Automatic drive programs
Drive program E is characterized by the follow-
ing:
•Comfort-oriented engine settings.
•Optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
•The vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears unless the accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully.
•Increased sensitivity. This improves handling
on slippery road surfaces, for example.
•The automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin.
Drive program S is characterized by the follow-
ing:
•Sporty engine settings.
•The automatic transmission shifting up later.
•As a result of the later automatic transmis-
sion shift points, the fuel consumption pos-
sibly being higher.
Manual drive program
In manual drive program M, you can change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel gear-
shift paddles. For this, the transmission must
be in position D (Drive). The gear currently
selected and engaged is shown in the vehicle
information display
Manual drive program M differs from drive
programs E and S with regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes.
Using manual gears
:
3 To use the engine’s braking effect
2 To use the braking effect of the engine on downhill gradients and for driving on steep
mountain roads, in mountainous terrain or
in arduous conditions.
1 To use the braking effect of the engine on extremely steep downhill gradients and on
long downhill stretches. Activating the manual drive program
:
•Permanently: Press the drive mode switch
1repeatedly until M appears in the vehicle
information display. Manual drive program M
remains active until drive program E or S is
engaged.
•Temporarily: Pull the right or left steering
wheel gearshift paddle (see Steering wheel
gearshift paddles later in this section).
Manual drive program M is temporarily ac-
tive. Depending on which gearshift paddle is
pulled, the automatic transmission immedi-
ately shifts into the next gear down or up.
When manual drive program M is activated via
the steering wheel gearshift paddles, the tem-
porarily active manual drive program M will be
deactivated automatically after a limited time, if
NSD587
5-22Starting and driving
the driving situation permits. The automatic
transmission switches to the previously acti-
vated drive program E or S. When driving on
downhill gradients, the temporarily active
manual drive program M will only be deacti-
vated if the accelerator pedal is depressed
while the vehicle is rolling downhill.
Upshifting
:
Pull the right-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle (seeSteering wheel gearshift paddles
earlier in this section). The automatic transmis-
sion shifts up to the next gear.
In order to prevent engine damage the auto-
matic transmission automatically shifts up if
the maximum engine speed on the currently
engaged gear is reached and you depress the
accelerator pedal. Gearshift recommendation
:
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the vehicle infor-
mation display.
Shift to recommended gear
1according to
gearshift recommendation
2when shown in
the vehicle information display.
Downshifiting
:
Pull the left-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle (see Steering wheel gearshift paddles
earlier in this section). The automatic transmis-
sion shifts down to the next gear.
If you slow down or stop without shifting down,
the automatic transmission automatically shifts
down. For maximum acceleration, pull the left-hand
steering wheel gearshift paddle until the trans-
mission selects the optimum gear for the cur-
rent speed.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic trans-
mission protects against engine damage by not
shifting down.
Kickdown
:
You can also use kickdown for maximum accel-
eration in manual drive program M
•Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point The transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
•Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel gearshift paddles.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
NSD589
Starting and driving5-23
Deactivating the temporary manual drive pro-
gram:
Pull and hold the right steering wheel gearshift
paddle until the automatic transmission shifts
into the last active automatic drive program E or S.
When manual drive program M is deactivated,
the automatic transmission in automatic drive
program E or S may shift from the current gear
into a higher or lower gear. This is dependent
on the position of the accelerator pedal, speed
and load.
Problems with the transmission
:
Problem Possible causes/consequences and solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear The transmission is losing oil.
Have the transmission checked immediately. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
The acceleration abil-
ity is deteriorating The
transmission no lon-
ger shifts into all of
the gears Reverse gear
can no longer be en-
gaged The transmission is in emergency mode.
•Stop.•Shift the transmission to position P (Park).•Switch off the engine.•Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.•Shift the transmission to position D (Drive).•Have the transmission checked immediately. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
5-24Starting and driving
WARNING
•Be sure the parking brake is fully released
before driving. Failure to do so can cause
brake failure and lead to an accident.
•Do not release the parking brake from out-
side the vehicle.
•Do not use the shift lever in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure the
parking brake is fully engaged.
