2014 INFINITI QX50 brakes

5-48Starting and driving
SSD0610
1. System set display with vehicle ahead
2. System set display without vehicleahead
System operation
WARNING
Normally when controlling the distance to a
vehicle ahead, this system automatically
accelerates or decelerates your vehicle
according to the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Depress the accelerator to properly accel-
erate your vehicle when acceleration is
required for a lane change. Depress the brake pedal when deceleration is required to
maintain a safe distance to the vehicle
ahead due to its sudden braking or if a
vehicle cuts in. Always stay alert when
using the ICC system.
The driver sets the desired vehicle speed
based on the road conditions. The ICC
system maintains the set vehicle speed,
similar to standard cruise control, as long
as no vehicle is detected in the lane ahead.
The ICC system displays the set speed.Vehicle detected ahead:
When a vehicle is detected in the lane
ahead, the ICC system decelerates the
vehicle by controlling the throttle and
applying the brakes to match the speed
of a slower vehicle ahead. The system then
controls the vehicle speed based on the
speed of the vehicle ahead to maintain the
driver selected distance.
The stoplights of the vehicle come on and
the brake pedal depresses when braking is
performed by the ICC system.
When the brake operates, a noise may be
heard. This is not a malfunction.
When a vehicle ahead is detected, the
vehicle ahead detection indicator comes
on. The ICC system will also display the set
speed and selected distance.
Vehicle ahead not detected:
When a vehicle is no longer detected
ahead, the ICC system gradually acceler-
ates your vehicle to resume the previously
set vehicle speed. The ICC system then
maintains the set speed.
When a vehicle is no longer detected the
vehicle ahead detection indicator turns off.
If a vehicle ahead appears during accel-
eration to the set vehicle speed or any time

The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
brakes and moves the accelerator pedal
upward according to the distance from and
the relative speed of the vehicle ahead to
help assist the driver to maintain a
following distance.
WARNING
.Always drive carefully and attentively
when using the Distance Control Assist
system. Read and understand the Own-
er’s Manual thoroughly before using the
DCA system. To avoid serious injury or
death, do not rely on the system to
prevent accidents or to control the
vehicle’s speed in emergency situations.
Do not use the Distance Control Assist
system except in appropriate road and
traffic conditions.
. 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 with
a warning chime. To prevent the vehicle
from moving, the driver must depress
the brake pedal. .
The DCA system will not apply brake
control while the driver’s foot is on the
accelerator pedal.
SSD0701
PRECAUTIONS ON DISTANCE CON-
TROL ASSIST SYSTEM
The system is intended to assist the driver
to keep a following distance from the
vehicle ahead traveling in the same lane
and direction.
If the distance sensor
*Adetects a slower
moving vehicle ahead, the system will
reduce the vehicle speed to help assist
the driver to maintain a following distance.
The system automatically controls the
throttle and applies the brakes (up to
25% of vehicle braking power) if neces-
sary.
Starting and driving5-59
DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST (DCA) SYSTEM
(if so equipped)

5-60Starting and driving
The detection range of the sensor is
approximately 390 ft (120 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 Distance Control Assist
system. This system does not correct
careless, inattentive or absent-minded
driving, or overcome poor visibility in
rain, fog, or other bad weather. Decele-
rate the vehicle speed by depressing the
brake pedal, depending on the distance
to the vehicle ahead and the surround-
ing 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 Distance Control Assist 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 strong light (for example, atsunrise or sunset) is directly shining
on the front of the vehicle
—When rain, snow or dirt adhere tothe system sensor
—On steep downhill roads (frequentbraking may result in overheating
the brakes)
—On repeated uphill and downhill
roads
. 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.

SSD0701
DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST OP-
ERATION
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
on the front of the vehicle to detect
vehicles traveling ahead. The sensor gen-
erally detects the signals returned from the
reflectors on a vehicle ahead. Therefore, if
the sensor cannot detect the reflector on the vehicle ahead, the DCA system may not
operate.
The following are some conditions in which
the sensor cannot detect the signals:
.
When the reflector of the vehicle ahead
is positioned high on the vehicle
(trailer, etc.)
. When the reflector on the vehicle ahead
is missing, damaged or covered
. When the reflector of the vehicle ahead
is covered with dirt, snow and road
spray
. When the snow or road spray from
traveling vehicles reduces the sensor’s
visibility
. When dense exhaust or other smoke
(black smoke) from 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 is covered with dirt or is
obstructed, the system will automatically
be canceled. If the sensor is covered with
ice, a transparent or translucent vinyl bag,
etc., the DCA system may not detect them. In these instances, the Distance Control
Assist (DCA) system may not be able to
decelerate the vehicle properly. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor 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 25% 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.5-51).
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
Starting and driving5-61

