Nissan Titan (2019 year). Manual

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).

∙ If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into

4LO the

indicator light will come

on and the VDC system will be turned
off. For additional information, refer to
“Using 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)” in this sec-
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 will come on in the

instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off when these indicator
lights are off.

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 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 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.

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

Starting and driving

5-59

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

the

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 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 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

5-60

Starting and driving

∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

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 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 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.

WARNING

∙ Never rely solely on the hill descent

control system to control vehicle
speed when driving on steep downhill
grades. Always drive carefully and at-
tentively when using the hill descent
control system and decelerate the ve-
hicle speed by depressing the brake
pedal if necessary. Be especially care-
ful when driving on frozen, muddy or
extremely steep downhill roads. Fail-
ure to control vehicle speed may re-
sult in a loss of control of the vehicle
and possible serious injury or death.

∙ The hill descent control may not con-

trol the vehicle speed on a hill under
all load or road conditions. Always be
prepared to depress the brake pedal
to control vehicle speed. Failure to do
so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.

The hill descent control system can only be
activated when the 4H or 4LO position is
engaged.

HILL DESCENT CONTROL SYSTEM (if
so equipped)

Starting and driving

5-61

The hill descent control system helps
maintain vehicle speed when driving under
15 mph (25 km/h) on steeper downhill
grades. Hill descent control is useful when
engine braking alone cannot control ve-
hicle speed. Hill descent control applies the
vehicle brakes to control vehicle speed al-
lowing the driver to concentrate on steer-
ing while reducing the burden of brake and
accelerator operation.

If the hill descent control system ON indica-
tor light is blinking, the hill descent control
is engaged; however, the hill descent con-
trol will not control the vehicle speed.

∙ Once the system is activated, the indi-

cator light will remain on in the instru-
ment panel. For additional information,
refer to “Hill descent control system ON
indicator light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.

∙ You may hear a noise from under the

hood or feel a vibration from the actua-
tor when it is operating. This indicates
that the hill descent control system is
working properly.

If the accelerator or brake pedal is de-
pressed while the hill descent control sys-
tem is on, the system will stop operating
temporarily. As soon as the accelerator or
brake pedal is released, the hill descent
control system begins to function again if
the hill descent control operating condi-
tions are fulfilled.

For the best results, when descending
steep downhill grades, the hill descent con-
trol switch should be ON and the shift lever
in M1 (First) for engine braking. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Hill descent
control switch” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.

WARNING

∙ Never rely solely on the hill start assist

system to prevent the vehicle from
moving backward on a hill. Always
drive carefully and attentively. De-
press the brake pedal when the ve-
hicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be es-
pecially careful when stopped on a hill
on frozen or muddy roads. Failure to
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards may result in a loss of control of
the vehicle and possible serious injury
or death.

∙ The hill start assist system is not de-

signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still on a hill. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to roll backwards and may
result in a collision or serious personal
injury.

∙ The hill start assist may not prevent

the vehicle from rolling backwards on
a hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the
brake pedal to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards. Failure to do
so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.

HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM

5-62

Starting and driving

When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill
start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied. This helps prevents the
vehicle from rolling backward in the time it
takes the driver to release the brake pedal
and apply the accelerator when the vehicle
is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically
under the following conditions:

∙ The shift lever is shifted to a forward or

reverse gear.

∙ The vehicle is stopped completely on a

hill by applying the brake.

The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
After 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and hill start assist will stop operating
completely.

Hill start assist will not operate when the
shift lever is shifted into N (Neutral) or P
(Park) or on a flat and level road. When
the

indicator light illuminates in the

meter, the hill start assist system will not
operate.

The front and rear sonar system sounds a
tone to inform the driver of obstacles near
the bumper.

When the “DISPLAY” key is ON, the sonar
view will automatically appear in the meter.

WARNING

∙ The front and rear sonar system is a

convenience but it is not a substitute
for proper parking.

∙ The driver is always responsible for

safety during parking and other ma-
neuvers. Always look around and
check that it is safe to do so before
parking.

∙ Read and understand the limitations

of the front and rear sonar system as
contained in this section. The colors of
the corner sonar indicator and the
distance guide lines in the front/rear
view indicate different distances to
the object.

