Nissan Versa Sedan (2015 year). Manual

CAUTION

● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery

roads. This may cause a loss of control.

● Except in an emergency, do not shift to

the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.

● Start the engine in either the P (Park) or

N (Neutral) position. The engine will not
start in any other position. If it does,
have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer.

● Shift into the P (Park) position and ap-

ply the parking brake when at a stand-
still for longer than a short waiting
period.

● Keep the engine at idling speed while

shifting from the N (Neutral) position to
any driving position.

● When stopping the vehicle on an uphill

grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake pedal should be depressed in this
situation.

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 to a drive position.

3. Release the parking brake, the foot brake

pedal, and then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.

The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
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 P
(Park) and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition switch is turned to the
LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the key is
removed.

WARNING

DEPRESS THE FOOT BRAKE PEDAL -
Shifting the shift lever to “D”, “R”, “2” or
“1” without depressing the foot brake
pedal causes the vehicle to move slowly
when the engine is running. Make sure the
foot brake pedal is depressed fully and the
vehicle is stopped before shifting the shift
lever.

CAUTION

● MAKE SURE OF THE SHIFT LEVER PO-

SITION - Make sure the shift lever is in
the desired position. “D”, “2” and “1” are
used to move forward and “R” to back
up.

● WARM UP THE ENGINE - Due to the

higher idle speeds when the engine is
cold, extra caution must be exercised
when shifting the shift lever into the
driving position immediately after start-
ing the engine.

Starting and driving

5-21

To move the shift lever:

Push the button

䊊

while depressing the

brake pedal.

Push the button

䊊

Just move the shift lever.

Shifting

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 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.

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

If the ignition switch is in the OFF or ACC posi-
tion for any reason while the shift lever is in any
position other than the P (Park) position, the
ignition switch cannot be turned to the LOCK
position.

If the ignition switch cannot be placed in the
LOCK position, perform the following steps:

1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is

stopped.

2. Place the ignition switch in the ON position

while depressing the foot brake pedal.

3. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.

4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-

tion.

P (Park):

CAUTION

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

Use the P (Park) position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the shift lever
button pushed in 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 shift
the shift lever into the P (Park) position.

R (Reverse):

CAUTION

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

LSD2005

5-22

Starting and driving

Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting R (Reverse) position. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the shift lever
button pushed in to move the shift lever
from P (Park), N (Neutral) or any drive po-
sition to R (Reverse).

N (Neutral):

Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. 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.

2 (Second gear):

Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.

1 (Low gear):

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

Do not shift into the gears when the vehicle
speed exceeds the following limits, otherwise the
engine may over-rev and cause engine damage.

Shift Lever position

34 MPH (55 km/h)

62 MPH (100 km/h)

Shift lock release

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

To move the shift lever, perform the following
procedure:

1. Place the ignition switch into the LOCK po-

sition and remove the key.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Remove the shift lock release cover using a

suitable tool.

LSD2006

Starting and driving

5-23

4. Push down the shift lock release using a

suitable tool.

5. Push the shift lever button

䊊

and move the

shift lever to the N (Neutral) position while
holding down the shift lock release.

6. Place the ignition switch in the ON position

to unlock the steering wheel.

7. Release the parking brake.

The vehicle may be moved to the desired loca-
tion.

Replace the removed shift lock release cover
after the operation.

If the shift lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position, have a NISSAN dealer check the
automatic transmission system as soon as pos-
sible.

Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch

Each time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.

ON:

With the engine running and the
shift lever in the D (Drive) position,
the transmission upshifts into Over-
drive as vehicle speed increases.

Overdrive does not engage until the engine
has reached operating temperature.

OFF:

For driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking is nec-
essary push the Overdrive switch
once. The O/D OFF indicator light
in the instrument panel comes on at
this time.

When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts into and out of
Overdrive repeatedly. In this case, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive off. The
O/D OFF indicator light in the instrument panel
comes on at this time.

When driving conditions change, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive on.

Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.
This reduces fuel economy.

Accelerator downshift
— in D position —

For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.

LSD2007

5-24

Starting and driving

Fail-safe

When the fail-safe operation is activated, the
automatic transmission will be locked in third
gear.

If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case:

● Place the shift lever in the P (Park)

position.

● 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 op-
erating condition. If it does not return to its
normal

operating

condition,

have

NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair it if necessary.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)

WARNING

● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery

roads. This may cause a loss of control.

● Do not over-rev the engine when shift-

ing to a lower gear. This may cause a
loss of control or engine damage.

