DCA OPERATION
Always pay attention to the operation of the ve-
hicle and be ready to manually decelerate to
maintain the proper following distance. The DCA
system may not be able to decelerate the vehicle
under some circumstances.
The DCA system uses a sensor
Alocated be-
hind the front bumper of the vehicle to detect
vehicles traveling ahead. The sensor generally
detects the signals returned from the vehicle
ahead. Therefore, if the sensor cannot detect the
reflection from the vehicle ahead, the DCA sys-
tem may not operate. The following are some conditions in which the
sensor cannot detect the signals:
● When the reflector of the vehicle ahead is
covered with dirt, snow and road spray
● When dense exhaust or other smoke (black
smoke) from vehicles reduces the sensor’s
detection
● When excessively heavy baggage is loaded
in the rear seat or the luggage room of your
vehicle
The DCA system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s operation. When the front
bumper area around the distance sensor is cov-
ered with dirt or is obstructed, the system will
automatically cancel. If the front bumper area of
the distance sensor is covered with ice, a trans-
parent or translucent vinyl bag, etc., the DCA
system may not detect them. In these instances,
the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode may
not cancel and may not be able to maintain the
selected following distance from the vehicle
ahead. Be sure to check and clean the front
bumper area around the distance sensor regu-
larly. The DCA system is designed to help assist the
driver to maintain a following distance from the
vehicle ahead. The system will decelerate as nec-
essary and if the vehicle ahead comes to a stop,
the vehicle decelerates to a standstill. However,
the DCA system can only apply up to 40% of the
vehicle’s total braking power. If a vehicle moves
into the traveling lane ahead or if a vehicle travel-
ing ahead rapidly decelerates, the distance be-
tween 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.
For additional information, refer to “Approach
warning” in this section.
This system only brakes and moves the accelera-
tor 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 stationary and
slow moving vehicles. You must pay attention to
vehicle operation to maintain proper distance
from vehicles ahead.
LSD2098
5-76Starting and driving
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 DCA system helps assist the driver to keep a
following distance to the vehicle ahead by brak-
ing 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 ve-
hicle ahead comes to a stop, the vehicle
decelerates to a standstill within the limita-
tions of the system. ●
If the driver’s foot is on the accelerator pedal,
the system moves the accelerator pedal up-
ward to assist the driver to release the ac-
celerator pedal.
When brake operation by driver is required:
The system alerts the driver by a warning chime
and blinking the vehicle ahead detection indica-
tor. If the driver’s foot is on the accelerator pedal
after the warning, the system moves the accel-
erator pedal upward to assist the driver to switch
to the brake pedal.
The stoplights of the vehicle come on when
braking is performed by the DCA system.
When the brake operates, a noise may be
heard. This is not a malfunction.
WARNING
● When the vehicle ahead detection indi-
cator light is not illuminated, the system
will not control or warn the driver.
● Depending on the position of the accel-
erator pedal, the system may not be
able to assist the driver to release the
accelerator pedal appropriately. ●
If the vehicle ahead comes to a stand-
still, the vehicle decelerates to a stand-
still within the limitations of the system.
The system will release brake control
with a warning chime once it judges the
vehicle is at a standstill. To prevent the
vehicle from moving, the driver must
depress the brake pedal. (The system
will resume control automatically once
the system reaches 3 MPH (5 km/h)) .
Overriding the system:
The following driver’s operations override the
system operation. ● When the driver depresses the accelerator
pedal even further while the system is mov-
ing the accelerator pedal upward, the DCA
system control of the accelerator pedal is
canceled.
● When the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal, the brake control by the system is not
operated.
● When the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal,
neither the brake control nor the alert by the
system operates.
● When the ICC system is set, the DCA sys-
tem will be cancelled.
Starting and driving5-81
– When snow or road spray from trav-eling vehicles is splashed.
– When excessively heavy baggage is loaded in the rear seat or the luggage
room of your vehicle.
– When abruptly accelerating or decelerating.
– On a steep downhill slope or on roads with sharp curves.
– When there is a highly reflective ob- ject near the vehicle ahead (for ex-
ample, being very close to another
vehicle, signboard, etc.)
– When you are towing a trailer.
● 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 ob-
jects such as signs 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 ex-
tremely close.
● The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality. If the
sensor area of the front bumper is cov-
ered with ice, a transparent or translu-
cent bag, etc., the system may not de-
tect them. In these instances, the
system may not be able to warn the
driver properly. Be sure to check and
clean the sensor area of the front bum-
per 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 a message
will pop up under the following
conditions:
– When the sensor area of the front bumper is dirty
– When the system malfunctions If the system cancels and a message appears
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 area of the front
bumper is blocked. If the sensor area of the front
bumper is blocked, remove the object blocking
and restart the engine.
If the sensor is malfunctioning, have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
5-86Starting and driving
●The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality. When
the sensor detects an obstruction of the
radar signals due to dirt, adhesive ma-
terial, or similar objects to the front
bumper, the system will automatically
cancel. However, sensor may not detect
all obstructive material. In these in-
stances the system may not be able to
warn the driver properly. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor area of the
front bumper 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
warning light will illuminate under the
following conditions:
– When the sensor area of the front bumper is dirty
– When the system malfunctions If the IBA OFF indicator light illuminates 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 area of the front bumper is dirty.
