2011 INFINITI M stop start

PREVIEW FUNCTION (for Intelligent
Cruise Control system equipped
models)
The ICC system with the preview function iden-
tifies the need to apply emergency braking by
sensing the vehicle ahead in the same lane and
the distance to the vehicle ahead and relative
speed from it, it applies the brake pre-pressure
before the driver depresses the brake pedal and
helps improve brake response by reducing
pedal free play.
For more details, see “BRAKE ASSIST” later in
this section.The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
brakes and moves the accelerator pedal upward
according to the distance from and the relative
speed of the vehicle ahead to help assist the
driver to maintain a following distance.
WARNING
●
Always drive carefully and attentively when
using the Distance Control Assist system.
Read and understand the Owner’s Manual
thoroughly before using the DCA system. To
avoid serious injury or death, do not rely on
the system to prevent accidents or to control
the vehicle’s speed in emergency situations.
Do not use the Distance Control Assist sys-
tem except in appropriate road and traffic
conditions.
● If the vehicle ahead comes to a stop, the
vehicle decelerates to a standstill within the
limitations of the system. The system will
cancel once it judges that the vehicle has
come to a standstill with a warning chime. To
prevent the vehicle from moving, the driver
must depress the brake pedal.
● The DCA system will not apply brake control
while the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal.
PRECAUTIONS ON DISTANCE CONTROL
ASSIST SYSTEM
The system is intended to assist the driver to
keep a following distance from the vehicle
ahead traveling in the same lane and direction.
If the distance sensor
Adetects a slower
moving vehicle ahead, the system will reduce
the vehicle speed to help assist the driver to
maintain a following distance.
The system automatically controls the throttle
and applies the brakes (up to 25% of vehicle
braking power) if necessary.
The detection range of the sensor is approxi-
mately 390 ft (120 m) ahead.
SSD0943
DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST (DCA) SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
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DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST
OPERATION
Always pay attention to the operation of the
vehicle and be ready to manually decelerate to
maintain the proper following distance. The
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system may not
be able to decelerate the vehicle under some
circumstances.
The DCA system uses a sensor
Alocated on
the front of the vehicle to detect vehicles trav-
eling ahead. The sensor generally detects the
signals returned from the reflectors on a vehicle
ahead. Therefore, if the sensor cannot detect
the reflector on the vehicle ahead, the DCA
system may not operate. The following are some conditions in which the
sensor cannot detect the signals:
●
When the reflector of the vehicle ahead is
positioned high on the vehicle (trailer, etc.)
● When the reflector on the vehicle ahead is
missing, damaged or covered
● When the reflector of the vehicle ahead is
covered with dirt, snow and road spray
● When the snow or road spray from traveling
vehicles reduces the sensor’s visibility
● When dense exhaust or other smoke (black
smoke) from vehicles reduces the sensor’s
visibility
● When excessively heavy baggage is loaded
in the rear seat or the luggage room of your
vehicle
The DCA system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s operation. When the sensor
is covered with dirt or is obstructed, the system
will automatically be canceled. If the sensor is
covered with ice, a transparent or translucent
vinyl bag, etc., the DCA system may not detect
them. In these instances, the Distance Control
Assist (DCA) system may not be able to decel-
erate the vehicle properly. Be sure to check and
clean the sensor regularly. The DCA system is designed to help assist the
driver to maintain a following distance from the
vehicle ahead. The system will decelerate as
necessary and if the vehicle ahead comes to a
stop, the vehicle decelerates to a standstill.
However, the DCA system can only apply up to
25% of the vehicles total braking power. If a
vehicle moves into the traveling lane ahead or if
a vehicle traveling ahead rapidly decelerates,
the distance between vehicles may become
closer because the DCA system cannot deceler-
ate the vehicle quickly enough. If this occurs,
the DCA system will sound a warning chime and
blink the system display to notify the driver to
take necessary action.
See “Approach warning” later in this section.
This system only brakes and moves the accel-
erator pedal upward to help assist the driver to
maintain a following distance from the vehicle
ahead. Acceleration should be operated by the
driver.
The DCA system does not control vehicle speed
or warn you when you approach stationary and
slow moving vehicles. You must pay attention to
vehicle operation to maintain proper distance
from vehicles ahead.
SSD0943
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The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system helps
assist the driver to keep a following distance to
the vehicle ahead by braking and moving the
accelerator pedal upward in the normal driving
condition.
When a vehicle is detected ahead :
The vehicle ahead detection indicator comes
on.
When vehicle approaches a vehicle ahead :
●If the driver’s foot is not on the accelerator
pedal, the system activates the brakes to
decelerate smoothly as necessary. If the
vehicle ahead comes to a stop, the vehicle
decelerates to a standstill within the limita-
tions of the system.
● If the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal, the system moves the accelerator
pedal upward to assist the driver to release
the accelerator pedal.
When brake operation by driver is required :
The system alerts the driver by a warning chime
and blinking the vehicle ahead detection indi-
cator. If the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal after the warning, the system moves the
accelerator pedal upward to assist the driver to
switch to the brake pedal. The stoplights of the vehicle come on and the
brake pedal depresses when braking is per-
formed by the DCA system.
When the brake operates, a noise may be heard.
This is not a malfunction.
WARNING
●
When the vehicle ahead detection indicator
light is not illuminated, system will not con-
trol or warn the driver.
● Never place your foot under the brake pedal.
Your foot may be caught when the system
controls the brake.
● Depending on the position of the accelerator
pedal, the system may not be able to assist
the driver to release the accelerator pedal
appropriately.
● If the vehicle ahead comes to a standstill,
the vehicle decelerates to a standstill within
the limitations of the system. The system
will release brake control with a warning
chime once it judges the vehicle is at a
standstill. To prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing, the driver must depress the brake pedal.
