Nissan Altima Quiz
Starting and driving

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

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
~4min read

WARNING

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is an advanced device, but it cannot prevent accidents resulting from careless or dangerous driving. It can help you maintain control of the vehicle when braking on a slippery road surface.

Keep in mind that braking distance is longer on a slippery road surface than on a normal road surface, even with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Braking distances may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow-covered roads, or when using snow chains.

Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. With or without an Anti-lock Braking System, the driver remains responsible for safe operation of the vehicle.

The type and condition of your vehicle's tires can also affect braking efficiency.

  • When replacing your tires, install tires of the specified size on all four wheels.
  • Be sure to install a spare wheel that matches the size and type specifications shown on the Tire and Loading Information Label.
Refer to the "Tire and Loading Information Label" section in the "Technical Data and Consumer Information" chapter of this manual.
  • For more information, refer to the "Wheels and Tires" section in the "Maintenance and Owner Do-It-Yourself" chapter of this manual.

    • The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the brakes to prevent the wheels from locking during sudden braking or on a slippery road surface. The system varies the brake fluid pressure according to the rotational speed of each detected wheel in order to prevent them from locking and skidding. By preventing each wheel from locking, the system helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle and minimizes the risk of skidding and sliding on slippery road surfaces.

    Device Operation

    Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.

    Press the brake pedal firmly and maintain constant pressure, without pumping the brakes. The anti-lock system will activate to prevent the wheels from locking. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

    WARNING

    Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may increase braking distances..

    Self-diagnostic Function

    The Anti-lock Braking System includes electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic solenoid valves and a control unit.

    A self-diagnostic function built into this control unit tests the system each time you start the engine and drive at low speed forward or in reverse. While the self-diagnosis is in progress, a dull noise may be heard or a pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. The control unit disables the anti-lock system and turns on the ABS warning light on the instrument panel when it detects a malfunction.

    The anti-lock function is then disabled and your vehicle uses the standard braking system.

    Have the vehicle's anti-lock braking system repaired at a NISSAN dealer if the ABS warning light comes on during the self-diagnosis or while driving.

    Normal Operation

    The anti-lock system operates when you drive at speeds above 5 to 10 km/h. The speed varies depending on road conditions.

    When the anti-lock system detects that one or more wheels are about to lock, the actuator applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is similar to very rapid brake pumping. When the anti-lock system operates, a pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal, and the actuator operation may be perceived as a vibration or noise from the engine compartment. This is all normal and indicates that the anti-lock system is working properly. However, a pulsating sensation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and that driving requires particular attention.

    Test yourself

    A quick Nissan Altima quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.