If the sensor area of the front bumper is dirty,
clean it with a soft cloth and restart the engine. If
the sensor area of the front bumper is not dirty,
restart the engine. If the IBA OFF indicator light
continues to illuminate even if the IBA system is
turned on, have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
IBA SYSTEM OPERATION
The IBA system will function when your vehicle is
driven at speeds of approximately 10 MPH
(15 km/h) or above, and when the vehicle’s
speed is approximately 10 MPH (15 km/h) faster
than that of the vehicle ahead.
To turn the system on/off:
1. Push the
button to enter the “Set-
tings” menu in the vehicle information dis-
play, then select using the ENTER button.
2. Use the
buttons to select “Driver As-
sistance”, then press the ENTER button.
3. Use the
buttons to select “Intelligent
Brake Assist”, using the ENTER button the
system can be turned on or off. The IBA system will remain in the last ON or OFF
state it was left in until it is changed in the vehicle
information display. For additional information,
refer to “Driver Assistance” in the “Instrument and
controls” section of this manual.
Illumination of the IBA OFF indicator light without
the warning chime sound is an indication that the
IBA system is temporarily unavailable. It will occur
under the following conditions:
When the radar signal is temporarily interrupted.
The IBA OFF indicator light will turn off when the
system returns to its normal operating conditions.
For the sensor maintenance, refer to “Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system (Full speed range)”
in this section.
5-90Starting and driving
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 mi (2,000 km), follow
these recommendations to obtain maxi-
mum engine performance and ensure the
future reliability and economy of your new
vehicle. Failure to follow these recom-
mendations may result in shortened en-
gine life and reduced engine performance.● Avoid driving for long periods at constant
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 possible.
● Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged. 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 and
brake application whenever possible
● Maintain constant speed while commut-
ing and coast whenever possible
● Apply light pressure to the accelerator
pedal when driving on flat roads or down
hills
● Avoid pumping the breaks when slowing
the vehicle when possible
2. Maintain Constant Speed
● Look ahead to try and anticipate and mini-
mize stops
● Synchronizing your speed with traffic
lights allows you to reduce your number
of stops
● Maintaining a steady speed can minimize
red light stops and improve fuel efficiency 3.
Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher
Vehicle Speeds
● Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load
● Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag
● Recirculating the cool air in the cabin
when the A/C is on reduces cooling load
● Turn off air conditioning when it is not
necessary
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
● Observing the speed limit and not ex-
ceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where le-
gally allowed) can improve fuel efficiency
due to reduced aerodynamic drag
● Maintaining a safe following distance be-
hind other vehicles reduces unnecessary
braking
● Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate
changes in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes
● Select a gear range suitable to road con-
ditions
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE FUEL-EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
Starting and driving5-91
●Frequent short-distance driving can re-
duce fuel economy
5. Use Cruise Control
● Using cruise control during highway driv-
ing helps maintain a steady speed
● Cruise control is particularly effective in
providing fuel savings when driving on flat
terrains
6. Plan for the Shortest Route
● Utilize a map or navigation system to de-
termine 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 cruising 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 than
30 seconds of idling at start-up to effec-
tively circulate the engine oil before driv-
ing
● Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating
temperature more quickly while driving
versus idling
● Park your vehicle in moderate ambient
temperatures when possible
10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool
● Park your vehicle in a covered parking
area or in the shade whenever possible
● When entering a hot vehicle, opening the
windows will help to reduce the inside
temperature faster, resulting in reduced
demand on your A/C system
11. Cargo
● Avoid transporting unnecessary luggage
in the vehicle
● Avoid carrying luggage in the roof rack
which can increase aerodynamic drag
12. Break-in
● Your vehicle may need a break-in period
for more than 4,000 miles to improve the
fuel economy ●
Avoid measuring fuel economy within ini-
tial 1,200 miles
13. Use D (Drive)
● Avoid using the Manual Shift mode and
selecting the Sports mode whenever
possible
NOTE:
In order to display the correct fuel
economy, reset the fuel economy meter
first.
5-92Starting and driving
The AWD high temperature message may be
displayed while trying to free a stuck vehicle due
to increased oil temperature. The driving mode
may change to 2-wheel drive. If this message is
displayed, stop the vehicle with the engine idling,
as soon as it is safe to do so. Then if the message
turns off, you can continue driving.The tire size message may be displayed if there is
a large difference between the diameters of front
and rear wheels. Pull off the road in a safe area,
with the engine idling. Check that all tire sizes are
the same, that the tire pressure is correct and that
the tires are not excessively worn.
If any warning messages continue to be dis-
played, have your vehicle checked by an INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible.
WARNING
●
Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires. Accelerating
quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or
sudden braking may cause loss of con-
trol, even with Intelligent AWD
engaged.
● For AWD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise 2 wheels off the ground
and shift the transmission to any drive
or reverse position with the engine run-
ning. Doing so may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle move-
ment which could result in serious per-
sonal injury or vehicle damage.
LSD2083LSD2084
5-94Starting and driving
WARNING
●Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
● Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) . Fail-
ure to do so could cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly or roll away and re-
sult in an accident. Make sure the shift
lever has been pushed as far forward as
it can go and cannot be moved without
depressing the foot brake pedal. ●
Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
● Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated. ●
HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
A
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
B
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
C
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
WSD0050
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-96Starting and driving