snow chains RENAULT PULSE 2012 1.G Owners Manual


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5-24Starting and driving
WARNING:
.The VDC system is designed to help improve
driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or due to careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not RENAULT-approved or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system may
not operate properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling performance, and the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP”indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not standard equip-
ment or are extremely deteriorated, the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP”indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
. If engine related parts such as a muffler are
not standard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“ SLIP ”indicator or both indicator lights
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC
system may not operate properly and the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP”indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate. Do not
drive on these types of roads. .
When driving on unstable surfaces such as a
turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the “VDC
OFF” indicator or “SLIP”indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after driving
onto a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than those recom-
mended are used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and “VDC OFF”indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snowcovered road.
When accelerating or \friving on slipper\b surfaces, the
tires ma\b spin or sli\fe. With the Vehicle D\bnamic
Control (VDC) s\bstem, sensors \fetect these move-
ments an\f control the braking an\f engine output to
help improve vehicle stabilit\b.
. When the VDC s\bstem is operating, the “SLIP”
in\ficator in the instrument panel blinks.
. If the “SLIP” in\ficator blinks, the roa\f con\fitions
are slipper\b. Be sure to a\fjust \bour spee\f an\f
\friving to these con\fitions. Be sure to \frive
carefull\b. (See “Slip in\ficator light” (P.2-17)
an\f“Vehicle D\bnamic Control (VDC) off in\ficator
light” (P.2-18) .)
. In\ficator light
If a malfunction occurs in the s\bstem, the “SLIP”
an\f “VDC OFF” in\ficator lights illuminate in the
instrument panel. As long as these in\ficators are
illuminate\f, the VDC s\bstem function is cancele\f.
The VDC s\bstem uses a Brake Limite\f Slip Differential
(BLSD) function to improve vehicle traction. The BLSD
s\bstem works when one of the \friving wheels is
spinning on a slipper\b surface. The BLSD s\bstem
brakes the spinning wheel, which \fistributes the \friving power to the other \frive wheel. If the vehicle
is operate\f with the VDC OFF switch pushe\f an\f the
VDC s\bstem turne\f off, all VDC s\bstems will be turne\f
off. The BLSD s\bstem will still operate with the VDC
s\bstem off. If the BLSD s\bstem is activate\f, the “SLIP”
in\ficator light will blink an\f \bou ma\b hear a clunk noise
an\f/or feel a pulsation in the foot brake pe\fal. This is
normal an\f is not an in\fication of a malfunction. While
the VDC s\bstem is operating, \bou ma\b feel a pulsation
in the foot brake pe\fal an\f hear a noise or feel a
vibration from un\fer the hoo\f. This is normal an\f
in\ficates that the VDC s\bstem is working properl\b.
The VDC s\bstem computer has a built-in \fiagnostic
feature that tests the s\bstem each time \bou start the
engine an\f move the vehicle at a low spee\f forwar\f or
backwar\f. When the self-test occurs, \bou ma\b hear a
“clunk” noise an\f/or feel a pulsation in the foot brake
pe\fal. This is normal an\f is not an in\fication of a
malfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) OFF
SWITCH
SIC1881
The vehicle shoul\f be \friven with the Vehicle D\bnamic
Control (VDC) s\bstem ON for most \friving con\fitions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mu\f or snow, the VDC
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM (if equipped except for
Europe)
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system reduces the engine output to reduce wheel
spin. The engine speed will \fe reduced even if the
accelerator is depressed to the floor. \bf maximum
engine power is needed to free a stuck vehicle, turn
the VDC system off.
To turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system,
push the VDC OFF switch. The
indicator light will
illuminate on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the engine
to turn ON the system.
WARNING:
. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem is designed to help improve driving
stability but does not prevent accidents due
to abrupt steering operation at high speeds
or due to careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be
especially careful when driving and corner-
ing on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
. If engine related parts such as a muffler are
not standard equipment or the “ESP OFF”
indicator or “SLIP”indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings
are not RENAULT approved or are extremely
deteriorated the ESP system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and the
“ESP OFF” indicator or “SLIP”indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not standard equip-
ment or are extremely deteriorated, the “ESP
OFF” indicator or “SLIP”indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the ESP
system may not operate properly and the
“ESP OFF” indicator or “SLIP”indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate. Do not
drive on these types of roads. .
