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, depend-
ing 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 ve-
hicle is driving.
RAPID ACCELERATION
The vehicle is accelerated using both the gaso-
line engine and the electric motor depending on
the available Li-ion battery charge.
DECELERATION AND BRAKING
The Li-ion battery is charged by the electric mo-
tor that changes the energy of the rotating
wheels into electric power. See “Regenerative
brake” later in this section.
STOPPING
The gasoline engine may stop running to save
fuel depending on the available Li-ion battery
charge.The INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid® System
monitors the status of power being sent to the
electric motor and the Li-ion battery state of
charge. The status is shown on the assist charge
gauge in the meter and the energy
flow/remaining Li-ion battery charge in the dot
matrix display. System status can also be shown
on the navigation system display (if so equipped)
when the screen is in the energy flow mode or
energy/fuel history mode.
POWER METER
This meter displays the actual electric motor
power consumption and the charging power to
the Li-ion battery.
For additional information, See “Power meter” in
the “Instruments and controls” section.
ENERGY FLOW (models with
navigation system)
When you use this system, make sure the hybrid
system is in the READY to drive mode. See
“Operation of the hybrid system” in this section.
LIC2544
ENERGY MONITORS
HEV OverviewHEV-5
If you use the system with the hybrid sys-
tem off (ignition switch placed in the ACC
position) for a long time, it will discharge
the 12-volt battery power, and the hybrid
system will not start.
Energy monitor for various operating modes can
be displayed on the navigation system monitor.
Push the INFO button on the control panel and
highlight the “Energy Flow” key on the display
using the INFINITI controller then push the EN-
TER button.This is an example of the Energy Flow display.
The Energy Flow display changes, depending on
the following operating conditions. The graphic
indicates the amount of power in the Li-ion bat-
tery.
The following are displayed on the Energy Flow
screen.● When the vehicle is powered only by the
electric motor or gasoline engine.
● When the vehicle is powered by both the
electric motor and the gasoline engine. ●
When the vehicle is charging the Li-ion bat-
tery with the regenerative brake and gaso-
line engine.
● When the vehicle is powered by the gaso-
line engine and is charging the Li-ion battery.
● When there is no Energy Flow in the vehicle
The Energy Flow and remaining Li-ion battery
charge can be also shown on the dot matrix
display. See “Trip computer” in the “Instruments
and controls” section.
NJE0003
HEV-6HEV Overview
CAUTION
●If the vehicle is parked for a long period
of time, the battery discharges gradu-
ally. To avoid this occurrence, drive the
vehicle for approximately 30 minutes at
least once every two to three months.
Otherwise, the Lithium ion (Li-ion) bat-
tery may be damaged. If the Li-ion bat-
tery is completely discharged and the
hybrid system cannot be activated, con-
tact an INFINITI retailer.
High-voltage parts and harnesses on the hybrid
vehicles emit approximately the same amount of
electromagnetic waves as the conventional
gasoline-powered vehicles or home electronic
appliances despite of their electromagnetic
shieldings. Unwanted noise may occur in the
reception of a mobile two-way radio.
Charging the Li-ion battery while driving is impor-
tant. The vehicle cannot run if the Liion battery is
discharged. In the N (Neutral) position, the Li-ion
battery does not recharge. Leaving the transmis-
sion in the N (Neutral) position for an extended
period of time may discharge the Li-ion battery.
The Li-ion battery recharges when the shift lever
is in any position other than N (Neutral) . An air vent is located on the rear side trim panels
Ato cool the high-voltage battery. If the vent is
covered, the battery will overheat resulting in
reduced output performance of the hybrid sys-
tem. See “Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery air vent” in
the “Appearance and care” section.
You may hear the noise of the cooling fan from the
air vent.
CAUTION
Do not place objects over or into the air
vent. The Li-ion battery or DC/DC con-
verter may overheat and be damaged.
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.
CAUTION
It may cause a short circuit and damage
the Li-ion battery or DC/DC converter.
Noise and vibration
After the hybrid system is activated, the following
noises and vibrations that are unique to the hy-
brid system may occur. This does not indicate a
malfunction.
● Electric motor noise from the engine com-
partment
● Noise from the rear of the vehicle when the
hybrid system activates or deactivates
● Noise and vibration when the gasoline en-
gine starts running or stops
● Operating noise or electric motor noise
when releasing the accelerator pedal or de-
pressing the brake pedal
● Engine noise due to rapid accelerationLPD2173
HEV-12HEV Overview
1. Tachometer
2. Warning/indicator lights
3. Vehicle Information Display
4. Speedometer
5. Fuel gauge
6. Odometer/Twin trip odometer7. Power meter
POWER METER
The power meter indicates the condition of the
electric motor. When the needle is between the
center and “charge” (
1range) , this indicates
that the electric motor is generating power to
recharge the Li-ion battery.
