Nissan Rogue (T33) 2021-Present Owner’s Manual & User Guide: Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system

Basic information

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system in the Nissan Rogue uses multiple sensors to monitor driver inputs and vehicle movement. Under certain conditions, the VDC system assists by performing the following functions:

• Adjusts brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on a slipping drive wheel and directs power to a non-slipping wheel on the same axle.
• Controls brake pressure and engine output to reduce wheel slip based on vehicle speed (traction control function).
• Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and manages engine output to help the driver maintain control in conditions such as:
  • understeer (the vehicle does not follow the intended steering path)
  • oversteer (the vehicle begins to spin due to traction loss or road conditions)

The VDC system can help the driver maintain control of the Nissan Rogue, but it cannot prevent loss of control in every driving situation. Always drive carefully and adjust speed to road conditions.

When the VDC system on the Nissan Rogue activates, the slip indicator light flashes on the instrument panel. When this happens, keep the following in mind:

• The road surface may be slippery, or the system may be taking corrective action to help keep the Nissan Rogue on the intended steering path.
• You may feel pulsation in the brake pedal and hear noise or vibration from under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the VDC system is functioning correctly.
• Adjust your speed and driving behavior to match road conditions.

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the slip indicator light will illuminate steadily on the instrument panel. In this case, the VDC system turns off automatically.

You can turn the VDC system off using the Nissan Rogue vehicle information display. When the VDC system is turned off, the VDC OFF indicator illuminates. Even with VDC off, the system still works to reduce wheel slip by transferring power between drive wheels on the same axle. If this occurs, the slip indicator light will flash. All other VDC functions remain off, so the slip indicator light will not flash for those features. The VDC system automatically resets to ON when the ignition switch is turned OFF and then back ON.

The computer includes a self-diagnostic function that tests the system each time the engine starts and the Nissan Rogue moves slowly forward or backward.

During this self-test, you may hear a “clunk” noise or feel brake pedal pulsation. This is normal and not a malfunction.

WARNING

• The VDC system enhances stability, but it cannot prevent accidents caused by abrupt steering at high speeds or careless or dangerous driving.

  Reduce speed, especially when cornering or driving on slippery roads, and always drive with caution.

• Do not modify the suspension. Using non-NISSAN recommended parts or driving with deteriorated components such as shocks, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings, or wheels can impair VDC performance. If this happens, the slip indicator light may illuminate.
• Using brake components such as pads, rotors or calipers that are not NISSAN recommended — or allowing them to deteriorate excessively — may prevent the VDC system from operating properly, causing the slip indicator light to illuminate.
• If engine control components are not NISSAN recommended or become severely deteriorated, the slip indicator light may illuminate.
• On extremely inclined surfaces or heavily banked corners, the VDC system may not function properly and the slip indicator light may illuminate.

  Do not drive on such surfaces.

• When driving on unstable surfaces such as turntables, ferries, elevators or ramps, the slip indicator light may illuminate. This is not a malfunction. Restart the engine once the Nissan Rogue is on a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than NISSAN recommended ones are used, VDC performance may be affected and the slip indicator light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on snowy roads.

How to turn off the VDC system

The Nissan Rogue is designed to be driven with the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ON during normal conditions, as this improves stability and traction.

However, when the vehicle becomes stuck in deep snow or mud, the VDC system may limit engine output to reduce wheel spin. In these situations, even pressing the accelerator fully may not increase engine speed. If you need maximum power to free the Nissan Rogue, turning the VDC system off can help.

Example

To turn off the VDC system, follow these steps using the vehicle information display:

1. Press the button on the steering wheel until “Settings” appears, then press the jog dial.

2. Use the scroll dial to choose “VDC Setting,” then press it.

3. Select “System” and press the scroll dial. The indicator light will illuminate to show VDC is off.

To turn the VDC system back on, reactivate “VDC Setting” in the display or simply restart the Nissan Rogue’s engine.

Brake Force Distribution

While braking during cornering, the system distributes braking force to each individual wheel based on the turn radius, improving control and stability.

WARNING

• The VDC system helps maintain stability, but it cannot prevent accidents caused by abrupt steering at high speeds or careless driving.

  Always reduce speed on slippery surfaces and drive cautiously.

• Do not modify suspension components. Using non-NISSAN shocks, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings, or wheels — or driving with worn parts — may affect VDC function. This can cause the light to flash or the and indicators to illuminate.
• If brake pads, rotors, or calipers are not NISSAN recommended — or severely worn — the VDC system may malfunction and the and warning lights may illuminate.
• If engine control components are not NISSAN recommended or are deteriorated, both the and indicators may illuminate.
• On steeply banked corners, the VDC system may not function correctly and the light may flash or both the and indicators may illuminate. Avoid driving on such surfaces.
• When driving on unstable surfaces — such as ferries, turntables, elevators or ramps — the indicator may flash or both the and lights may illuminate. This is not a malfunction. Restart the engine on stable ground.
• Using wheels or tires not recommended for the Nissan Rogue may impair VDC performance, causing the light to flash or both the and indicators to illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or chains when driving on snow.