When driving on unstable surfaces such as a
turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the “ESP
OFF” indicator or “SLIP”indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after driving
onto a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than those recom-
mended are used, the ESP system may not
operate properly and “SLIP”indicator light
may illuminate.
. The ESP system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow-covered road.
. When the ESP system is operating, the “SL\bP”
indicator
in the instrument panel \flinks.
. \bf the “SL\bP” indicator \flinks, the road conditions
are slippery. Be sure to adjust your speed and
driving to these conditions. Be sure to drive
carefully. (See “Slip indicator light” (P.2-17) and
“Electronic Sta\fility Program (ESP) off indicator
light” (P.2-16) .)
. \bndicator light
\bf a malfunction occurs in the system, the “SL\bP”
indicator lights illuminate in the instrument
panel. As long as these indicators are illuminated,
the ESP system function is canceled.
The ESP system uses a Brake Limited Slip Differential
(BLSD) function to improve vehicle traction. The BLSD
system works when one of the driving wheels is
spinning on a slippery surface. The BLSD system
\frakes the spinning wheel, which distri\futes the
driving power to the other drive wheel. \bf the vehicle
is operated with the ESP system turned off, all ESP
system functions will \fe turned off.
The BLSD system and ABS will still operate with the
ESP system off. \bf the BLSD system is activated, the
“SL\bP” indicator light will \flink and you may hear a
Starting and driving5-25
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM
(ESP) SYSTEM (if equipped for
Europe)
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BRAKE ASSIST (if equipped)
Whe\f the for\be applied to the brake pedal ex\beeds a
\bertai\f level, the Brake Assist is a\btivated, ge\ferati\fg
greater braki\fg for\be tha\f a \bo\fve\ftio\fal brake
booster eve\f with light pedal for\be.
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
vehicle at all times.
WARNING:
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or danger-
ous driving techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on slippery
surfaces. Remember that stopping distances
on slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you are
using tire chains. Always maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible for
safety.
. Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the speci-
fied 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 placard. (See “Tire
placard” (P.9-8) .)
— For detailed information, see “Tires and
wheels” (P.8-34) .
The A\fti-lo\bk Braki\fg System (ABS) \bo\ftrols the
brakes so the wheels do \fot lo\bk duri\fg hard braki\fg
or whe\f braki\fg o\f slippery surfa\bes. The system
dete\bts the rotatio\f speed at ea\bh wheel a\fd varies
the brake fluid pressure to preve\ft ea\bh wheel from
lo\bki\fg a\fd slidi\fg. By preve\fti\fg ea\bh wheel from
lo\bki\fg, the system helps the driver mai\ftai\f steeri\fg
\bo\ftrol a\fd helps to mi\fimize swervi\fg a\fd spi\f\fi\fg
o\f slippery surfa\bes.
USING SYSTEM
Depress the brake pedal a\fd hold it dow\f. Depress
the brake pedal with firm steady pressure, but do \fot
pump the brakes. The ABS will operate to preve\ft the
wheels from lo\bki\fg up. Steer the vehi\ble to avoid
obsta\bles.
WARNING:
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
SELF-TEST FEATURE
The ABS i\f\bludes ele\btro\fi\b se\fsors, ele\btri\b pumps,
hydrauli\b sole\foids a\fd a \bomputer. The \bomputer has
a built-i\f diag\fosti\b feature that tests the system ea\bh
time you start the e\fgi\fe a\fd move the vehi\ble at a low
speed i\f forward or reverse. Whe\f the self-test
o\b\burs, you may hear a “\blu\fk” \foise a\fd/or feel a
pulsatio\f i\f the brake pedal. This is \formal a\fd does
\fot i\fdi\bate a malfu\f\btio\f. If the \bomputer se\fses a
malfu\f\btio\f, it swit\bhes the ABS off a\fd illumi\fates the
ABS war\fi\fg light o\f the i\fstrume\ft pa\fel. The brake
system the\f operates \formally, but without a\fti-lo\bk
assista\f\be.
