Nissan Altima Quiz
Starting and driving

Vehicle Dynamic Control System

In this manual: Starting and driving
Foreword — 1Nissan Customer Assistance Program — 1Illustrated Table of Contents — 8Safety - Seats, Seat Belts and Supplemental Restraint System — 28Controls and instruments — 50Pre-Start Checks and Adjustments — 43Monitor, Climate, Audio, Phone and Voice Recognition Systems — 90Starting and driving — 37In an Emergency — 12Appearance and care — 17Maintenance and owner do-it-yourself — 37Technical data and consumer information — 24Using the multi-function display — 1Start-up Display — 1Settings — 1Multi-function display warnings and indicators — 1Changing the Display — 1How to Park Using the Predicted Course Lines — 1Screen Settings — 1Driving tips — 1Moving Object Detection System (if equipped) — 1Blind Spot Warning System Operation — 1Blind Spot Warning system driving situations — 1Lane Departure Warning system operation — 1Camera Maintenance — 1Headlights — 1Fog Lights (if equipped) — 1Parking Lights and Turn Signal Lights — 1
~5min read

The Vehicle Dynamic Control system uses various sensors to monitor the driver's inputs and the vehicle's movements. Under certain driving conditions, the Vehicle Dynamic Control system assists with the following functions:

  • Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip by transferring power to the other wheel on the same axle.
  • Controls brake pressure and engine output to reduce wheel slip according to vehicle speed (traction control).
  • Controls brake pressure at each wheel and engine output to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in the following conditions:
  • Understeer (the vehicle does not turn as much as it should)
  • Oversteer (the vehicle turns too much under certain road conditions)

The Vehicle Dynamic Control system can help the driver maintain control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving situations.

When the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is operating, the indicator lightclignote
flashes on the instrument panel. Keep the following in mind:

  • The road may be slippery, or the system may have determined that intervention is required to keep the vehicle on the intended path.
  • You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from the engine compartment. This is normal and indicates that the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is operating properly.
  • Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.

Refer to the "Slip indicator" and "Vehicle Dynamic Control system OFF indicator" sections in the "Instruments and controls" chapter.

The warning lightbord enilluminates on the instrument panel if the system malfunctions. The Vehicle Dynamic Control system is automatically deactivated when the indicator light is on.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control system OFF switch is used to turn off the system. The indicator lightle système de contrôle dynamique du véhicule
illuminates to indicate that the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is turned off.

When the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is turned off using the OFF switch, the system still prevents a single wheel from spinning by transferring engine power to a wheel that is not spinning. The indicator lightsi cela se
flashes when this occurs. All other functions of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system are turned off and the indicator lightdoes not flash.


The Vehicle Dynamic Control system is automatically reactivated when the engine is turned off and restarted.

A built-in computer diagnostic function tests the system each time you start the engine and drive at low speed in forward or reverse.

When the self-diagnosis is running, you may hear a dull noise or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

WARNING

  • The Vehicle Dynamic Control system helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent accidents caused by sudden steering maneuvers at high speed or by inattentive or dangerous driving. Reduce your speed and use extra caution when driving or turning on slippery surfaces. Always drive carefully.
  • Do not modify the vehicle suspension.

If suspension components such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings or wheels are not recommended by NISSAN for your vehicle, or if they are extremely worn or damaged, the Vehicle Dynamic Control system may not function properly.

Vehicle handling may be compromised and the indicator lightpourrait clignoter ou le
may flash or the indicator lightpourrait s'allumer.
may illuminate.

  • If brake-related parts, such as brake pads, rotors and calipers, are not NISSAN-recommended parts or are extremely worn, the Vehicle Dynamic Control system may not function properly and the indicator light s'allumer. may
    illuminate.
  • If related engine control parts are not NISSAN-recommended parts or are extremely worn, the indicator light peut s'allumer.
    may illuminate.
  • When driving on a steeply banked surface, such as a banked curve, the Vehicle Dynamic Control system may not function properly and the indicator light peut clignoter
    may flash or the indicator light     peut s'allumer.
    may illuminate.

    • Do not drive on this type of road.

  • When driving on an unstable surface, such as a turntable, ferry ramp, car lift or ramp, the indicator light peut clignoter ou le témoin 
    may flash or the indicator light    peut
    may illuminate. This condition is normal.

    • Restart the engine after driving onto a stable surface.

  • If you install wheels or tires other than those recommended by NISSAN, the Vehicle Dynamic Control system may not function properly and the indicator light peut clignoter ou le
    may flash or the indicator light     peut s'allumer.
    may illuminate.
  • The Vehicle Dynamic Control system does not replace the use of winter tires or snow chains on snow-covered roads.

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