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 hybrid
system 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 instru-
ment 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. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
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.
The VDC system uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC system helps to per-
form the following functions:
● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-137
When the VDC system operates, theindi-
cator in the instrument panel flashes to note the
following:
● The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip indicator
light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
indicator light” in the ”Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically turns
off when these indicator lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to indi-
cate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transferring
power to a non slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off and the
indicator will not
flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
hybrid system and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test oc-
curs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is
not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
● The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or by
careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be
especially careful when driving and cor-
nering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully. ●
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the
indicator may
flash or both the
andindica-
tor lights may illuminate.
● 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 both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
5-138Starting and driving
●When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights 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
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the hybrid system af-
ter 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
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses driving based on the driver’s
steering and acceleration/braking patterns, and
controls brake pressure at individual wheels to
help smooth vehicle response.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system, the active trace control system is
also turned off.
If the active trace control is not functioning prop-
erly, the IBA OFF indicator light illuminates in the
instrument panel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns, the sys-
tem optimizes the distribution of force to each of the
four wheels depending on the radius of the turn.
WARNING
●The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or by
careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be
especially careful when driving and cor-
nering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully. ●
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the
indicator may
flash or both the
andindica-
tor lights may illuminate.
● 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 both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
Starting and driving5-139
●When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights 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
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the hybrid system af-
ter 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
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights 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. The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backward in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
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
5-140Starting and driving
The sonar (parking sensor) system sounds a tone
to inform the driver of obstacles near the bumper.
When the “DISPLAY” key is ON, the sonar view
will automatically appear in the meter.
WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and instruc-
tions for proper use of the sonar system
could result in serious injury or death.
●The sonar system is not a replacement
for proper driving procedures and is not
designed to prevent contact with ve-
hicles or objects. ●
The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other maneu-
vers. Always look around and check that
it is safe to do so before parking.
● This function is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large stationary
objects to help avoid damaging the
vehicle.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the bumper
fascia, leaving it misaligned or bent, the sensing
zone may be altered causing inaccurate mea-
surement of obstacles or false alarm.
CAUTION
● Excessive noise (such as audio system
volume or an open vehicle window) will
interfere with the tone and it may not be
heard
● Keep the sonar sensors (located on the
bumper fascias) free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. Do not
clean the sensors with sharp objects. If
the sensors are covered, the accuracy of
the sonar function will be diminished.
SYSTEM OPERATION
The system informs with a visual and audible
signal of front obstacles when the shift lever is in
the D (Drive) position and both front and rear
obstacles when the shift lever is in the R (Re-
verse) position.
Sonar Operation Table
FR Sensor RR Sensor
Range Sound Display Sound Display Px†x †
R ooo o
Nx†x †
Doox †
o – Display/Beep when detect
† – Display on camera view
x – No Display and Beep
The system is deactivated at speeds above
6 mph (10 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
The intermittent tone will stop after 3 seconds
when an obstacle is detected by only the corner
sensor and the distance does not change. The
tone will stop when the obstacle get away from
the vehicle.
LSD2135
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-141
HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
SONAR SYSTEM
The system is automatically activated when the
ignition is in the ON position and the shift lever is
in the R (Reverse) position.
Perform the following steps to enable or disable
the sonar system:1. Press the
button until “Driving Assis-
tance” displays in the vehicle information
display and then press ENTER. Use
the
button to select “Parking Aids”.
Then press the ENTER button.
2. Select “Sensor” and press the ENTER but- ton.
NOTE: ● The system will automatically be turned on
when the engine is restarted.
SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations for
the sonar system. Failure to operate the
vehicle in accordance with these system
limitations could result in serious injury or
death.
LSD2614
Starting and driving5-143
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:● A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
●Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction. ●
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist with cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or lower.
WARNING
●Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system or
a 2–pronged adapter. You can be seri-
ously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
● Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the hybrid system. Damage to the cord
could result in an electrical shock and
can cause serious injury.
● Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
To use the engine block heater: 1. Turn the hybrid system off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
5-146Starting and driving
6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch......................6-2
Emergency hybrid system shut off ...................6-2
Flat tire ...........................................6-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........6-3
Changing a flat tire .............................6-3
Hybrid system stops operating while driving ..........6-9
If the vehicle does not start ........................6-10
Confirm battery is discharged . . .................6-10Emergency Start
.............................. 6-10
Jump starting .................................... 6-11
Push starting ..................................... 6-13
If your vehicle overheats ........................... 6-13
Towing your vehicle ............................... 6-14
Towing recommended by INFINITI ...............6-14
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) .........6-16