● Do not shift to the N (Neutral) position

while driving. Doing so may result in an
accident due to loss of engine braking.

CAUTION

● Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal

while driving. This may cause clutch
damage.

● Fully depress the clutch pedal before

shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.

● Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

● When the vehicle is stopped with the

engine running (for example, at a stop
light), shift to N (Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.

Shifting

To change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into
the appropriate gear, then release the clutch
slowly and smoothly.

To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress
the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever. If
the clutch pedal is not fully depressed before the
transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be
heard. Transmission damage could occur.

Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd,
4th up to 5th gear in sequence according to
vehicle speed.

SSD0535

Starting and driving

5-25

On the manual transmission, you cannot shift
directly from 5th gear into R (Reverse). First shift
into N (Neutral), then into R (Reverse).

The shift lever ring returns to its original position
when the shift lever is moved to the N (Neutral)
position.

If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (1st), shift into N (Neutral), then
release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch
pedal again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1 (1st).

Suggested up-shift speeds

The following are suggested vehicle speeds for
shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions
relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance.
Actual upshift speeds will vary according to road
conditions, the weather and individual driving
habits.

For normal acceleration in low altitude areas (less
than 4,000 ft [1219 m]):

GEAR CHANGE

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd

9 (14)

2nd to 3rd

12 (19)

3rd to 4th

21 (34)

4th to 5th

28 (45)

5th

—

For quick acceleration in low altitude areas and
high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1219 m]):

Gear change

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd

15 (24)

2nd to 3rd

25 (40)

3rd to 4th

40 (64)

4th to 5th

45 (72)

5th

—

Suggested maximum speed in each
gear

Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.

Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road driving,
use the highest gear suggested for that speed.
Always observe posted speed limits, and drive
according to the road conditions, which will en-
sure safe operation. Do not over-rev the engine
when shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.

GEAR

MPH (km/h)

1st

28 (46)

2nd

52 (83)

3rd

76 (122)

4th

103 (166)

5th

—

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 is fully engaged.

● Do not leave children unattended in a

vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.

PARKING BRAKE

5-26

Starting and driving

To engage: Pull the parking brake lever up

䊊

To release:

1. Firmly apply the foot brake.

2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral) posi-
tion.

Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) / Automatic transmission mod-
els:

Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.

3. While pulling up on the parking brake lever

slightly, push the button

䊊

and lower the

lever completely.

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

ACCEL/RES switch

COAST/SET switch

CANCEL switch

CRUISE ON/OFF switch

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL

● If the cruise control system malfunctions, it

cancels automatically.

● To properly set the cruise control system,

use the following procedures.

WSD0169

LSD2003

CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)

Starting and driving

5-27

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driving
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.

CAUTION

On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N (Neutral) without depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control is
set. Should this occur, depress the clutch
pedal and turn the main switch off imme-
diately. Failure to do so may cause engine
damage.

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

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

To turn on the cruise control, push the
CRUISE ON/OFF switch. The CRUISE indicator
light in the instrument panel comes on.

To set cruising speed, accelerate the vehicle to
the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch
and release it. The CRUISE indicator light in the
instrument panel comes on. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set
speed.

● To pass another vehicle, depress the ac-

celerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previously
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 button; the CRUISE in-

dicator light in the instrument panel goes
out.

● Tap the brake pedal; the CRUISE indicator

light goes out.

● Push the CRUISE ON/OFF switch off. The

CRUISE indicator light in the instrument
panel goes out.

The cruise control is automatically canceled and
the CRUISE light in the instrument panel goes
out if:

● you depress the brake or clutch 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 depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-

mission), or move the shift lever into N (Neu-
tral) (CVT).

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.

● Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch.

When the vehicle attains the speed you de-
sire, release the switch.

● Push and release the ACCEL/RES switch.

Each time you do this, the set speed in-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

5-28

Starting and driving

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

● Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-

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

● Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-

lease 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 de-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To resume the preset speed, push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle re-
turns 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 obtain
maximum engine performance and ensure
the future reliability and economy of your
new vehicle. Failure to follow these rec-
ommendations may result in shortened
engine

life

and

reduced

engine

performance.

● Avoid driving for long periods at constant

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 possible.

