2013 INFINITI M-HEV steering wheel

5-74Starting and driving
The light comes on if there is a
malfunction in the DCA system.
SSD0995
Operating Distance Control Assist
(DCA) system
The DCA system turns on when the
dynamic driver assistance switch on the
steering wheel is pushed when the“Dis-
tance Control Assist” is enabled in the
settings menu on the center display.
The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
indicator in the dot matrix liquid crystal
display appears when the DCA system is
turned on.
The system will start to operate after the
vehicle speed becomes above approxi-
mately 3 MPH (5 km/h).
WARNING
When the DCA system is not necessary, be
sure to turn off the dynamic driver assis-
tance switch. Using the system when it is
not necessary may result in an accident.

JVS0122X
SONAR SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
The sonar system OFF switch on the
instrument panel allows the driver to turn
the sonar system on and off. To turn the
sonar system on and off, the ignition
switch must be in the“ON”position. The
indicator light
*1on the switch will
illuminate when the system is turned on.
If the indicator light flashes when the
sonar system is not turned off, it may
indicate a malfunction in the sonar system.
WARNING
. If the hybrid system is not in the ready
to drive mode or is turned off while
driving, the power assist for the steering
will not work. Steering will be harder to
operate.
. When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the hybrid system in
the ready to drive mode, there will be no
power assist for the steering. You will
still have control of the vehicle but the
steering will be harder to operate. Have
the power steering system checked by
an INFINITI retailer.
When the steering wheel is operated
repeatedly or continuously while parking
or driving at a very low speed, or when the
steering wheel is operated keeping full-
steer, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent
overheating of the Hybrid EPS(Electrical
Power Steering) system and protect it from
getting damaged. While the power assist is
reduced, steering wheel operation will
become heavy. but, this is not a malfunc-
tion. If the steering wheel is still operated, the Hybrid EPS may stop and the Hybrid
EPS warning light will illuminate. Stop the
hybrid system and push the ignition switch
to the
“OFF”position. If the steering wheel
is not operated for a while, the tempera-
ture of Hybrid EPS system will go down and
the power assist level will return to normal
after starting the hybrid system. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations
that could cause the electric power steer-
ing system to overheat. You may hear a
operational noise from the vehicle when
the steering wheel is operated quickly this
is not malfunction.
Starting and driving5-93
POWER STEERING

an INFINITI retailer.
How to handle the sensor
The sensor for the Preview Function is
common with Intelligent Cruise Control and
is located below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating
properly, be sure to observe the following:
.Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe
with a soft cloth carefully so as not to
damage the sensor.
. Do not strike or damage the areas
around the sensor. Do not touch or
remove the screw located on the
sensor. Doing so could cause failure
or malfunction. If the sensor is da-
maged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
. Do not attach a sticker (including
transparent material) or install an
accessory near the sensor. This could
cause failure or malfunction.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
—When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
—When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See “Tireand loading information label”
in the
“9. Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
—For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” in the“8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section
of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols the brakes so the wheels do not lock
during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies
the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre-
venting each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels
from locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid
obstacles.
Starting and driving5-97

5-98Starting and driving
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a
computer. The computer has a built-in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the hybrid system and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward
or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a“clunk”noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal
and does not indicate a malfunction. If the
computer senses a malfunction, it switches
the ABS off and illuminates the ABS
warning light on the instrument panel.
The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure. This action is similar to pumping
the brakes very quickly. You may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a
vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver
inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the 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 or
mortor output to reduce drive wheel
slip based on vehicle speed (traction
control function).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine or motor 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 condi-
tions).
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it
cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in
all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

flashes so 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 driving to the
road conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” in the“2. Instruments and
controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is
off. When the VDC switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates
to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non slipping drive
wheel. The VDC warning light
flashes if
this occurs. All other VDC functions are off,
except for rise-up and build-up and brake force distribution, and the VDC warning
light
will not flash. The VDC system is
automatically reset to on when the ignition
switch is placed in the off position then
back to the on position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” in the“2. Instruments and
controls” section and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the“2.
Instruments and controls” section.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the hybrid system 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 pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and individually controls the
braking and application of engine or motor
torque to each of the four wheels to help
smooth vehicle response.
When the drive mode selector switch is set
to the “SPORT” mode, the amount of brake control provided by active trace control is
reduced.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the VDC system, the active trace control
system is also turned off.
If the active trace control is not functioning
properly, the IBA OFF indicator light illumi-
nates in the instrument panel.
RISE-UP AND BUILD-UP
The system gradually adjusts braking
power during normal braking to help
provide an enhanced brake feel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the four wheels depending
on the radius of the turn.
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
Starting and driving5-99

5-102Starting and driving
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains”in the“8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (328F, 0 8C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip”under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise clear
road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is
seen ahead, brake before reaching it. Try
not to brake while on the ice, and avoid
any sudden steering maneuvers. .
Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases
under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around your
vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 208 F
(−78C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the hybrid system OFF.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,

6-10In case of emergency
Booklet or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card
for the toll-free number to call (U.S.) or
Warranty Information Booklet (Canada).
JVE0010X
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Failure
to do so could result in damage to the
charging system and cause personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in anothervehicle
*A, position the two vehicles
(
*Aand*B) to bring the 12-volt
battery and fuse box into close proxi-
mity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply parking brake. Move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position. Switch off
all unnecessary electrical systems
(light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
*1?*2?*3?*4).
For models with a steering wheel lock
mechanism: If the 12-volt battery is
disconnected or discharged, the steer-
ing wheel will lock and cannot be
turned. Supply power using jumper
cables before pushing the ignition
switch and disengaging the steering
lock.

6-14In case of emergency
SCE0788
Two-wheel drive models
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
INFINITI
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck as illustrated. The vehicle should only
be loaded onto a flat bed using a winch.
WARNING
If your vehicle needs to be towed, do it with
the rear wheels raised. If the rear wheels areon the ground when towing, the electric
motor may generate electricity. This may
damage the INFINITI Direct Response Hy-
brid
TMSystem components and cause a fire.
CAUTION
.
Never tow automatic transmission mod-
els with the rear wheels on the ground
or four wheels on the ground (forward or
backward), as this may cause serious
and expensive damage to the transmis- sion. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels raised, always use
towing dollies under the rear wheels.
. When towing rear wheel drive models
with the front wheels on the ground or
on towing dollies: Push the ignition
switch to the ACC or ON position, and
secure the steering wheel in a straight-
ahead position with a rope or similar
device. For models with a steering wheel
lock mechanism: Never secure the steer-
ing wheel by selecting the LOCK posi-
tion. This may damage the steering lock
mechanism.