2023 Nissan ALTIMA Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system and Chassis Control, which are two of the 2023 Nissan Altima’s most advanced safety and performance features, really make it stand out as an innovative car. The VDC system acts as a guardian of stability. It uses high-tech sensors and smart actions to make sure the Altima stays on the road it was meant to go. By changing the power of the engine and the force of the brakes in certain ways, it prevents oversteering, understeering, and skidding. This gives the driver confidence in difficult driving situations. Chassis Control is a group of technologies that work together with the VDC system to improve the Altima’s handling, responsiveness, and general driving experience. Chassis Control improves stability and grip on different road surfaces by combining systems like VDC, traction control, and more in a seamless way. This dynamic mix of technologies makes driving feel balanced and safe, which boosts both the driver’s trust and the vehicle’s performance. Together, the VDC system and Chassis Control show how much Nissan cares about making the 2023 Altima a safe and well-rounded place to drive. With these high-tech features, the Altima not only keeps drivers safe and stable, but also gives them a better sense of control and a strong link to the road, which makes every trip more enjoyable. 

2023 Nissan Altima Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Vehicle Dynamic Control, commonly abbreviated as VDC, is an advanced electronic stability control system designed to improve the stability and handling of vehicles, especially in challenging driving conditions. This safety feature is prevalent in modern cars, including various Nissan models.

The VDC Nissan system continuously monitors essential parameters such as wheel speed, steering angle, and lateral acceleration. When potential loss of traction or instability is detected, the system automatically intervenes to assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle.

By selectively applying brakes to individual wheels and adjusting engine power, VDC helps bring the vehicle back on its intended path if it starts to deviate. This intervention effectively prevents skidding, understeering, or oversteering, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall vehicle stability.

In conclusion, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is a crucial safety feature that significantly enhances the driving experience by providing improved stability and control, especially during various challenging driving conditions. For precise details about the VDC system in the Nissan Altima 2023 model, it is advisable to check the official Nissan website, reach out to a Nissan dealership, or consult the owner’s manual of the vehicle once it becomes available.

Nissan VDC SYSTEM

The Nissan VDC system uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain driving conditions, the Nissan 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 out-put to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle speed (traction control function).
• 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 follow the steered path despite increased steering input)
  •  Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)

The VDC Nissan system can help the driver maintain control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving situations. When the VDC system operates, the indicator light in the instrument panel flashes to 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 indicates that the VDC system is working properly.
• Adjust your speed and drive to the road conditions.

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the indicator light comes on in the instrument panel. The VDC system automatically turns off when the indicator light is on. The vehicle information display is used to turn off the VDC system. When the VDC system is turned off, the indicator light and if so equipped, the RAB system warning light, AEB system warning light, and AEB with Pedestrian Detection system warning light illuminate to indicate the VDC, AEB, AEB with Pedestrian Detection, and RAB systems are off.

When the VDC Nissan system is turned off in the vehicle information display, 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 and then back to the ON position. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle forward 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 indication 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 always drive carefully.
• Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer 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 extremely deteriorated, the VDC system may not operate properly and both the indicator lights may illuminate.
• If engine control-related parts are not NISSAN recommended or are extremely deteriorated, both the and the indicator lights may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked corners, the Nissan VDC system may not operate

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 Nissan VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain stability but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering operation at high speeds or careless or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery surfaces and always drive carefully.

• Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer 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 extremely deteriorated, the VDC system may not operate properly and both the indicator lights may illuminate.
• If engine control-related parts are not NISSAN recommended or are extremely deteriorated, both the and the indicator light may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked corners, the VDC system may not operate properly and the tor 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 light may flash or the light may illuminate.
• The Nissan Altima VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow-covered road.

CHASSIS CONTROL (if so equipped)

The chassis control is an electric control module that includes the following functions:

•  Intelligent Trace Control
• Active Ride Control

INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL (I-TC)
This system senses driving based on the driver’s steering and acceleration/braking patterns, and controls brake pressure at individual wheels to aid tracing at corners and help smooth vehicle response.
The I-TC can be set to on (enabled) or off (disabled) through the vehicle information display “Settings” page. For additional information, see “Vehicle information display —5 inch (13 cm) Type A”  or “Vehicle information display — 7 inch (18 cm) Type B” When the VDC system is turned off, the I-TC is also turned off.

WARNING
The I-TC may not be effective depending on the driving condition. Always drive carefully and attentively. When the I-TC is operating, you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise. This is normal and indicates that the I-TC is operating properly. Even if the I-TC is turned off, some functions will remain on to assist the driver (for example, avoidance scenes).

ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (ARC)
This system senses upper body motion (based on wheel speed information) and controls engine torque and four-wheel brake pressure. This will enhance ride comfort in an effort to restrain uncomfortable up-per-body movement when passing over undulated road surfaces. This system comes into effect above 25 mph (40 km/h).
When the VDC system is turned off, the ARC is also turned off. When the ARC is operating, you may hear noise and sense slight deceleration. This is normal and indicates that the ARC is operating properly.

FAQ