Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (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 output 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 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.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC warning light illuminates in the instrument panel. The VDC system automatically 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) warning light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.
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.
- 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 driving and cornering on slippery surfaces and always drive carefully.
- Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings and wheels are not NISSAN recommended for your vehicle or are extremely deteriorated, the VDC system may not operate properly.
This could adversely affect vehicle handling performance, 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 inclined surfaces such as higher banked corners, the VDC system may not operate properly and the VDC warning light 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 VDC warning 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 substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.
See also:
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
(if so equipped)
The inside mirror is designed so that it automatically
dims during night time conditions and according
to the intensity of the headlights of the
vehicle following you. The automatic anti-glare
fea ...
NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System
(front seats)
This vehicle is equipped with the NISSAN Advanced
Air Bag System for the driver and front
passenger seats. This system is designed to
meet certification requirements under U.S. regulations.
It is ...
Changing wheels and tires
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
See Flat tire in the In case of emergency
section of this manual for tire replacing
procedures.
As soon as ...