NISSAN KICKS 2023 Owners Manual

•Tire type and condition may also af-
fect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the
specified 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 and
Loading Information label. For ad-
ditional information, see “Tire and
Loading Information label” (P. 8-30).
– For additional information, see
“Wheels and tires” (P. 8-28).
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels
do not lock during hard braking or when
braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to
prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes 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 mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the instru- ment 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 ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds abov
e3-6mph(5-10
km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion 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 op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
Starting and driving5-133

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 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 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. 2-21) and ”Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-21).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light comes on in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically
turns off when these indicator lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch, or the vehicle infor-
mation display, is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator light and the
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) sys-
tem warning light or the AEB with Pedes-
trian Detection system warning light illumi-
nate to indicate the VDC system is off.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-134Starting and driving

When the VDC OFF switch, or the vehicle
information display, 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
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 illuminate.
•
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the
indi-
cator 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 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 illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. 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 illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-135

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 illuminate. •
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the
indi-
cator 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 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 illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. 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 illuminate. •
The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
5-136Starting and driving

The chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following
functions:
• Intelligent Trace Control
• Intelligent Engine Brake
• Active Ride Control
• Automatic brake hold function
For additional information see, Intelligent
Trace Control (I-TC) (P. 5-137), Intelligent En-
gine Brake (I-EB) (P. 5-138), Active Ride Con-
trol (ARC) (P. 5-138) and Automatic brake
hold function (P. 5-25).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 “Chassis Control” page. For addi-
tional information, see “Vehicle information
display” (P. 2-24).When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system is turned off, the I–TC is also turned
off.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the I-TC is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. For ad-
ditional information, see “Vehicle informa-
tion display” (P. 2-24).
When the I–TC is operated and the Chassis
Control mode is selected in the vehicle in-
formation display, the I–TC graphics are
shown in the vehicle information display.
For additional information, see “Vehicle in-
formation display” (P. 2-24).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.
You may also feel deceleration when the
I-TC is operating. However, this is not a
malfunction.
LSD4090
CHASSIS CONTROL (if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-137

Even if the I–TC is turned OFF, some func-
tions will remain on to assist the driver (for
example, avoidance scenes).
INTELLIGENT ENGINE BRAKE (I-EB)
The I-EB function adds subtle deceleration
by controlling the Continuously Variable
Transmission gear ratio, depending on the
cornering condition calculated from driv-
er's steering input and plural sensors. This
benefit is for easier traceability and less
workload of adjusting speed with braking
at corners.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the I-EB is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. For ad-
ditional information, see “Vehicle informa-
tion display” (P. 2-24).
The I-EB also adds subtle deceleration with
gear ratio control according to driver’s
brake pedal operation.
The I-EB can be set to ON (enabled) or OFF
(disabled) through the vehicle information
display “Chassis Control” page. For addi-
tional information, see “Vehicle information
display” (P. 2-24).When the I-EB is operated at corners and
the Chassis Control mode is selected in the
vehicle information display, the I-EB graph-
ics are shown in the vehicle information
display. For additional information, see “Ve-
hicle information display” (P. 2-24).
WARNING
The I-EB may not be effective depend-
ing on driving conditions. Always drive
carefully and attentively.
When the I-EB is operating, the needle of
the tachometer will rise up and you may
hear an engine noise. This is normal and
indicates that the I-EB is operating
properly.
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. When the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system is turned off,
the ARC is also turned off. When the ARC is operated and the Chassis
Control mode is selected in the vehicle in-
formation display, the ARC graphics are
shown in the vehicle information display.
For additional information, see “Vehicle in-
formation display” (P. 2-24).
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.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the ARC is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. For ad-
ditional information, see “Vehicle informa-
tion display” (P. 2-24).
5-138Starting and driving

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 may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always be prepared to depress
the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling backwards. Failure
to do so may result in a collision or
serious personal injury. The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards in the
time it takes the driver to release the brake
pedal and apply the accelerator when the
vehicle is stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate au-
tomatically under the following conditions:
• The transmission is shif ted to a forward
or reverse gear.
• The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
Af ter 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and the hill start assist system will
stop operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the transmission is shif ted to the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road.
When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
indicator light illuminates in the meter, the
hill start assist system will not operate. For
additional information, see “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light”
(P. 2-21). The Hill Start Assist function status can be
checked in the Chassis Control mode in the
vehicle information display (if so equipped).
For additional information, see “Vehicle in-
formation display” (P. 2-24).
LSD3923
HILL START ASSIST
Starting and driving5-139

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 (if so equipped) 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. •
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.
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.
LSD3247
REAR SONAR SYSTEM (RSS) (if so
equipped)
5-140Starting and driving

•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.
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. 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 driving5-141

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 the vehicle information
display (if so equipped):
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 “Sonar” and press the OK button. • Select “Rear Sensor” and press the OKbutton to turn the sonar system on or
off.
• Select “Display” to display the parking sensor in the vehicle information dis-
play when the sonar system activates.
• Select “Range” to change the sonar system distance to “Far,” “Mid” or “Near.”
LSD4001
5-142Starting and driving