traction control NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE 2009 D32 / 4.G Owners Manual

20. Traction Control System (TCS) OFF
switch (if so equipped) (P. 5-25)
Trunk opener (P. 3-23)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-35)
Intelligent Key port (P. 5-7)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
Illustrated table of contents0-9
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Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light2-11
or
Brake warning light 2-11
Charge warning
light2-11
Continuously Vari-
able Transmission
(CVT) check warn-
ing light (if so
equipped)2-11
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-12
Low tire pressure
warning light2-12
Warning
lightName Page
Master warning light 2-13
NISSAN Intelligent
Key ™ warning light2-13
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-13
Supplemental air
bag warning light1-58
Indicator
lightName Page
Continuously Vari-
able Transmission
(CVT) position indi-
cator light (if so
equipped)2-14
Front passenger air
bag status light2-14
High beam indicator
light (blue)2-14
Indicator
lightName Page
Malfunction Indica-
tor Light (MIL)2-14
Security indicator
light2-26
Slip indicator light (if
so equipped)2-15
Traction Control
System off indicator
light (if so equipped)2-35
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights2-16
Vehicle Dynamic
Control off indicator
light (if so equipped)2-35
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-12Illustrated table of contents
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2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and Odometer....................2-4
Tachometer....................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-5
Fuel gauge....................................2-6
Compass display (if so equipped)...................2-6
Compass display...............................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-10
Checking bulbs...............................2-10
Warning lights................................2-11
Indicator lights................................2-14
Audible reminders.............................2-16
Vehicle information display.........................2-17
How to use the vehicle information display.......2-17
Security systems.................................2-25
Vehicle security system.........................2-25
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-26
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-27
Switch operation..............................2-27
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-28
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-29Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-29
Headlight control switch........................2-29
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-32
Instrument brightness control...................2-32
Turn signal switch.............................2-33
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-33
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-33
Horn............................................2-34
Heated seat (if so equipped).......................2-34
Traction Control System (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-35
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-35
Power outlet.....................................2-36
Storage.........................................2-37
Map pockets..................................2-37
Seatback pockets (if so equipped)..............2-37
Storage pouch (if so equipped).................2-38
Sunglasses holder.............................2-38
Cup holders..................................2-40
Glove box....................................2-41
Console box..................................2-41
Storage box (if so equipped)....................2-42
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20. Traction Control System (TCS) OFF
switch (if so equipped) (P. 5-25)
Trunk opener (P. 3-23)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-35)
Intelligent Key port (P. 5-7)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Tachometer
2. Speedometer
3. Fuel gauge
4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Odometer/twin trip odometer
6. Twin trip odometer change button7. Vehicle information display
8. Instrument brightness control
WIC1259
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
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orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightNISSAN Intelligent Key™ warning lightSecurity indicator light
orBrake warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Charge warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightTraction Control System off indicator light (if so
equipped)
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
check warning light (if so equipped)Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) po-
sition indicator light (if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightVehicle Dynamic Control off indicator light (if
so equipped)
Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
Master warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
or,,,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-10Instruments and controls
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The Malfunction Indicator Light may also come
on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing,
or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons
(11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on in
one of two ways:cMalfunction Indicator Light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
cMalfunction Indicator Light blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The Malfunction Indicator Light may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected
by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system (if so equipped) or vehicle dy-
namic control system is limiting wheel spin. Slip-
pery road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
blinks on. If this happens, adjust your driving
accordingly.
Instruments and controls2-15
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The slip indicator light also comes on when you
place the ignition switch in the ON position. The
light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light does not come
on or does not go off, have the Traction Control
System checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Traction Control System off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the traction
control off switch is pushed to OFF. This indi-
cates the Traction Control System is not operat-
ing.
Push the traction control off switch again or re-
start the engine and the system will operate nor-
mally. See “Traction Control System (TCS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
The traction control light also comes on when you
place the ignition switch in the ON position. The
light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
Traction Control System (TCS) is operational. If
the light stays on or comes on along with the SLIP
indicator light while you are driving, have the
Traction Control System checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
While the Traction Control System is operating,
you might feel slight vibration or hear the system
working when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing, but this is normal.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control OFF
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF.
This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control has
been turned off.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will
operate normally. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the ON
position. The light will turn off after about 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light stays
on or comes on along with the SLIP indicator light
while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hearthe system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ door buzzer
The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if the
Intelligent Key is left inside the vehicle when
locking the doors. When the buzzer sounds, be
sure to check both the vehicle and the Intelligent
Key. See “NISSAN Intelligent Key™ ” in the “Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the ignition switch is placed in the ACC or
OFF position or placed in the OFF or LOCK
position with the Intelligent Key left in the Intelli-
gent Key port. Make sure the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK position, and take the Intel-
ligent Key with you when leaving the vehicle.
2-16Instruments and controls
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CAUTION
cDo not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
cDo not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
cDo not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
heater.
cAny liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
cWhen cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
cIf any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
cThe battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running.
The vehicle should be driven with the Traction Con-
trol System (TCS) on for most driving conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the TCS
reduces the engine output to reduce wheel spin.
The engine speed will be reduced even if the
accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maximum
engine power is needed to free a stuck vehicle,
turn the TCS off.
To turn off the TCS, push the TCS OFF switch.
The
indicator will come on.
Push the TCS OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn ON the system. See “Traction
Control System (TCS) (if so equipped)” in the
“Starting and driving” section.The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. Theindicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. See “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
LIC0451WIC0534
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-35
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Off-road recovery...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-7
Push-Button Ignition Switch........................5-7
Push-button ignition switch positions.............5-8
NISSAN Intelligent key™ battery discharge........5-8
Before starting the engine.........................5-10
Starting the engine...............................5-10
Driving the vehicle................................5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)...............................5-11
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-16
Parking brake....................................5-18
Cruise control....................................5-19
Precautions on cruise control...................5-19Cruise control operations.......................5-19
Break-in schedule................................5-20
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-21
Parking/parking on hills............................5-22
Power steering...................................5-23
Brake system....................................5-23
Brake precautions.............................5-23
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-24
Traction Control System (TCS) (if so equipped)......5-25
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-26
Cold weather driving..............................5-27
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-27
Anti-freeze....................................5-27
Battery.......................................5-27
Draining of coolant water.......................5-28
Tire equipment................................5-28
Special winter equipment.......................5-28
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-28
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-29
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Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6MPH(5
- 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that 1 or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies
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.
cWhen the TCS is operating, the
indicator in the instrument panel blinks.
cIf 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.
cIf a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator 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
cThe 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.
cIf 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.
cDo 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 driving5-25
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