∙ Inclement

weather

ultrasonic

sources such as an automatic car
wash,

truck’s

compressed-air

brakes or a pneumatic drill may affect
the function of the system; this may
include reduced performance or a
false activation.

∙ This function is designed as an aid to

the driver in detecting large station-
ary objects to help avoid damaging
the vehicle.

LSD2465

FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM (if
so equipped)

Starting and driving

5-63

∙ The system is not designed to prevent

contact with small or moving objects.
Always move slowly. The system will
not detect small objects below the
bumper, and may not detect objects
close to the bumper or on the ground.

∙ The system may not detect the fol-

lowing objects: fluffy objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass, wool, etc.;
thin objects such as rope, wire and
chain, etc.; or wedge-shaped objects.

If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper fascia, leaving it misaligned or
bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of ob-
stacles or false alarms.

CAUTION

∙ Excessive noise (such as audio system

volume or an open vehicle window)
will interfere with the tone and it may
not be heard.

∙ Keep the sonar sensors (located on

the bumper fascia) free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt. Do
not clean the sensors with sharp ob-
jects. If the sensors are covered, the
accuracy of the sonar function will be
diminished.

SYSTEM OPERATION

The system informs with a visual and au-
dible alert of front obstacles when the shift
lever is in the D (Drive) position and both
front and rear obstacles when the shift le-
ver is in the R (Reverse) position.
Sonar Operation Table

FR Sensor

RR Sensor

Range

Sound

Display

Sound

Display

†

o – Display/Beep when detect

† – Display on camera view

x – No Display and Beep

The system is deactivated at speeds above
6 mph (10 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.

The intermittent tone will stop after 3 sec-
onds when an obstacle is detected by only
the corner sensor and the distance does
not change. The tone will stop when the
obstacle gets away from the vehicle.

When the object is detected, the indicator
(green) appears and blinks and the tone
sounds intermittently. When the vehicle
moves closer to the object, the color of the
indicator turns yellow and the rate of the
blinking increases. When the vehicle is very
close to the object, the indicator stops
blinking and turns red, and the tone
sounds continuously.

5-64

Starting and driving

HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
SONAR SYSTEM

The system is automatically activated
when the ignition is in the ON position and
the shift lever is in the R (Reverse) position.

Perform the following steps to enable or
disable the sonar system:

1. Push the Front and rear sonar system

OFF switch (the orange light will go out)
to turn the system off.

2. To turn the system back on, push the

switch (the orange light will illuminate)
and the system will be enabled. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “Front and
rear sonar system OFF switch” and “Ve-
hicle information display” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this
manual.

NOTE:

The system will automatically be turned
on when the engine is restarted.

LSD2660

5-66

Starting and driving

SONAR LIMITATIONS

WARNING

Listed below are the system limitations
for the sonar system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in seri-
ous injury or death.

∙ The driver is always responsible for

safety during parking and other ma-
neuvers. Always turn and look back
before backing up. The sonar system
is

not

substitute

for

proper

procedures.

∙ Read and understand the limitations

of the sonar system as contained in
this section. Inclement weather may
affect the function of the sonar sys-
tem; this may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.

∙ This system is not designed to pre-

vent contact with small or moving
objects.

∙ The system is designed as an aid to

the driver in detecting large station-
ary objects to help avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system will not detect
small objects below the bumper, and
may not detect objects close to the
bumper or on the ground.

∙ The system is deactivated at speeds

above 6 mph (10 km/h). It is reacti-
vated at lower speeds.

∙ Inclement

weather

ultrasonic

sources such as an automatic car
wash,

truck’s

compressed-air

brakes or a pneumatic drill may affect
the function of the system; this may
include reduced performance or a
false activation.

∙ The system is not designed to prevent

contact with small or moving objects.
Always move slowly. The system will
not detect small objects below the
bumper or on the ground.

∙ The system may not detect the fol-

lowing objects: fluffy objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass-wool, etc.;
thin objects such as rope, wire and
chain, etc.; or wedge-shaped objects.

∙ The system may not detect objects at

speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and
may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.

∙ The system is deactivated at speeds

above 6 mph (10 km/h) and is reacti-
vated at lower speeds.

Starting and driving

5-67

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

The sonar sensors

䊊

are located on the

front and rear bumpers. Always keep the
area near the sonar sensors clean.

