snow chains NISSAN PULSAR 2013 Owners Manual


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warning light
may illuminate. Thisisnot
a malfunction. Restarttheengine after
driving ontoastable surface.
. Ifwheels ortires other thantheNISSAN
recommended onesareused, theVDC
system maynotoperate properly andthe
VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system isnot asubstitute forwinter
tires ortire chains onasnow covered road.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC)system uses
various sensors tomonitor driverinputs andvehicle
motion. Undercertain drivingconditions, theVDC
system helpstoperform thefollowing functions.
. Controls brakepressure toreduce wheelslipon
one slipping drivewheel sopower istransferred to
a non slipping drivewheel onthe same axle.
. Controls brakepressure andengine outputto
reduce drivewheel slipbased onvehicle speed
(traction controlfunction) .
. Controls brakepressure atindividual wheelsand
engine outputtohelp thedriver maintain controlof
the vehicle inthe following conditions:
Ð understeer (vehicletendstonot follow the
steered pathdespite increased steeringinput)
Ð oversteer (vehicletendstospin duetocertain
road ordriving conditions) .
The VDC system canhelp thedriver tomaintain control
of the vehicle, butitcannot prevent lossofvehicle
control inall driving situations.
When theVDC system operates, theVDC warning
light
in the instrument panelflashes sonote the
following:
. The road maybeslippery orthe system may
determine someaction isrequired tohelp the
vehicle onthe steered path. .
You may feelapulsation inthe brake pedaland
hear anoise orvibration fromunder thehood. This
is normal andindicates thattheVDC system is
working properly.
. Adjust yourspeed anddriving tothe road
conditions.
If amalfunction occursinthe system, theVDC warning
light
illuminates inthe instrument panel.TheVDC
system automatically turnsoff.
The VDC OFFswitch isused toturn offthe VDC
system. TheVDC offindicator light
illuminates to
indicate theVDC system isoff. When theVDC OFF
switch isused toturn offthe system, theVDC system
still operates toprevent onedrive wheel fromslipping
by transferring powertoanon slipping drivewheel.
The VDC warning light
flashes ifthis occurs. All
other VDCfunctions areoffand theVDC warning light
will not flash. TheVDC system isautomatically
reset toon when theignition switchisplaced inthe
ªOFFº position thenback tothe ªONº position.
See ªVehicle Dynamic Control(VDC)warning lightº
(P .2-14) andªVehicle Dynamic Control(VDC)off
indicator lightº(P.2-16) .
The computer hasabuilt-in diagnostic featurethat
tests thesystem eachtimeyoustart theengine and
move thevehicle forward orinreverse ataslow speed.
When theself-test occurs,youmay hear aªclunkº
noise and/or feelapulsation inthe brake pedal. Thisis
normal andisnot anindication ofamalfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)OFF
SWIT CH
GUID-A9257 017-A8BE-40D0-9E2E-32 15E14F5 026
SSD1149
The vehicle shouldbedriven withtheVehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC)system ONformost driving conditions.
When thevehicle isstuck inmud orsnow ,the VDC
system reduces theengine outputtoreduce wheel
spin. Theengine speedwillbereduced evenifthe
accelerator isdepressed tothe floor. Ifmaximum
engine powerisneeded tofree astuck vehicle, turn
the VDC system off.
T o turn offthe VDC system, pushtheVDC OFFswitch.
The
indicator lightwillilluminate.
Push theVDC OFFswitch againorrestart theengine
to turn ONthesystem.
Starting anddriving
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or acceleration couldcause thewheels toskid and
result inan accident.
W et brakes
GUID-113 04DAE-D8A 1-41C5-9629 -EB4E233FA326
When thevehicle iswashed ordriven through water,
the brakes maygetwet. Asaresult, yourbraking
distance willbelonger andthevehicle maypulltoone
side during braking.
T o dry the brakes, drivethevehicle atasafe speed
while lightly depressing thefoot brake pedal toheat up
the brakes. Dothis until thebrakes returntonormal.
