5-130Starting 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 (if so equipped), make sure that
it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
See “Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label” (P.10-10) of this
manual.
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-29) 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-
BRAKE ASSIST
tion. If the computer senses a malfunc-
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 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.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-17) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-17).
Starting and driving5-131
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
5-140Starting and driving
RSS LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limita-
tions for the RSS. 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 RSS as contained in
this section. Inclement weather
may affect the function of the
RSS; this may include reduced
performance or a false activation.
. The 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 RSS;
this may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.
. The RSS is not designed to pre-
vent contact with small or mov-
ing objects. Always move slowly.
The system will not detect small
objects below the bumper or on
the ground. .
The RSS may not detect the
following objects: fluffy objects
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 RSS may not detect objects
at speed above 3 MPH (5 km/h)
and may not detect certain angu-
lar or moving objects.
. The sonar system may not oper-
ate in the following conditions:
— When rain, snow, ice, dirt, etc.
adheres to the sonar.
— When a loud sound is heard in the area around the vehicle.
— When the surface of the ob- stacle is diagonal to the rear
of the vehicle.
— When a sonar or the area around the sensor is extre-
mely 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.
— 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 rear
bumpers. (See “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.
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 or the remote
keyless entry key fob.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that
the outside temperature will drop below
32°F (0°C), check the anti-freeze 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
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system,
including the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-4).
Starting and driving5-141
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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.
JVE0270X
Getting the spare tire and tools
Remove the jack, necessary tools and the
spare tire from the storage area.
The spare tire, jack and tools are located
under the flexible luggage boards (if so
equipped) and cover.
JVE0402X
Pull up the flexible luggage boards (if so
equipped) and cover.
Remove the jack and tools from the
storage area.
In case of emergency6-5
6-6In case of emergency
SCE0913
Remove the clamp holding the spare tire.
SCE0630
Removing wheel cover (if so
equipped)
WARNING
Never use your hands to remove the
wheel cover. This may cause perso-
nal injury.
To remove the wheel cover, use the jack
rod
as illustrated.
Apply cloth
between the wheel and jack
rod to prevent damaging the wheel and
wheel cover.
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
6-8In case of emergency
SCE0504
2. Loosen each wheel nut one or twoturns by turning it counterclockwise
with the wheel nut wrench. Do not
remove the wheel nuts until the tire
is off the ground.
3. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack lever and rod with both hands as
shown above. Carefully raise the ve-
hicle until the tire clears the ground.
Remove the wheel nuts, and then
remove the tire.
SCE0933
Installing the spare tire
The spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. (See specific instructions
under the heading “Wheels and tires”
(P.8-29).)
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the sur-face between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten the wheel nuts finger tight.
Check that all the wheel nuts contact
the wheel surface horizontally.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel nuts alternately and evenly in
the sequence illustrated (
,,,,),
more than 2 times, until they are tight.
6-12In case of emergency
SCE0868
2. Take the hoseand the power plugout of the air compressor. Remove the
cap of the bottle holder from the air
compressor.
SCE0869
3. Remove the cap of the tire sealantbottle, and screw the bottle clockwise
onto the bottle holder. (Leave the
bottle seal intact. Screwing the bottle
onto the bottle holder will pierce the
seal of the bottle.)
4. Remove the cap of the tire valve on the flat tire.
SCE0870
5. Remove the protective capof the
hose and screw the hose securely
onto the tire valve. Make sure that
the pressure release valve
is se-
curely tightened. Make sure that the
air compressor switch is in the OFF
(*) position, and then insert its power
plug into the power outlet in the
vehicle.