Nissan NV Passenger Van (2018 year). Manual

ENGINE PROTECTION MODE

The engine has an engine protection mode
to reduce the chance of damage if the
coolant temperature becomes too high
(for example, when climbing steep grades
in high temperature with heavy loads, such
as when towing a trailer). When the engine
temperature reaches a certain level:

∙ The engine coolant temperature gauge

will move toward the H position.

∙ Engine power may be reduced.

∙ The air conditioning cooling function

may be automatically turned off for a
short time (the blower will continue to
operate).

Engine power and, under some conditions,
vehicle speed will decrease. Vehicle speed
can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the vehicle may not accelerate at
the desired speed. The transmission will
downshift or upshift as it reaches pre-
scribed shift points. You can also shift
manually.

As driving conditions change and engine
coolant temperature is reduced, vehicle
speed can be increased using the accel-

erator pedal, and air conditioning cooling
function will automatically be turned back
on.

A malfunction may have occurred if:

∙ The engine coolant temperature is not

reduced,

∙ The air conditioning cooling function

does not turn back on, or

∙ The engine oil pressure warning light

illuminates or the engine coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates an overheat-
ing condition.

If a malfunction occurs move the vehicle
off the road in a safe area and allow the
engine to cool. If the condition is still pres-
ent after checking the oil and coolant, do
not continue to drive. It is recommended
that you contact a NISSAN dealer.

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may
also come on. If only it remains on, you do
not need to have your vehicle towed, but
have it inspected soon. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice. For additional information, refer to
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in the “In-
struments and controls” section of this
manual.

WARNING

Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful when
driving. If the vehicle cannot maintain a
safe driving speed, pull to the side of the
road in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation. For
additional information, refer to “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.

CAUTION

Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

5-12

Starting and driving

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A/T)

WARNING

∙ Do not depress the accelerator pedal

while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive). Always
depress the brake pedal until shifting
is completed. Failure to do so could
cause you to lose control and have an
accident.

∙ Cold engine idle speed is high, so use

caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.

∙ Do not downshift abruptly on slippery

roads. This may cause a loss of
control.

∙ Never shift to either the P (Park) or R

(Reverse) position while the vehicle is
moving forward and P (Park) or D
(Drive) position while the vehicle is re-
versing. This could cause an accident
or damage the transmission.

∙ Except in an emergency, do not shift

to the N (Neutral) position while driv-
ing. Coasting with the transmission in
the N (Neutral) position may cause se-
rious damage to the transmission.

CAUTION

∙ To avoid possible damage to your ve-

hicle, when stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal. The
foot brake should be used for this
purpose.

The A/T in your vehicle is electronically con-
trolled to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.

The recommended operating procedures
for this transmission are shown on the fol-
lowing pages. Follow these procedures for
maximum vehicle performance and driv-
ing enjoyment.

Starting the vehicle

1. After starting the engine, fully depress

the foot brake pedal before moving the
shift lever out of the P (Park) position.

2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed

and move the shift lever into a driving
gear.

3. Release the foot brake, then gradually

start the vehicle in motion.

The automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P (Park) to
any drive position while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.

The shift lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition
switch is placed in the LOCK or OFF posi-
tion.

Starting and driving

5-13

To move the shift lever:

: Shift while depressing the brake

pedal

: Shift without depressing the brake

pedal

Shifting

After starting the engine, fully depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever out of
the P (Park) position.

WARNING

Apply the parking brake if the shift lever
is in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal in-
jury or property damage.

If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF or
ACC position for any reason while the ve-
hicle is in N (Neutral), or any D (Drive) posi-
tion, the ignition switch cannot be turned
to the LOCK position. Move the shift lever to
the P (Park) position, then the ignition
switch can be turned to the LOCK position.

P (Park)

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use
the P (Park) position only when the ve-
hicle is completely stopped.

Use the P (Park) shift lever position when
the vehicle is parked or when starting the
engine. Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped.

The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shift lever from N (Neutral) or
any drive position to P (Park).

Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then move
the shift lever into the P (Park) position.

R (Reverse)

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use
the R (Reverse) position only when the
vehicle is completely stopped.

Use the R (Reverse) position to back up.
Make

sure

the

vehicle

completely

stopped before selecting the R (Reverse)
position. The brake pedal must be de-
pressed to move the shift lever from P
(Park), N (Neutral) or any drive position to
R (Reverse).

