Brake system
Starting and driving 5-175
• Tire type and condition may also af- fect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four wheels.
– When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as specified on the Tire and Loading Information label. For ad- ditional information, see “Tire and Loading Information label” (P. 8-31).
– For additional information, see “Wheels and tires” (P. 8-29).
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre- vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing each wheel from locking, the system helps the driver maintain steering control and helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The Anti-lock Braking System will operate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in- cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse. When the self- test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a mal- function. If the computer senses a mal- function, it switches the ABS off and illumi- nates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance. If the ABS warning light illuminates during the self-test or while driving, have the ve- hicle checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper- ates 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 applies and releases hydraulic pres- sure. This action is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa- tion 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 op- erating properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are haz- ardous and extra care is required while driving.
5-176 Starting and driving
BRAKE ASSIST When the force applied to the brake pedal exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is activated generating greater braking force than a conventional brake booster even with light pedal force.
WARNING The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist braking operation and is not a collision warning or avoidance device. It is the driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely and be in control of the ve- hicle at all times.
The VDC system uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and vehicle 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 out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle speed (traction control function).
• Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in the following conditions: – Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow
the steered path despite increased steering 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 can- not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv- ing situations.
When the VDC system operates, the indicator light 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 indi- cates that the VDC system is working properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, see “Slip indica- tor light” (P. 2-20) and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-20). If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
and indicator lights come on in the instrument panel. The VDC system au- tomatically turns off when these indicator lights are on. The vehicle information display is used to turn off the VDC system. The indicator light and the AEB with Pedestrian Detec- tion system warning light illuminate to in- dicate the VDC and AEB with Pedestrian Detection systems are off.
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