Hybrid System-4Hybrid System Overview
The emergency shut-off system is activated
and the high-voltage system automatically
turns off in the following conditions:
.Front and side collisions in which the
air bags are deployed.
. Certain rear collisions.
. Certain INFINITI Direct Response Hy-
brid
®System malfunctions
For the above collisions and the certain
hybrid system malfunctions, the READY to
drive indicator light will turn off. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” (P.2-12).
The emergency shut-off activates for the
above collisions to minimize risk of an
event that could cause injury or an
accident. If the emergency shut-off system
activates, the hybrid system may not
switch to READY to drive position, contact
an INFINITI retailer. Even if the ignition
switch is switched to READY to drive
position, the system may shut-off sud-
denly. Therefore, drive cautiously to the
nearest INFINITI retailer or contact an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible. To start the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System:
1. Depress the brake pedal and place the ignition switch in the ON position when
the transmission is in the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position (P is recommended).
(For more details, see “Push-button
ignition switch” (P.5-10).)
2. The READY to drive indicator light
flashes, then turns illuminated. (The
hybrid system switched to the READY to
drive mode when the indicator light
illuminates.)
When the READY to drive indicator light
illuminates, the vehicle can be
driven, even if the gasoline engine is not
running.
NOTE:
The gasoline engine starts and stops
automatically. It may stop during low
speed driving, deceleration or when the
vehicle is stopped.
The gasoline engine may automatically
run in the following conditions:
. The level of remaining charge in the
Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery is low. The
engine runs to charge the Li-ion
battery and to provide power to the drive the vehicle.
. The temperature of the engine coolant
is low.
. Based on driving conditions.
. The shift lever is shifted to the P (Park)
position, the driver’ s seat belt is
released and the driver’s side door is
then opened.
The hybrid system operates as follows
based on driving conditions and the Li-ion
battery charge.
STARTING AND SLOW SPEED DRIV-
ING
The vehicle is driven by the electric motor
depending on the available Li-ion battery
charge.
MEDIUM OR HIGH SPEED DRIVING
The system automatically controls the
gasoline engine and electric motor in order
to obtain the optimum fuel mileage and
performance, depending on the driving
situation and available Li-ion battery
charge.
When the remaining battery level is low,
the Li-ion battery is charged by the electric
motor that is driven to generate electric
power while the vehicle is driving.
EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SYSTEM OPERATION OF THE INFINITI DIRECT
RESPONSE HYBRID®SYSTEM
Hybrid System-8Hybrid System Overview
When the vehicle decelerates while the
vehicle is driven with the shift lever in the
D (Drive) position or in the manual shift
mode, the Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery can
be charged by the electric motor. The
electric motor converts the energy of the
rotating wheels into electric power under
the following circumstances:
.When the accelerator pedal is released.
. When the brake pedal is depressed.
. When there is no malfunction in the
brake system or the INFINITI Direct
Response Hybrid
®System.
The regenerative brake may not work
properly if the vehicle has tires and road
wheels other than the ones specified in
this manual. Drive your vehicle with smooth accelera-
tion and deceleration.
.
While driving, energy is recovered
through the regenerative brake as the
vehicle decelerates. However, for most
efficient use, do not accelerate or
decelerate your vehicle more than
necessary.
. Avoid abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion.
. The power of the Lithium ion (Li-ion)
battery can be checked on the Energy
Flow or Energy monitor. See “Energy
Flow” (P.Hybrid System-5) or “Trip
computer” (P.2-31). Gradual or non-
abrupt acceleration and deceleration
will make more effective use of the
electric using gasoline engine power.
. When parking, be sure to place the shift
lever in the P (Park) position. While
driving, place the shift lever in the D
(Drive) position. The Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedes-
trians (VSP) system is a function that uses
sound to help alert pedestrians of the
presence of the vehicle when it is being
driven at a low speed in the electric drive
mode under the following conditions:
.
The sound starts when the vehicle
starts accelerating.
. The sound stops when the vehicle
speed is more than 19 MPH (30 km/h)
while accelerating.
. The sound starts when the vehicle
speed is less than 16 MPH (25 km/h)
while decelerating.
. The sound stops when the vehicle
stops.
. The sound does not stop with the
vehicle in the R (Reverse) position even
if the vehicle stops.
The VSP system is automatically turned on
when the vehicle is in the READY to drive
mode.