SSD0746
1. System set display with vehicle ahead
2. System set display without vehicleahead
System operation
WARNING
The Distance Control Assist system auto-
matically decelerates your vehicle to help
assist the driver to maintain a following
distance from the vehicle ahead. Manually
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.
When a vehicle is detected ahead:
The vehicle ahead detection indicator
comes on.When vehicle approaches a vehicle ahead:
. If the driver’ s foot is not on the
accelerator pedal, the system activates
the brakes to decelerate smoothly as
necessary. If the vehicle ahead comes
to a stop, the vehicle decelerates to a
standstill within the limitations of the
system.
. If the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal, the system moves the accelera-
tor pedal upward to assist the driver to
release the accelerator pedal.
When brake operation by driver is re-
quired:
The system alerts the driver by a warning
chime and blinking the vehicle ahead
detection indicator. If the driver’s foot is
on the accelerator pedal after the warning,
the system moves the accelerator pedal
upward to assist the driver to switch to the
brake pedal.
The stoplights of the vehicle come on and
the brake pedal depresses when braking is
performed by the DCA system.
When the brake operates, a noise may be
heard. This is not a malfunction.
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5-74Starting and driving
SSD1156
Warning systems switch
FCW system operation
The FCW system will function at speeds of
approximately 10 MPH (15 km/h) and
above, when the system turns on.
The FCW system has an automatic setting
mode and a manual setting mode to turn
the system on. The setting mode can be
changed. In the automatic setting mode,
the FCW system is automatically turned on
when the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position. When the FCW system is on,
the warning systems ON indicator light
*1
on the warning systems switch illuminates.
To cancel the FCW system, push thewarning systems switch. The warning
systems ON indicator light will turn off. To
turn on the system, push the warning
systems switch again.
When the warning systems switch is
pushed, the LDW and BSW systems will
also turn on or off simultaneously. See
“Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system”
(P.5-20) and
“Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
system” (P.5-27).
In the manual setting mode, you need to
push the warning systems switch to turn
on the system after the ignition switch is
pushed to the ON position.
The setting mode can be changed using
the warning systems switch. To change the
setting mode, push and hold the warning
systems switch for more than 4 seconds
when the warning systems ON indicator is
off. When the mode is changed, a chime
sounds and the lane departure warning
light (orange) flashes.
For the sensor maintenance, see “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system (FULL
SPEED RANGE)” (P.5-36). The Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system
warns the driver by a warning light and
chime when there is a risk of a collision
with the vehicle ahead in the traveling lane
and the driver must take avoidance action
immediately. The system helps reduce the
rear-end collision speed by applying the
brakes when the system judges that the
collision cannot be prevented.
The IBA system will function when your
vehicle is driven at speeds of approxi-
mately 10 MPH (15 km/h) and above, and
when your vehicle is driven at speeds
approximately 10 MPH (15 km/h) faster
than the vehicle ahead.
INTELLIGENT BRAKE ASSIST (IBA) SYSTEM
(if so equipped)

WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed
slowly. This is not a malfunction and
indicates that the brake assist mechanism
is operating properly.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and the stopping distance
will be longer.
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly
and firmly, you may hear a clicking noise
and feel a slight pulsation. This is normal
and indicates that the Brake Assist System
is operating.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance will be
longer and the vehicle may pull to one sideduring braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedal
to heat-up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by
an INFINITI retailer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating
of the brakes, wearing out the brake and
pads faster and reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance
Starting and driving5-83
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM

5-84Starting and driving
and could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
.While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
. If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
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.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (Intelligent
Cruise Control system equipped
models)
When the Preview Function identifies the
need to apply emergency braking by
sensing a vehicle ahead in the same lane
and the distance and relative speed from
it, it applies the brake pre-pressure before
the driver depresses the brake pedal and
helps improve brake response by reducing
pedal free play. .
This system will not operate when the
vehicle is moving at approximately 20
MPH (32 km/h) or less.
. The pre-pressure function ceases when
the following conditions are met:
— When the driver depresses the
accelerator pedal or the brake ped-
al.
— If the driver does not operate the
accelerator or brake pedal within
approximately 1 second.
BRAKE ASSIST