2014 INFINITI QX50 steering

5-52Starting and driving
SSD0284A
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the system display may blink when
the ICC sensor detects some reflectors
*A
which are fitted on vehicles in other lanes
or on the side of the road. This may cause
the ICC system to decelerate or accelerate
the vehicle. The ICC sensor may detect
these reflectors when the vehicle is driven
on winding roads, hilly roads or when
entering or exiting a curve. The ICC sensor
may also detect reflectors on narrow roads
or in road construction zones. 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, DS
or Manual mode
. When the windshield wipers are operat-
ing at low (LO) or high speed (HI). If the
vehicle is equipped with a rain sensing
auto-wiper, the system may cancel
when the wipers are set to intermittent
(INT).
. When the parking brake is applied
. When the SNOW mode switch is turned
ON
. When the VDC system is turned off
. When ABS or VDC (including the trac-
tion control system) operates .
When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
. When distance measurement becomes
impaired due to adhesion of dirt or
obstruction to the sensor
. When a wheel slips

SSD0253
When driving on some roads, such as
winding, hilly, curved, narrow roads, or
roads which are under construction, the
sensor may detect vehicles in a different
lane, or may temporarily not detect a
vehicle traveling ahead. This may cause
the system to work inappropriately.
The detection of vehicles may also be
affected by vehicle operation (steering
maneuver or traveling position in the lane,
etc.) or vehicle condition.If this occurs, the
system may warn you by blinking the
system indicator and sounding the chime
unexpectedly. You will have to manually
control the proper distance away from the vehicle traveling ahead.
SSD0770
Distance Control Assist system
display and indicators
The display is located between the speed-
ometer and tachometer.
1. Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator:
Indicates that the dynamic driver assis-
tance switch is ON.
2. Vehicle ahead detection indicator: Indicates whether it detects a vehicle in
front of you.
3. Distance Control Assist system warning light (orange):
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5-64Starting and driving
The light comes on if there is a
malfunction in the DCA system.
SSD0907
Operating Distance Control Assist
(DCA) system
To turn on the DCA system, push the
dynamic driver assistance switch on the
steering wheel after starting the engine.
The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator light in the dot matrix
liquid crystal display will illuminate. Push
the dynamic driver assistance switch again
to turn off the DCA system. The Distance
Control Assist (DCA) system switch indica-
tor light will turn off.
The system will start to operate after the
vehicle speed becomes above approxi-mately 3 MPH (5 km/h).
WARNING
When the DCA system is not necessary, be
sure to turn off the DCA switch. Using the
system when it is not necessary may result
in an accident.
The dynamic driver assistance switch is
used for both the LDP and DCA systems.
When the dynamic driver assistance switch
is pushed, the LDP system will also turn on
or off simultaneously. The DCA system can
be individually set to on or off on the
display. If the system is set to off, the
system will not turn on even if the dynamic
driver assistance switch is pushed to on. To
set the system to on or off on the display,
see
“Setting DCA system to ON/OFF” (P.5-
65).

SSD0284A
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the system display may blink when
the sensor detects some reflectors
*A
which are fitted on vehicles in other lanes
or on the side of the road. This may cause
the DCA system to operate inappropriately.
The sensor may detect these reflectors
when the vehicle is driven on winding
roads, hilly roads or when entering or
exiting a curve. The sensor may also detect
reflectors on narrow roads or in road
construction zones. 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).
SSD0771
Automatic cancellation
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the Dis-
tance Control Assist system is automati-
cally canceled. The chime will sound and
the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator light will blink. 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 SNOW mode switch is turned
ON
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—When abruptly accelerating or de-celerating.
—On a steep downhill slope or onroads with sharp curves.
—When there is a highly reflectiveobject near the vehicle ahead (for
example, being very close to another
vehicle, signboard, etc.)
. Depending on certain road conditions
(curved or beginning of a curve), vehicle
conditions (steering position or vehicle
position), or the preceding vehicle’ s
conditions (position in lane, etc.), the
system may not function properly. The
system may detect highly reflective
objects such as reflectors, signs, white
markers, and other stationary objects on
the road or near the traveling lane and
provide unnecessary warning.
. The system may not function in offset
conditions.
. The system may not function when the
distance to the vehicle ahead is extre-
mely close.
. The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality. If the
sensor is covered with ice, a transparent or translucent plastic bag, etc., the
system may not detect them. In these
instances the system may not be able to
warn the driver properly. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor regularly.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.
. A sudden appearance of a vehicle in
front (for example, it abruptly cuts in)
may not be detected and the system may
not warn the driver soon enough.
. The system will be cancelled automati-
cally with a beep sound and the IBA OFF
indicator light will illuminate under the
following conditions:
—When the sensor window is dirty
—When the system malfunctions
SSD0887
If the IBA OFF indicator light*Ailluminates
with a beep sound, pull off the road to a
safe location, stop the vehicle and turn the
engine off. Check to see if the sensor
window is dirty. If the sensor window is
dirty, clean it with a soft cloth and restart
the engine. If the sensor window is not
dirty, restart the engine. If the IBA OFF
indicator light continues to illuminate even
if the IBA system is turned on with the IBA
OFF switch
*B, have the system checked
by an INFINITI retailer.
To turn on the IBA system, see “Intelligent
Brake Assist (IBA) system” (P.5-74).
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5-76Starting and driving
road spray.
—When visibility is low (such as rain,fog, snow, etc.).
—When snow or road spray fromtraveling vehicles is splashed.
—When dense exhaust or other smoke
(black smoke) from vehicles reduces
the visibility of the sensor.
—When excessively heavy baggage isloaded in the rear seat or the
luggage room of your vehicle.
—When abruptly accelerating or de-celerating.
—On a steep downhill slope or on
roads with sharp curves.
—When there is a highly reflectiveobject near the vehicle ahead (for
example, being very close to another
vehicle, signboard, etc.)
. Depending on certain road conditions
(curved or beginning of a curve), vehicle
conditions (steering position or vehicle
position), or the preceding vehicle’ s
conditions (position in lane, etc.), the
system may not function properly. The
system may detect highly reflective objects such as reflectors, signs, white
markers, and other stationary objects on
the road or near the traveling lane and
provide unnecessary warning.
. The system may not function in offset
conditions.
. The system may not function when the
distance to the vehicle ahead is extre-
mely close.
SSD0782
Reflectors on the road
WARNING
.The system may detect highly reflective
objects such as reflectors, signs, white
markers and other stationary objects on
the road or near the traveling lane.
In extreme conditions, detection of these
objects may cause the system to func-
tion.
. The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality. If the
sensor is covered with ice, a transparent
or translucent plastic bag, etc., the

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
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POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM

and Loading Information label”(P.9-
12).
—For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-30).
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 engine 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 pulsa-
tion 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,
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). The speed varies
according to road conditions.
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.
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