Basic Information

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses multiple sensors to monitor the driver’s steering and pedal inputs together with the movement and response of the Nissan Murano. This information allows the system to identify wheel slip or a difference between the intended direction of travel and the vehicle’s actual movement.

Under certain road and driving conditions, the VDC system can assist by performing the following functions:

• Adjusts brake pressure at a slipping drive wheel to reduce wheelspin and transfer power to the drive wheel on the same axle that has better traction.
• Controls brake pressure and engine output according to vehicle speed to reduce drive-wheel slip. This operation is part of the traction control function.
• Adjusts brake pressure independently at individual wheels and may control engine output to help the driver maintain directional stability under the following conditions:
  • Understeer, when the vehicle tends to continue toward the outside of a turn instead of following the intended steering path, even when additional steering input is applied.
  • Oversteer, when the rear of the vehicle tends to move outward and the vehicle may begin to rotate because of particular road conditions or driving inputs.

The VDC system can assist the driver in maintaining stability and directional control, but it cannot prevent a loss of control in every driving situation. Vehicle speed, tire traction, road conditions, and driver input can exceed the system’s ability to correct the vehicle’s movement.

When the VDC system is actively operating, the indicator light in the instrument panel flashes. If the indicator begins flashing, be aware of the following:

• The road surface may be slippery, or the system may have detected that corrective action is required to help the Nissan Murano remain on the path selected by the driver.
• A pulsation may be felt through the brake pedal, and a mechanical sound or vibration may be heard from beneath the hood. These sensations are normal during VDC intervention and indicate that the system is adjusting braking or engine output.
• Reduce speed as necessary and adapt steering, acceleration, and braking inputs to the current road, traffic, and weather conditions.

If the system detects a malfunction, the and indicator lights illuminate in the instrument panel. When these lights are on because of a malfunction, the VDC system switches off automatically and its stability-control functions may not be available.

The VDC system can be turned off through the vehicle information display. When it is switched off, the corresponding indicator light and the AEB with Pedestrian Detection system warning light illuminate to show that both the VDC and AEB with Pedestrian Detection systems are currently disabled.

When the VDC system has been turned off through the vehicle information display, a limited traction function remains available. The system can still reduce slip at one drive wheel and transfer power to the drive wheel on the same axle that has better traction. The indicator light flashes when this function operates. All other VDC functions remain disabled, and the indicator light will not flash to indicate full stability-control intervention.

The VDC system is automatically restored to the ON setting after the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position and then returned to the ON position. The Nissan Murano therefore begins each new operating cycle with the system enabled.

The control computer includes a diagnostic function that checks the VDC system whenever the engine is started and the vehicle begins moving slowly in either the forward or reverse direction. During this self-test, a brief clunking sound may be heard or a slight pulsation may be felt through the brake pedal. This is a normal part of the system check and does not indicate a malfunction.

WARNING

• The VDC system is designed to assist the driver in maintaining vehicle stability, but it cannot prevent accidents caused by abrupt steering at high speed, excessive speed for conditions, or careless or dangerous driving. Reduce vehicle speed and use particular caution when driving or cornering on wet, icy, snowy, or otherwise slippery surfaces.
• Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. Suspension changes may affect vehicle handling and could interfere with the intended operation of the VDC system.
• If suspension components such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings, or wheels are not recommended by NISSAN for the vehicle, or if these parts are severely worn or damaged, the VDC system may not operate as intended. Incorrect or deteriorated suspension components can adversely affect the handling and stability of the Nissan Murano. Under these conditions, the indicator light may flash, or both the and indicator lights may illuminate.
• If brake-related components, including the brake pads, rotors, or calipers, are not recommended by NISSAN or have become excessively worn or damaged, the VDC system may not function correctly. Because the system relies on precise braking control at individual wheels, unsuitable or deteriorated brake parts may cause both the and the indicator lights to illuminate.
• If engine-control components are not recommended by NISSAN or are severely deteriorated, the VDC system may be unable to regulate engine output properly. In this situation, both the and indicator lights may illuminate to indicate that normal system operation is unavailable.
• When the Nissan Murano is driven on an extremely inclined surface, such as a sharply banked corner, the VDC system may not operate correctly because the vehicle’s position and movement differ from normal road conditions. The indicator light may flash, or both the and indicator lights may illuminate.