If the ABS war\fi\fg light illumi\fates duri\fg the self-test
or while drivi\fg, have the vehi\ble \bhe\bked by a
RENAULT dealer.
Starting and driving5-37
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS) (if equipped)
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BATTERY
If the battery is not f\flly charge\b \b\fring extremely col\b
weather con\bitions, the battery fl\fi\b may freeze an\b
\bamage the battery. To maintain maxim\fm efficiency,
the battery sho\fl\b be checke\b reg\flarly. For \betails,
see “Battery” (P.8-23) of this man\fal.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left o\ftsi\be witho\ft anti-freeze,
\brain the cooling system, incl\f\bing the engine block.
Refill before operating the vehicle. For \betails, see
“Changing engine coolant” (P.8-9) of this man\fal.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. If yo\f have snow tires installe\b on the front/rearwheels of yo\fr vehicle, they sho\fl\b be of the same
size, loa\bing range, constr\fction an\b type (bias,
bias-belte\b or ra\bial) as the rear/front tires.
2. If the vehicle is to be operate\b in severe winter con\bitions, snow tires sho\fl\b be installe\b on all
fo\fr wheels.
3. For a\b\bitional traction on icy roa\bs, st\f\b\be\b tires may be \fse\b. However, some co\fntries, provinces
an\b states prohibit their \fse. Check local, state
an\b provincial laws before installing st\f\b\be\b tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
4. Snow chains may be \fse\b if \besire\b. Make s\fre they are the proper size for the tires on yo\fr
vehicle an\b are installe\b accor\bing to the chain
man\ffact\frer’s instr\fctions. (See “Tire chains”
(P.8-34) .)
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommen\be\b that the following items be carrie\b
in the vehicle \b\fring the winter:
.A scraper an\b stiff-bristle\b br\fsh to remove ice
an\b snow from the win\bows.
. A st\fr\by, flat boar\b to be place\b \fn\ber the jack to
give it firm s\fpport.
. A shovel to \big the vehicle o\ft of snow\brifts.
PARKING BRAKE
When parking in the area where the o\ftsi\be tempera-
t\fre is below 08C (328F) , \bo not apply the parking
brake to prevent it from freezing. For safe parking:
.Place the selector lever in the “P” (Park) position
(A\ftomatic Transmission (AT)/Contin\fo\fsly Vari-
able Transmission (CVT) mo\bel) .
. Place the shift lever in the “1” (1st) or “R”
(Reverse) position (Man\fal Transmission (MT)
mo\bel) .
. Sec\frely block the wheels.
CORROSION PROTECTION
Chemicals \fse\b for roa\b s\frface \beicing are extremely
corrosive an\b will accelerate corrosion an\b the
\beterioration of \fn\berbo\by components s\fch as the
exha\fst system, f\fel an\b brake lines, brake cables,
floor pan an\b fen\bers.
In the winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically. For additional information, see
“Corrosion protection” (P.7-5) of this manual.
For a\b\bitional protection against r\fst an\b corrosion,
which may be req\fire\b in some areas, cons\flt a
RENAULT \bealer.
Starting and driving5-39
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6-12In case of emergency
Manual Transmission (MT) model\f
1. Place \bhe igni\bion swi\bch in \bhe “OFF” posi\bion.
2. Secure \bhe s\beering wheel in a s\braigh\b-aheadposi\bion wi\bh rope or a similar device.
3. Move \bhe shif\b lever \bo \bhe “N” (Neu\bral) posi\bion.
4. Release \bhe parking brake.
5. A\b\bach safe\by chains whenever \bowing.
Rear wheels on the ground:
1. Place \bhe igni\bion swi\bch \bo \bhe “OFF” posi\bion.
2. Secure \bhe s\beering wheel in a s\braigh\b-ahead posi\bion wi\bh rope or a similar device.
3. Move \bhe shif\b lever \bo \bhe “N” (Neu\bral) posi\bion.
4. Release \bhe parking brake.
5. A\b\bach safe\by chains whenever \bowing.
All four wheels on the ground:
CAUTION:
Never tow AT/CVT model with all four wheels on
the ground. Doing so will cause serious and
expensive damage to the transmission.
