Nissan Communicator (IVCS)

CAUTION:

- Use CONSULT to set the system "Demonstration mode" if NISSAN Communicator needs to be activated during service procedures. (For details see demonstration mode.)

- Make sure to turn the demonstration mode OFF before returning the vehicle to the owner.

- In the demonstration mode, no service from the Communicator Response Center is available. Therefore, even it the customer encounters an emergency, no service will be dispatched.

- If the theft warning system is activated for more than 7 seconds, NISSAN Communicator will dial to the Communicator Response Center automatically. The operator will contact the customer to confirm whether the vehicle has been stolen or not.

- When "Mayday" emergency dialing is activated (if the system is not in the demonstration mode), the Communicator Response Center operator will come online. If there is no emergency, the operator will ask the occupant for the user password (option). Failure to provide the correct password results in a police response.

- IVCS unit memory includes VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and other such vehicle specific data. Therefore, the IVCS unit cannot be transferred to another vehicle. When the IVCS unit is replaced, the new unit must be set up and programmed. The NISSAN Communicator system automatically contacts the Communicator Response Center the first time the vehicle is started after a phone number has been changed or a module (IVCS unit) is replaced. The VIN will be written in the memory of the new unit by transmitting data from the Communicator Response Center. For details, refer to "System Setting".

- Before servicing the vehicle, confirm that the VIN memorized by the IVCS unit is the same as the VIN on the vehicle's identification plate.

Communicator Response Center Telephone Number for Technicians

The Communicator Response Center telephone number for technicians is 1-888-427-4812.

Whenever an NISSAN dealer technician dials the above number, the following information will be required by the Communicator Response Center operator.

- Customer name
- Unit ID number of old IVCS unit
- Unit ID number of new IVCS unit
- VIN
- Dealer name and code (For security purposes)
- Dealer contact person (technician)
- Dealer phone and fax numbers







SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

OUTLINE

NISSAN Communicator system uses the Global Positioning System (GPS), cellular phone technology and the Communicator

Response Center to provide the following functions.

- One touch "Information" dialing
- One touch "Mayday" emergency dialing
- Automatic air bag inflation notification
- Stolen vehicle tracking
- Alarm notification
- Remote door unlock

There are limitations to the NISSAN Communicator system.To understand the system, read SYSTEM LIMITATIONS thoroughly.

SYSTEM COMPOSITION

The NISSAN Communicator system is controlled by the IVCS (In Vehicle Communication System) unit. System status ("Mayday"-emergency dialing, or re-dialing, etc.) is displayed by the indicators in the IVCS switch.

The NISSAN Communicator system can only make calls to the Communicator Response Center and receive calls from the center, unless the customer chooses to have the optional handset install.


SYSTEM LIMITATIONS

Service Area

Depending on the cellular provider chosen, service is provided in the 48 contiguous states. Service is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or Mexico. The Communicator Response Center will not be able to locate the customer's vehicle outside of the continental United States.

Inoperative if Cellular Phone is Inactive or Inoperative.

NISSAN Communicator will be inoperative if the customer does not have an active account with cellular provider, since NISSAN Communicator relies on the cellular network. When the NISSAN Communicator system is outside of cellular service, the "NO SERVICE" indicator will illuminate. If you try to activate NISSAN Communicator, the REQUEST will be cancelled. Cellular phone transmission may become temporarily disabled, or interrupted by environmental factors like tunnels, bridges, or tall buildings. In such cases, NISSAN Communicator will re-dial up to four times. After several failed attempts, the system will quit dialing and return to normal mode.

Inoperative if The System is in The Demonstration Mode

The NISSAN Communicator system remains in the demonstration mode until the setup procedures are completed. If the system is activated in this mode, the Communicator Response Center will recognize this operation as a demonstration and will not provide any service. The system can be changed to the demonstration mode by using CONSULT to check the system operation. Do not forget to turn oft the demonstration mode after confirmation.

Battery

Since NISSAN Communicator is powered by the vehicle's battery, if the battery is removed, damaged or discharged, the system will not work.

