NISSAN 2009 Altima - Manual (Page 263)

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 one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies 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.
When accelerating on slippery surfaces the tire
may spin or slip. With the vehicle Traction Control
System (TCS), sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine output to help
improve vehicle road traction.
● When the TCS is operating, the
indicator in the instrument panel blinks.
● If the indicator blinks, the vehicle
may be under slippery conditions. Be sure to
drive carefully. See “Slip indicator light” and
“Traction Control System (TCS) off indicator
light” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.
● If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the and indicator lights
come on in the instrument panel.
As long as these lights are on, the traction control
function is canceled. The vehicle will behave like
a vehicle without the system.
WARNING
● The Traction Control System is de-
signed to help maintain traction with
the road surface but does not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion 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.
● If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the Traction Control System
may not operate properly and the
indicator light may come on.
● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, bushings and
wheels are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the Traction
Control System may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator light may
come on.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving 5-25
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REVIEW COPY— 2009 Altima (alt)
Owners Manual—USA_English (nna)
09/08/08—debbie
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