2010 Nissan Rogue Owner's Manual - Page 218

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM BRAKE SYSTEM You may hear a fricative sound when the steering wheel is operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunction. If the electric power steering warning light illuminates while the engine is running, it may indicate the electric power steering system is not functioning properly and may need servicing. Have the electric power steering system checked by a NISSAN dealer. (See "Electric power steering warning light" in the "2. Instruments and controls" section.) When the electric power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, the power assist for the steering will cease operation. You will still have control of the vehicle. However, greater steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds. WARNING . If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work. Steering will be harder to operate. When the electric power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, the power assist for the steering will cease operation. You will still have control of the vehicle but the steering will be harder to operate. BRAKING PRECAUTIONS The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. You may feel a small click and hear a sound when the brake pedal is fully depressed slowly. This is not a malfunction and indicates that the brake assist mechanism is operating properly. . Vacuum assisted brakes The brake booster aids braking by using engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and the stopping distance will be longer. The electric power steering system is designed to provide power assist while driving to operate the steering wheel with light force. When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly or continuously while parking or driving at a very low speed, the power assist for the steering wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent overheating of the electric power steering system and protect it from getting damaged. While the power assist is reduced, steering wheel operation will become heavy. When the temperature of the electric power steering system goes down, the power assist level will return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel operations that could cause the electric power steering system to overheat. Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster and reduce gas mileage. To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a lower gear before going down a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may reduce braking performance and could result in loss of vehicle control. 5-26 Starting and driving