If there is a malfunction in the VSP system,
the VSP OFF indicator light in the meter
illuminates. See “Approaching Vehicle
Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) OFF indicator
light” (P.2-18).
REGENERATIVE BRAKE EFFICIENT USE OF YOUR VEHICLE APPROACHING VEHICLE SOUND FOR
PEDESTRIANS (VSP) SYSTEM
Warninglight Name Page
12-volt battery charge warning
light
2-12
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light2-13
Brake system warning light
(yellow)
2-13
Brake warning light (red) 2-13
Direct Response Hybrid®Sys-
tem warning light 2-14
Forward emergency braking
system warning light (if so
equipped)2-15
Low fuel warning light
2-15
Low tire pressure warning light 2-15
Master warning light 2-17
Power steering warning light 2-17
Seat belt warning light 2-17
Supplemental air bag warning
light 2-17
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light2-18Indicator
light Name Page
Approaching Vehicle Sound for
Pedestrians (VSP) OFF indicator
light 2-18
ECO drive indicator light 2-18
EV indicator light
2-18
Exterior light indicator2-19
Front fog light indicator light 2-19
Front passenger air bag status
light 2-19
High beam assist indicator light
(if so equipped)2-19
High beam indicator light 2-19
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)2-19
READY to drive indicator light 2-20
Security indicator light 2-20
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights2-20
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light2-20
Illustrated table of contents0-11
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
2-12Instruments and controls
12-volt battery charge warning lightPower steering warning lightHigh beam assist indicator light*
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
lightSeat belt warning light and chimeHigh beam indicator light
Supplemental air bag warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Brake system warning light (yellow)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning lightREADY to drive indicator light
Brake warning light (red)Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) OFF indicator lightSecurity indicator light
Direct Response Hybrid®System warning
lightECO drive indicator lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Forward emergency braking system warning
light*EV indicator lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Low fuel warning lightExterior light indicator
Low tire pressure warning lightFront fog light indicator light *: if so equipped
Master warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake and push the ignition switch to the
ON position without starting the INFINITI
Direct Response Hybrid
®System. The
following lights will come on (if so
equipped):
,or,,,,,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off (if so equipped):
,or,,,,
If any light does not come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an open
circuit in the electrical system. Have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Some indicators and warnings are also
displayed in the vehicle information dis-
play between the speedometer and tach-
ometer. (See “Vehicle information display”
(P.2-21).)
WARNING LIGHTS
12-volt battery charge warning
light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the 12-volt battery charge warn-
ing light illuminates. After starting the
hybrid system, the light turns off.
If the light continues to illuminate after
starting the hybrid system, it may indicate
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
the charging system is not functioning
properly. See an INFINITI retailer immedi-
ately.
CAUTION
The charging system may not be functioning
properly if the 12-volt battery charge warn-
ing light comes on while the hybrid system
is running. The hybrid system will stop
operating when the 12-volt battery becomes
discharged. Immediately stop the vehicle in
a safe place and contact an INFINITI retailer.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminates and then
turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while
the hybrid system is running, or while
driving, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance. (See
“Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS)” (P.5-107).)
Brake system warning light
(yellow)
This light will illuminate after the hybrid
system is started and then turns off after a
few seconds.
WARNING
If both the brake system warning light
(yellow) and the brake warning light (red)
illuminate when the parking brake is re-
leased and the hybrid system is on, do not
drive the vehicle. More brake pedal effort
than normal will be required and there will
be a significant reduction in brake perfor-
mance, which could result in an accident.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
location and contact an INFINITI retailer.
If the brake system warning light (yellow)
illuminates when the ignition switch is in
the ON position, it may indicate a malfunc-
tion in the brake system or one of the
following other functions. .
Regenerative brake system
. Hill start assist system
. Rise-up and build-up function
See an INFINITI retailer for an inspection as
soon as possible.
A chime sounds if a malfunction occurs in
the brake system power supply.
orBrake warning light
(red)
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on with the
parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake
fluid is low, add fluid and have the
system checked by your INFINITI retai-
ler. (See “Brake fluid” (P.8-15).)
Instruments and controls2-13
2-14Instruments and controls
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, havethe warning system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
Brake system malfunction warning:
If the brake warning light (red) and the
following warning light illuminate at the
same time when the parking brake is
released and the brake fluid level is
sufficient, there may be a malfunction in
the brake system.