  Do not continue driving on these types of surfaces, as vehicle stability and VDC performance may be reduced.

• When driving or standing on an unstable or moving surface, such as a turntable, ferry, elevator, or loading ramp, the indicator light may flash, or both the and indicator lights may illuminate. This response does not necessarily indicate a malfunction because movement beneath the vehicle can affect the sensor readings. After driving onto a stable, level surface, restart the engine.
• If wheels or tires other than those recommended by NISSAN are installed, differences in size, construction, or operating characteristics may interfere with accurate wheel-speed monitoring and VDC operation. The indicator light may flash, or both the and indicator lights may illuminate. Use the correct wheels and tires specified for the Nissan Murano.
• The VDC system cannot replace the traction provided by suitable winter tires or tire chains when driving on snow-covered roads. Install and use the appropriate traction equipment when required by road and weather conditions.

Rise-up and build-up

During normal braking, the system progressively adjusts braking force as the brake pedal is applied. This gradual rise and build-up of pressure helps provide a smoother, more controlled, and consistent brake-pedal feel.

Brake force distribution

When braking while traveling through a turn, the system optimizes the distribution of braking force among all four wheels according to the radius of the turn. This controlled distribution supports balanced braking and helps the vehicle respond more predictably while cornering.

WARNING

• The VDC system is designed to assist the driver in maintaining vehicle stability, but it cannot prevent accidents caused by abrupt steering at high speeds, excessive speed for road conditions, or careless or dangerous driving. Reduce vehicle speed, use smooth steering and pedal inputs, and exercise particular caution when driving or cornering on wet, icy, snowy, or otherwise slippery surfaces.
• Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.

  If suspension components such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings, or wheels are not recommended by NISSAN for the vehicle, or if these components are severely worn or damaged, the VDC system may not operate as intended. Unsuitable or deteriorated suspension parts can change the handling characteristics of the Nissan Murano and interfere with the sensor information used by the system. Under these conditions, the indicator light may flash, or both the indicator lights may illuminate.

• If brake-related components such as brake pads, rotors, or calipers are not recommended by NISSAN, or if these parts are excessively worn or damaged, the VDC system may not function correctly. Because VDC operation depends on accurately controlling braking force at individual wheels, unsuitable brake components can affect system performance, and both the and the indicator lights may illuminate.
• If engine-control components are not recommended by NISSAN or have become severely deteriorated, the VDC system may be unable to regulate engine output as intended. In this situation, both the and indicator lights may illuminate, indicating that normal stability-control operation may not be available.
• When the Nissan Murano is driven on an extremely inclined surface, such as a sharply banked corner, the VDC system may not operate properly because the vehicle’s position and movement differ significantly from normal road conditions. The indicator light may flash, or both the and indicator lights may illuminate.

  Do not continue driving on these types of roads or surfaces, as vehicle handling and VDC performance may be adversely affected.

• When the vehicle is driven or positioned on an unstable or moving surface, such as a turntable, ferry, elevator, or loading ramp, the indicator light may flash, or both the and indicator lights may illuminate. Movement beneath the vehicle can affect the system’s sensor readings, so this condition does not necessarily indicate a malfunction. After moving the Nissan Murano onto a stable surface, turn the engine off and restart it.
• If wheels or tires other than those recommended by NISSAN are installed, differences in size, construction, or operating characteristics may interfere with accurate wheel-speed detection and prevent the VDC system from operating properly. The indicator light may flash, or both the and indicator lights may illuminate. Use wheels and tires of the correct type and specified size for the vehicle.
• The VDC system does not replace the traction provided by suitable winter tires or tire chains on snow-covered roads. Use the appropriate winter equipment whenever road, weather, or legal requirements make it necessary.