IDLE NEUTRAL CONTROL: System Description: Description

If a driver has no intention of starting the vehicle in D position, TCM operates the low brake solenoid valve and controls the oil pressure of the low brake to be low pressure. Therefore, the low brake is in the release (slip) status and the power transmission route of transaxle is the same status as the N position. In this way, the transaxle is in idling status and load to the engine can be reduced to improve fuel economy.

Fig 1: Idle Neutral Control System Communication Diagram

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Idle Neutral Control Start Condition

Idle neutral control is started when all of the following conditions are fulfilled. However, during idle neutral control, idle neutral control is stopped when any of the following conditions is not met.

Driving environment: Flat road or road with mild gradient

Selector lever position: "D" position

Vehicle speed: 0 km/h (0 MPH)

Accelerator pedal position: 0.0/8

Brake pedal: Depressed

Engine speed: Idle speed

Turn signal lamp/hazard signal lamp: Not activated

NOTE: Stops or prohibits the idle neutral control when the TCM and ECM detect that the vehicle is in one of the following conditions.

Engine coolant temperature and CVT fluid temperature are the specified temperature or more, or the specified temperature or less.
When a transaxle malfunction occurs.
When the vehicle detects DTC and is in the fail-safe mode.

Idle Neutral Control Resume Condition

When the idle neutral control finishes, if the vehicle is driven at more than the specified speed and the idle neutral control start conditions are satisfied, the idle neutral control starts again. If the vehicle has a malfunction, the idle neutral control does not start.