IPA is an electronic parking aid with ultra-
sound. It detects vehicles and open spaces on
both sides of the vehicle. A parking symbol
indicates a suitable parking space. Active
steering intervention can assist you during
parking and when exiting a parking space.
The driver controls the accelerator, brake and
gear shift. You may also use the Camera Aid-
ing Sonar (parking sensor) function (see "
Camera Aiding Sonar (parking sensor) func-
tion (if equipped)" later in this section).
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES
WARNING
•IPA is only an aid. It is not a substitute
for your attention to the immediate sur-
roundings. The responsibility for safe
maneuvering and parking remains with
you.
•Make sure that no persons, animals or
objects are in the maneuvering range
•When the sonar (parking sensor) func-
tion is deactivated, IPA is also unavail-
able.
•While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can
drive onto areas of the oncoming lane.
This could cause you to collide with other road users. There is a risk of an
accident.
•Pay attention to other road users. Stop
the vehicle if necessary or cancel the IPA
parking procedure
•This system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects.
•If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper fascia, leaving it misaligned or
bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of ob-
stacles or false alarms.
•This system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects.
•If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper fascia, leaving it misaligned or
bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of ob-
stacles or false alarms.
CAUTION
Do not drive over obstacles such as curbs,
as you may damage the wheels or tires.
IPA may also display spaces not suitable for
parking, for example:
•Parking or stopping prohibition.
•In front of driveways or entrances and
exits.
•Unsuitable surfaces.
Parking tips:
•On narrow roads, drive as closely as pos-
sible past the parking space.
•Parking spaces that are littered or over-
grown might be identified or measured
incorrectly.
•Parking spaces that are partly occupied by
trailer towing bars might not be identified
as such or be measured incorrectly.
•Snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a park-
ing space being measured inaccurately.
•Pay attention to the sonar function warn-
ing messages during the parking proce-
dure.
•You can intervene in the steering proce-
dure to correct it at any time. IPA will then
be canceled.
•When transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use IPA.
•Never use IPA when snow chains are fit-
ted.
•Make sure that the tire pressures are al-
ways correct. This has a direct influence on
the parking characteristics of the vehicle.
INTELLIGENT PARKING ASSIST (IPA)
(IF EQUIPPED)
Starting and driving5-71
1Detected parking space on the left.
2Parking symbol.
3Detected parking space on the right.
IPA is activated automatically when driving
forwards. The system is operational at
speeds of up to approximately 19 MPH (30
km/h). While in operation, the system inde-
pendently locates and measures parking
spaces on both sides of the vehicle
IPA will only detect parking spaces:
•Adjacent to the vehicle.
•Parallel or at right angles to the direction
of travel.
•That are parallel to the direction of travel
and are at least 5 ft (1.5 m) wide.
•That are parallel to the direction of travel
and at least 3.3 ft (1.0 m) longer than your
vehicle.
•That are at right angles to the direction of
travel and at least 3.3 ft (1.0 m) wider than
your vehicle.
NOTE
IPA cannot measure the length of a parking
space if it is at right angles to the direction of
travel. You will need to judge whether your
vehicle will fit in the parking space
When driving at speeds below 19 MPH (30
km/h) you will see parking symbol
2as a
status indicator in the vehicle information
display. When a parking space has been de-
tected, an arrow towards the right
3or the
left
1also appears. IPA only displays park-
ing spaces on the front-passenger side as
standard. Parking spaces on the driver's side
are displayed as soon as the turn signal on the
driver's side is activated. When parking on the
driver's side, this must remain activated until
you confirm the use of IPA by pressing the
tem automatically determines whether the
parking space is parallel or at right angles to
the direction of travel.
A parking space is displayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are approxi-
mately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
PARKING
NOTE
When the sonar function detects obstacles,
you are responsible for braking in good time.
1. Stop the vehicle when the parking symbol shows the desired parking space in the
combination meter
2. Shift into position R. The [Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:]
message appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
3. To cancel the procedure: press the
button on the steering wheel or pull away
or
4. To park using IPA press the
on the steering wheel. The Park Assist
[Observe surroundings] message appears
in the vehicle information display.
