traction control NISSAN CUBE 2012 3.G Owners Manual

2-16Instruments and controls
.The supplemental air bag warning light does
not illuminate at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemental
Restraint Systems and/or the pretensioners may
not function properly.
For additional information, see “Supplemental
restraint system” (P.1-40) .
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and/or pretensioner systems will not
operate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light
The light will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system or the traction control
system is operating, thus alerting the driver that
the vehicle is nearing its traction limits. The road
surface may be slippery.
If the VDC warning light illuminates while the
VDC system is on, this light alerts the driver to the fact that the VDC system’s fail-safe mode is
operating, for example the VDC system may not
be functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer. If a malfunction
occurs in the system, the VDC system function
will be canceled but the vehicle is still driveable.
For additional information, see “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” (P.5-28) of this manual.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise indicator light (if so
equipped)
Cruise main switch indicator:
This light illuminates when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light turns off when
the main switch is pushed again. When the
cruise indicator light illuminates, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise malfunction:
If the cruise indicator light blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate the cruise
control system is not functioning properly. Have
the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
See “Cruise control” (P.5-21).
Engine start operation indicator
light (if so equipped)
This light appears when the selector lever is in
the P (Park) position. This light means that the
engine will start by pushing the ignition switch
with the brake pedal depressed. You can start
the engine directly in any position.
Exterior light indicator
This indicator illuminates when the headlight
switch is turned to the AUTO (if so equipped) ,
orposition and the front parking lights,
instrument panel lights, tail lights, license plate
lights or headlights are on. The indicator turns
off when these lights are turned off.
Front passenger air bag status light
The front passenger air bag status light (located
on the center of the instrument panel) will be lit
and the passenger front air bag will be OFF
depending on how the front passenger seat is
being used.
For front passenger air bag status light opera-
tion, see “NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System
(front seats)” (P.1-46) of this manual.

2-18Instruments and controls
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 comes on when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates that the VDC system and traction
control system are not operating.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
Models with Intelligent Key system:
A chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC position.
Make sure the ignition switch is pushed to the
OFF position, and take the Intelligent Key with
you when leaving the vehicle.
Models without Intelligent Key system:
The key reminder chime sounds if the driver’s
side door is opened while the key is left in the
ignition switch and the ignition switch is in the
ACC, OFF or LOCK position. Remove the key
and take it with you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
The light reminder chime will sound when the
driver side door is opened with the light switch
in the
orposition, and the ignition
switch is in the ACC, OFF or LOCK position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound will
first occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake pad,
the sound will always be heard even if the brake
pedal is not depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the warning
sound is heard.
Parking brake reminder chime
The parking brake reminder chime will sound if
the vehicle is driven at more than 4 MPH (7
km/h) with the parking brake applied. Stop the
vehicle and release the parking brake.
Seat belt warning chime
The seat belt warning chime will sound for about
6 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt is
securely fastened.

5-28Starting and driving
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, the VDC
warning light
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.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off.
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 VDC warning light
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC functions
are off, and the VDC warning 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.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” (P.2-16) and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-18).
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
improve driving 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 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
system may not operate properly.
This could adversely affect vehicle
handling performance, and the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extre-
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

5-30Starting and driving
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER 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” (P.8-35) 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 snow-
drifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (328F, 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 208F( −78C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension cord.

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ................... 9-2Fuel 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
Vehicle loading information ................................................. 9-12 Terms ........................................................................\
......... 9-12
Vehicle load capacity .................................................... 9-13
Securing the load .......................................................... 9-14
Loading tips ..................................................................... 9-14
Measurement of weights .............................................. 9-15
Towing a trailer ....................................................................... 9-15
Flat towing ........................................................................\
....... 9-16 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ............. 9-16
Manual Transmission ..................................................... 9-16
Uniform tire quality grading ................................................. 9-16 Treadwear ........................................................................\
9-16
Traction AA, A, B and C .............................................. 9-16
Temperature A, B and C .............................................. 9-17
Emission control system warranty ..................................... 9-17
Reporting safety defects ..................................................... 9-18
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ......... 9-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................................. 9-19
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ..... 9-20

9-16Technical and consumer information
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,
always tow forward, never back-
ward.
. DO NOT tow any Continuously Vari-
able Transmission (CVT) vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground
(flat towing) . Doing so WILL DA-
MAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrica-
tion.
. For emergency towing procedures
refer to “Towing your vehicle” (P.6-
12) of this manual.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS-
MISSION (CVT)
To tow a vehicle equipped with a Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) , an appropriate
vehicle dolly MUSTbe 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
TREADWEAR
The 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 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
measured under controlled conditions on spe-
cified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
FLAT TOWING
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

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 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
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For USA:
.
Emission Defects Warranty
. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty In-
formation Booklet which comes with your
NISSAN. If you did not receive a Warranty
Information Booklet, or it has become lost, you
may obtain a replacement 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. If you
did not receive a Warranty Information Booklet,
or it has become lost, you may obtain a
replacement by writing to:
. Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario,
L4W 4Z5
Technical and consumer information9-17
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY