning ECO cus-
tomize option is selected, and the ECO
driving mode is on.
• When the Idling Stop OFF switch is
turned on.
• When the power consumption is large.
• When the altitude is high.
• When the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
• When the shif t lever is in any range
other than D (Drive). •
When the brake pedal is not firmly
depressed.
• When stopping the vehicle on steep
sloping roads.
NOTE:
The Idling Stop System may not activate
when the Intelligent Key is not in the ve-
hicle and you open/close any door.
The engine will not restart even if the
brake pedal is released while the Idling
Stop System is activated under the fol-
lowing conditions: (The engine may re-
start under other conditions.)
• When the automatic brake hold system
is activated.
• When the engine hood is opened.
NOTE:
It may take some time until the Idling
Stop System activates under the follow-
ing conditions:
•When the battery is discharged.
• When the outside temperature is low or
high.
• When the battery is replaced or the
battery terminal is disconnected for
extended periods and then
reconnected.
NOTE:
When the Idling Stop System indicator
light illuminates, the engine starts run-
ning automatically under at least one of
the following conditions:
• The vacuum pressure for the brake sys-
tem is not enough as the brake pedal is
repeatedly depressed.
• The driver’s seat belt is unfastened, or
the driver’s door is open.
• The battery voltage becomes low (due
to electrical load from other vehicle
systems like headlights, heaters, etc.,
or auxiliary devices connected to the 12
volt socket inside the vehicle).
• The vehicle speed is above about 1 mph
(2 km/h).
• When the rear window defroster is
operated.
• When the temperature inside the ve-
hicle is lower than approximately 68°F
(20°C), unless the Air Conditioning ECO
customize option is selected, and the
ECO driving mode is on.
5-190Starting and driving