When the needle is between the center and the
PWR side, this indicates that the electric motor is
powering the drive wheels and the Li-ion battery
is discharging.
LIC2537
LIC2544
METERS AND GAUGES
2-2Instruments and controls
Hydraulic brake system warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the hybrid system is in the READY
mode, this light warns that the hydraulic brake
system is not functioning properly. If the brake
warning light comes on with the parking brake not
applied when the hybrid system is in READY
mode, perform the following:1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of your
INFINITI Owner’s Manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by an INFINITI re-
tailer.
If the hydraulic brake warning light comes on
when the parking brake is not applied and the
electronically controlled brake system warning
light also comes on, stop the vehicle immediately
and call an INFINITI retailer.WARNING
● Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing 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 driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a 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. ●
Your brake system may not be working
properly if both the brake warning light
and electronically controlled brake sys-
tem light come on when the hybrid sys-
tem is in READY mode and the parking
brake is not applied. 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.
12–volt battery charge warning
light
If the light comes on when the READY indicator
comes ON, it may indicate the charging system is
not functioning properly. See an INFINITI retailer
immediately.
CAUTION
The charging system may not be function-
ing properly if the 12–volt battery charge
warning 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.
2-4Instruments and controls
Jump starting provides power to the 12–volt sys-
tem to allow the electrical systems to operate.
The electrical systems must be operating to allow
the Li-ion battery to be charged. Jump starting
does not charge the Li-ion battery.
To start the hybrid system with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING
●The engine may start at any time with-
out warning when the ignition is on and
the hybrid system is in the READY
mode. When jump starting keep your
hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from fans, belts and any other parts that
can move to avoid personal injury.
● If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a 12–volt battery explosion, re-
sulting in severe injury or death. It could
also damage your vehicle.
● Explosive hydrogen gas is always pres-
ent in the vicinity of the battery. Keep all
sparks and flames away from the
battery. ●
Do not allow battery fluid to come into
contact with eyes, skin, clothing or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a cor-
rosive sulfuric acid solution which can
cause severe burns. If the fluid should
come into contact with anything, imme-
diately flush the contacted area with
water.
● Keep 12–volt battery out of the reach of
children.
● The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
● Whenever working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protectors (for
example, goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean
over the battery when jump starting.
● Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause se-
rious injury.
● Your vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any
time. Keep hands and other objects
away from it. ●
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to jump start a hybrid
vehicle as a booster vehicle.
JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency6-3
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic
accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone
chargers, GPS, DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances. In these cases,
the battery may need to be charged to
maintain battery health.
WARNING
●Do not expose the 12–volt battery to
flames, an electrical spark or a ciga-
rette. Hydrogen gas generated by the
12–volt battery is explosive. Explosive
gases can cause blindness or injury. Do
not allow battery fluid to contact your
skin, eyes, fabrics or painted surfaces.
Sulfuric acid can cause blindness or in-
jury. After touching a 12–volt battery or
battery cap, do not touch or rub your
eyes. Thoroughly wash your hands. If
the acid contacts your eyes, skin or
clothing, immediately flush with water
for at least 15 minutes and seek medical
attention. ●
If the 12-volt battery needs to be re-
placed, use a battery of the same de-
sign. Using the wrong battery can cause
hydrogen gas to build up in the vehicle ,
which could lead to explosion and per-
sonal injury.
● When working on or near a 12–volt bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tion and remove all jewelry.
● Battery posts, terminals and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
● Keep 12–volt battery out of the reach of
children.CAUTION
● Do not ground accessories directly to
the battery terminal. Doing so will by-
pass the variable-voltage control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely.
● Use electrical accessories with the en-
gine running to avoid discharging the
vehicle battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with a variable-voltage
control system. This system measures the
amount of electrical discharge from the battery
and controls voltage generated by the generator.
LDI2259
VARIABLE-VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEM
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
“Brake system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an INFINITI re-
tailer.
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing 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 driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
●Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a 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.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate the
ABS is not functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked, and if necessary, repaired by an
INFINITI retailer promptly. Avoid high-speed driv-ing and abrupt braking. (See “Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light” in this section.)Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see an INFINITI
retailer immediately.
CAUTION
●Do not ground electrical accessories di-
rectly to the battery terminal. Doing so
will bypass the variable control system
and the vehicle battery may not charge
completely. Refer to “Variable voltage
control system” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section later in this
manual.
●Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Low tire pressure warning light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
2-8Instruments and controls