Inoperative if Cellular System is Busy

When NISSAN Communicator tries to contact the Communicator Response Center, but the cellular network is busy, the system attempts to re-dial for up to two hours. This time varies greatly depending on the cellular network and cellular signal strength. The system resets to ready when the system completes the re-dialing attempts.

Roaming

If the customer's cellular provider does not have a roaming agreement with the provider where the vehicle locates, it may not be possible to use the lines of a different cellular provider. Therefore, it is impossible that NISSAN Communicator will contact the Communicator Response Center.

Special Cellular Features

Some cellular carriers offer custom phone numbers that are assigned a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The cellular phone user is required to enter the PIN anytime a phone call is made. The NISSAN Communicator system is not compatible with the PIN feature. A PIN requirement on the cellular phone will cause the NISSAN Communicator system to be inoperative.Other special features such as call waiting, voice mail, call forwarding, etc. can interfere with NISSAN Communicator system operation.

Cellular Airwave Interference

At times someone other than the Communicator Response Center operator may be heard. This is caused by Cellular Airwave Interference and is not caused by an NISSAN Communicator system malfunction.

Possibility of Positioning Capability Degraded

Vehicle positioning is accomplished using the GPS (Global Positioning System). If the signal from the GPS satellite is obstructed by a tunnel or building, positioning capability may be degraded or lost. In this case, the last valid position obtained before the obstruction is transmitted to the Communicator Response Center. The precision is also influenced by the location of GPS satellites. Once the battery cable is disconnected, it will take about 5 minutes to determine the vehicle location. This is because the memory related to GPS is lost when the battery cable is disconnected.

OPERATION


One Touch "Information" Dialing

- If the vehicle becomes disabled due to problems such as engine trouble, press the "Information" switch to connect to the Communicator Response Center and receive the desired service.
- When the indicator lamp on the switch lights up, it means that the system has started to contact the Communicator Response Center. (Voice communication with Communicator Response Center operator is not available while DATA is being transmitted even if the indicator lamp is lit.)
- When the indicator lamp blinks, it means that the system is preparing for cellular connection or attempting to re-dial.

One Touch "Mayday" Emergency Dialing

- When an emergency occurs, press the "Mayday" emergency switch to connect to the Communicator Response Center. With this report, the Communicator Response Center recognizes that an emergency has occurred and provides necessary service.
- The operator will request a password (if the customer chooses to establish a password). If the wrong password or if no password is provided, the Communicator Response Center will assume the customer is in a duress situation and dispatch police.
- When no voice reply is heard from the vehicle or the sound heard indicates an emergency situation, the Communicator Response Center will have the police rush to the scene.
- Other operations are the same as service dialing.

Automatic Air Bag Inflation Notification

- When an air bag inflates, the air bag diagnosis sensor unit sends the air bag inflation signal to the IVCS unit, and the system automatically dials the Communicator Response Center to report the occurrence of an accident.

Stolen Vehicle Tracking

- When a vehicle is stolen, the owner can contact the Communicator Response Center to attempt to locate the stolen vehicle. The Communicator Response Center will activate the stolen vehicle tracking to locate the vehicle. If the Communicator Response Center successfully locates the vehicle, they will contact the police to provide the location.
- The vehicle location data is calculated using GPS.
- The vehicle ignition switch must be turned to the ON position to obtain the vehicle location. (This is because the system is in the sleep mode when the ignition switch is OFF.)
- Once this function starts up, regardless of the ignition switch position, the system keeps transmitting the vehicle location until the cancel signal is transmitted from the Communicator Response Center.
- While this function is operating, the operator can covertly monitor what is happening inside the vehicle through the hands-free microphone.

Alarm Notification

- When theft warning system sounds an alarm for more than 7 seconds because of improper access, the alarm signal is transmitted from the smart entrance control unit to the IVCS unit, and the system executes automatic dialing to the Communicator Response Center. If the alarm is reset before 7 seconds has elapsed, the NISSAN Communicator will not place a call to the Communicator Response Center.
- This function operates regardless of ignition switch position.
- While this function is operating, the operator can covertly monitor what is happening inside the vehicle through the hands-free microphone.