The sonar sensors may be blocked by tem-
porary ambient conditions such as splash-
ing water, mist or fog.

The blocked condition may also be caused
by objects such as ice, frost or dirt ob-
structing the sonar sensors.

Check for and remove objects obstructing
the area around the sonar sensors.

Do not attach stickers (including transpar-
ent material), install accessories or apply
additional paint near the sonar sensors.

Do not strike or damage the area around
the sonar sensors. It is recommended that
you consult a NISSAN dealer if the area
around the sonar sensors is damaged due
to a collision.

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 in-
serting it into the key hole or use the re-
mote keyless entry key fob.

ANTIFREEZE

In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper win-
ter protection. For additional information,
refer to “Engine cooling system” in the “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 maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly.
For additional information, refer to “Battery”
in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.

LSD2471

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

5-68

Starting and driving

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For additional information, refer
to “Changing engine coolant” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.

TIRE EQUIPMENT

1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to

provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance
of these tires will be substantially re-
duced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, NISSAN recommends the use
of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES
on all four wheels. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for the tire
type, size, speed rating and availability
information.

2. For additional traction on icy roads,

studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian prov-
inces prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before install-
ing 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 additional

information, refer to “Tire chains” in the
“Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT

It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:

∙ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-

move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.

∙ A sturdy, flat board to be placed under

the jack to give it firm support.

∙ A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-

drifts.

∙ Extra

washer

fluid

refill

the

windshield-washer fluid reservoir.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

∙ Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),

very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” un-
der these conditions. Try to avoid driv-
ing on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.

∙ Whatever the condition, drive with

caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.

∙ Allow more stopping distance under

these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.

∙ Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

Starting and driving

5-69

∙ Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).

These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.

∙ Do not use the cruise control (if so

equipped) on slippery roads.

∙ Snow can trap dangerous exhaust

gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)

Engine block heaters are used to assist
with cold temperature starting.

∙ Engine block heaters should be used

when the outside temperature is 0°F
(-17°C) or lower.

∙ Engine block heaters run continuously

while plugged into the correct voltage
electrical outlet.

WARNING

∙ Do not use your engine block heater

with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.

∙ Disconnect and properly store the en-

gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.

∙ Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged

extension cord rated for at least 10 A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault

Interrupt

(GFI)

protected,

grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure to
use the proper extension cord or a
grounded outlet can result in a fire or
electrical shock and cause serious
personal injury.

To use the engine block heater:

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine

block heater cord.

3. Plug the engine block heater cord into

a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord.

4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground

Fault

Interrupt

(GFI)

protected,

grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.

5. The engine block heater must be

plugged in for at least 2–4 hours, de-
pending on outside temperatures, to
properly warm the engine coolant. Use
an appropriate timer to turn the engine
block heater on.

6. Before starting the engine, unplug and

properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.

5-70

Starting and driving

NOTE:

When using the engine block heater (if so
equipped) on an Applied Vehicle (engine
block heater is plugged in):

∙ Vehicle should be parked on a level

surface.
Or

∙ If a level surface is not available, the

vehicle should be parked with the
front of the truck lower than the rear
(nose down).

CAUTION

Use of the engine block heater when
parked with the front of the vehicle
higher than the rear (5 degrees or more)
may cause the engine block heater to
become damaged and/or inoperative.

Starting and driving

5-71

Push the switch on to warn other drivers
when you must stop or park under emer-
gency conditions. All turn signal lights flash.

WARNING

∙ If stopping for an emergency, be sure

to move the vehicle well off the road.

∙ Do not use the hazard warning flash-

ers while moving on the highway un-
less unusual circumstances force you
to drive so slowly that your vehicle
might become a hazard to other
traffic.

∙ Turn signals do not work when the

hazard warning flasher lights are on.

The flashers will operate with the ignition
switch placed in any position.

Some jurisdictions may prohibit the use
of the hazard warning flasher switch
while driving.

To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure:

– Rapidly push the push-button ignition

switch three consecutive times in less
than 1.5 seconds, or

– Push and hold the push-button ignition

switch for more than 2 seconds.

LIC0394

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH

EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF

6-2

In case of emergency

Nissan Titan (2019 year). Manual - part 25