The gasoline engine may automatically run in the
following conditions:● The level of remaining charge in the Li-ion
battery is low. The engine runs to charge the
Li-ion battery and to provide power to drive
the vehicle.
● The temperature of the engine coolant is
low.
● When the A/C is used.
● When opening the door.
● When the engine hood is opened.
● When applying the brakes.
● Based on driving conditions.
● The shift lever is shifted to the P (Park)
position, the driver’s seat belt is released
and the driver’s side door is then opened.
The hybrid system operates as follows based on
driving conditions and the Li-ion battery charge.
The engine is hard to stop during these driving
conditions:
● Outside temperature is high/low and A/C is
on.
● When repeatedly starting and stopping the
engine.STARTING AND SLOW SPEED
DRIVING
In some cases, the vehicle can be driven by
electric motor during extremely slow speed
creep, but the engine starts when accelerating or
releasing the brakes.
MEDIUM OR HIGH SPEED DRIVING
The system automatically controls the gasoline
engine and electric motor in order to obtain the
optimum fuel mileage and performance, depend-
ing on the driving situation and available Li-ion
battery charge.
When the remaining battery level is low, the Li-ion
battery is charged by the electric motor that is
driven to generate electric power while the ve-
hicle is driving.
RAPID ACCELERATION
The vehicle is accelerated using both the gaso-
line engine and the electric motor depending on
the available Li-ion battery charge.
DECELERATION AND BRAKING
The Li-ion battery is charged by the electric mo-
tor that changes the energy of the rotating
wheels into electric power. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Regenerative brake” in this sec-
tion.
STOPPING
The gasoline engine may stop running to save
fuel depending on the available Li-ion battery
charge.
HEV OverviewHEV-5
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
