2014 INFINITI QX80 Quick ion

5-80Starting and driving
JVS0227X
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” later in this
section.
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.

5-98Starting and driving
will illuminate. When the IBA OFF switch is
pushed again, the system will turn on and
the IBA OFF indicator light will turn off.
The IBA system will remain in the last ON
or OFF state it was left in until it is
manually changed by pressing the IBA
OFF switch.
Illumination of the IBA OFF indicator light
without a beep sound is an indication that
the IBA system is temporarily unavailable.
It will occur under the following conditions:
.When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
. When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H
or 4L position (for 4WD models)
The IBA OFF indicator light will turn off
when the system returns to its normal
operating conditions.
For the sensor maintenance, see “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system” earlier in
this section.
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and ensure
the future reliability and economy of your
new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in shortened engine life and
reduced engine performance.
. Avoid driving for long periods at con-
stant speed, either fast or slow. Do not
run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possi-
ble.
. Do not tow a trailer for the first 500
miles (805 km). Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.
1. Use smooth accelerator and brake
pedal application.
.Avoid rapid starts and stops..Use smooth, gentle accelerator andbrake application whenever possi-
ble.
.Maintain constant speed while com-muting and coast whenever possi-
ble.
2. Maintain constant speed.
.Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
.Synchronizing your speed with traf-fic lights allows you to reduce your
number of stops.
.Maintaining a steady speed can
minimize red light stops and im-
prove fuel efficiency.
3. Use air conditioning (A/C) at higher vehicle speeds.
.Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is moreefficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
.Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is moreefficient to use A/C to cool the
vehicle due to increased aerody-
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

namic drag..Recirculating the cool air in the cabinwhen the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.
4. Drive at economical speeds and dis- tances.
.Observing the speed limit and not
exceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel
efficiency due to reduced aerody-
namic drag.
.Maintaining a safe following dis-tance behind other vehicles reduces
unnecessary braking.
.Safely monitoring traffic to antici- pate changes in speed permits
reduced braking and smooth accel-
eration changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to road
conditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady
speed.
.Cruise control is particularly effec-tive in providing fuel savings when
driving on flat terrains. 6. Plan for the shortest route.
.Utilize a map or navigation system to
determine the best route to save
time.
7. Avoid idling.
.Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.
.Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil
before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal
operating temperature more quickly
while driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered
parking area or in the shade when-
ever possible.
.When entering a hot vehicle, open- ing the windows will help to reduce
the inside temperature faster, result-
ing in reduced demand on your A/C
system.
Starting and driving5-99

5-114Starting and driving
and loading information label”in the
“9. Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
—For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” in the“8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section
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 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.

WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove built-
up wax residue and to avoid a weathered
appearance before reapplying wax.
An INFINITI retailer can assist you in
choosing the proper product.
.Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions sup-
plied with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any
abrasives, cutting compounds or clea-
ners that may damage the vehicle
finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polish-
ing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish
may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning
products are available at an INFINITI
retailer or any automotive accessory
stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter,
the underbody must be cleaned regularly.
This will prevent dirt and salt from building
up and causing the acceleration of corro-
sion on the underbody and suspension.
Before the winter period and again in the
spring, the underseal must be checked
and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is
normal for glass to become coated with a
film after the vehicle is parked in the hot
sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will
easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant clea-
ners. They could damage the electrical
conductors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
. Clean the inner side of the wheels when
the wheel is changed or the underside
of the vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents
or corrosion. Such damage may cause
loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire
bead.
. INFINITI recommends that the road
wheels be waxed to protect against
road salt in areas where it is used
during winter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
Aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in
a mild soap solution, especially during
winter months in areas where road salt is
used. Salt could discolor the wheels if not
removed.
Appearance and care7-3