N (Neutral)

Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.

D (Drive)

Use this position for all normal forward
driving.

LIC2709

5-14

Starting and driving

Manual shift mode

When the manual shift mode button

䊊

pressed while driving, the transmission en-
ters the manual shift mode. Shift ranges
can be selected manually.

To leave manual mode from any position
press the manual shift mode button

䊊

again. Manual shift mode is also canceled
when the vehicle is restarted.

In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the
meter. After pressing the manual shift
mode button, the position indicator first
displays M4 (Fourth) (5–speed automatic

transmission) or M1 (First) through M6
(Sixth), depending on the current gear po-
sition as indicated in the following table
(7–speed automatic transmission):

Current gear
position:

Position indicator
first displays:

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Fifth

Sixth

Seventh

Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:

←→

←→M5←→M6*←→M7*

*If so equipped

M7 (Seventh) (if so equipped)

Use this position for all normal forward
driving at highway speeds.

←→ M2 ←→ M3 ←→ M4 ←→ M5 ←→

←→ M7

M7 will be displayed on the position indica-
tor in the meter.

M6 (Sixth) (if so equipped)

Use this position for all normal forward
driving at highway speeds.

←→ M2 ←→ M3 ←→ M4 ←→ M5 ←→ M6

M6 will be displayed on the position indica-
tor in the meter

M5 (Fifth)

Allows the vehicle to shift to the highest
gear (5–speed automatic transmission).

Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:

←→ M2 ←→ M3 ←→ M4←→ M5

M5 will be displayed on the position indica-
tor in the meter.

M4 (Fourth)

For driving up or down long slopes where
engine braking would be advantageous.

Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:

←→ M2 ←→ M3 ←→ M4

M4 will be displayed on the position indica-
tor in the meter.

LSD2004

Starting and driving

5-15

M3 (Third)

Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.

Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:

←→ M2 ←→ M3

M3 will be displayed on the position indica-
tor in the meter.

M2 (Second)

Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.

Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:

←→ M2

M2 will be displayed on the position indica-
tor in the meter.

M1 (First)

Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades.

M1 will be displayed on the position indica-
tor on the meter.

∙ Remember not to drive at high speeds

for extended periods of time in lower
than

range. This

reduces

fuel

economy.

When shifting up

Push the shift switch to the + (up) side.
(Shifts to higher range.)

When shifting down

Push the shift switch to the

⫺ (down) side.

(Shifts to lower range.)

∙ The transmission will automatically

downshift the gears. (For example, if you
select the 3rd range, the transmission
will shift down between the 3rd and 1st
gears.)

∙ Pushing the shift switch rapidly will shift

the ranges in succession.

When canceling the manual shift mode

Press and hold the +(UP) button to return
the transmission to the normal driving
mode.

∙ In the manual shift mode, the trans-

mission may not shift to the selected
gear immediately because of vehicle
speed. The transmission will up or
down

shift

when

vehicle

speed

matches the programmed transmis-
sion shift points. This helps maintain
driving performance and reduces the
chance of vehicle damage or loss of
control.

∙ In the manual shift mode, the trans-

mission will not up shift to a higher
gear than is manually selected. When
the vehicle speed decreases, the
transmission

automatically

shifts

down and shifts to 1st gear before the
vehicle comes to a stop.

5-16

Starting and driving

Shift lock release

If the battery is discharged, the shift lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) posi-
tion even with the brake pedal depressed.

To move the shift lever, release the shift
lock. The shift lever can be moved to N
(Neutral). However, for models without the
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System, the
steering wheel will be locked unless the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
This allows the vehicle to be moved if the
battery is discharged.

If the shift lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have the automatic transmission
system checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

WARNING

If the shift lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an

accident

injuring

yourself

and

others.

Accelerator downshift
— in D (Drive) position —

For passing or hill climbing, depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts
the transmission down into a lower gear,
depending on the vehicle speed.

Fail-safe

When the fail-safe operation occurs, please
note that the transmission will be locked in
any of the forward gears according to the
condition.

If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel
spinning and subsequent hard braking,
the fail-safe system may be activated.
This will occur even if all electrical cir-
cuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and wait for 3 seconds. Then
place the ignition switch back in the ON
position. The vehicle should return to its
normal operating condition. If it does not
return to its normal operating condition,
have the transmission checked and re-
paired, if necessary. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.

