traction control NISSAN MAXIMA 2021 Owner´s Manual

•When the power steering warning
light illuminates with the engine run-
ning, there will be no power assist for
the steering. You will still have control
of the vehicle, but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the power steering warning light
illuminates. Af ter starting the engine, the
power steering warning light turns off. This
indicates the power steering is operational.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering is not function-
ing properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, there will
be no power assist for the steering, but you
will still have control of the vehicle. At this
time, greater steering effort is required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in
sharp turns and at low speeds. For additional information, see “Power
steering” (P. 5-112).
Rear Automatic Braking
(RAB) warning light
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position. It turns
off af ter the engine is started.
This light illuminates when the RAB system
is turned off in the vehicle information
display.
If the light illuminates when the RAB sys-
tem is on, it may indicate that the system is
unavailable. For additional information, see
“Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)” (P. 5-80).
Slip indicator light
This indicator light will blink when the Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is op-
erating, thus alerting the driver to the fact
that the road surface is slippery and the
vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working;
this is normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds af ter
the VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.The
indicator light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the
ON position. The light will turn off af ter ap-
proximately 2 seconds if the system is
operational.
If the light remains on continuously, it may
indicate a failure of the VDC system. If the
light does not come on or remains on con-
tinuously, have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the
VDC OFF switch is pushed to off. This indi-
cates the VDC system has been turned off.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine and the system will operate
normally. For additional information, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P. 5-113).
The VDC OFF indicator light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the
ON position. The light will turn off af ter
about 2 seconds if the system is opera-
tional. If the
indicator light comes on
and remains on while you are driving, it
may indicate a failure of the VDC system.
Instruments and controls2-15

–On roads where there are sharp
curves.
– On roads where there are sharply
contrasting objects, such as shad-
ows, snow, water, wheel ruts,
seams or lines remaining af ter
road repairs. (The I-LI system
could detect these items as lane
markers.)
– On roads where the traveling lane
merges or separates.
– When the vehicle’s traveling direc-
tion does not align with the lane
marker.
– When traveling close to the ve-
hicle in front of you, which ob-
structs the lane camera unit de-
tection range.
– When rain, snow or dirt adheres to
the windshield in front of the lane
camera unit.
– When the headlights are not
bright due to dirt on the lens or if
the aiming is not adjusted
properly.
– When strong light enters the lane
camera unit. (For example, the
light directly shines on the front of
the vehicle at sunrise or sunset.) –
When a sudden change in bright-
ness occurs. (For example, when
the vehicle enters or exits a tunnel
or under a bridge.)
While the I-LI system is operating, you may
hear a sound of brake operation. This is
normal and indicates that the I-LI system is
operating properly.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
Condition A:
The warning and assist functions of the I-LI
system are not designed to work under the
following conditions:
• When you operate the lane change signal and change the traveling lanes in the di-
rection of the signal. (The I-LI system will
be deactivated for approximately 2 sec-
onds af ter the lane change signal is
turned off.)
• When the vehicle speed lowers to less than approximately 37 mph (60 km/h).
Af ter the above conditions have finished
and the necessary operating conditions
are satisfied, the warning and assist func-
tions will resume. Condition B:
The assist function of the I-LI system is not
designed to work under the following con-
ditions (warning is still functional):
• When the brake pedal is depressed.
•
When the steering wheel is turned as far as
necessary for the vehicle to change lanes.
• When the vehicle is accelerated during I-LI system operation.
• When the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) approach warning occurs.
• When the hazard warning flashers are operated.
• When driving on a curve at high speed.
Af ter the above conditions have finished
and the necessary operating conditions
are satisfied, the I-LI system application of
the brakes will resume.
Condition C:
If the following messages appear in the
vehicle information display, the I-LI system
will be turned off automatically.
• “Unavailable Road is Slippery”: When the VDC system (except Traction
Control System [TCS] function) or ABS
operates.
• “Currently Unavailable”: When the VDC system is turned off.
5-34Starting and driving

System temporarily unavailableA chime sounds under the following condi-
tions and the control is automatically can-
celed:• When the vehicle slows down more than
8 mph (13 km/h) below the set speed
• When the shif t lever is not in the D (Drive) or manual shif t mode
• When the parking brake is applied
• When the VDC operates (including the traction control system)
• When a wheel slips
When the system is not operating properly,
the chime sounds and the color of the
cruise indicator will change to orange.
Action to take
If the color of the cruise indicator changes
to orange, stop the vehicle in a safe place
and place the shif t lever in the P (Park) po-
sition. Turn the engine off, restart the en-
gine, resume driving, and then perform the
setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator
stays on, it may indicate that the system
is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle
is still drivable under normal conditions,
have the vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
LSD3529
Starting and driving5-79

WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and in-
structions for proper use of the I-DA
system could result in serious injury or
death.
• The I–DA system is only a warning to
inform the driver of a potential lack
of driver attention or drowsiness. It
will not steer the vehicle or prevent
loss of control.
• The I–DA system does not detect and
provide an alert of the driver’s lack of
attention or fatigue in every
situation.
• It is the driver’s responsibility to:
• Stay alert.
• Drive safely.
• Keep the vehicle in the traveling lane.
• Be in control of the vehicle at all times.
• Avoid driving when tired.
• Avoid distractions (texting, etc.). The I–DA system helps alert the driver if the
system detects a lack of attention or driv-
ing fatigue.
The system monitors driving style and
steering behavior over a period of time,
and it detects changes from the normal
pattern. If the system detects that driver
attention is decreasing over a period of
time, the system uses audible and visual
warnings to suggest that the driver take a
break.
INTELLIGENT DRIVER ALERTNESS
SYSTEM OPERATION
If the system detects driver fatigue or that
driver attention is decreasing, the mes-
sage “Take a break?” appears in the vehicle
information display and a chime sounds
when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
37 mph (60 km/h).
The system continuously monitors driver
attention and can provide multiple warn-
ings per trip.
The system resets and starts reassessing
driving style and steering behavior when
the ignition switch is cycled from ON to OFF
and back on.
LSD3918
INTELLIGENT DRIVER ALERTNESS
(I-DA)
5-106Starting and driving

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 wheelslip 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, theindicator 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. 2-15) and “Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-15).
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 VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The
, RAB, and AEB with
Pedestrian Detection indicator lights illumi-
nate to indicate the VDC, RAB, and AEB with
Pedestrian Detection systems are off. When the vehicle information display is
used to turn off the system, 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-113

O6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires
an inner tube (“tube type”) or not
(“tubeless”).
O7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire
has radial structure.
O8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that
are defined throughout this section,
Intended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model
name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on
the other sidewall of the tire, or (2)
the outward facing sidewall of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particu- lar side that must always face out-
ward when mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
• When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow)
and construction. A NISSAN dealer
may be able to help you with infor-
mation about tire type, size, speed
rating and availability.
• Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
• Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the low
tire pressure warning system. •
Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Failure to
do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front
and rear axles which can cause the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem to malfunction resulting in per-
sonal injury or death, excessive tire
wear and may damage the transmis-
sion and differential gears.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. 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 appropri-
ate in some areas.
Do-it-yourself8-33

DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable 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 rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, 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 low-
est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include ac-
celeration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics. Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance 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 tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive 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 Mo-
tor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance 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.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information10-19