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 commut-

ing and coast whenever possible

2. Maintain Constant Speed

● Look ahead to try and anticipate and mini-

mize stops

● Synchronizing your speed with traffic

lights allows you to reduce your number
of stops

● Maintaining a steady speed can minimize

red light stops and improve fuel efficiency

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

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

Starting and driving

5-29

● Recirculating the cool air in the cabin

when the A/C is on reduces cooling load

4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-

tances

● Observing the speed limit and not ex-

ceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where le-
gally allowed) can improve fuel efficiency
due to reduced aerodynamic drag

● Maintaining a safe following distance be-

hind other vehicles reduces unnecessary
braking

● Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate

changes in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes

● Select a gear range suitable to road con-

ditions

5. Use Cruise Control

● Using cruise control during highway driv-

ing 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 de-

termine 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 cruising 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 effec-
tively circulate the engine oil before driv-
ing

● Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating

temperature more quickly while driving
versus idling

10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool

● Park your vehicle in a covered parking

area or in the shade whenever possible

● When entering a hot vehicle, opening the

windows will help to reduce the inside
temperature faster, resulting in reduced
demand on your A/C system

● Keep your engine tuned up.
● Follow the recommended scheduled main-

tenance.

● Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-

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

● Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im-

proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.

● Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.

See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” in this manual.

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

5-30

Starting and driving

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) or in
an appropriate gear for manual trans-
mission models. Failure 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 forward as it can go and
cannot be moved without depressing
the foot brake pedal.

● Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

● Do not leave children unattended inside

the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift lever into the R (Reverse)
position. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the shift lever into 1st gear.

Continuously

Variable

Transmission

(CVT) / Automatic transmission models:

Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position.

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 cen-
ter of the road if it moves.

4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-

tion and remove the key (if so equipped)/
NISSAN Intelligent Key® (if so equipped).

SSD0488

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

Starting and driving

5-31

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.

● When the power steering warning light

illuminates with the engine running,
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 by a NISSAN
dealer.

The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.

When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. When the temperature of the power steer-
ing system goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the power
steering system to overheat.

You may hear a sound when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.

If the electric power steering warning light PS
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.

When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates 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
warning light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section.

The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at 2 wheels.

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

Vacuum assisted brakes

The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.

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.

POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

5-32

Starting and driving

WARNING

● While driving on a slippery surface, be

careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating 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 assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking 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 longer 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 brake shoes whenever the effect of
the parking brake is weakened or whenever the
brake shoes and/or drums are replaced, in order
to assure the best brake performance.

This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)

WARNING

● The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a

sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces 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 respon-
sible for safety.

● Tire type and condition may also affect

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. See “Technical
and consumer information” section
of this manual.

– For

detailed

information,

see

“Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.

The Anti-lock Braking System (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 slip-
pery surfaces.

Using the system

Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

Starting and driving

5-33

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may

result

increased

stopping

distances.

Self-test feature

The ABS includes 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 malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates 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 vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.

Normal operation

The ABS operates at speeds above 3 - 6 MPH (5
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.

When the ABS senses that 1 or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies
and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is
similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation 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 operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle 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 function).

● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels

and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:

– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow

the steered path despite increased steer-
ing 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.

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

5-34

Starting and driving

When the VDC system operates, the

indi-

cator 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 indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.

● Adjust your speed and driving to the road

conditions.

See “Slip indicator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the ”Instru-
ments and controls” section.

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light comes on in the instrument panel.
The VDC system automatically turns off when the
indicator light is off.

The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The

indicator illuminates to indi-

cate 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

indicator flashes if this occurs. 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 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 the

driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.

● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.

If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not NISSAN
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the

indicator may

flash or the

indicator light may

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

indica-

tor light may illuminate.

● If engine control related parts are not

NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the

indicator light

may illuminate.

● When driving on extremely inclined sur-

faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the

indicator may flash or

the

indicator light may illuminate.

Do not drive on these types of roads.

Starting and driving

5-35

● When driving on an unstable surface

such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the

indicator may flash or

the

indicator light may illuminate.

This is not a malfunction. Restart the
engine after driving onto a stable
surface.

● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN

recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the

indicator

may

flash

the

indicator light may illuminate.

● The VDC system is not a substitute for

winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole, or use the remote keyless entry keyfob or
the NISSAN Intelligent Key®.

ANTI-FREEZE

In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection. For
details, see “Engine cooling system” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

BATTERY

If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see “Battery” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.

TIRE EQUIPMENT

1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to

provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.

2. 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.

3. Tire chains may be used. For details see

“Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

5-36

Starting and driving

Nissan Versa Sedan (2015 year). Manual - part 16