Vehicle dynamic control (vdc) system -26 – NISSAN 2010 Altima Coupe - Owner's Manual User Manual

Page 329

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Normal operation

The ABS operates at speeds above 3 - 6 MPH (5
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.

When the ABS senses that 1 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.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving situations, the
system will control braking and engine output to
help keep the vehicle on its steered path.

● When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

system is operating, the SLIP indicator in
the instrument panel blinks.

● If the SLIP indicator blinks, the road condi-

tions may be slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. See
“Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “In-
struments and controls” section.

● Indicator light

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
SLIP and

indicator lights come on in

the instrument panel.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.

If the vehicle is operated with the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system off using the VDC OFF
switch, VDC and the Traction Control System
(TCS) functions will be turned off. The SLIP
indicator will flash if wheel spin is detected. The
ABS will still operate with the VDC system off.

When the VDC system is operating, 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 prop-
erly.

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 Vehicle Dynamic Control system is

designed to help improve driving stabil-
ity 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 sur-
faces and always drive carefully.

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

5-26

Starting and driving

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