2014 INFINITI Q50-HYBRID steering wheel

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.

5-84Starting and driving
front of you.
JVS0206X
Dynamic driver assistance switch
Operating 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 lower display. The
driver assist system forward indicator
(green) appears in the vehicle information
display 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).
JVS0246X
How to enable/disable the DCA system:
Perform the following steps to enable or
disable the DCA system.
1. Push the MENU
*1button and touch
[Driver Assistance] on the lower dis-
play.
2. Touch [Forward Assist].
3. Touch [Distance Control Assist] to en- able or disable the system.
Under the following conditions, the DCA
system will not operate and the “currently
unavailable” warning message will appear
in the vehicle information display:

5-90Starting and driving
JVS0312X
1. Driver assist system forward indicator
2. Vehicle ahead detection indicator
SYSTEM OPERATION
The forward emergency braking system will
function when your vehicle is driven at
speeds above approximately 3 MPH (5
km/h).
If a risk of a forward collision is detected,
the forward emergency braking system will
provide the first warning to the driver by
flashing the driver assist system forward
indicator (orange) and the vehicle ahead
detection indicator (orange), and providing
an audible warning. In addition, theforward emergency braking system pushes
the accelerator pedal up. If the driver
releases the accelerator pedal, then the
system applies partial braking.
If the driver applies the brakes quickly and
forcefully after the warning, and the
forward emergency braking system detects
that there is still the possibility of a
forward collision, the system will automa-
tically increase the braking force.
If a forward collision is imminent and the
driver does not take action, the forward
emergency braking system issues the
second visual (red) and audible warning
and automatically applies harder braking.NOTE:
The vehicle’s stop lights come on when
braking is performed by the forward
emergency braking system.
Depending on vehicle speed and distance
to the vehicle ahead, as well as driving and
roadway conditions, the system may help
the driver avoid a forward collision or may
help mitigate the consequences if a colli-
sion should one be unavoidable.
If the driver is handling the steering wheel,
accelerating or braking, the forward emer-
gency braking system will function later or
will not function.
The automatic braking will cease under the
following conditions:
.
When the steering wheel is turned as
far as necessary to avoid a collision.
. When the accelerator pedal is de-
pressed.
. When there is no longer a vehicle
detected ahead.
If the forward emergency braking system
has stopped the vehicle, the vehicle will
remain at a standstill for approximately 2
seconds before the brakes are released.

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

“Power steering warning light”(P.2-17).)
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the hybrid system run-
ning, the power assist for the steering will
cease operation. You will still have control
of the vehicle. However, greater steering
effort will be needed, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
If the direct adaptive steering system is
malfunctioning, the steering wheel may
turn slightly even when driving on a
straight road.
Under the following conditions, the steer-
ing wheel may turn slightly even when
driving on a straight road. This is due to a
protection mechanism for the direct adap-
tive steering system.
. When the battery is discharged
. When the hybrid system is stalled
. After the vehicle is tested on the four-
wheel dynamometer
. When the steering wheel is held in the
full lock position or when the front tire
touches an obstruction.
The steering wheel will return to the
normal position after the protection me-
chanism deactivates. To return to the
normal position, turn the hybrid system off, restart the hybrid system, and then
drive the vehicle for a period of time.
When the vehicle is tested on the 2-wheel
dynamometer, the power steering warning
light may illuminate. To turn off the power
steering warning light, stop the vehicle in a
safe location, turn the hybrid system off,
restart the hybrid system, and then drive
the vehicle for a period of time.
The following conditions do not indicate a
malfunction of the direct adaptive steering
system.
.
You may notice wider steering play
when the ignition switch is in the OFF
or ACC position compared to when it is
in the ON position.
. After the hybrid system is started, the
steering wheel may turn slightly even
when driving on a straight road. To
return to the normal position, drive the
vehicle on a straight road for a period
of time.
. After the hybrid system is started, the
steering wheel may move if the steering
wheel was turned to the fully locked
position while the ignition switch was
in the OFF position.
You may hear a noise under the following
conditions. However, this is not a malfunc- tion.
.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped.
. When the steering wheel is turned in
the full lock position.
Starting and driving5-105

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

lightwill 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” (P.2-18) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-20).
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the INFINITI Direct Response 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 pulsation in the brake pedal. This
is normal and is not an indication of a
malfunction.
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
surfaces and always drive carefully.
. The rise-up and build-up, and brake force
distribution system may not be effective
depending on the driving condition.
Always drive carefully and attentively.
. 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 VDC
system may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle handling performance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not INFINITI
recommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
. When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the hybrid system after driving
onto a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illumi-
Starting and driving5-109