Hybrid System Overview
Infiniti Direct Response
Hybrid®System............................... Hybrid System-2
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery............... Hybrid System-2
High voltage cautions ...................... Hybrid System-2
Road accident cautions.................... Hybrid System-3
Emergency shut-off system .............. Hybrid System-4
Operation of the INFINITI Direct
Response Hybrid
®System ............... Hybrid System-4
Starting and slow speed driving ... Hybrid System-4
Medium or high speed driving..... Hybrid System-4
Rapid acceleration ....................... Hybrid System-5
Deceleration and braking............. Hybrid System-5
Stopping ..................................... Hybrid System-5 Energy monitors .............................. Hybrid System-5
Assist charge gauge................... Hybrid System-5
Energy Flow ............................... Hybrid System-5
Fuel economy history ................. Hybrid System-6
Regenerative brake ......................... Hybrid System-8
Efficient use of your vehicle ............ Hybrid System-8
Approaching Vehicle Sound for
Pedestrians (VSP) system ................ Hybrid System-8
Hybrid vehicle precautions .............. Hybrid System-9 High voltage components .......... Hybrid System-9
Hybrid
vehicle characteristics.............. Hybrid System-10
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
WARNING
.If the sound from the VSP system is not
heard while driving, stop the vehicle in a
safe and quiet location. Open a window,
and then place the vehicle in the R
(Reverse) position with the brake pedal
firmly depressed. Check that the operat-
ing sound can be heard from the front
side of the vehicle.
. If the sound cannot be heard, immedi-
ately contact an INFINITI retailer for
inspection.
HIGH VOLTAGE COMPONENTS
WARNING
.The INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid®
System uses high voltage up to approxi-
mately 408 volts. The system can be hot
while and after starting. Be careful of
both the high voltage and the high
temperature. Obey the warning labels
attached to the vehicle.
. Never touch, disassemble, remove or
replace the high voltage parts, har-
nesses and their connectors. High vol-
tage harnesses are orange. Touching,
disassembling, removing or replacing
those parts and harnesses can cause
severe burns or electric shock that may
result in serious injury or death.
Hybrid System OverviewHybrid System-9
HYBRID VEHICLE PRECAUTIONS
Hybrid System-12Hybrid System Overview
JVO0006X
CAUTION
Do not load large amounts of water in open
containers (aquariums or buckets) into the
vehicle. If the water spills onto the Li-ion
battery, it may cause a short circuit and
damage the battery.
Noise and vibration
After the hybrid system is activated, the
following noises and vibrations that are
unique to the hybrid system may occur.
This does not indicate a malfunction..
Electric motor noise from the engine
compartment
. Noise from the rear of the vehicle when
the hybrid system activates or deacti-
vates
. Noise and vibration when the gasoline
engine starts running or stops
. Operating noise or electric motor noise
when releasing the accelerator pedal or
depressing the brake pedal
. Engine noise due to rapid acceleration
. Fan noise from the air inlet located
between the rear seat and rear door
. Noise from the climate control system
. Noise from the vehicle in order to alert
pedestrians to the presence of an
approaching vehicle. See “Approaching
Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP)
system” (P.Hybrid System-8).
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.
2-24Instruments and controls
INDICATORS FOR OPERATION
1. Hybrid system start operation
indicator
This indicator appears when the shift lever
is in the P (Park) position.
This indicator means that the INFINITI
Direct Response Hybrid
®System will start
by pushing the ignition switch with the
brake pedal depressed. You can start the
hybrid system directly in any position of
the ignition switch.
2. NO KEY warning
The warning appears when the door is
closed with the Intelligent Key left outside
the vehicle and the ignition switch in the
ACC or ON position. Make sure that the
Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle.
See “Intelligent Key system” (P.3-6) for
more details.
3. SHIFT “P”warning
This warning will appear in the following
conditions.
.When the shift lever is in any position
except P (Park) and the push button
ignition switch has been placed in the
OFF position from the ON position. .
When the shift lever is operated while
the READY to drive indicator light is
flashing.
. The driver’s door is opened with the
shift lever in “N”,“D”or“R”.
. When the vehicle cannot be driven
because the hybrid system temperature
has become too high.
. When the engine stops due to sudden
deceleration on a cold winter day.
. If a malfunction occurs in a situation
other than those described above and
the engine cannot start automatically.
When this warning appears, place the shift
lever in the P (Park) position.
When the SHIFT “P”warning appears, a
buzzer will sound.
This warning will turn off in the following
conditions.
. When the shift lever has been placed in
the P (Park) position.
. When the ignition switch has been
pushed to ON.
4. Shift to Park - Li-ion battery low
warning
This warning appears when the shift lever
is in the “N”position and level of remain- ing charge in the Li-ion battery is low.
When this warning appears, place the shift
lever in the P (Park) position.
This will turn off in the following condi-
tions.
.
When the shift lever has been placed in
the P (Park) position.
5. Shift to Park - Press brake and
start warning
This warning appears after the hybrid
system was automatically turned off if the
level of remaining charge in the Li-ion
battery is low.
When this warning appears, place the shift
lever in the P (Park) position and restart
the hybrid system.
6. “PUSH” warning
This warning appears when the shift lever
is moved to the P (Park) position with the
ignition switch in the ACC position after the
SHIFT“P”warning appears.
To push the ignition switch to the OFF
position, perform the following procedure:
. SHIFT “P”warning ?(Move the shift
lever to “P”)?PUSH warning ?(Push
the ignition switch ?ignition switch