5-60Starting and driving
JVS0235X
PRECAUTIONS ON VEHICLE-TO-VE-
HICLE DISTANCE CONTROL MODE
The system is intended to enhance the
operation of the vehicle when following a
vehicle traveling in the same lane and
direction.
If the distance sensor
*Adetects a slower
moving vehicle ahead, the system will
reduce the vehicle speed so that your
vehicle follows the vehicle in front at the
selected distance.
The system automatically controls the
throttle and applies the brakes (up to
approximately 40% of vehicle braking power) if necessary.
The detection range of the sensor is
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.
. The system is primarily intended for use
on straight, dry, open roads with light
traffic. It is not advisable to use the
system in city traffic or congested areas.
. This system will not adapt automatically
to road conditions. This system should
be used in evenly flowing traffic. 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 under
most conditions:
.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 Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) system. This system does not
correct careless, inattentive or absent-
minded driving, or overcome poor visi-
bility in rain, fog, or other bad weather.
Decelerate the vehicle speed by depres-
sing the brake pedal, depending on the
distance to the vehicle ahead and the
surrounding circumstances in order to
maintain a safe distance between vehi-
cles.
. 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 and
sound a warning chime. To prevent the
vehicle from moving, the driver must
depress the brake pedal.
. The system may not detect the vehicle in
JVS0214X
When the SET/COAST (-) switch is pushed
under the following conditions, the system
cannot be set and the ICC indicators will
blink for approximately 2 seconds:
.When traveling below 20 MPH (32
km/h) and the vehicle ahead is not
detected
. When the shift lever is not in the D
(Drive) or manual shift mode
. When the parking brake is applied
. When the brakes are operated by the
driver
When the SET/COAST (-) switch is pushed
under the following conditions, the system
cannot be set. A warning chime will sound and the
“currently unavailable”
warning message
appears in the vehicle information display.
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode (To use the
ICC system, turn the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector to a mode other than
the SNOW mode, push the MAIN switch
to turn off the ICC and reset the ICC
switch by pressing the MAIN switch
again.)
For details about the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector, see “INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
. When the VDC system is off (To use the
ICC system, turn on the VDC system.
Push the MAIN switch to turn off the ICC
system and reset the ICC switch by
pushing the MAIN switch again.)
For details about the VDC system, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem” (P.5-108).
. When ABS or VDC (including the trac-
tion control system) is operating
. When a wheel is slipping (To use the ICC
system, make sure the wheels are no
longer slipping.)
Starting and driving5-67
5-72Starting and driving
SSD0284A
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the system display may blink when
the radar sensor detects objects on the
side of the vehicle
*Aor on the side of the
road
*A. This may cause the ICC system to
decelerate or accelerate the vehicle. The
radar sensor may detect these objects
when the vehicle is driven on winding
roads, narrow roads, hilly roads or when
entering or exiting a curve. In these cases
you will have to manually control the
proper distance ahead of your vehicle.
Also, the sensor sensitivity can be affected
by vehicle operation (steering maneuver or driving position in the lane) or traffic or
vehicle condition (for example, if a vehicle
is being driven with some damage).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following con-
ditions and the control is automatically
canceled.
.
When the vehicle ahead is not detected
and your vehicle is traveling below the
speed of 15 MPH (24 km/h)
. When the system judges the vehicle is
at standstill
. When the shift lever is not in the D
position or Manual mode
. When the parking brake is applied
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode
. When the VDC system is turned off
. When ABS or VDC (including the trac-
tion control system) operates
. When distance measurement becomes
impaired due to adhesion of dirt or
obstruction to the sensor
. When a wheel slips
Warning and display
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system is auto-
matically canceled. The chime will sound
and the “currently unavailable” warning
message will appear in the vehicle infor-
mation display.
. When the VDC is turned off
. When the ABS or VDC (including the
traction control system) operates
. When a tire slips
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the ICC system back
on to use the system.
Condition B:
When the radar sensor area of the front
bumper is covered with dirt or is ob-
structed, making it impossible to detect a
vehicle ahead, the ICC system is automa-
tically canceled.
The chime will sound and the “front radar
obstruction” warning message will appear
in the vehicle information display.
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.
.When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode (To use the
DCA system, turn the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector to a mode other than the
SNOW mode, then turn on the dynamic
driver assistance switch.)
For details about the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector, see “INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
. When the VDC system is off (To use the
DCA system, turn on the VDC, then
push the dynamic driver assistance
switch.)
For details about the VDC system, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem” (P.5-108).