•To help avoid risk of injury or death through
unintended operation of the vehicle and/or
its systems, do not leave children, people
who require the assistance of others, or
pets unattended in your vehicle. Addition-
ally, the temperature inside a closed vehicle
on a warm day can quickly become high
enough to cause a significant risk of injury
or death to people and pets.
The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or if there is a malfunction
in the system, it may not be possible to apply
the released parking brake. If this is the case:
•Only park the vehicle on level ground and
secure it to prevent it from rolling away.
•Shift the automatic transmission to position
P (Park).
•It is recommended you contact an INFINITI
retailer.
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or
if there is a malfunction in the system. It is
recommended you contact an INFINITI retailer.
The electric parking brake carries out a function
check at regular intervals when the engine is
switched off. Noises that occur are normal.
APPLYING/RELEASING MANUALLY
The electric parking brake can be applied or
released by operating the parking brake handle
1.
To apply: Push handle
1.
When the electric parking brake is applied, the
red
indicator lamp lights up in the
combination meter.
The electric parking brake can also be applied
when the ignition switch is in the OFF position
or the key is removed.
To release: With the ignition switch in the ON
position, pull handle
1.
Before driving, check that the brake warning
light
goes out. For additional informa-
tion, see Warning lights, indicator lights and
NPA1485
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-25
audible remindersin the9. Maintenance and
Schedules section.
The electric parking brake can only be released
when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
APPLYING AUTOMATICALLY (VEHICLES
WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
The electric parking brake is automatically ap-
plied when:
•Intelligent cruise control (if equipped) brings
the vehicle to a standstill.
or
•Intelligent Parking Assist (if equipped) is
keeping the vehicle stationary.
The red
indicator lamp lights up in the
combination meter.
The electric parking brake is not automatically
applied if the engine is switched off by the Idle
Stop/Start function.
RELEASING AUTOMATICALLY
The electric parking brake can only be released
automatically in vehicles with automatic trans-
mission.
The electric parking brake of your vehicle is
released automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
•The engine is running.
•The transmission is in position D (Drive) or R
(Reverse).
•The seat belt is fastened.
•You depress the accelerator pedal.
If the transmission is in position R, the lift gate
must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
•The driver’s door is closed
•You have shifted out of transmission position
P (Park) or you have previously driven faster
than 2 MPH (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the accelerator
pedal unintentionally. Otherwise, the parking
brake will be released and the vehicle will start
to move.
EMERGENCY BRAKING
The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-
gency by using the electric parking brake.
While driving, push handle
1of the electric
parking brake. The vehicle is braked as long as
you keep handle
1of the electric parking
brake pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle
1is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
•A warning tone sounds.
•The [Please Release Parking Brake] message
appears.
•The redindicator lamp in the combi-
nation meter flashes.
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is applied.
5-26Starting and driving
The engine can be switched off automatically a
maximum of four times (initial stop, then three
subsequent stops) in succession. The
Idle Stop/Start symbol is shown in yellow in the
vehicle information display after the engine has
been started automatically for the fourth time.
When the
Idle Stop/Start symbol is
shown in green in the vehicle information dis-
play, automatic engine switch-off is again pos-
sible.
NOTE
If the hood is opened while the engine is running
and the Idle Stop/Start function is operational,
the engine will switch off automatically.
If the vehicle is brought to a standstill in D or N,
the Idle Stop/Start function switches off the
engine automatically.
AUTOMATIC ENGINE START
The engine is started automatically if:
•You switch off the Idle Stop/Start function by
pressing the ECO button.
•You engage Reverse R or Drive D.
•You unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver’s door.
•The vehicle starts to roll.
•The brake system requires this.
•The temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range.
•The system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on.
•The battery’s charge status is too low.
The engine is started automatically if you:
•Release the brake pedal in transmission
position D (Drive) or N (Neutral).
•Depress the accelerator pedal.
•Move the transmission out of position P
(Park).
Shifting the transmission to position P (Park)
does not start the engine.
If you shift the transmission from R (Reverse) to
D (Drive), the Idle Stop/Start function is avail-
able again once the
Idle Stop/Start
symbol reappears in green in the vehicle infor-
mation display.