. Brake system warning light (yellow)
WARNING
If both the brake system warning light
(yellow) and the brake warning light (red)
illuminate when the parking brake is re-
leased and the hybrid system is on, do not
drive the vehicle. More brake pedal effort
than normal will be required and there will
be a significant reduction in brake perfor-
mance, which could result in an accident.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
location and contact an INFINITI retailer.
A chime sounds if a malfunction occurs in
the brake system power supply. .
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
— Avoid driving at high speed and
sudden braking, and see an INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for an
inspection.
WARNING
. Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake warning light (red)
is on. Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to the
nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dangerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the hybrid
system stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
. If the brake fluid level is below the
minimum or MIN mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked at an INFINITI
retailer.
Direct Response Hybrid®Sys-
tem warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Direct Response Hybrid®
System (hybrid system) warning light
illuminates. After starting the hybrid sys-
tem, the hybrid system warning light turns
off.
If the hybrid system warning light illumi-
nates while driving, it may indicate that
there is a malfunction in the electric motor
and/or other hybrid system components.
Stop your vehicle immediately and contact
your INFINITI retailer.
If the hybrid system warning light blinks
while driving, it may indicate that the Li-ion
battery charge is low and you cannot
continue to drive.
Do not allow the vehicle to coast when the
Li-ion battery is low or when the hybrid
system warning light blinks while driving.
The engine will not automatically start to
charge the Li-ion battery while the vehicle
is coasting.
2-18Instruments and controls
.The supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental Restraint Systems and/or the pre-
tensioner seat belt may not function
properly.
For additional information, see “Supple-
mental restraint system” (P.1-37).
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is
on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bag,
curtain side-impact air bag systems and/or
pretensioner seat belt will not operate in an
accident. To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle checked by a
retailer as soon as possible.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light
The light will blink when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system or the
traction control system is operating, thus
alerting the driver that the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits. The road surface
may be slippery.
When the VDC warning light illuminates
when the VDC system is turned on, this
light alerts the driver to the fact that the
VDC system’s fail-safe mode is operating,
for example the VDC, active trace control,
rise-up and build-up function, brake force
distribution or hill start assist system may
not be functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer. If
a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC system function will be canceled but
the vehicle is still driveable. For additional
information, see “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” (P.5-108).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Approaching Vehicle Sound
for Pedestrians (VSP) OFF indicator
light
This light comes on if there is a malfunc-
tion in the Approaching Vehicle Sound for
Pedestrians (VSP) system. (See “Approach-
ing Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP)
system” (P.Hybrid System-8) for the VSP
system.)
ECO drive indicator light
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light will come on and
then turn off.
When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector is
turned to the ECO mode, the ECO drive
indicator light will illuminate, blink or
remain off depending on the accelerator
pedal operation to help assist the driver to
drive economically. For more details, see
“ECO mode” (P.5-21).
EV indicator light
This illuminates to indicate the vehicle is
being driven powered only by the motor.
2-20Instruments and controls
1) Do not drive at speeds above 45MPH (72 km/h).
2) Avoid hard acceleration or decelera- tion.
3) Avoid steep uphill grades.
4) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may
stop blinking and remain on.
Have the vehicle inspected by an
INFINITI retailer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the retailer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without having
the emission control system checked and
repaired as necessary could lead to poor
driveability, reduced fuel economy, and
possible damage to the emission control
system.
READY to drive indicator light
The READY to drive indicator light illumi-
nates when the hybrid system is powered
and the vehicle may be driven.
Security indicator light
The light blinks when the ignition switch is
in the ACC, OFF or LOCK position. This
function indicates the security system
equipped on the vehicle is operational.
If the security system is malfunctioning,
this light will remain on while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. For additional
information, see “Security systems” (P.2-
35).
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal
switch lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light
The light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch is pushed
to OFF. This indicates that the VDC system
and traction control system are not operat-
ing.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the ignition switch is pushed
to the ACC position. Make sure the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position, and
take the Intelligent Key with you when
leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side
door is opened with the light switch in the
orposition and the ignition switch
in the ACC, OFF or LOCK position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Parking brake reminder chime
The parking brake reminder chime will
sound if the vehicle is driven at more than
4 MPH (7 km/h) with the parking brake
applied. Stop the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires
replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in