5. Release the steering wheel.
6. Back up the vehicle, being ready to brake at all times. When backing up, drive at a
speed below 5 MPH (10 km/h). Other-
wise, IPA will be canceled.
NSD696
Upper display
Starting and driving5-73
•The border of the parking space must not
be too wide, as the position of the vehicle
must not exceed an angle of 45 degrees to
the starting position as it is manoeuvred
into the parking space.
•A total front and back maneuvering dis-
tance of at least 1.0 m must be available.
IPA can only assist you with exiting a parking
space if you have parked the vehicle parallel
to the direction of travel using IPA.
WARNING
•IPA is only an aid. It is not a substitute
for your attention to the immediate sur-
roundings. The responsibility for safe
maneuvering and parking remains with
you.
•Make sure that no persons, animals or
objects are in the maneuvering range.
•When the sonar function is deactivated,
IPA is also unavailable.
•While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can
drive onto areas of the oncoming lane.
This could cause you to collide with
other road users. There is a risk of an
accident.
•Pay attention to other road users. Stop
the vehicle if necessary or cancel the IPA
parking procedure.
1. Start the engine.
2. Release the electric parking brake.
3. Switch on the turn signal in the direction you are pulling away.
4. Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position D or R
The [Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:]
message appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
5. To cancel the procedure: press the
button on the steering wheel or pull away
or
6. To exit a parking space using IPA: press the
The Park Assist [Observe surroundings]
message appears in the display.
7. Release the steering wheel.
8. Pull away, being ready to brake at all times Do not exceed a maximum speed of
approximately 5 MPH (10 km/h) when
exiting a parking space. Otherwise, IPA
will be canceled.
WARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
cause you to collide with other road users.
There is a risk of an accident.
9. Depending on the message or as required, shift the transmission to position D or R.
IPA immediately steers in the other direc-
tion. The [Observe surroundings] mes-
sage appears in the display.
NOTE
You will achieve the best results by wait-
ing for the steering procedure to com-
plete before pulling away.
If you back up after activation, the steer-
ing wheel is moved to the straight-ahead
position.
10. Drive forward and back up as prompted by the IPA and sonar function warning
displays, several times if necessary.
Once you have exited the parking space com-
pletely, the steering wheel is moved to the
straight-ahead position. You hear a tone and
the [Park Assist switched off] message ap-
pears in the display. You will then have to
steer and merge into traffic on your own. The
Starting and driving5-75
sonar function is still available. You can take
over the steering before the vehicle has ex-
ited the parking space completely. This is use-
ful, for example when you recognize that it is
already possible to pull out of the parking
space.
CANCELING IPA
Stop the movement of the steering wheel or
steer yourself. IPA will be immediately can-
celed. The [Park Assist canceled] message
appears in the vehicle information display.
or
Press the sonar function OFF switch. The
sonar function is switched off and IPA is
immediately canceled The [Park Assist can-
celed] message appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display.
IPA is canceled automatically if:
•The electric parking brake is applied
•Parking using IPA is no longer possible
•You are driving faster than 5 MPH (10
km/h)
•A wheel spins and VDC intervenes or fails.
Thewarning light lights up in the
combination meter. A warning tone sounds. The parking symbol
disappears and the vehicle information dis-
play shows the [Park Assist canceled] mes-
sage.
When IPA is canceled, you must steer again
yourself.
WARNING
•The sonar function is a convenience but
it is not a substitute for proper parking.
Always look around and check that it is
safe to do so before parking. Always
move slowly.
•Read and understand the limitations of
the sonar function as contained in this
section. Inclement weather may affect
the function of the sonar function; this
may include reduced performance or a
false activation.
•The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other maneu-
vers.
•The system is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary ob-
jects to help avoid damaging the vehicle.
The system will not detect small objects
below the bumper, and may not detect
objects that are too close to the bumper
or on the ground.
•Always look around and check that it is
safe to move before parking.
