traction control NISSAN ALTIMA 2014 L33 / 5.G Owners Manual

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.
Side light and headlightindicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light illumi-
nates when the side light or headlight position is
selected. See “Headlight and turn signal switch”
later in this section for further details.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system or
the traction control system is operating, thus
alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
SPORT mode indicator light (ifso equipped)
QR25DE:
This light illuminates and then turns off when the
ignition switch is placed to the ON position, and
when the SPORT mode off is selected.
For additional information, see “Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
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 be
reactivated. 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 push the push-button ignition switch to
the ON position. The light will turn off after about
2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light
stays on or comes on along with the
indi-
cator 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 hear
the 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.
2-16Instruments and controls

USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory (if
so equipped)
WARNING
Do not connect/disconnect or operate the
USB device while driving. Doing so can be
a distraction. If distracted you could lose
control of your vehicle and cause an acci-
dent or serious injury.
CAUTION
●Do not force the USB device into the
USB port. Inserting the USB device
tilted or up-side-down into the port may
damage the port. Make sure that the
USB device is connected correctly into
the USB port.
● Do not grab the USB port cover (if so
equipped) when pulling the USB device
out of the port. This could damage the
port and the cover.
● Do not leave the USB cable in a place
where it can be pulled unintentionally.
Pulling the cable may damage the port.
The vehicle is not equipped with a USB device.
USB devices should be purchased separately as
necessary. This system cannot be used to format USB de-
vices. To format a USB device, use a personal
computer.
In some states/area, the USB device for the front
seats plays only sound without images for regu-
latory reasons, even when the vehicle is parked.
This system supports various USB memory de-
vices, USB hard drives and iPod® players. Some
USB devices may not be supported by this sys-
tem.
● Partitioned USB devices may not play cor-
rectly.
● Some characters used in other languages
(Chinese, Japanese, etc.) may not appear
properly in the display. Using English lan-
guage characters with a USB device is rec-
ommended.
General notes for USB use: ● Refer to your device manufacturer’s owner
information regarding the proper use and
care of the device.
Notes for iPod® use:
iPod® is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries. ●
Improperly plugging in the iPod® may cause
a checkmark to be displayed on and off
(flickering) . Always make sure that the
iPod® is connected properly.
● An iPod® nano (1st Generation) may remain
in fast forward or rewind mode if it is con-
nected during a seek operation. In this case,
please manually reset the iPod®.
● An iPod® nano (2nd Generation) will con-
tinue to fast-forward or rewind if it is discon-
nected during a seek operation.
● An incorrect song title may appear when the
Play Mode is changed while using an iPod®
nano (2nd Generation) .
● Audiobooks may not play in the same order
as they appear on an iPod®.
● Large video files cause slow responses in an
iPod®. The vehicle center display may mo-
mentarily black out, but will soon recover.
● If an iPod® automatically selects large video
files while in the shuffle mode, the vehicle
center display may momentarily black out,
but will soon recover.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-41

SEEK (Reverse or FastForward) buttons:
Press and hold the seek buttons
orfor 1.5 seconds while the compact disc is playing
to reverse or fast forward the track being played.
The compact disc plays at an increased speed
while reversing or fast forwarding. When the but-
ton is released, the compact disc returns to nor-
mal play speed.
SEEK buttons:
Press the seek button
while a CD or
MP3/WMA CD is playing to return to the begin-
ning of the current track. Press the seek
button
several times to skip backward sev-
eral tracks.
Press the seek button
while a CD or
MP3/WMA CD is playing to advance one track.
Press the seek button
several times to skip
forward several tracks. If the last track on a CD is
skipped, the first track on the disc is played. If the
last track in a folder of an MP3/WMA CD is
skipped, the first track of the next folder is played. AUX button:
The AUX IN audio input jack accepts any stan-
dard analog audio input such as from a portable
cassette tape/CD player, MP3 player or a laptop
computer. Press the AUX button to play a com-
patible device plugged into the AUX IN jack.
EJECT button:
When the
button is pressed with a com-
pact disc loaded, the compact disc will eject and
the last source will be played.
If the disc is not removed within 10 seconds, the
disc will reload.
Additional features
For more information about the iPod® player
available with this system, see “iPod® player
operation with Navigation System” in this section.
For more information about the USB interface
available with this system, see “USB interface
(models with Navigation System)” in this section.
For more information about the Bluetooth® audio
interface available with this system, see
“Bluetooth® streaming audio with Navigation
System” in this section.
USB INTERFACE (models without
Navigation System) (if so equipped)
Connecting a device to the USB input
jack
WARNING
Do not connect/disconnect or operate the
USB device while driving. Doing so can be
a distraction. If distracted you could lose
control of your vehicle and cause an acci-
dent or serious injury.
LHA2758
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-65

