2018 INFINITI Q50 HYBRID traction control

onds.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for these services.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental Restraint Systems and/or the pre-
tensioner seat belt may not function
properly.
For additional information, see “Supplemen-
tal restraint system” (P.1-37).
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air
bag, side air bag, curtain air bag systems
and/or pretensioner seat belt will not
operate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light illuminates and then
turns off.
The light will blink when the VDC system or
the traction control system is operating, thus
alerting the driver that the vehicle is nearing
its traction limits. The road surface may be
slippery.
When the VDC warning light illuminates
when the VDC system is turned on, this light
alerts the driver to the fact that the VDC
system’s fail-safe mode is operating, for
example the VDC, active trace control, rise-
up and build-up function, brake force dis-
tribution or hill start assist system may not
be functioning properly. Have the system
checked. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service. If a mal-
function occurs in the system, the VDC
system function will be canceled but the
vehicle is still driveable. For additional
information, see “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” (P.5-130).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Approaching Vehicle Sound for
Pedestrians (VSP) OFF indicator
light
This light comes on if there is a malfunction
in the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pe-
destrians (VSP) system. (See “Approaching
Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system”
(P.Hybrid System-9) for the VSP system.)
ECO drive indicator light
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light will come on and then
turn off.
When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector is
turned to the ECO mode, the ECO drive
indicator light will illuminate, blink or remain
off depending on the accelerator pedal
operation to help assist the driver to drive
economically. For more details, see “ECO
mode” (P.5-21).
EV indicator light
This illuminates to indicate the vehicle is
being driven powered only by the motor.
Instruments and controls2-15

2) Avoid hard acceleration or decelera-tion.
3) Avoid steep uphill grades.
4) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and remain on.
Have the vehicle inspected. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the retailer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary could
lead to poor driveability, reduced fuel
economy, and possible damage to the
emission control system.
READY to drive indicator light
The READY to drive indicator light illumi-
nates when the hybrid system is powered
and the vehicle may be driven.
Security indicator light
The light blinks when the ignition switch is in
the ACC, OFF or LOCK position. This
function indicates the security system
equipped on the vehicle is operational.
If the security system is malfunctioning, this
light will remain on while the ignition switch
is in the ON position. For additional informa-
tion, see “Security systems” (P.2-31).
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light illuminates and then
turns off.
The light comes on when the VDC off switch
is pushed to OFF. This indicates that the
VDC system and traction control system are
not operating.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC position. Make sure the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position, and
take the Intelligent Key with you when
leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side door
is opened with the light switch in theorposition and the ignition switch in the
ACC, OFF or LOCK position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Parking brake reminder chime
The parking brake reminder chime will sound
if the vehicle is driven at more than 4 MPH (7
km/h) with the parking brake applied. Stop
the vehicle and release the parking brake.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires repla-
cement, it will make a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion. This
scraping sound will first occur only when the
brake pedal is depressed. After more wear of
Instruments and controls2-17

A warning chime will sound and the “cur-
rently unavailable” warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display.
.When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode (To use the
ICC system, turn the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector to a mode other than
the SNOW mode, push the MAIN switch
to turn off the ICC and reset the ICC
switch by pressing the MAIN switch
again.)
For details about the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector, see “INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
. When the VDC system is off (To use the
ICC system, turn on the VDC system.
Push the MAIN switch to turn off the
ICC system and reset the ICC switch by
pushing the MAIN switch again.)
For details about the VDC system, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P.5-130).
. When ABS or VDC (including the traction
control system) is operating
. When a wheel is slipping (To use the ICC
system, make sure the wheels are no
longer slipping.)
JVS0210X
System set display with vehicle ahead
System set display without vehicle
ahead
The driver sets the desired vehicle speed
based on the road conditions. The ICC
system maintains the set vehicle speed,
similar to standard cruise control, as long
as no vehicle is detected in the lane ahead.
The ICC system displays the set speed.
Vehicle detected ahead:
When a vehicle is detected in the lane ahead,
the ICC system decelerates the vehicle by
controlling the throttle and applying the
brakes to match the speed of a slower
vehicle ahead. The system then controls the vehicle speed based on the speed of the
vehicle ahead to maintain the driver selected
distance.
NOTE:
.
The stop lights of the vehicle come on
when braking is performed by the ICC
system.
. When the brake operates, a noise may be
heard. This is not a malfunction.
When a vehicle ahead is detected, the
vehicle ahead detection indicator comes on.
The ICC system will also display the set
speed and selected distance.
Vehicle ahead not detected:
Starting and driving5-79

