Nissan Versa (2019 year). Instruction

The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gear po-
sitions if the ignition switch is placed in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the
key is removed.

To move the shift lever:

Press the button

䊊

while depressing

the brake pedal

Press the button

䊊

to shift

Shift without pressing the button

䊊

Shifting

After starting the engine, fully depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever from P
(Park) to any of the desired shift positions.

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 drive position,
the key cannot be turned to the LOCK po-
sition and be removed from the ignition
switch. If this occurs, perform the following
steps:

1. Apply the parking brake when the ve-

hicle is stopped.

2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) to park

the vehicle and place the ignition
switch in the LOCK position to remove
the key.

P (Park)

CAUTION

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

LSD2013

5-18

Starting and driving

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 must be de-
pressed and the shift lever button
pressed 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 place
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. R (Reverse) speed is limited to
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h) in the R (Reverse) position. The
brake pedal must be depressed and the
shift lever button pressed in 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.

L (Low)

Use this position for engine braking on
steep downhill gradients/climbing steep
slopes and whenever approaching sharp
bends. Do not use the L (Low) position in
any other circumstances.

Shift lock release

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

To move the shift lever, perform the follow-
ing procedure:

1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK

position and remove the key.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Using a protective cloth on the tip of a

screwdriver, remove the shift lock re-
lease cover.

LSD2011

Starting and driving

5-19

∙ If available, a plastic trim tool can also

be used.

4. Push down the shift lock release using

a suitable tool.

5. Press 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 po-

sition to unlock the steering wheel.

7. Release the parking brake.

The vehicle may be moved to the desired
location.

Replace the removed shift lock release
cover after the operation.

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

Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch

When the O/D OFF switch is pushed with
the shift lever in the D (Drive) position,
the

light in the instrument panel illu-

minates. For additional information, refer
to “Overdrive OFF indicator light” in the “In-
struments and controls” section of this
manual.
Use the overdrive OFF mode when you
need improved engine braking.

To turn off the overdrive OFF mode, push
the O/D OFF switch again. The

indi-

cator light will turn off.

Each time the engine is started, or when
the shift lever is moved to any position
other than D (Drive), the overdrive OFF
mode will be automatically turned off.

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, the
Continuously Variable Transmission will
not be shifted into the selected driving po-
sition.

If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel
spinning and subsequent hard braking,
the fail-safe system may be activated.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may come on to indicate the fail-safe
mode is activated. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual. This will oc-
cur even if all electrical circuits are func-
tioning properly. In this case, place the
ignition switch in the OFF position and

LSD2012

5-20

Starting and driving

wait for 10 seconds. Then place the igni-
tion switch back in the ON position. The
vehicle should return to its normal oper-
ating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have the
transmission checked and repaired, if
necessary. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

WARNING

When the high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode or fail-safe operation oc-
curs, vehicle speed may be gradually re-
duced. The reduced speed may be lower
than other traffic, which could increase
the chance of a collision. Be especially
careful when driving. If necessary, pull
to the side of the road at a safe place
and allow the transmission to return to
normal operation, or have it repaired 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

shifting 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
downshifting, depress the clutch pedal
fully, shift into the appropriate gear, then
release the clutch slowly and smoothly.

To ensure smooth gear changes, fully de-
press 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. Trans-
mission damage could occur.

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

SSD0535

Starting and driving

5-21

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

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 1st gear, shift into N (Neutral),
then release the clutch pedal. Depress the
clutch pedal again and shift into R (Re-
verse) or 1st gear.

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 condi-
tions, the weather and individual driving
habits.

For normal acceleration in low altitude ar-
eas (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 ac-
celerate.

Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according to
the road conditions, which will ensure 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

—

5-22

Starting and driving

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: 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)
position.

Continuously Variable Transmission
models:

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

3. While pulling up on the parking brake

lever slightly, press the button

䊊

and

lower the lever completely.

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warn-

ing light goes out.

WSD0169

PARKING BRAKE

Starting and driving

5-23

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL

1. CANCEL switch

2. ACCEL/RES switch

3. COAST/SET switch

4. ON/OFF switch

∙ If the cruise control system malfunc-

tions, it cancels automatically.

∙ To properly set the cruise control sys-

tem, 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.

CAUTION

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

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 - 89 mph (40 - 144 km/h) with-
out keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.

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

To set cruising speed, accelerate the ve-
hicle 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 ac-
celerator 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.

LSD2430

CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)

5-24

Starting and driving

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

∙ Push the CANCEL switch; the CRUISE

indicator light in the instrument panel
goes out.

∙ Tap the brake pedal; the CRUISE indica-

tor light goes out.

∙ Push the ON/OFF switch off. The CRUISE

indicator light in the instrument panel
goes out.

The cruise control is automatically can-
celed and the CRUISE indicator light in the
instrument panel goes out if:

∙ You depress the brake or clutch pedal

while

pushing

the

ACCEL/RES

COAST/SET 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

transmission), or move the shift lever
into N (Neutral) (Continuously Variable
Transmission).

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
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).

Starting and driving

5-25

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.

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.

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 Dis-

tances

∙ 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.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

5-26

Starting and driving

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.

∙ 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 wheels in correct alignment.

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.

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

Starting and driving

5-27

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 (M/T) models. Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move unex-
pectedly 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 de-
pressing the foot brake pedal.

∙ Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. M/T models:

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

Continuously Variable 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.

SSD0488

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

5-28

Starting and driving

∙ 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 and remove the key.

WARNING

∙ If the engine is not running or is

turned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the steering will not work.
Steering will be harder to operate.

∙ 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.

The power steering system is designed to
provide power assist while driving to oper-
ate the steering wheel with light force.

When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power as-
sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.
This is to prevent overheating of the power
steering system and protect it from getting
damaged. While the power assist is re-
duced, steering wheel operation will be-
come heavy. When the temperature of the
power steering system goes down, the
power assist level will return to normal.
Avoid repeating such steering wheel op-

erations that could cause the power steer-
ing system to overheat.

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

If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servic-
ing. Have the power steering system
checked. It is recommended 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, refer to “Power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.

POWER STEERING

Starting and driving

5-29

The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two 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 pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and stopping distance 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.

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 brake shoes

and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order
to assure the best brake performance.

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

5-30

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

5-31

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.

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 light in the instrument panel
flashes so 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 this indicator light
is on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The

indicator light illu-

minates to indicate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

5-32

Starting and driving

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.

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.

∙ 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 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

illuminate.

∙ If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may

not

operate

properly

and

the

indicator

light

may

illuminate.

∙ If engine control related parts are not

NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the

indi-

cator light may illuminate.

∙ When driving on extremely inclined

surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the

indicator light

may flash or 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 illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. 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 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.

Starting and driving

5-33

Nissan Versa (2019 year). Instruction - part 15