
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 canceled.
Starting and driving5-99

Setting DCA system to ON/OFF:
The DCA can be turned on/off in the vehicle
information display using the buttons on the
steering wheel.1. Press the
button until “Settings” dis-
plays in the vehicle information display and
then press the ENTER button. Use
the
button to select “Driver Assis-
tance.” Then press the ENTER button.
2. Select “Driving Aids”, and press the ENTER button.
3. Select “Forward”, and press the ENTER but- ton.
4. To turn on the “Assistance (DCA)” check the box using the ENTER button.
If the LDP, BSI and DCA systems are set to off on
the information display and the dynamic driver
assistance switch is pushed, the LDP ON indica-
tor light, BSI ON indicator light, and the DCA
system switch indicator light will blink for approxi-
mately 2 seconds.
For additional information on LDP and BSI, refer
to “Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)” and “Blind
Spot Intervention® (BSI)” in this section.
DCA SYSTEM LIMITATIONS
WARNING
● This system is only an aid to assist the
driver and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver’s re-
sponsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all
times.
● This system will not adapt automatically
to road conditions.
● As there is a performance limit to the
distance control function, never rely
solely on the DCA system. This system
does not correct careless, inattentive or
absent-minded driving, or overcome
poor visibility in rain, fog, or other bad
weather. Decelerate the vehicle speed
by depressing the brake pedal, depend-
ing on the distance to the vehicle ahead
and the surrounding circumstances in
order to maintain a safe distance be-
tween vehicles.
● The system may not detect the vehicle
in front of you in certain road or weather
conditions. To avoid accidents, never
use the DCA system under the following
conditions: – On roads with sharp curves
– On slippery road surfaces such as on
ice or snow, etc.
– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.)
– When rain, snow or dirt adhere to the sensor area of the front bumper
– On steep downhill roads (frequent braking 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.
Starting and driving5-101

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.
5-102Starting and driving

1. Vehicle ahead detection indicator
2. FEB with pedestrian detection emergencywarning indicator
3. FEB with pedestrian detection system warn- ing light
SYSTEM OPERATION
The FEB with pedestrian detection system oper-
ates at speeds above approximately 3 mph
(5 km/h). For the pedestrian detection function,
the FEB with pedestrian detection system oper-
ates at speeds between 6 – 37 mph (10 –
60 km/h).
If a risk of a forward collision with a vehicle is
detected, the FEB with pedestrian detection sys-
tem will first provide a warning to the driver by
flashing the vehicle ahead detection indicator
and providing an audible alert. In addition, the
FEB with pedestrian detection system pushes
the accelerator pedal up, and then the system
applies partial braking. If the driver applies the
brakes quickly and forcefully, but the FEB with
pedestrian detection system detects that there is
still the possibility of a forward collision, the sys-
tem will automatically increase the braking force.
LSD2639
Starting and driving5-109

If the risk of a collision becomes imminent and the
driver does not take action, the FEB with pedes-
trian detection system issues the second warning
to the driver by flashing the FEB with pedestrian
detection emergency warning indicator (red) ,
providing an audible warning, and then automati-
cally applies harder braking.
If a risk of a forward impact with a pedestrian is
detected, the FEB with pedestrian detection sys-
tem will provide a warning to the driver by flashing
the FEB with pedestrian detection emergency
warning indicator (red) , provides an audible alert
and the system will apply partial baking. If the
driver applies the brakes quickly and forcefully
but the FEB with pedestrian detection system
detects that there is still the possibility of a for-
ward impact with a pedestrian, the system will
automatically increase the braking force. If the
risk of collision becomes imminent and the driver
does not take action, the FEB with pedestrian
detection system automatically applies harder
braking.
NOTE:
The vehicle’s brake lights come on when
any braking is performed by the FEB with
pedestrian detection system.Depending on vehicle speed and distance to the
vehicle or pedestrian ahead, as well as driving
and roadway conditions, the system may help the
driver avoid a forward collision or may help miti-
gate the consequences if a collision should be
unavoidable. If the driver is handling the steering
wheel, accelerating or braking, the FEB with pe-
destrian detection system will function later or
will not function.
The automatic braking will cease under the fol-
lowing conditions:
● When the steering wheel is turned to avoid a
collision.
● When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
● When there is no longer a vehicle or a pe-
destrian detected ahead.
If the FEB with pedestrian detection system has
stopped the vehicle, the vehicle will remain at a
standstill for approximately 2 seconds before the
brakes are released.
5-110Starting and driving

WARNING
●If the hybrid system is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the steering will not work. Steer-
ing will be harder to operate.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the hybrid system run-
ning, 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. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
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 hybrid system and push the ignition switch to the OFF position. The tem-
perature 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 hybrid
system. The power steering warning light will go
off. Avoid repeating such steering wheel opera-
tions that could cause the power steering system
to overheat.
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 hybrid system is running, it
may indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the hybrid system 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 hybrid system is turned off, 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 distance 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
5-134Starting 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
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or ro-
tors are replaced, in order to assure the best
brake performance. This procedure is described in the INFINITI Ser-
vice Manual. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
●
The ABS is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting from
careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. It can help maintain vehicle con-
trol during braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces even with ABS. Stop-
ping distances 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 ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible 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 “Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do
not lock during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the brake
fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery 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 driving5-135

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
5-136Starting and driving