DEACTIVATING/ACTIVATING THE IDLE
STOP/START FUNCTION
•To deactivate: press ECO button1. Indicator
lamp
2and theIdle Stop/Start
symbol in the vehicle information display
turn off.
•To activate: press ECO button1. Indicator
lamp
2lights up. If all conditions for auto-
matic engine switch-off (see Automatic en-
gine switch-off earlier in this section) are
fulfilled, the
Idle Stop/Start symbol is
shown in green in the vehicle information
display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off are met, the
Idle Stop/Start
symbol is lit yellow in the vehicle information
NIC2633
5-28Starting and driving
•The system will not operate at speeds below
approximately 40 MPH (60 km/h) or if it
cannot detect lane markers.
•The LDW system is primarily intended for
use on well-developed freeways or high-
ways. It may not detect the lane markers in
certain roads, weather or driving condi-
tions.
•Do not use the LDW system under the fol-
lowing conditions as it may not function
properly:– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow,
etc.).
– When driving on slippery roads, such as
on ice or snow, etc.
– When driving on winding or uneven
roads.
– When there is a lane closure due to road
repairs.
– When driving in a makeshift or tempo-
rary lane.
– When driving on roads where the lane
width is too narrow.
– When driving without normal tire condi-
tions (for example, tire wear, low tire
pressure, installation of spare tire, tire
chains, non-standard wheels).
– When the vehicle is equipped with non-
original brake parts or suspension parts.
•The camera may not detect lane markers in
the following situations and the LDW sys-
tem may not operate properly.
– On roads where there are multiple paral-
lel lane markers; lane markers that are
faded or not painted clearly; yellow
painted lane markers; non-standard lane
markers; or lane markers covered with
water, dirt, snow, etc.
– On roads where the discontinued lane
markers are still detectable.
– On roads where there are sharp curves.
– On roads where there are sharply con-
trasting objects, such as shadows,
snow, water, wheel ruts, seams or lines
remaining after road repairs. (The LDW
system could detect these items as lane
markers.)
– On roads where the traveling lane
merges or separates.
– When the vehicle’s traveling direction
does not align with the lane marker.
– When traveling close to the vehicle in
front of you, which obstructs the lane
camera unit detection range.
– When rain, snow or dirt adheres to the
windshield in front of the lane camera
unit. –
When the headlights are not bright due
to dirt on the lens or if the aiming is not
adjusted properly.
– When strong light enters the lane cam-
era unit. (For example, the light directly
shines on the front of the vehicle at sun-
rise or sunset.)
– When a sudden change in brightness oc-
curs. (For example, when the vehicle en-
ters or exits a tunnel or under a bridge.)
– When there is poor visibility. (For ex-
ample, due to insufficient illumination of
the road, or due to snow, rain, fog or
spray.
– When there is glare. (For example, from
oncoming traffic, the sun or reflection
when the road is wet).
5-32Starting and driving
–The ICC system has been deactivated
with the cruise control lever, e. g. by a
vehicle occupant.
– The accelerator pedal has been de-
pressed, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
For further information on deactivating the ICC
system, see ICC switch (cruise control lever)
earlier in this section
If the ICC system detects that the vehicle in
front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it
is stationary (within the braking limitations of
the system).
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains
stationary and you do not need to depress the
brake.
NOTE
•After a short period, the vehicle is secured by
the electric parking brake, thus relieving the
service brake.
•Depending on the specified minimum dis-
tance, your vehicle will come to a standstill
at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in
front. The specified minimum distance is set
using the control on the cruise control lever. The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if the ICC system is activated
when the vehicle is stationary and:
•A system fault occurs.
•The power supply is insufficient.
If a malfunction in the electric parking brake
occurs, then the transmission may also be
shifted into position P (Park) automatically.
How to change the set distance to
the vehicle ahead
The distance to the vehicle ahead can be se-
lected at any time depending on the traffic
conditions.
To increase the distance to the vehicle ahead,
turn the knob
3toward the rear2. To de-
crease the distance to the vehicle ahead, turn
the knob
3toward the front1.
You can see this distance in the vehicle infor-
mation display.
The distance to the vehicle ahead will change
according to the vehicle speed. The higher the
vehicle speed, the longer the distance.
NSD583A
Starting and driving5-53