NISSAN ALTIMA 2023 Owners Manual

BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
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 ve-
hicle at all times. The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle 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 out- put 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 can-
not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv-
ing situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light in the instrument panel
flashes to 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 indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, see “Slip indica-
tor light” (P. 2-16) and “Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-17).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light comes on in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically
turns off when the indicator light is on.
The vehicle information display is used to
turn off the VDC system. When the VDC
system is turned off, the
indicator light
and if so equipped, the RAB system
warning light, AEB system warning light
and AEB with Pedestrian Detection system
warning light illuminate to indicate the
VDC, AEB, AEB with Pedestrian Detection,
and RAB systems are off.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-175

When the VDC system is turned off in the
vehicle information display, the VDC sys-
tem still operates to prevent one drive
wheel from slipping by transferring power
to a non-slipping drive wheel. The
indicator light flashes if this occurs. All
other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light 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 fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward 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 indica-
tion 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 driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle's suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or theindicator light may
illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
both the
andindicator
lights may illuminate. •
If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or theindicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine af ter driving onto
a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
5-176Starting and driving

BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the front and rear wheels
depending on the radius of the turn.
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 driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle's suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or theindicator light may
illuminate. •
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
both the
andindicator light
may illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
and theindicator light may
illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or theindicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine af ter driving onto
a stable surface. •
If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-177

The chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following
functions:
• Intelligent Trace Control
• Active Ride Control
INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL
(I-TC)
This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels to aid tracing at corners
and help smooth vehicle response.
The I-TC can be set to on (enabled) or off
(disabled) through the vehicle information
display “Settings” page. For additional infor-
mation, see “Vehicle information display —
5 inch (13 cm) Type A (if so equipped)”
(P. 2-18) or “Vehicle information display — 7
inch (18 cm) Type B (if so equipped)” (P. 2-34).
When the VDC system is turned off, the I-TC
is also turned off.
WARNING
The I-TC may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively. When the I-TC is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise. This is normal and indicates that the
I-TC is operating properly.
Even if the I-TC is turned off, some functions
will remain on to assist the driver (for ex-
ample, avoidance scenes).
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (ARC)
This system senses upper body motion
(based on wheel speed information) and
controls engine torque and four wheel
brake pressure. This will enhance ride com-
fort in effort to restrain uncomfortable up-
per body movement when passing over
undulated road surfaces. This system
comes into effect above 25 mph (40 km/h).
When the VDC system is turned off, the ARC
is also turned off.
When the ARC is operating, you may hear
noise and sense slight deceleration. This is
normal and indicates that the ARC is oper-
ating properly.
WARNING
• Never rely solely on the hill start as-
sist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
Depress the brake pedal when the
vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be
especially careful when stopped on a
hill on frozen or muddy roads. Failure
to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards may result in a loss of
control of the vehicle and possible
serious injury or death.
• The hill start assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still on a hill. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to roll backwards and
may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
• The hill start assist system may not
prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards on a hill under all load or
road conditions. Always be prepared
to depress the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards.
Failure to do so may result in a colli-
sion or serious personal injury.
CHASSIS CONTROL (if so equipped) HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-178Starting and driving

When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill
start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling backward in the time it
takes the driver to release the brake pedal
and apply the accelerator.
The hill start assist system will operate au-
tomatically under the following conditions:
• The transmission is shif ted to a forwardor reverse gear.
• The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake. The maximum
holding time is 2 seconds. Af ter 2 sec-
onds the vehicle will begin to roll back and
the hill start assist system will stop oper-
ating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the shif t lever is placed in the N (Neu-
tral) or P (Park) position or on a flat and level
road. The RSS sounds a tone to inform the driver
of obstacles near the bumper.
When the “DISPLAY” key is on, the sonar
view will automatically appear in the
touch-screen display. An additional view of
the sonar status will appear in the vehicle
information display for reference.WARNING
• The RSS is a convenience but it is not
a substitute for proper parking.
• The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other ma-
neuvers. Always look around and
check that it is safe to do so before
parking.
• Read and understand the limitations
of the RSS as contained in this sec-
tion. The colors of the corner sonar
indicator and the distance guide
lines in the rear view indicate differ-
ent distances to the object.
• Inclement weather or ultrasonic
sources such as an automatic car
wash, a truck's compressed-air
brakes or a pneumatic drill may af-
fect the function of the system; this
may include reduced performance or
a false activation.
• This function is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large station-
ary objects to help avoid damaging
the vehicle.
LSD3247
REAR SONAR SYSTEM (RSS) (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-179

