Power steering -31 brake system -31, Brake precautions -31 – NISSAN 2014 Altima Sedan - Owner's Manual User Manual

Page 320

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WARNING

If the engine is not running or is turned

off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.

When the power steering warning light

illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle, but the steering will be
much harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.

The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assistance while driving to operate
the steering wheel with light force.

When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still per-
formed, the power steering may stop and the
power steering warning light will illuminate. In a
safe location, stop the engine and push the igni-
tion switch to the OFF position. The temperature

of the power steering system will go down after a
period of time and the power assist level will
return to normal after starting the engine. The
power steering warning light will go off. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the power steering system to over-
heat.

You may hear a noise from the front of the vehicle
when the steering wheel is operated. This is a
normal operational noise and is not a malfunction.

If the power steering warning light illuminates
while the engine is running, it may indicate the
power steering system is not functioning properly
and may need servicing. Have the power steering
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

When the power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the engine running, the power assist
for the steering will cease operation but you will
still have control of the vehicle. At this time,
greater steering efforts are required to operate
the steering wheel, especially in sharp turns and
at low speeds.

The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at 2 wheels.

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

Vacuum assisted brakes

The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.

To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.

POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

Starting and driving

5-31

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