Remote Door Unlock



- When the door is locked with the key inside the vehicle, the door can be unlocked by contacting the Communicator Response Center (Proof that the person calling is the owner must be received by the Communicator Response Center.)
- When the ignition key is in the "OFF" position, the system is in the sleep mode. Therefore, back door outside handle must be pulled to wake up the system.
- To perform remote door unlock, call the Communicator Response Center and follow the operator's instructions.

NOTE:

- When the system contacts the Communicator Response Center, data including the vehicle location is transmitted to the Communicator Response Center.
- Communication with the Communicator Response Center is not completed until the completion signal is transmitted from the Communicator Response Center. (Any calls to the Communicator Response Center can only be terminated by Communicator Response Center.)
- Functions other than alarm notification and remote door unlock operate while the ignition switch is ON and only for three minutes after the switch is turned OFF.
- Once a call to the Communicator Response Center is made, the communication continues regardless of the ignition key switch position.
- All the voice communication with the Communicator Response Center is made through the hands-free telephone.
- When the NISSAN Communicator system is activated, the handset does not function.


DATA TRANSMITTING

When contact to the Communicator Response Center is made, vehicle sends electrical data including type of activation (i.e., emergency call or alarm notification), vehicle location, time, etc.

SLEEP/WAKE UP CONTROL

3 minutes after the ignition switch is turned OFF, the system goes into the SLEEP MODE to save battery power supply. Communication with Communicator Response Center is not available in the SLEEP MODE. To wake up the system, perform either of the following operations.

- Turn Ignition switch ON.
- Pull back door outside handle for more than 10 seconds. (Operation for door unlock function)










NOTE:

- When connection to Communicator Response Center by re-dial ends in failure, all the indicators are turned off.
- All indicators illuminate for up to 30 seconds or more when ignition switch is turned from OFF to ON and the system performs a self check.
- If both of MAYDAY and INFORMATION indicators do not turn oft 30 seconds or more after the ignition switch is turned to ON, the system is malfunctioning.

AUTOMATIC RE-DIAL/AUTO RESET TO READY

- When NISSAN Communicator tries to contact the Communicator Response Center, but the cellular network is busy, the system attempts to dial for up to 2 hours. This time varies greatly depending on the cellular network and cellular signal strength. The system resets to ready when the system completes the dialing attempts. The vehicle owner can press the button again if he or she still needs to contact the Communicator Response Center.
- NISSAN Communicator automatically redials if communication between the vehicle owner and Communicator Response Center is lost for some reason.
- The only way for a transmission to be officially terminated is for the Communicator Response Center to send an end transmission signal, which turns off the indicator in the switch. (Communication with Communicator Response Center can not be terminated by the occupant.)
- If the vehicle owner start the engine during a call, the conversation may be interrupted. When this happens the system may try to resume transmission once after the engine has been started.



GPS (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)





GPS is the global positioning system developed and operated by the US Department of Defense. GPS satellites (NAVSTAR) transmit radio waves and orbit around the earth at an altitude of approximately 21,000km (13,000 miles).

GPS receiver calculates the three-dimensional position of the vehicle (latitude, longitude, and altitude from the sea level) by the time difference of the radio wave arriving from more than four GPS satellites (three-dimensional positioning).

When the radio wave is received from only three GPS satellites, the two-dimensional position (latitude and longitude) is calculated, using the altitude from the sea level data calculated by using four GPS satellites (two-dimensional positioning). Positioning capability is degraded in the following cases.

- In two-dimensional positioning, when the vehicle's altitude from the sea level changes, the precision becomes lower.
- The location detection performance can have an error of about 100 m (300 ft) even in three-dimensional positioning with high precision. Because the precision is influenced by the location of GPS satellites used for positioning, the location detection penformance may drop depending on the location of GPS satellites.
- When the radio wave from GPS satellites cannot be received, for example, when the vehicle is in a tunnel, in a parking lot inside building, under an elevated superhighway or near strong power lines, the location may not be detected. Turbulent electric weather conditions may also affect positioning performance. If something is placed on the antenna, the radio wave from GPS satellites may not be received.


