traction control NISSAN CUBE 2011 3.G Owners Manual

Black plate (89,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
— An emission control system and/or CVT
malfunction has been detected. Check the
fuel-filler cap. If the LOOSE FUEL CAP
warning message is displayed on the twin
trip odometer, 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.
. Malfunction indicator light blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h) .
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and remain illuminated.
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
having the emission control system
and/or CVT system checked and re-
paired as necessary could lead to poor
driveability, reduced fuel economy, and
possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive off indicator light (if so
equipped)
The overdrive off indicator light illuminates when
the overdrive off mode is selected.
For additional information, see ““CONTINU-
OUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT)” in
the “5. Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Security indicator light
The light blinks when the ignition switch is in the
ACC, OFF or LOCK position. This function
indicates the security system equipped on the
vehicle is operational.
If the security system is malfunctioning, this lightwill remain on while the ignition switch is in the
ON position. For additional information, see
“SECURITY SYSTEMS” later in this section.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light
The light will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system is operating, thus alerting
the driver that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
Low beam indicator light
The light illuminates when the headlight switch is
turned to the
position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light
The light illuminates when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates that the VDC system is not operating.
When the VDC off indicator light and slip
indicator light illuminate with the VDC system
turned on, this light alerts the driver to the fact
Instruments and controls
2-17

Black plate (242,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, 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 output
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 cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, theindicator 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 indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
and
indicatorlightscomeoninthe
instrument panel. The VDC system automatically
turns off when these indicator lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator illuminates to
indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC
switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC
system still operates to prevent one drive wheel
from slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes
if this occurs. All other VDC functions are off and
the
indicator will not flash. The VDC
System is automatically reset to on when the
ignition switch is placed in the off position then
back to the on position. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN recom-
mended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle hand-
ling performance, and the
in-
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM5-28
Starting and driving

Black plate (244,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
TIRE EQUIPMENTSUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy
roads, NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (32 8F, 0 8C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The
vehicle will have much less traction
or “grip” under these conditions. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a
patch of ice is seen ahead, brake
before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)Engine block heaters are used to assist in cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20 8F( 7 8C) or lower.
5-30
Starting and driving

Black plate (28,1)
9 Technical and consumer information
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants............ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ...................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ............... 9-5
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................... 9-6
Specifications. ................................................... 9-7
Engine ......................................................... 9-7
Wheels and tires ............................................ 9-7
Dimensions and weights .................................. 9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................................. 9-8
Vehicle identification ........................................... 9-8
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ............. 9-8
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) ...... 9-9
Engine serial number ...................................... 9-9
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 9-9
Emission control information label .................... 9-10
Tire and loading information label ..................... 9-10
Air conditioner specification label
(if so equipped) ........................................... 9-10
Installing front license plate ................................ 9-11
Except for Kro ¯
m models ................................. 9-11 For Kro
¯
m models ......................................... 9-13
Vehicle loading information ................................. 9-14
Terms ........................................................ 9-14
Vehicle load capacity .................................... 9-14
Securing the load ......................................... 9-16
Loading tips ................................................ 9-16
Measurement of weights ................................ 9-17
Towing a trailer ................................................ 9-17
Flat towing ..................................................... 9-17
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) .......... 9-18
Manual Transmission ..................................... 9-18
Uniform tire quality grading ................................. 9-18
Treadwear .................................................. 9-18
Traction AA, A, B and C ................................ 9-18
Temperature A, B and C ................................ 9-18
Emission control system warranty ......................... 9-19
Reporting safety defects .................................... 9-19
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test . . .... 9-20
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .............................. 9-21
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-21
In the event of a collision ............................... 9-21

Black plate (330,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2010/ 9/ 27
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS-
MISSION (CVT)To tow a vehicle equipped with a Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) , an appropriate
vehicle dollyMUSTbe placed under the towed
vehicle’s driving wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly
manufacturer’s recommendations when using
their product.MANUAL TRANSMISSION. Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
. Your vehicle speed should never exceed 60
MPH (96 km/h) when flat towing your
vehicle.
. After towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause
damage to the transmission’s internal parts. DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course
as a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.TRACTION AA, A, B AND CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on spe-
cified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.TEMPERATURE A, B AND CThe temperature grades A (the highest) , B, and
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
9-18
Technical and consumer information