Vehicle dynamic control (vdc) system -38 – NISSAN 2015 Frontier - Owner's Manual User Manual

Page 335

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The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle 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).

● If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into 4LO

the

indicator light will come on and

the VDC system will be turned off. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in this section.

● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels

and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:

– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow

the steered path despite increased steer-
ing 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

indi-

cator 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.

For additional information, refer to “Slip indicator
light for models with VDC” and ”Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light will come on in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off
when these indicator lights are off.

The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The

indicator illuminates to indi-

cate 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
indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off and the

indicator 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.

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 steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

5-38

Starting and driving

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