HANDSET





NOTE:

- If a handset is installed, NISSAN Communicator can be used as a normal cellular phone.
- If NISSAN Communicator is activated when NISSAN Communicator system's cellular phone is in use, the current phone transmission will be cut and NISSAN Communicator will dial the Communicator Response Center. The cellular handset will be disabled, and communication with the Communicator Response Center operator will be carried out through the hands-free microphone.
- After communication with Communicator Response Center is finished, the handset last number memory will be erased.
- While NISSAN Communicator is activated, the handset becomes inoperative and all communication with the operator is accomplished via the hands-free phone. When an activation is terminated, the handset will be unlocked.



TEL SWITCH





When any of the TEL switches is pressed, the TEL switch which is combined with the multiplex transmitting unit sends operational commands to the IVCS unit. TEL switch has following three functions.

- Volume adjust
- Placing re-dial call
- Placing memorized call (The telephone numbers are stored in the handset. A maximum of 6 memories are operative.)

VOLUME SWITCH

Voice volume from the front RH speaker can be adjusted by using the VOLUME switch.

SEND/END Switch Operation

- When a call is received, press SEND/END switch to permit conversation.
- At the completion of the conversation, press the SEND/END switch to terminate the call.
- To re-dial the last phone number, press SEND/END switch.

MEMORY Switch Operation

- A maximum of 6 telephone numbers which stored in the memory of the handset can be dialed by MEMORY switch operation.
- The last phone number is erased if the ignition switch is turned oft or if the NISSAN Communicator system has been activated.
- For the procedure to input telephone numbers, refer to the handset operation manual.
- To select memory 1 to 6, push MEMORY switch A or B. Every push on the switch changes the memory as follows.

- SWITCH A: Memory 1 2 3 OFF

- SWITCH B: Memory 4 5 6 OFF

After selecting memory, push SEND/END switch to make a call.

Note: Memory switches are not functional unless handset is installed.





DEMONSTRATION MODE

DESCRIPTION

By setting up the system in the demonstration mode, automatic dialing operation can be confirmed by "MAYDAY" emergency and "INFORMATION" switch operation.

Automatic dialing in this mode is connected to the demonstration center of Communicator Response Center, and is different from the normal service.

When the contract with Communicator Response Center is not concluded, all the NISSAN Communicator operations are connected to the demonstration center.

Connection to Communicator Response Center in this mode will not be charged by Communicator Response Center nor will the call be handled as an emergency.





SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK





1. Touch "CONFIGURATION".





2. Touch "DEMO MODE".





3. Touch "ON". Now, the system is in demonstration mode. (To return to normal mode, touch "OFF".)






4. Touch "BACK" key of CONSULT until "SELECT SYSTEM" appears, then turn off CONSULT.
5. Turn ignition switch to the OFF position.
6. Disconnect CONSULT DDL connector.
7. Start the engine.
8. Touch the "MAYDAY" or "INFORMATION" switches. Then the system will call the demonstration center.
9. Check NISSAN Communicator operation.

- If contact with Communicator Response Center is successful, system is OK.





NOTE: During the system contact to Communicator Response Center in demonstration mode, "REDIAL" and "NO SERVICE" indicators blink alternately.





- If "NO SERVICE" indicator illuminates and the contact to Communicator Response Center is unsuccessful, retry from other location where the cellular connection seems good. (e.g.; move the vehicle outside of the workshop and retry.)

NOTE: If "NO SERVICE" indicator frequently illuminates from a location where the cellular connection seems good, check the connection of the feeder cable for the cellular phone antenna.





- If "REDIAL" indicator lamp illuminates and the contact to Communicator Response Center is unsuccessful, the cellular network is busy or there are no open cellular channels. The system will redial automatically.

NOTE: If redial fails several times, confirm whether the roaming agreement of customer's cellular provider at the vehicle location is available or not.



WARNING: Make sure to turn the demonstration mode OFF before returning the vehicle to the owner. In the demonstration mode, any service from Communicator Response Center is not available. Therefore, even if the customer encounters an emergency, no service will be dispatched.