driven on winding roads, narrow roads, hilly
roads or when entering or exiting a curve. In
these cases you will have to manually
control the proper distance ahead of your
vehicle.
Also, the sensor sensitivity can be affected
by vehicle operation (steering maneuver or
driving position in the lane) or traffic or
vehicle condition (for example, if a vehicle is
being driven with some damage).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following condi-
tions and the control is automatically can-
celed.
.When the vehicle ahead is not detected
and your vehicle is traveling below the
speed of 15 MPH (24 km/h)
. When the system judges the vehicle is at
standstill
. When the shift lever is not in the D
position or manual shift mode
. When the parking brake is applied
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode
. When the VDC system is turned off
. When ABS or VDC (including the traction
control system) operates
. When distance measurement becomes
impaired due to adhesion of dirt or
obstruction to the sensor .
When a wheel slips
. When the radar signal is temporarily
interrupted
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode limitations
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations
for the ICC system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in serious
injury or death.
. The system is primarily intended for
use on straight, dry, open roads with
light traffic. It is not advisable to use
the system in city traffic or con-
gested areas.
. This system will not adapt automati-
cally to road conditions. This system
should be used in evenly flowing
traffic. Do not use the system on
roads with sharp curves, or on icy
roads, in heavy rain or in fog.
. As there is a performance limit to the
distance control function, never rely
solely on the ICC system. This system
does not correct careless, inattentive
or absent-minded driving, or over- come poor visibility in rain, fog, or
other bad weather. Decelerate the
vehicle speed by depressing the brake
pedal, depending on the distance to
the vehicle ahead and the surround-
ing circumstances in order to main-
tain a safe distance between vehicles.
. If the vehicle ahead comes to a stop,
the vehicle decelerates to a standstill
within the limitations of the system.
The system will cancel once it judges
that the vehicle has come to a
standstill and sound a warning chime.
To prevent the vehicle from moving,
the driver must depress the brake
pedal.
. Always pay attention to the opera-
tion of the vehicle and be ready to
manually control the proper follow-
ing distance. The vehicle-to-vehicle
distance control mode of the ICC
system may not be able to maintain
the selected distance between vehi-
cles (following distance) or selected
vehicle speed under some circum-
stances.
. The system may not detect the
vehicle in front of you in certain road
or weather conditions. To avoid ac-
cidents, never use the ICC system
under the following conditions:
Starting and driving5-83

5-86Starting and driving
SSD0253
When driving on some roads, such as wind-
ing, hilly, curved, narrow roads, or roads
which are under construction, the radar
sensor may detect vehicles in a different
lane, or may temporarily not detect a vehicle
traveling ahead. This may cause the ICC
system to decelerate or accelerate the
vehicle.
The detection of vehicles may also be
affected by vehicle operation (steering man-
euver or traveling position in the lane, etc.) or
vehicle condition.If this occurs, the ICC
system may warn you by blinking the
system indicator and sounding the chime
unexpectedly. You will have to manually
control the proper distance away from the vehicle traveling ahead.
JVS0840X
Vehicle information display
MAIN switch
System temporarily unavailable
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the ICC
system is automatically canceled. The chime
will sound and the “currently unavailable”
warning message will appear in the vehicle
information display.
.
When the VDC is turned off
. When the ABS or VDC (including the
traction control system) operates
. When a tire slips

5-92Starting and driving
3. Push, then quickly release the SET/COAST (-) switch. Each time you do this,
the set speed will decrease by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and
release the RESUME/ACCELERATE (+)
switch. The vehicle will resume the last set
cruising speed when the vehicle speed is over
25 MPH (40 km/h).
System temporarily unavailable
A chime sounds under the following condi-
tions and the control is automatically can-
celed.
. When the vehicle slows down more than
8 MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed
. When the shift lever is not in the D (Drive)
or manual shift mode
. When the parking brake is applied.
. When the VDC operates (including the
traction control system)
. When a wheel slips
JVS0306X
Warning
When the system is not operating properly,
the chime sounds and the color of the cruise
indicator will change to orange.
Action to take:
If the color of the cruise indicator changes to
orange, stop the vehicle in a safe place and
place the shift lever in the P (Park) position.
Turn the hybrid system off, restart the
hybrid system, resume driving and then
perform the setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator
stays on, it may indicate that the system is
malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is still
driveable under normal conditions, have the vehicle checked. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.

For details about the VDC system, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P.5-130).
. When the VDC or ABS (including the
traction control system) operates
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode (To use the
DCA system, turn the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector to a mode other than the
SNOW mode, then turn on the dynamic
driver assistance switch
.) For details
about the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector,
see “INFINITI Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-
21).
. When the radar signal is temporarily
interrupted
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the DCA system back on
to use the system.
Condition B
Under the following conditions, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the
DCA system is automatically canceled.
The chime will sound, the driver assist
system forward indicator (orange) and the
“front radar obstruction” warning message
will appear in the vehicle information display.
. When the radar sensor area of the front bumper is covered with dirt or is ob-
structed
Action to take:
If the driver assist system forward indicator
(orange) and the warning message appear,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position and turn
the hybrid system off. When the radar signal
is temporarily interrupted, clean the sensor
area of the front bumper and restart the
hybrid system. If the warning message
continues to be displayed, have the DCA
system checked. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
. When driving on roads with limited road
structures or buildings (for example, long
bridges, deserts, snow fields, driving next
to long walls)
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the DCA system will resume automatically.SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
When the DCA system is not operating
properly, the chime sounds, the driver assist
system forward indicator (orange) and the
system “malfunction” warning message will
appear in the vehicle information display. Action to take:
If the driver assist system forward indicator
(orange) and the warning message appear,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position. Turn the
hybrid system off, restart the hybrid system,
and turn on the DCA system again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the
system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal con-
ditions, have the vehicle checked. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
SENSOR MAINTENANCE
The sensor for the DCA system is common
with the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system and is located behind the lower grille
of the front bumper.
For the sensor maintenance, see “Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC)” (P.5-72).
FCC Notice:
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1.
This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
Starting and driving5-103

5-130Starting and driving
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid
obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
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 pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a mal-
function, 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. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. 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 indi-
cate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving
conditions, the VDC system helps to perform
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 or
motor output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction control
function).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine or motor output to
help the driver maintain control of the
vehicle in the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased
steering 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.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel
flashes so note the following:
. The road may be slippery or the system
may determine some action is required to
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM