2014 INFINITI Q50 HYBRID brake sensor

5-80Starting and driving
approximately 650 ft (200 m) ahead.
WARNING
.This system is only an aid to assist the
driver and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver’ s
responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all
times.
. This system will not adapt automatically
to road conditions. Do not use the
system on roads with sharp curves, or
on icy roads, in heavy rain or in fog.
The distance sensor will not detect the
following objects:
.Stationary and slow moving vehicles
. Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
. Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
. Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel
lane
WARNING
. As there is a performance limit to the
distance control function, never rely solely on the DCA system. This system
does not correct careless, inattentive or
absent-minded driving, or overcome
poor visibility in rain, fog, or other bad
weather. Decelerate the vehicle speed by
depressing the brake pedal, depending
on the distance to the vehicle ahead and
the surrounding circumstances in order
to maintain a safe distance between
vehicles.
. The system may not detect the vehicle in
front of you in certain road or weather
conditions. To avoid accidents, never use
the DCA system under the following
conditions:
—On roads with sharp curves
—On slippery road surfaces such as
on ice or snow, etc.
—During bad weather (rain, fog, snow,etc.)
—When rain, snow or dirt adhere tothe system sensor
—On steep downhill roads (frequentbraking may result in overheating
the brakes)
—On repeated uphill and downhillroads .
In some road or traffic conditions, a
vehicle or object can unexpectedly come
into the sensor detection zone and cause
automatic braking. You may need to
control the distance from other vehicles
using the accelerator pedal. Always stay
alert and avoid using the DCA system
when it is not recommended in this
section.

JVS0235X
DCA SYSTEM 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
behind the lower grille of the front bumper
to detect vehicles traveling ahead.
The following are some conditions in which
the sensor cannot detect the signals:
. When the snow or road spray from
traveling 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 automati-
cally check the sensor’s operation. When
the sensor area of the front bumper is
covered with dirt or is obstructed, the
system will automatically be canceled. If
the sensor area is covered with ice, a
transparent or translucent vinyl bag, etc.,
the DCA system may not detect them. In
these instances, the DCA system may not
be able to decelerate the vehicle properly.
Be sure to check and clean the sensor area
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 approxi-
mately 40% 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 decelerate 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” (P.5-86).
This system only brakes and moves the
accelerator 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.
Starting and driving5-81

BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at all
times.
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.
—For detailed information, see“Wheels and tires” (P.8-30) 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.
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,
Starting and driving5-107
BRAKE ASSIST

5-108Starting and driving
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
motor output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction con-
trol 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 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” (P.2-18).
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 light
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
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

6-4In case of emergency
.Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
. Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.
RUN-FLAT TIRES
Run-flat tires are those tires that can be
used temporarily if they are punctured. See
“Run-flat tires” (P.8-36).
Also, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or“Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the INFINITI Warranty
Information Booklet.
WARNING
. Although you can continue driving with a
punctured run-flat tire, remember that
vehicle handling stability is reduced,
which could lead to an accident and
personal injury. Also, driving a long
distance at high speeds may damage
the tires. .
Do not drive at speeds above 50 MPH
(80 km/h) and do not drive more than
approximately 93 miles (150 km) with a
punctured run-flat tire. The actual dis-
tance the vehicle can be driven on a flat
tire depends on outside temperature,
vehicle load, road conditions and other
factors.
. Drive safely at reduced speeds. Avoid
hard cornering or braking, which may
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
. If you detect any unusual sounds or
vibrations while driving with a punctured
run-flat tire, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. The tire may be seriously
damaged and need to be replaced.CAUTION
.Never install tire chains on a punctured
run-flat tire, as this could damage your
vehicle.
. Avoid driving over any projection or
pothole, as the clearance between the
vehicle and the ground is smaller than
normal. .
Do not enter an automated car wash with
a punctured run-flat tire.
. Have the punctured tire inspected by an
INFINITI retailer or other authorized
repair shop. Replace the tire as soon
as possible if the tire is seriously
damaged.
If you have a flat tire and have to stop the
vehicle, follow the instructions below.
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road
and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to
the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the hybrid system.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assis-
tance personnel that you need assis-
tance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
For the tire removing procedure, see
“Jacking up the vehicle and replacing tires”
(P.8-40).

M
MaintenanceBattery ......................................................... 8-17
General maintenance ..................................... 8-2
Indicators for maintenance (vehicle
information display) ..................................... 2-29
Inside the vehicle .......................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ............................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements ............................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle ........................................ 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ................................. 1-16
Under the hood and vehicle ........................... 8-4
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) ....................... 2-19
Map lights ........................................................ 2-58
Master warning light ......................................... 2-17
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) .............. 3-3
Memory storage Automatic drive positioner ........................... 3-29
Meter Trip computer .............................................. 2-31
Meters and gauges ............................................. 2-6
Instrument brightness control ...................... 2-46
Mirror
Inside mirror ................................................ 3-25
Outside mirrors ............................................ 3-26
Vanity mirror ................................................ 3-28
Moonroof .......................................................... 2-56
N
NAVI Shift Control ............................................. 5-19
New vehicle break-in ......................................... 5-99
Noise and vibration ...................... Hybrid System-12
O
Odometer............................................................ 2-7
Off-road recovery ................................................ 5-8
Oil Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-13
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-12
Engine oil .................................................... 8-12
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 9-7
One touch unlock sensor (See Intelligent
Key system) ........................................................ 3-9
Operation Indicators for operation ............................... 2-24
Operation of the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System .............................. Hybrid System-4
Outside mirrors ................................................. 3-26
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ..................... 6-7
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information .............................................. 9-23
P
Panic alarm ...................................................... 3-16 Parking
Parking brake operation ............................... 5-20
Parking on hills ......................................... 5-103
Parking brake break-in .................................... 5-106
Personal lights .................................................. 2-59
PERSONAL mode ............................................... 5-23
Phone
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-3
Power Power door lock ............................................. 3-4
Power outlet ................................................ 2-48
Power steering system ............................... 5-104
Power windows ............................................ 2-54
Power steering warning light ............................. 2-17
Precautions Braking precautions ................................... 5-106
Child restraints ............................................ 1-19
Cruise control .............................................. 5-56
Maintenance .................................................. 8-5
Seat belt usage ........................................... 1-10Supplemental restraint system ..................... 1-37
When starting and driving .............................. 5-3
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function ........ 1-12
Predictive forward collision warning system ...... 5-94
Push starting ...................................................... 6-7
Push-button ignition switch ..................... 5-10, 5-11
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-3
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ........................ 2-40
10-5