Avoid driving thevehicle athigh speeds untilthe
brakes function correctly.
Parking brakebreak-in
GUID-9F 650418-11 53-4519-A06 7-F7B1AB1F0389
Break inthe parking brakeshoes whenever the
stopping effectofthe parking brakeisweakened or
whenever theparking brakeshoes and/or drums/rotors
are replaced, inorder toassure thebest braking
performance.
This procedure isdescribed inthe vehicle service
manual andcanbeperformed byaNISSAN dealer.
Driving uphill
GUID-98F5 E8C2-2DFE-4 585-B8B6-542F87613 B7A
When starting onasteep grade, itis sometimes
difficult tooperate boththebrake andclutch (for
Manual Transmission model).Apply theparking brake
to hold thevehicle. Donot slip theclutch. Whenready
to start, slowly release theparking brakewhile
depressing theaccelerator pedalandreleasing the
clutch pedal.
Driving downhill
GUID-32139F 93-F218-4D2C-BC4E-B 0CC3241F2E9
The engine braking actioniseffective forcontrolling
the vehicle whiledescending hills.ForManual Trans-
mission (MT)model, theshift lever should beplaced in
the lower speed position priortodescending.For
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)model, the
manual shiftmode orthe ªLº position shouldbe
selected.
BRAKE ASSIST (ifequipped)
GUID-CDB FBD03-A9DF-438C-AF 95-F32FB9DAFFB2
When theforce applied tothe brake pedalexceeds a
certain level,theBrake Assist isactivated generating
greater braking forcethanaconventional brake
booster evenwithlight pedal force.
WARNING:
The Brake Assist isonly anaid toassist braking
operation andisnot acollision warningor
avoidance device.Itis the driver's responsibility
to stay alert, drivesafely andbeincontrol ofthe
vehicle atall times.
ANTI-L OCKBRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) (if
equipped)
GUID-C5C2B DDA-1861-49E4-A3EF -B800D31DBF5F
WARNING:
. The Anti-lock BrakingSystem(ABS)isa
sophisticated device,butitcannot prevent
accidents resultingfromcareless ordanger-
ous driving techniques. Itcan help maintain
vehicle control duringbraking onslippery
surfaces. Remember thatstopping distances
on slippery surfaces willbelonger thanon
normal surfaces evenwithABS. Stopping
distances mayalso belonger onrough,
gravel orsnow covered roads,orifyou are using
tirechains. Always maintain asafe
distance fromthevehicle infront ofyou.
Ultimately, thedriver isresponsible for
safety.
. Tire type andcondition mayalso affect
braking effectiveness.
Ð When replacing tires,install thespeci-
fied size oftires onallfour wheels.
Ð When installing aspare tire,make sure
that itis the proper sizeandtype as
specified onthe tire placard. (SeeªTire
placardº (P.9-9) .)
Ð For detailed information, seeªTires and
wheelsº (P.8-31) .
The Anti-lock BrakingSystem(ABS)controls the
brakes sothe wheels donot lock during hardbraking
or when braking onslippery surfaces. Thesystem
detects therotation speedateach wheel andvaries
the brake fluidpressure toprevent eachwheel from
locking andsliding. Bypreventing eachwheel from
locking, thesystem helpsthedriver maintain steering
control andhelps tominimize swerving andspinning
on slippery surfaces.
Using system
GUID-331 31E90-4EC6 -4CBB-B87D-88A622F21705
Depress thebrake pedalandhold itdown. Depress
the brake pedal withfirmsteady pressure, butdonot
pump thebrakes. TheABS willoperate toprevent the
wheels fromlocking up.Steer thevehicle toavoid
obstacles.
WARNING:
Do not pump thebrake pedal. Doingsomay
result inincreased stoppingdistances.
