5-92Starting and driving
pedal.
NOTE:
.The stop lights 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.
Overriding the system:
The following driver’s operation overrides
the system operation.
. When the driver depresses the accelera-
tor pedal even further while the system is
moving the accelerator pedal upward,
the DCA system control of the accel-
erator pedal is canceled.
. When the driver’s foot is on the accel-
erator 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 Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system is set, the DCA system will be
cancelled.
Approach warning
If your vehicle comes closer to the vehicle
ahead due to rapid deceleration of that
vehicle or if another vehicle cuts in, the
system warns the driver with the chime and DCA system display. Decelerate by depres-
sing the brake pedal to maintain a safe
vehicle distance if:
.
The chime sounds.
. The vehicle ahead detection indicator
blinks.
The warning chime may not sound in some
cases when there is a short distance be-
tween vehicles. Some examples are:
. When the vehicles are traveling at the
same speed and the distance between
vehicles is not changing
. When the vehicle ahead is traveling
faster and the distance between vehicles
is increasing
. When a vehicle cuts in near your vehicle
The warning chime will not sound when your
vehicle approaches vehicles that are parked
or moving slowly.
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the system display may blink when the
radar sensor detects objects on the side of
the vehicle or on the side of the road. This
may cause the DCA system to decelerate or
accelerate the vehicle. The radar sensor may
detect these objects when the vehicle is
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).
FEB SYSTEM OPERATION
The FEB system operates at speeds above
approximately 3 MPH (5 km/h).
If a risk of a forward collision is detected, the
FEB system will provide the first warning to
the driver by blinking the vehicle ahead
detection indicator in the vehicle information
display and providing an audible warning. In
addition, the FEB system pushes the accel-
erator pedal up. If the driver releases the
accelerator pedal, then the system applies
partial braking.
If the driver applies the brakes quickly and
forcefully after the warning, and the FEB
system detects that there is still the possi-
bility of a forward collision, the system will
automatically increase the braking force.
If a forward collision is imminent and the
driver does not take action, the FEB system
issues the second visual (flashing) and
audible warning and automatically applies
harder braking.
NOTE:
The vehicle’s stop lights come on when
braking is performed by the FEB system.
Depending on vehicle speed and distance to
the vehicle ahead, as well as driving and
roadway conditions, the system may help
the driver avoid a forward collision or may
help mitigate the consequences of a collisionshould one be unavoidable.
If the driver is handling the steering wheel,
accelerating or braking, the FEB system will
function later or will not function.
The automatic braking will cease under the
following conditions:
.
When the steering wheel is turned as far
as necessary to avoid a collision.
. When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
. When there is no longer a vehicle de-
tected ahead.
If the FEB system has stopped the vehicle,
the vehicle will remain at a standstill for
approximately 2 seconds before the brakes
are released.
Starting and driving5-103
Condition B
In the following conditions, the FEB system
is automatically turned off. The FEB system
warning light (orange)
will illuminate and
the “FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION”
warning message will appear in the vehicle
information display.
. The sensor area on the front of the
vehicle is covered with dirt or is ob-
structed.
Action to take:
If the warning light (orange)
comes on,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position and turn
the hybrid system off. Clean the radar cover
on lower grille with a soft cloth, and restart
the hybrid system. If the warning light
continues to illuminate, have the 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 FEB system will resume automatically.
Condition C
When the accelerator pedal actuator detects
that the internal motor temperature is high,
the FEB system is automatically turned off.
The FEB system warning light (orange)
will illuminate.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the FEB system will resume automatically.
Condition D
When VDC system is OFF, the FEB brake
will not operate. In this case only visible and
audible warning operates. The FEB system
warning light (orange) will illuminate.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the FEB system will resume automatically.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If the FEB system malfunctions, it will be
turned off automatically, a chime will sound,
the FEB system warning light (orange)
will
illuminate.
Action to take:
If the warning light (orange)
illuminates,
stop the vehicle in a safe location and place
the shift lever in the P (Park) position. Turn
the hybrid system off and restart the hybrid
system. If the warning light continues to illuminate, have the system checked. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
Starting and driving5-107
5-116Starting and driving
could cause failure or malfunction.
. Do not alter, remove or paint the front
bumper. It is recommended you contact
an INFINITI retailer before customizing
or restoring the front bumper.
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
2. This device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Warning
Changes or modification not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must accept any interfer-
ence, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy
of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in shortened engine life and
reduced engine performance.
. Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possible. Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.
1. Use smooth accelerator and brake pedal
application.
.Avoid rapid starts and stops..Use smooth, gentle accelerator andbrake application whenever possible.
.Maintain constant speed while com-muting and coast whenever possible.
2. Maintain constant speed.
.Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
.Synchronizing your speed with traffic
lights allows you to reduce your
number of stops.
.Maintaining a steady speed can mini-mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency.
3. Use air conditioning (A/C) at higher vehicle speeds.
.Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is moreefficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
.Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is moreefficient to use A/C to cool the
vehicle due to increased aerodynamic
drag.
.Recirculating the cool air in the cabinwhen the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
5-120Starting and driving
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
This vehicle is equipped with two braking
systems.
.Hydraulic brake system
. Regenerative brake system
Hydraulic brake system
The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you
will still have braking at two wheels.
Regenerative brake system
Refer to the “Regenerative brake” (P.Hybrid
System-8).
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 brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping 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 drums/rotors are replaced, in
order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating of
the brakes, wearing out the brake and pads
faster and reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes 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.
WARNING
.While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerating
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident. .
If the INFINITI Direct Response Hy-
brid
®System is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
CAUTION
You may hear a operational noise when
the brake pedal is depressed. This is not
malfunction.
BRAKE SYSTEM
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a regenerative 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
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur- faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
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
vehicle 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. See
“Tire and loading information la-
bel” (P.10-10).
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-26).
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during
hard braking or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake
fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from
locking and sliding. By preventing each
wheel from locking, the system helps the driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
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
Starting and driving5-121
BRAKE ASSIST
5-122Starting and driving
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
mortor 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 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.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-17).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system automa-
tically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator light
illuminates to indicate 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 VDC warning light
flashes if
this occurs. All other VDC functions are off,
except for rise-up and build-up and brake
force distribution, and the VDC warning
light
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.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-17) and “Vehicle Dynamic
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-20).
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®
System and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, 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 mal-
function.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and individually controls the brak-
ing to each of the four wheels to help
smooth vehicle response.
When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector is
set to the “SPORT” mode, the amount of
brake control provided by active trace con-
trol is reduced.
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
properly, the Forward Emergency Braking
(FEB) system warning light illuminates in the
instrument panel.
RISE-UP AND BUILD-UP
The system gradually adjusts braking power
during normal braking to help provide an
enhanced brake feel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system 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 stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery surfaces
and always drive carefully.
. The active trace control (if so
equipped), rise-up and build-up and
brake force distribution systems may
not be effective depending on the
driving condition. Always drive care-
fully and attentively.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer 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 performance, and
the VDC warning light
may
illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light
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 VDC warning light
may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the hybrid system after driv-
Starting and driving5-123