Vehicle dynamic control (vdc) system -28, Warning – NISSAN 2012 370Z Roadster - Owner's Manual User Manual

Page 312

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5-28

Starting and driving

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, 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” (P.2-14).

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” (P.2-14) and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-16).

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.

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 driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.

. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN recom-
mended 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.

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

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