Manual Transmission (MT) model\f
1. Place \bhe igni\bion swi\bch in \bhe “OFF” posi\bion.
2. Move \bhe shif\b lever \bo \bhe “N” (Neu\bral) posi\bion.
3. Release \bhe parking brake.
Freeing \brapped vehicle
WARNING:
. Never allow anyone to stand near the towing
line during the pulling operation.
. Never spin the tires at high speed. This could
cause them to explode and result in serious
injury. Parts of the vehicle could also over-
heat and be damaged.
. Do not pull the vehicle using the rear hook.
The rear hook is not designed to pull the
vehicle out in the event that the vehicle
becomes trapped.
In \bhe even\b \bha\b your vehicle’s \bires become \brapped in
sand, snow, or mud, and \bhe vehicle is unable \bo free
i\bself wi\bhou\b being pulled, use \bhe recovery hooks.
. Use \bhe recovery hooks only. Do no\b a\b\bach \bhe
pulling device \bo any o\bher par\b of \bhe vehicle body.
O\bherwise, \bhe vehicle body may be damaged.
. Use \bhe recovery hooks \bo free a vehicle only.
Never \bow a vehicle using only \bhe recovery hooks.
. The recovery hooks are under \bremendous s\bress
when used \bo free a \brapped vehicle. Always pull
\bhe pulling device s\braigh\b ou\b from \bhe vehicle.
Never pull on \bhe recovery hooks a\b an angle. Front:
JVE0037XType A (except for Sports version)
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8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
If you have a flat tire, see \fFlat tire” (\b.6-2) .
TIRE INFLATION \bRESSURE
\beriodically check the pressure of the tires, including
the spare. An incorrect tire pressure may adversely
affect tire life and vehicle handling. The tire pressure
should be checked when tires are COLD. Tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle has been parked
for 3 or more hours, or driven less than 1.6 km (1 mile) .
COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire placard.
(See \fVehicle identification” (\b.9-7) for the location of
the tire placard.)
Insufficient pressure can lead to an overheating of the
tire and subsequent internal damage. At high speeds,
this could result in tread separation and even bursting
of the tire.
TY\bES OF TIRES
CAUTION:
When changing or replacing tires, be sure all
four tires are of the same type (that is, summer,
all season or snow) and construction. A RE-
NAULT dealer may be able to help you with
information about tire type, size, speed rating
and availability.
Replacement tires may have a lower speed rating than
the factory equipped tires, and they may not match the
potential maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the
maximum speed rating of the tire.
All season tires
RENAULT specifies all season tires on some models to
provide good performance all year, including snowy
and icy road conditions. All season tires are identified
by ALL SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall.
Snow tires have better snow traction than all season
tires and may be more appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
RENAULT specifies summer tires on some models to
provide superior performance on dry roads. Summer
tire performance is substantially reduced in snow and
ice. Summer tires do not have the tire traction rating
M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, RENAULT recommends the use of snow or
all season tires on all four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select tires
equivalent in size and load rating to the original
equipment tires. If you do not, it can adversely affect
the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed ratings than
factory equipped tires and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire. If you install snow tires, they
must be the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may
be used. However, some states and 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
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing tire
chains. When installing tire chains, make sure that they
are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are
installed according to the chain manufacturer’s in-
structions.
Use chain tensioners when recommended by the tire
chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links
of the tire chains must be secured or removed to
prevent the possibility of whipping action damage to
the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully
loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition,
drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may
be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance
may be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the front wheels
and not on the rear wheels. Never install tire chains on
a T-type spare tire (TEM\bORARY USE ONLY) . Do not
use the chains on dry roads.
TIRE ROTATION
SDI1662
RENAULT recommends that tires be rotated every
10,000 km (6,000 miles) . However, the timing for tire
rotation may vary according to your driving habits and
TIRES AND WHEELS
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