– On steep downhill roads (frequentbraking may result in overheating the
brakes)
– On repeated uphill and downhill roads
● Do not use the DCA system if you are
towing a trailer. The system may not
detect a vehicle ahead.
● 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. Al-
ways stay alert and avoid using the DCA
system where not recommended in this
warning section.
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,
LSD2098
5-74Starting and driving
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.The detection zone of the sensor is limited. A
vehicle ahead must be in the detection zone for
the system to operate.
A vehicle ahead may move outside of the detec-
tion zone due to its position within the same lane
of travel. Motorcycles may not be detected in the
same lane ahead if they are traveling offset from
the centerline of the lane. A vehicle that is enter-
ing the lane ahead may not be detected until the
vehicle has completely moved into the lane.
If
this occurs, the system may warn you by
blinking the system indicator and sounding
the chime. The driver may have to manually control the proper distance away from ve-
hicle traveling ahead.
DCA Detection Zone
SSD0252
Starting and driving5-75
For additional information about the SNOW
mode switch, refer to “Snow mode” in this
section.
● When the VDC system is off (To use the
DCA system, turn on the VDC, then push the
dynamic driver assistance switch.)
For additional information about the VDC
system, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in this section.
● When ABS or VDC (including the TCS) is
operating
When the Conventional (fixed speed) cruise con-
trol mode is operating, the DCA system will not
operate. (To use the DCA system, turn the Con-
ventional (fixed speed) cruise control mode off,
then push the dynamic driver assistance switch.)
For additional information about the Conventional
(fixed speed) cruise control mode, refer to “Intel-
ligent Cruise Control (ICC) system (Full speed
range)” in this section.
When the engine is turned off, the system is
automatically turned off.
1System set display with vehicle ahead
2System set display without vehicle ahead
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 brak-
ing 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.
LSD2126
5-78Starting and driving
When the warning systems switch is turned off,
the indicator
1on the switch is off. The indicator
will also be off if the FCW, the Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) and the Blind Spot Warning
(BSW) systems are deactivated.
When the warning systems switch is pushed, the
LDW and BSW system will also turn on or off
simultaneously. For additional information, refer
to “Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system/Lane
Departure Prevention (LDP) system” and “Blind
Spot Warning (BSW)/Blind Spot Intervention
(BSI)/Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) sys-
tems” in this section.
For the sensor maintenance, refer to “Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system (Full speed range)”
in this section.
How to enable/disable the FCW
system
Perform the following steps to enable or disable
the FCW system.
1. Press the
button until “Settings” dis-
plays in the vehicle information display. Use
the
button to select “Driver Assis-
tance”. Then press the ENTER button.
2. Select “Driver Aids”, and press the ENTER button. 3. To set the DCA system to on or off, use
the
buttons to navigate in the menu
and use the ENTER button to select or
change an item:
● Select “Forward” and press the ENTER
button.
– To turn on the warning, use the ENTER button to check box for “Warning (FCW)”
– To turn on the system, use the ENTER button to check box for “Assistance
(DCA)” 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 col-
lision cannot be prevented.
The IBA system will function when your vehicle is
driven at speeds of approximately 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)
Starting and driving5-85
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.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still per-
formed, the power steering may stop and the
power steering warning light will illuminate. In a
safe location, stop the engine and push the igni-
tion switch to the OFF position. The temperature of the power steering system will go down after a
period of time and the power assist level will
return to normal after starting the engine. The
power steering warning light will go off. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the power steering system to over-
heat.
You may hear a sound from the front of the vehicle
when the steering wheel is operated quickly. This
is a normal operational noise and is not a mal-
function.
If the electric power steering warning light
PS
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
For additional information, refer to “Power steer-
ing warning light” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual. The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
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 pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear 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 and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-94Starting and driving
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.
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 side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing 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
effect of the parking brake is weakened or when-
ever the parking brake shoes and/or rotors are
replaced, in order to assure the best brake per-
formance. This procedure is described in the INFINITI Ser-
vice Manual and can be performed by an INFINITI
retailer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
●
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels. – When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Tire and loading
information label” in the “Technical
and consumer information” section
of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls 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 pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
Starting and driving5-95
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
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 pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, 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 above3-6MPH(5
- 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 ap-
plies 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.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal ex-
ceeds a certain level, the brake assist is activated
generating greater braking force than a conven-
tional 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 driv-
ers 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 re-
ducing pedal free play.
● This system will not operate when the ve-
hicle is moving at approximately 32 km/h
(20 MPH) or less.
● The pre-pressure function ceases when the
following conditions are met:
1. When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal.
2. If the driver does not operate the accelerator or brake pedal within approximately 1 sec-
ond.
5-96Starting and driving
●If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC warning
light may illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light may
illuminate.
●
When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light may illumi-
nate. This is not a malfunction. Restart
the engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
WARNING
● Never rely solely on the hill start assist
system to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing backward on a hill. Always drive
carefully and attentively. Depress the
brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped
on a steep hill. Be especially careful
when stopped on a hill on frozen or
muddy roads. Failure to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling backwards may result
in a loss of control of the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
● The hill start assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill
on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle
to roll backwards and may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
● The hill start assist system may not pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always be prepared to depress
the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards. Failure to do so
may result in a collision or serious per-
sonal injury. When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill start
assist system automatically keeps the brakes ap-
plied to help prevent the vehicle from rolling
backward in the time it takes the driver to release
the brake pedal and apply the accelerator.
The hill start assist system will operate automati-
cally under the following conditions:
● The transmission is shifted to a forward or
reverse gear.
● The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake. The maximum holding
time is 2 seconds. After 2 seconds the ve-
hicle will begin to roll back and the hill start
assist system will stop operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate when
the shift lever is placed in the N (Neutral) or P
(Park) position or on a flat and level road.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-101