Nissan Altima (L34) 2019-2025 Owners Manual: Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
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 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 cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
indicator 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 indicates that the VDC system is working properly.
- Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, see "Slip indicator light" and "Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light".
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 on.
The vehicle information display is used to
turn off the VDC system. When the VDC
system is turned off, the
indicator light
and if so equipped, the RAB system
warning light, AEB system warning light
and AEB with Pedestrian Detection system
warning light illuminate to indicate the
VDC, AEB, AEB with Pedestrian Detection, and RAB systems are off.
When the VDC system is turned off in the
vehicle information display, 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 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 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 always drive carefully.
- Do not modify the vehicle's suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock absorbers, 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 performance, and the
indicator light 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
both the
and
indicator lights may illuminate.
- If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
and the
indicator lights may illuminate.
- When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
indicator light may flash or the
indicator light may 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 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 light may flash or the
indicator light may illuminate.
- The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.
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 driving and cornering on slippery surfaces and always drive carefully.
- Do not modify the vehicle's suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock absorbers, 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 performance, and the
indicator light 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
both the
and indicator light may illuminate.
- If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
and the
indicator light may illuminate.
- When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
indicator light may flash or the
indicator light may 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 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 light may flash or the
indicator light may illuminate.
- The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.