Starting anddriving
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BA TTER Y
GUID-C2C A590A-9BA8 -4FC1-9CCC-FDAEE005A29C
If the battery isnot fully charged duringextremely cold
weather conditions, thebattery fluidmayfreeze and
damage thebattery .To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery shouldbechecked regularly.For details,
see ªBatteryº (P.8-18) .
ENGINE COOLANT
GUID-7A6B 0449-65CB-41B1-8B96-CE9ED7D4 46D2
If the vehicle isto be left outside withoutanti-freeze,
drain thecooling system, including theengine block.
Refill before operating thevehicle. Fordetails, see
ªChanging enginecoolantº (P.8-8) .
TIRE EQUIPMENT
GUID-64E9 A9C9-4E88-4008-996 7-F2592A02E8D2
1. Ifyou have snow tiresinstalled onthe front/rear
wheels ofyour vehicle, theyshould beofthe same
size, loading range,construction andtype (bias,
bias-belted orradial) asthe rear/front tires.
2. Ifthe vehicle isto be operated insevere winter
conditions, snowtiresshould beinstalled onall
four wheels.
3. Foradditional tractiononicy roads, studded tires
may beused. However, somecountries, provinces
and states prohibit theiruse.Check local,state
and provincial lawsbefore installing studdedtires.
Skid andtraction capabilities ofstudded
snow tires,onwet ordry surfaces, maybe
poorer thanthatofnon-studded snowtires.
4. Snow chains maybeused ifdesired. Makesure
they arethe proper sizeforthe tires onyour
vehicle andareinstalled according tothe chain
manufacturer's instructions.Usechain tensioners
when recommended bythe tire chain manufac-
turer toensure atight fit.Loose endlinks ofthe tire
chains mustbesecured orremoved toprevent the
possibility ofwhipping actiondamage tothe fenders
orunderbody .In addition, driveata
reduced speed,otherwise, yourvehicle maybe
damaged and/orvehicle handling andperfor-
mance maybeadversely affected.
SPECIAL WINTEREQUIPMENT
GUID-87 A06AD4-9E 97-40C3-AE6B-765ECE C9A0CA
It is recommended thatthefollowing itemsbecarried
in the vehicle duringthewinter:
. Ascraper andstiff-bristled brushtoremove ice
and snow fromthewindows.
. Asturdy ,flat board tobe placed underthejack to
give itfirm support.
. Ashovel todig thevehicle outofsnowdrifts.
P ARKING BRAKE
GUID-AA5 70ECB-5F9 D-4900-BD7B-65F841C1 AAD8
When parking inthe area where theoutside tempera-
ture isbelow 08C(328F) ,do not apply theparking
brake toprevent itfrom freezing. Forsafe parking:
. Place theshift lever inthe ªPº (Park) position
(Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)mod-
el) .
. Place theshift lever inthe ª1º(1st) orªRº
(Reverse) position(Manual Transmission (MT)
model) .
. Securely blockthewheels.
CORROSION PROTECTION
GUID-605 EEE0A-D87 9-474B-9CA2 -428161302F6C
Chemicals usedforroad surface deicingareextremely
corrosive andwillaccelerate corrosionandthe
deterioration ofunderbody components suchasthe
exhaust system,fueland brake lines,brake cables,
floor panandfenders.
In the winter, theunderbody mustbecleaned
periodically. Foradditional information, see
ªCorrosion protectionº (P.7-5) .
For additional protection againstrustandcorrosion, which
mayberequired insome areas, consult a
NISSAN dealer.
Starting anddriving
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GUID-89AA9 F92-CFAE-4F92-A A2C-BA493 62A5AC1
If you have aflat tire, seeªFlat tireº(P.6-2) .
TIRE INFLA TION PRESSURE
GUID-042 03F7D-291C -40D7-90BE-10B1CCA7D953
Periodically checkthepressure ofthe tires, including
the spare. Anincorrect tirepressure mayadversely
affect tirelifeand vehicle handling. Thetirepressure
should bechecked whentiresareCOLD. Tiresare
considered COLDafterthevehicle hasbeen parked
for 3or more hours, ordriven lessthan 1.6km(1mile) .