CAMERA AIDING SONAR (PARKING
SENSOR) FUNCTION (IF EQUIPPED)
5-76Starting and driving
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes func-
tion correctly.
Driving uphill
When starting on a steep gradient, it is some-
times difficult to operate the brake. Use the
parking brake to hold the vehicle. When ready
to start, make sure that the shift lever is in an
appropriate forward or reverse driving posi-
tion, release the parking brake while depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle has
an electric parking brake, this will automati-
cally release when you depress the accelera-
tor pedal (DCT models).
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for
controlling the vehicle while descending hills.
A low gear position in the manual shift mode,
low enough to obtain sufficient engine brak-
ing, should be selected.
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 ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
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 dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that stopping
distances on slippery surfaces will be lon-
ger than on normal surfaces even with
ABS. Stopping distances may also be lon-
ger on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains. Al-
ways 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 replacement tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire and loading informa- tion label. (See "Wheels and Tires" in the
"9. Maintenance and Schedules" section.)
– For detailed information, see "Wheels and
tires" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during
hard braking or when braking on slippery sur-
faces. The system detects the rotation speed
at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pres-
sure 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 swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using 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 ob-
stacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
5-92Starting and driving
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you start
the engine 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 mal-
function. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates
the ABS warning light on the instrument
panel. The brake system then operates nor-
mally, 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). The speed varies ac-
cording to road conditions.
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 prop-
erly. However, the pulsation may indicate
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 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 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 main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot pre-
vent loss of vehicle control in all driving situ-
ations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-93
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) warning
light" in the "2. Instruments and controls" sec-
tion.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system automati-
cally turns off.
WARNING
•The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Reduce ve-
hicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery surfaces
and always drive carefully.
•Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
•If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
•If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
•When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the VDC warning light
may illu-
minate. 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. Re-
start the engine after driving onto a
stable surface.
•If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
•The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
•If VDC is malfunctioning, VDC is unable
to stabilize the vehicle. In addition,
other driving safety systems are
switched off. This increases the risk of
skidding and an accident. Drive on care-
fully. Have VDC checked. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
CAUTION
•When VDC is deactivated, theVDC OFF warning light lights up con-
tinuously.
5-94Starting and driving
If you deactivate VDC:
•VDC no longer intervenes in understeer or
oversteer situations.
•Engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action, so the tires cut through the
loose surface until the hit solid ground,
giving better traction.
•Traction control is still activated.
•VDC still provides support when you
brake.
EBD (ELECTRONIC BRAKE
FORCE DISTRIBUTION)
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to help improve han-
dling during braking.
WARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the EBD [Inop-
erative See Operator's Manual] warning is
displayed in the vehicle information dis-
play. The
VDC warning light may also
light up.
If EBD is malfunctioning as a result of a
VDC malfunction, the rear wheels can lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the
risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving
style to the different handling characteris-
tics. Have the brake system checked. It is
recommended you see an INFINITI retailer.
STEER CONTROL
STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting
a noticeable steering force to the steering
wheel in the direction required for vehicle
stabilisation.
This steering support is provided in particular
if:
•Both right wheels or both left wheels are
on a wet or slippery road surface when
you brake.
•The vehicle starts to skid.
WARNING
No steering support is provided from
STEER CONTROL, if:
•VDC is malfunctioning.
•The steering is faulty.
Power steering will, however, continue to
function.
WARNING
•Never rely solely on the Hill Start Assist
(HSA) system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill. Always
drive carefully and attentively. Depress
the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Be especially
careful when stopped on a hill on frozen
or muddy roads. Failure to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards may re-
sult in a loss of control of the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
•The Hill Start Assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill
on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll backwards and may result in a colli-
sion or serious personal injury.
•The Hill Start Assist system may not
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards on a hill under all load or road
conditions. Always be prepared to de-
press the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling backwards. Failure to
do so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
•After a short time, hill start assist will no
longer brake your vehicle and it could
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
5-96Starting and driving