. When ABS or VDC (including the trac-
tion control system) is operating
When the Conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control mode is operating, the DCA system
will not operate. (To use the DCA system,
turn the Conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control mode off, then push the dynamic
driver assistance switch.)
For details about the Conventional (fixed
speed) cruise control mode, see “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system” (P.5-58).
When the hybrid system is turned off, the
DCA system is automatically turned off.
JVS0244X
1. System set display with a vehicle ahead
2. System set display without a vehicle ahead
3. System set display with a vehicle ahead (brake operation is necessary)
System operation
WARNING
The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
automatically decelerates your vehicle to
help assist the driver to maintain a follow-
ing distance from the vehicle ahead. Manu- ally brake when deceleration is required to
maintain a safe distance upon sudden
braking by the vehicle ahead or when a
vehicle suddenly appears in front of you.
Always stay alert when using the DCA
system.
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.
Starting and driving5-85
.The driver assist system forward indi-
cator (orange) blinks.
. When the vehicles are traveling at the
same speed and the distance between
vehicles is not changing
. When the vehicle ahead is traveling
faster and the distance between vehi-
cles is increasing
. When a vehicle cuts in near your vehicle
The driver assist system forward indicator
(orange) blinks and the warning chime will
not sound when your vehicle approaches
vehicles that are parked or moving slowly.
SSD0284A
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the driver assist system forward
indicator (orange) may blink when the
radar sensor detects objects on the side of
the vehicle
*Aor on the side of the road
*A. This may cause the DCA system to
decelerate or accelerate the vehicle. The
radar sensor may detect these objects
when the vehicle is driven on winding
roads, narrow roads, hilly roads or when
entering or exiting a curve. In these cases
you will have to manually control the
proper distance ahead of your vehicle.
Also, the sensor sensitivity can be affected by vehicle operation (steering maneuver or
driving position in the lane) or traffic or
vehicle condition (for example, if a vehicle
is being driven with some damage).
Automatic cancellation
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the Dis-
tance Control Assist (DCA) system is
automatically canceled. The chime will
sound and the
“currently unavailable”
warning message will appear in the vehicle
information display. The system will not be
able to be set.
. When the VDC system is turned off
. When the VDC or ABS (including the
traction control system) operates
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode
. When the radar signal is temporarily
interrupted.
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the DCA system back
on to use the system.
Condition B:
When the radar sensor area of the front
bumper is covered with dirt or is ob-
Starting and driving5-87
5-104Starting and driving
DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING TYPE
WARNING
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the INFINITI Direct Re-
sponse Hybrid
®System running, the power
assist for the steering will cease operation.
You will still have control of the vehicle, but
the steering will be harder to operate.
CAUTION
. If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the direct
adaptive steering system may not oper-
ate properly and the power steering
warning light may illuminate.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer
bars, bushings and wheels are not
INFINITI recommended for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the direct
adaptive steering system may not oper-
ate properly and the power steering
warning light may illuminate. .
Do not modify the vehicle’s steering. If
steering parts are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are extremely
deteriorated, the direct adaptive steer-
ing system may not operate properly and
the power steering warning light may
illuminate.
. If the VDC warning light illuminates, the
power steering warning light may also
illuminate at the same time. Stop the
vehicle in a safe location, turn the hybrid
system off and restart the hybrid sys-
tem. If the power steering warning light
continues to illuminate, have the system
checked by an INFNITI retailer. For the
VDC system, see “Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) system” (P.5-108).
. Do not place the ignition switch is in the
ON position while the steering wheel or
a tire is removed.
. Do not turn the steering wheel as much
as possible while the ignition switch is
in any position other than the ON
position.
. Installing an accessory on the steering
wheel, or changing the steering wheel,
may reduce the steering performance.
The direct adaptive steering system is
designed to control the steering force and
steering angle according to the vehicle
speed and amount of turning of the
steering wheel.
The steering characteristic can be selected
with the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector. See
“INFINITI Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
When the steering wheel is operated
repeatedly or continuously while parking
or driving at a very low speed, the power
assist for the steering wheel will be
reduced and the steering wheel may be
slightly turned even when driving on a
straight road. This is to prevent overheat-
ing of the direct adaptive steering system
and protect it from getting damaged. When
the temperature of the direct adaptive
steering system cools down, the power
assist level will return to normal. Avoid
repeating steering wheel operations that
could cause the direct adaptive steering
system to overheat.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the hybrid system is running, it
may indicate that the direct adaptive
steering system is not functioning properly
and may need servicing. Have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer. (See
POWER STEERING
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