•The system is not designed to pre-
vent contact with small or moving
objects. Always move slowly. The
system will not detect small objects
below the bumper, and may not de-
tect objects close to the bumper or
on the ground.
• The system may not detect the fol-
lowing objects: fluff y objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass, wool, etc.;
thin objects such as rope, wire and
chain, etc.; or wedge-shaped objects.
• The rear sonar sensors may detect a
sound wave reflected from the sur-
face of an obstacle when a horn, etc.
sounds or there is an ultrasonic
source (such as parking sensors of
other vehicles) around the vehicle
because the rear sonar sensors de-
tect the distance between the vehicle
and the obstacle by detecting the
sound wave reflected from the sur-
face of an obstacle.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper fascia, leaving it misaligned or
bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of ob-
stacles or false alarms.CAUTION
• Excessive noise (such as audio sys-
tem volume or an open vehicle win-
dow) will interfere with the tone and
it may not be heard.
• Keep the sonar sensors (located on
the bumper fascia) free from snow,
ice and large accumulations of dirt.
Do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects. If the sensors are covered,
the accuracy of the sonar function
will be diminished.
SYSTEM OPERATION
The system informs with a visual and au-
dible alert of rear obstacles when the shif t
lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
Sonar Operation Table
RR Sensor
Range Sound Display Roo
o – Display/Beep when detect
† – Display on camera view
x – No Display and Beep The system is deactivated at speeds above
6 mph (10 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
The intermittent tone will stop af ter 3 sec-
onds when an obstacle is detected by only
the corner sensor and the distance does
not change. The tone will stop when the
obstacle gets away from the vehicle.
When the object is detected, the indicator
(green) appears and blinks and the tone
sounds intermittently. When the vehicle
moves closer to the object, the color of the
indicator turns yellow and the rate of the
blinking increases. When the vehicle is very
close to the object, the indicator stops
blinking and turns red, and the tone
sounds continuously.
5-180Starting and driving

When the corner of the vehicle moves
closer to an object, the corner sonar indi-
cator
OAappears. When the center of the
vehicle moves close to an object, the cen-
ter sonar indicator
OBappears. The system indicators
OAwill appear when
the vehicle moves closer to an object.
LSD3246LSD2137
Starting and driving5-181

HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
SONAR SYSTEM
The system is automatically activated
when the ignition is in the ON position and
the shif t lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
Perform the following steps to enable or
disable the sonar system:
For vehicles with 7 inch (18 cm) display.
1. Press the
button until “Settings” dis-
plays in the vehicle information display.
Use the
button to select “Driver As-
sistance.” Then press the OK button.
2. Select “Parking Aids” and press the OK button.
3. Select “Rear” and press the OK button to turn the system on or off.
– Select “Auto Show Sonar” to display the parking sensor in the vehicle information
display when the sonar system
activates.
– Select “Distance” to change the sonar system distance to “Long”, “Medium” or
“Short”.
– Select “Volume” to change the sonar sys- tem volume to “High”, “Medium” or “Low”.
LSD3240
For vehicles with the 7 inch (18 cm) display
5-182Starting and driving

For vehicles with 5 inch (13 cm) display.
1. Press the
button until “Settings” dis-
plays in the vehicle information display.
Use the
button to select “Driver As-
sistance.” Then press the OK button.
2. Select “Parking Aids” and press the OK button.
3. Select “Rear Sensor” and press the OK button to turn the system on or off.
– Select “Display” to display the parking sensor in the vehicle information display
when the sonar system activates.
– Select “Volume” to change the sonar sys- tem volume to “High”, “Medium” or “Low”.
– Select “Range” to change the sonar sys- tem distance to “Far,” “Mid.” or “Near.”
LSD3931
For vehicles with the 5 inch (13 cm) display
Starting and driving5-183

SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations
for the sonar system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in seri-
ous injury or death.
• The system is deactivated at speeds
above 6 mph (10 km/h). It is reacti-
vated at lower speeds.
• Inclement weather or ultrasonic
sources such as an automatic car
wash, a truck’s compressed-air
brakes or a pneumatic drill may af-
fect the function of the system; this
may include reduced performance or
a false activation.
• The system is not designed to pre-
vent contact with small or moving
objects. Always move slowly. The
system will not detect small objects
below the bumper or on the ground.
• The system may not detect the fol-
lowing objects: fluff y objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass-wool, etc.;
thin objects such as rope, wire and
chain, etc.; or wedge-shaped objects. •
The system may not detect objects
at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and
may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
• Do not attach stickers (including
transparent material), install acces-
sories, or apply anything blocking
the sensors. These conditions may
reduce the ability of the system.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
When sonar blockage is detected, the sys-
tem will be deactivated automatically.
The system is not available until the condi-
tions no longer exist.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by tem-
porary ambient conditions such as splash-
ing water, mist or fog. The blocked condi-
tion may also be caused by objects such as
ice, frost or dirt obstructing the sonar
sensors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the system will resume automatically.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The sonar sensorsO1are located on the
rear bumper. Always keep the area near
the sonar sensors clean.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by tem-
porary ambient conditions such as splash-
ing water, mist or fog.
The blocked condition may also be caused
by objects such as ice, frost or dirt ob-
structing the sonar sensors.
Check for and remove objects obstructing
the area around the sonar sensors.
LSD3241
5-184Starting and driving