COLD tirepressures areshown onthe tire placard.
Insufficient pressurecanlead toan overheating ofthe
tire and subsequent internaldamage. Athigh speeds,
this could resultintread separation andeven bursting
of the tire.
TYPES OFTIRES
GUID-FD 4C9C50-5C 6C-4EF5-B2 3D-7ED0D15DD332
CAUTION:
When changing orreplacing tires,besure all
four tires areofthe same type(that is,summer,
all season orsnow) andconstruction. ANISSAN
dealer maybeable tohelp youwith information
about tiretype, size,speed ratingandavail-
ability.
Replacement tiresmayhave alower speed ratingthan
the factory equipped tires,andthey maynotmatch the
potential maximum vehiclespeed.Neverexceed the
maximum speedratingofthe tire.
All season tires
GUID-02 E78856-75 F7-450C-A4E 5-A056B38650FC
NISSAN specifies allseason tiresonsome models to
provide goodperformance allyear, including snowy
and icyroad conditions. Allseason tiresareidentified
by ALL SEASON and/orM&Sonthe tiresidewall.
Snow tireshave better snowtraction thanallseason
tires andmay bemore appropriate insome areas.
Summer tires
GUID-1BCA3 371-A230-40 62-AA5F-8C5A87D25FD6
NISSAN specifies summertiresonsome models to
provide superior performance ondry roads. Summer
tire performance issubstantially reducedinsnow and
ice. Summer tiresdonot have thetiretraction rating
M&S onthe tire sidewall.
If you plan tooperate yourvehicle insnowy oricy
conditions, NISSANrecommends theuse ofsnow or
all season tiresonallfour wheels.
Snow tires
GUID-BD71A4 41-BE44-414B-A336-9 620651A7A9 2
If snow tiresareneeded, itis necessary toselect tires
equivalent insize andload rating tothe original
equipment tires.Ifyou donot, itcan adversely affect
the safety andhandling ofyour vehicle.
Generally ,snow tireshave lower speed ratings than
factory equipped tiresandmay notmatch thepotential
maximum vehiclespeed.Neverexceed themaximum
speed ratingofthe tire. Ifyou install snowtires,they
must bethe same size,brand, construction andtread
pattern onallfour wheels.
For additional tractiononicy roads, studded tiresmay
be used. However, somestates andprovinces prohibit
their use.Check local,stateandprovincial lawsbefore
installing studdedtires.Skidandtraction capabilities
of studded snowtiresonwet ordry surfaces maybe
poorer thanthatofnon-studded snowtires.
TIRE CHAINS
GUID-B3C5 0512-BC75-4874-9813 -A33A083D2770
Use oftire chains maybeprohibited accordingto
location. Checkthelocal lawsbefore installing tire
chains. Wheninstalling tirechains, makesurethatthey
are ofproper sizeforthe tires onyour vehicle andare
installed according tothe chain manufacturer's in-
structions.
Use chain tensioners whenrecommended bythe tire
chain manufacturer toensure atight fit.Loose endlinks
of the tire chains mustbesecured orremoved to
prevent thepossibility ofwhipping actiondamage to
the fenders orunderbody .If possible, avoidfully
loading yourvehicle whenusing tirechains. Inaddition,
drive atareduced speed.Otherwise, yourvehicle may
be damaged and/orvehicle handling andperformance
may beadversely affected.
Tire chains mustbeinstalled onlyonthe front
wheels andnotonthe rear wheels.
Do not drive withtirechains onpaved roadswhich are
clear ofsnow .Driving withchains insuch conditions
can cause damage tothe various mechanisms ofthe
vehicle duetosome overstress.
TIRE ROTA TION
GUID-23D F55B4-DD3E -4C02-BE3A-0 192E6257BCB
SDI1662
NISSAN recommends thattires berotated every
Maintenance anddo-it-yours elf
8-31
TIRES
ANDWHEELS
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