OFF: No random play pattern is applied. The
indicator on the display will turn off.
The current play pattern of the USB device is
displayed on the screen unless no pattern is
applied.
RPT button:
When the RPT button is pressed while an audio
file on the USB device is playing, the play pattern
can be changed as follows:
1 Folder Repeat→1 Track Repeat →OFF
1 Track Repeat: the current track will be re-
peated.
1 Folder Repeat: the current folder will be re-
peated.
OFF: No repeat play pattern is applied. The indi-
cator on the display will turn off.
The current play pattern of the USB device is
displayed on the screen unless no pattern is
applied. TUNE/SCROLL knob:
If there are multiple folders with audio files on the
USB device, turn the TUNE/SCROLL knob to
change folders. Turn the knob to the left to skip
back a folder. Turn the knob to the right to skip
ahead a folder. If there is only one folder of audio
files on the USB device, turning the
TUNE/SCROLL knob in either direction will re-
turn to the first track on the USB device.
Tune/Folder knob:
If there are multiple folders with audio files on the
USB device, turn the TUNE/FOLDER knob to
change folders. Turn the knob to the left to skip
back a folder. Turn the knob to the right to skip
ahead a folder. If there is only one folder of audio
files on the USB device, turning the
TUNE/FOLDER knob in either direction will re-
turn to the first track on the USB device.
USB INTERFACE (models with
Navigation System)
Connecting a device to the USB input
jack
WARNING
Do not connect/disconnect or operate the
USB device while driving. Doing so can be
a distraction. If distracted you could lose
control of your vehicle and cause an acci-
dent or serious injury.
LHA2758
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-67

iPod®* PLAYER OPERATION
WITHOUT NAVIGATION SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
Connecting iPod®
WARNING
Do not connect/disconnect or operate the
USB device while driving. Doing so can be
a distraction. If distracted you could lose
control of your vehicle and cause an acci-
dent or serious injury.
CAUTION
●Do not force the USB device into the
USB port. Inserting the USB device
tilted or up-side-down into the port may
damage the port. Make sure that the
USB device is connected correctly into
the USB port.
● Do not grab the USB port cover (if so
equipped) when pulling the USB device
out of the port. This could damage the
port and the cover.
● Do not leave the USB cable in a place
where it can be pulled unintentionally.
Pulling the cable may damage the port.
Refer to your device manufacturer’s owner infor-
mation regarding the proper use and care of the
device.
To connect an iPod® to the vehicle so that the
iPod® can be controlled with the audio system
controls and display screen, use the USB jack
located on the center console below the heater
and air conditioner controls. Connect the iPod®-
specific end of the cable to the iPod® and the
USB end of the cable to the USB jack on the
vehicle. If your iPod® supports charging via a
USB connection, its battery will be charged while
connected to the vehicle with the ignition switch
in the ACC or ON position. While connected to the vehicle, the iPod® can
only be operated by the vehicle audio controls.
To disconnect the iPod® from the vehicle, re-
move the USB end of the cable from the USB
jack on the vehicle, then remove the cable from
the iPod®.
* iPod® is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
Compatibility
The following models are compatible:
● iPod® 5th Generation (firmware version 1.3
or later)
● iPod® Classic (80GB) (firmware version
1.1.2PC or later)
● iPod® Classic (120GB) (firmware version
2.0.1PC or later)
● iPod® nano - 1st generation (firmware ver-
sion 1.3.1 or later)
● iPod® nano - 2nd generation (firmware ver-
sion 1.1.3 or later)
● iPod® nano - 3rd generation (firmware ver-
sion 1.1.3PC or later)
● iPod® nano - 4th generation (firmware ver-
sion 1.0PC or later)
LHA2758
4-70Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems

Repeat Off: no repeat play pattern is applied.
RANDOM (RDM):
When the RDM button is pressed while a track is
being played, the play pattern can be changed as
follows:
Shuffle Off→Track Shuffle →Album Shuffle →
Shuffle Off
Track Shuffle: the tracks in the current list will be
played randomly.
Album Shuffle: the albums in the current list will
be played randomly.
Shuffle Off: no random play pattern is applied.
BACK button:
When the BACK button is pressed, it returns to
the previous menu.
iPod®* PLAYER OPERATION WITH
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
Connecting iPod®
WARNING
Do not connect/disconnect or operate the
USB device while driving. Doing so can be
a distraction. If distracted you could lose
control of your vehicle and cause an acci-
dent or serious injury.
CAUTION
● Do not force the USB device into the
USB port. Inserting the USB device
tilted or up-side-down into the port may
damage the port. Make sure that the
USB device is connected correctly into
the USB port.
● Do not grab the USB port cover (if so
equipped) when pulling the USB device
out of the port. This could damage the
port and the cover.
● Do not leave the USB cable in a place
where it can be pulled unintentionally.
Pulling the cable may damage the port.
Refer to your device manufacturer’s owner infor-
mation regarding the proper use and care of the
device.
To connect an iPod® to the vehicle so that the
iPod® can be controlled with the audio system
controls and display screen, use the USB jack
located on the center console below the heater
and air conditioner controls. Connect the iPod®-
specific end of the cable to the iPod® and the
USB end of the cable to the USB jack on the
vehicle. If your iPod® supports charging via a
USB connection, its battery will be charged while
connected to the vehicle with the ignition switch
in the ACC or ON position.
LHA2758
4-72Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems

WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes 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
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates 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 vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
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.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle 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 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 condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-33

3. Tire chains may be used. For details see“Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It 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 snowdrifts.
● Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C 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 cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting 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 pavement.
● 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 reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
● Do not use the 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 with cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or lower.
WARNING
● Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system or
a 2-pronged adapter. You can be seri-
ously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
● Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.
● Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
5-36Starting and driving

Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
●Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
● DO NOT tow any continuously variable
transmission vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat towing) . Do-
ing so WILL DAMAGE internal transmis-
sion parts due to lack of transmission
lubrication.
● For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Continuously Variable Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with a continuously
variable transmission, an appropriate vehicle
dolly MUST be placed under the towed vehicle’s
drive wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly manufac-
turer’s recommendations when using their prod-
uct. 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
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment 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 the 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 characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The 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 mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
TOWING A TRAILER
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-17

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 C
The temperature grades are 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. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor 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 es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei-
ther separately or in combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure. Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For USA
1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to: ● Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to: ● Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY
9-18Technical and consumer information