LSD0101

Starting and driving

5-17

WARNING

∙ Be sure the parking brake is fully re-

leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.

∙ Do not release the parking brake from

outside the vehicle.

∙ Do not use the shift lever in place of

the parking brake. When parking, be
sure

the

parking

brake

fully

engaged.

∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death

through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly be-
come high enough to cause a signifi-
cant risk of injury or death to people
and pets.

To engage: Firmly depress the parking
brake.

To release:

1. Firmly apply the foot brake.

2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) po-

sition.

3. Firmly depress the parking brake pedal

and it will release.

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warn-

ing light goes out.

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL

1. ACCEL/RES switch

2. COAST/SET switch

3. CANCEL switch

4. ON/OFF switch

LSD0158

LSD2003

PARKING BRAKE

CRUISE CONTROL

5-18

Starting and driving

∙ If the cruise control system malfunc-

tions, it cancels automatically. The SET
indicator light illuminates in the trip
computer then blinks to warn the driver.
For additional information, refer to
“Cruise set switch indicator light” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of
this manual.

∙ If the SET indicator light blinks, push the

ON/OFF switch off and have the system
checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

∙ The SET indicator light may blink when

the ON/OFF switch is pushed on while
pushing the ACCEL/RES, COAST/SET, or
CANCEL switch. To properly set the
cruise control system, use the following
procedures.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:

∙ When it is not possible to keep the

vehicle at a set speed.

∙ In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies

in speed.

∙ On winding or hilly roads.

∙ On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).

∙ In very windy areas.

Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 - 89 mph (40 - 144 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.

To turn on the cruise control, push the
ON/OFF switch on. The CRUISE indicator
light in the trip computer will illuminate.

To set cruising speed, accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET
indicator light in the trip computer will illu-
minate. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set
speed.

∙ To pass another vehicle, depress the

accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.

∙ The vehicle may not maintain the set

speed when going up or down steep
hills. If this happens, drive without the
cruise control.

To cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following three methods:

∙ Push the CANCEL switch; the SET indi-

cator light in the trip computer goes
out.

∙ Tap the brake pedal; the SET indicator

light goes out.

∙ Push the ON/OFF switch off. Both the

CRUISE indicator light and SET indicator
light in the trip computer go out.

The cruise control is automatically can-
celed and the SET light in the trip computer
goes out if:

∙ You depress the brake pedal while

pushing the ACCEL/RES or SET/COAST
switch. The preset speed is deleted
from memory.

∙ The vehicle slows down more than

8 mph (13 km/h) below the set speed.

∙ You move the shift lever to N (Neutral).

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use
one of the following three methods:

∙ Depress the accelerator pedal. When

the vehicle attains the desired speed,
push

and

release

the

COAST/SET

switch.

Starting and driving

5-19

∙ Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch.

When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.

∙ Push

and

release

the

ACCEL/RES

switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed increases by about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h).

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use
one of the following three methods:

∙ Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the

vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.

∙ Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.

Release the switch when the vehicle
slows to the desired speed.

∙ Push

and

release

the

COAST/SET

switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed decreases by about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h).

To resume the preset speed, push and
release the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle
returns to the last set cruising speed when
the vehicle speed is over 25 mph (40 km/h).

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance
and ensure the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may re-
sult in shortened engine life and re-
duced engine performance.

∙ Avoid driving for long periods at con-

stant speed, either fast or slow, and do
not run the engine over 4,000 RPM.

∙ Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

∙ Avoid quick starts.

∙ Avoid hard braking as much as pos-

sible.

∙ Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles

(805 kilometers). Your engine, axle or
other parts could be damaged.

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.

1. Use Smooth Accelerator and

Brake Pedal Application

∙ Avoid rapid starts and stops.

∙ Use smooth, gentle accelerator and

brake application whenever possible.

∙ Maintain constant speed while com-

muting and coast whenever pos-
sible.

2. Maintain Constant Speed

∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and

minimize stops.

∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic

lights allows you to reduce your num-
ber of stops.

∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini-

mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

5-20

Starting and driving

3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher

Vehicle Speeds

∙ Below 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.

∙ Above 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag.

∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin

when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.

4. Drive at Economical Speeds and

Distances

∙ Observing the speed limit and not

exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag.