(The system will resume control automati-
cally once the system reaches 3 MPH (5
km/h)). Overriding the system :
The following driver’s operation overrides the
system operation.
●
When the driver depresses the accelerator
pedal even further while the system is mov-
ing the accelerator pedal upward, the DCA
system control of the accelerator pedal is
canceled.
● When the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal, the brake control by the system is not
operated.
● When the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal,
neither the brake control nor the alert by the
system operates.
● When the Intelligent Cruise Control system is
set, the DCA system will be cancelled.
Approach warning
If your vehicle comes closer to the vehicle
ahead due to rapid deceleration of that vehicle
or if another vehicle cuts in, the system warns
the driver with the chime and DCA system
display. Decelerate by depressing the brake
pedal to maintain a safe vehicle distance if:
● The chime sounds.
● The vehicle ahead detection indicator blinks.
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If the IBA OFF indicator lightAilluminates with
a beep sound, pull off the road to a safe
location, stop the vehicle and turn the engine
off. Check to see if the sensor window is dirty.
If the sensor window is dirty, clean it with a soft
cloth and restart the engine. If the sensor
window is not dirty, restart the engine. If the
IBA OFF indicator light continues to illuminate
even if the IBA system is turned on with the IBA
OFF switch
B, have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
To turn on the IBA system, see “INTELLIGENT
BRAKE ASSIST (IBA) SYSTEM” later in this sec-
tion.
FCW system operation
The FCW system will function at speeds of
approximately 10 MPH (15 km/h) and above,
when the system turns on.
The FCW system is automatically turned on
when the engine is started and the warning
systems ON indicator
1illuminates on the
switch. You can turn the FCW system off by
pushing the warning systems switch on the
instrument panel. This switch will turn on and
off the LDW, BSW and FCW systems at the same
time. See “WARNING SYSTEMS SWITCH” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section for more
details. NOTE:
If you continue to push the warning systems
switch from off to on for over 4 seconds, a chime
will sound. This will change the default status of
the LDW, BSW and FCW systems to OFF so that
these systems will not automatically turn on
when the engine is started. If this procedure is
repeated, the default status will return to ON.
For the sensor maintenance, see “INTELLIGENT
CRUISE CONTROL (ICC) SYSTEM” earlier in this
section.
SSD1000
Warning systems switch
SIC4335
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WARNING
●The system may detect highly reflective ob-
jects such as reflectors, signs, white mark-
ers and other stationary objects on the road
or near the traveling lane.
In extreme conditions, detection of these ob-
jects may cause the system to function. ●
The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality. If the sen-
sor is covered with ice, a transparent or
translucent plastic bag, etc., the system may
not detect them. In these instances the sys-
tem may not be able to warn the driver prop-
erly. Be sure to check and clean the sensor
regularly.
● Excessive noise will interfere with the warn-
ing chime sound, and the chime may not be
heard.
● Never place your foot under the brake pedal
when the IBA system turns on. Your foot may
be caught when the system controls the
brake.
● A sudden appearance of a vehicle in front
(i.e., it abruptly cuts in) may not be detected
and the system may not warn the driver soon
enough.
● The system will be cancelled automatically
with a beep sound and the IBA warning light
will illuminate under the following
conditions:
– When the sensor window is dirty
– When the system malfunctions If the IBA OFF indicator light illuminates with a
beep sound, pull off the road to a safe location,
stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. Check
to see if the sensor window is dirty. If the
sensor window is dirty, clean it with a soft cloth
and restart the engine. If the sensor window is
not dirty, restart the engine. If the IBA OFF
indicator light continues to illuminate even if
the IBA system is turned on, have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Reflectors on the road
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●Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
● Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
● Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
● Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
● Avoid unnecessary prolonged engine idling.
● Keep your engine tuned up.
● Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
● Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Improper tire pressure will increase
wear and waste fuel.
● Make sure the front wheels are properly
aligned. Improper alignment will cause pre-
mature tire wear and lower fuel economy.
● Climate control operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
● When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag. The AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. It
turns off soon after the engine is started. If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent AWD
system while the engine is running, the warning
light will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about twice
per second) while trying to free a stuck vehicle
due to high power train oil temperature. The
driving mode may change to two-wheel drive. If
the warning light blinks rapidly during opera-
tion, stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a
safe place immediately. Then if the light goes
off after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning
light blink slowly (about once per two seconds).
Pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. Check that all tire sizes are the same,
tire pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is blinking after the above
operation, have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
SSD0336
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if
so equipped)
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WARNING
●Do not stop or park the vehicle over flam-
mable materials such as dry grass, waste
paper or rags. They may ignite and cause a
fire.
● Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.
● Do not leave children unattended inside the
vehicle. They could unknowingly activate
switches or controls. Unattended children
could become involved in serious accidents. ●
Safe parking procedures require that both
the parking brake be applied and the trans-
mission placed into P (Park). Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move unexpect-
edly or roll away and result in an accident.
● Make sure the automatic transmission se-
lector lever has been pushed as far forward
as it can go and cannot be moved without
depressing the foot brake pedal.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position. 3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling
into the street when parked on a sloping
drive way, it is a good practice to turn the
wheels as illustrated.
●HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL,
NO CURB:
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF posi- tion.
SD1006MA
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
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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.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
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. How-
ever, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal
will be required to stop the vehicle and the
stopping distance will be longer.
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly and
firmly, you may hear a clicking noise and feel a
slight pulsation. This is normal and indicates
that the Brake Assist System is operating.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weak-
ened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
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 save the brakes 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.
WARNING
● While driving on a slippery surface, be care-
ful when braking, accelerating or downshift-
ing. Abrupt braking or accelerating could
cause the wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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