The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system in the Nissan Kicks uses a network of sensors to continuously monitor driver inputs, wheel behavior, and overall vehicle motion. By analyzing this information in real time, the system can assist the driver in maintaining vehicle stability and traction under a variety of road conditions.
Under specific driving situations, the VDC system helps perform the following functions:
- Controls brake pressure on an individual slipping drive wheel, allowing torque to be transferred to a wheel with better traction on the same axle.
- Adjusts both brake pressure and engine output to reduce wheel spin and improve traction based on vehicle speed and available road grip (traction control function).
- Regulates brake pressure at individual wheels and adjusts engine power output to help the driver maintain
directional control of the Nissan Kicks in situations such as:
- Understeer (when the vehicle continues straight ahead despite increased steering input).
- Oversteer (when the rear of the vehicle begins to rotate or slide due to road conditions or driver inputs).
The VDC system is designed to assist the driver in maintaining stability and control. However, it cannot prevent every loss-of-control situation and should never be considered a substitute for safe and attentive driving.
When the VDC system is actively operating, the
indicator light in the instrument panel flashes. If this occurs, keep the following points in mind:
- The road surface may be slippery, uneven, or otherwise challenging, and the system may be intervening to help keep the Nissan Kicks on the intended driving path.
- You may notice a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear noises or feel vibrations from the engine compartment area. These are normal operating characteristics and indicate that the VDC system is functioning correctly.
- Adjust vehicle speed and driving style according to current road and weather conditions.
If a malfunction is detected within the system, the
indicator light illuminates in the
instrument panel. When this occurs, the VDC system is automatically disabled.
The vehicle information display can also be used to switch off the VDC system manually. When this occurs, the
indicator light, the AEB with Pedestrian Detection warning light, and the RAB system warning light illuminate to
confirm that the VDC system has been turned off.
Even when the system has been switched off through the vehicle information display, the Nissan Kicks retains a
limited traction-control function that can reduce wheel slip by transferring power from a slipping drive wheel
to a wheel with better traction. If this occurs, the
indicator light flashes. Other VDC functions remain disabled, and the
indicator light will not flash for those functions.
The VDC system automatically returns to the ON position whenever the ignition is switched OFF and then restarted.
The system control module includes a built-in diagnostic routine that checks system operation each time the engine is started and the vehicle begins moving slowly in either forward or reverse. During this self-test procedure, you may hear a brief clunking sound or feel a slight brake pedal pulsation. These sensations are normal and do not indicate a malfunction.
WARNING
- The VDC system is intended to help improve vehicle stability, but it cannot prevent accidents caused by excessive speed, abrupt steering inputs, or unsafe driving practices. Always reduce speed when road conditions are slippery and drive the Nissan Kicks with caution.
- Do not modify the vehicle suspension.
If suspension components such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings, or wheels are not NISSAN-approved or have become excessively worn, the VDC system may not function correctly. This may negatively affect handling performance, and the
indicator light may flash or remain illuminated.
- If brake-related components such as brake pads, rotors, or calipers are not NISSAN-approved or are
severely worn, the VDC system may not operate correctly and the
indicator light may illuminate.
- If engine control system components are not NISSAN-approved or have deteriorated significantly, the
indicator light may illuminate.
- When driving on extremely steeply banked surfaces or unusually inclined roads, the VDC system may not
function as intended and the
indicator light may flash or illuminate. Avoid operating the vehicle on such road surfaces whenever
possible.
- When driving onto unstable platforms such as ferries, vehicle lifts, rotating turntables, elevators, or
loading ramps, the
indicator light may flash or illuminate. This does not necessarily indicate a malfunction.
After returning to a stable driving surface, restart the engine if necessary.
- If tires or wheels other than those recommended for the Nissan Kicks are installed, the VDC system may
not operate correctly and the
indicator light may flash or illuminate.
- The VDC system is not a replacement for winter tires or tire chains when driving on snow-covered or icy roads.
Brake force distribution
While braking during cornering, the system automatically optimizes braking force distribution between the front and rear wheels according to the vehicle's turning radius. This helps improve stability and contributes to more predictable vehicle behavior while negotiating curves.
WARNING
- The VDC system helps enhance stability, but it cannot eliminate the possibility of an accident caused by excessive speed, abrupt steering movements, or dangerous driving practices. Always operate the Nissan Kicks responsibly and reduce speed when conditions require.
- Do not modify the suspension system.
If suspension components such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings, or wheels are not NISSAN-approved or are excessively worn, handling performance may be affected and the
indicator light may flash or illuminate.
- If brake components such as pads, rotors, or calipers are not NISSAN-approved or are severely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not function properly and the
indicator light may illuminate.
- If engine management components are not NISSAN-approved or are excessively worn, the
indicator light may illuminate.
- Driving on highly banked or unusually inclined surfaces may affect VDC performance and cause the indicator light to flash or illuminate. Avoid operating the vehicle on these types of roads.
- When driving on unstable platforms such as ferries, turntables, elevators, or ramps, the
indicator light may flash or illuminate. This is generally a temporary condition rather than a system
failure.
Restart the engine after returning to a normal road surface.
- Using wheels or tires that differ from those recommended for the Nissan Kicks may adversely affect system
performance and cause the
indicator light to flash or illuminate.
- The Vehicle Dynamic Control system should never be considered a substitute for proper winter tires or tire chains when driving in snow or ice conditions.