∙ Maintaining a safe following distance

behind other vehicles reduces un-
necessary braking.

∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate

changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.

∙ Select a gear range suitable to road

conditions.

5. Use Cruise Control

∙ Using cruise control during highway

driving helps maintain a steady
speed.

∙ Cruise control is particularly effective

in providing fuel savings when driving
on flat terrains.

6. Plan for the Shortest Route

∙ Utilize a map or navigation system to

determine the best route to save
time.

7. Avoid Idling

∙ Shutting off your engine when safe

for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions.

8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads

∙ Automated passes permit drivers to

use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.

9. Winter Warm Up

∙ Limit idling time to minimize impact

to fuel economy.

∙ Vehicles typically need no more than

30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil be-
fore driving.

∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-

ating

temperature

quickly

while driving versus idling.

10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool

∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking

area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible.

∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening

the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C sys-
tem.

Starting and driving

5-21

∙ Keep your engine tuned up.

∙ Follow the recommended scheduled

maintenance.

∙ Keep the tires inflated to the correct

pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

∙ Keep the front wheels in correct align-

ment. Improper alignment increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

∙ Use the recommended viscosity engine

oil. For additional information, refer to
“Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.

WARNING

∙ Do not stop or park the vehicle over

flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.

∙ Safe parking procedures require that

both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park). Fail-
ure to do so could cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly or roll away and
result in an accident. Make sure the
shift lever has been pushed as far for-
ward as it can go and cannot be
moved without depressing the foot
brake pedal.

∙ Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

WSD0050

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

5-22

Starting and driving

∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) po-

sition.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling

into traffic when parked on an incline, it
is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.

∙ HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB

䊊

Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb
side wheel gently touches the curb.

∙ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB

䊊

Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.

∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB

䊊

Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it moves.

4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK

position.

The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to as-
sist steering.

If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.

WARNING

If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.

POWER STEERING

Starting and driving

5-23

The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.

To help reduce brake wear and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance
and could result in loss of vehicle control.

WARNING

∙ While driving on a slippery surface, be

careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or ac-
celerating could cause the wheels to
skid and result in an accident.

∙ If the engine is not running or is

turned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the brakes will not work. Brak-
ing will be harder.

Wet brakes

When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be lon-
ger and the vehicle may pull to one side
during braking.

To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.

Parking brake break-in

Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.

This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING

∙ The ABS is a sophisticated device, but

it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain
a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible for safety.

∙ Tire type and condition may also af-

fect braking effectiveness.

– When replacing tires, install the

specified size of tires on all four
wheels.

BRAKE SYSTEM

5-24

Starting and driving

– 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, refer to “Tire
and Loading Information label” in
the “Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.

– For additional information, refer to

“Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.

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

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 mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the
instrument 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 above 3 - 6 mph (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.

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.

Starting and driving

5-25

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 vehicle at
all times.

∙ ABLS system uses automatic braking to

transfer power from a slipping drive
wheel to the wheel on the same axle
with more traction. The ABLS system
applies braking to the slipping wheel,
which helps redirect power to the other
wheel.

∙ The ABLS system is always on. In some

conditions, the system may automati-
cally turn the ABLS system off. If the sys-
tem is automatically turned off, normal
brake function will continue. ABLS will
function even when the VDC system is
turned off.

∙ The ABLS does not operate if both

wheels on a drive axle are slipping.

WARNING

∙ The ABLS system helps provide in-

creased traction, but will not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration or by careless driving or dan-
gerous driving practices. Reduce ve-
hicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces. Always drive carefully.

∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN approved for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the
ABLS system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance, and the
slip indicator light may illuminate.

∙ If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ABLS sys-
tem may not operate properly and the
slip indicator light may illuminate.

∙ If wheels or tires other than the

NISSAN recommended ones are used,
the ABLS system may not operate
properly and the slip indicator light
may illuminate.

ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM

5-26

Starting 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

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 func-
tion).

∙ 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 fol-

low the steered path despite in-
creased 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 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, refer to “Slip in-
dicator light” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.

If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the

indicator light comes on in the

instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off when the indicator light
is on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The

indicator illumi-

nates to indicate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC OFF 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

indicator flashes if this oc-

curs. All other VDC functions are off and
the

indicator 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 driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully.

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

Starting and driving

5-27

Nissan NV Passenger Van (2018 year). Manual - part 18