Vehicle dynamic control (vdc) system -36 – NISSAN 2009 Pathfinder User Manual
Page 358

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving situations, the
system will control braking and engine output to
help keep the vehicle on its steered path.
● When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system is operating, the SLIP indicator in
the instrument panel blinks.
● If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into 4LO
the
indicator light will come on and
the VDC system will be turned off. See
“Transfer case shifting procedures” earlier in
this section.
● If the SLIP indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions may be slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. See
“Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “In-
struments and controls” section.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the Trac-
tion Control System may be disabled and the
SLIP and
indicator lights will not turn off
after 2 seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Perform the following procedure to reset the
system:
● Start the engine and set the steering wheel
in the straight forward position.
● Drive the vehicle at speeds above 10 mph
(15 km/h) for at least 10 minutes.
● The VDC OFF indicator light should go off
indicating the traction control system is op-
erational.
● If you interrupt the reset procedure by turn-
ing the ignition off, you will need to restart
the reset procedure.
If after driving the vehicle for more than 10 min-
utes and the SLIP and
lights remain illumi-
nated in the instrument panel, have the vehicle
dynamic control system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
If the vehicle is operated with the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system off using the VDC OFF
switch, VDC and Traction Control System (TCS)
functions will be turned off. The SLIP indicator
will flash if wheel spin is detected. The ABS will
still operate with the VDC system off.
When the VDC system is operating, 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 prop-
erly.
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 Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
designed to help maintain traction with
the road service but does not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
● If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
system may not operate properly and
the Vehicle Dynamic Control off indica-
tor light may come on.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-36
Starting and driving
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REVIEW COPY—
2009 Pathfinder (pat)
Owners Manual—USA_English (nna)
05/29/08—debbie
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