2-16Instruments and controls
To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
1) Do not drive at speeds above 45MPH (72 km/h).
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.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the master warning light illumi-
nates when a warning message appears in the vehicle information display.
See “Vehicle information display” (P.2-18).
Power steering warning light
Models with Direct Adaptive Steering :
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the power steering warning light
illuminates. After starting the engine, the
power steering warning light stays on for a
few seconds and turns off. This indicates
that Direct Adaptive Steering is operational.
Drive the vehicle after the power steering
warning light turns off.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while driving, pull off the road to a
safe location and stop the vehicle. If the
power steering warning light turns off, you
can drive again. If the power steering
warning light continues to illuminate, it is
recommended you have Direct Adaptive
Steering checked by an INFINITI retailer.
(See “Direct Adaptive Steering type” (P.5-
123).)
Models with electric power steering :
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the power steering warning light
illuminates. After starting the engine, the
power steering warning light turns off. This
indicates the electric power steering is
operational.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the electric power steering is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
It is recommended you have the electric
power steering checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the
power assist to the steering will cease
operation but you will still have control of
the vehicle. At this time, greater steering
efforts are required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
See “Electric power steering type” (P.5-123).
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light will come on and then turn
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.
5-20Starting and driving
5. Push the shift lever buttonand move
the shift lever to N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park),
have the automatic transmission system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)
The adaptive shift control system automati-
cally operates when the transmission is in
the D (Drive) position and selects an appro-
priate gear depending on the road conditions
such as uphill, downhill or curving roads.
Control on uphill and curving roads:
A low gear is maintained that suits the
degree of the slope or curve to allow smooth
driving with a small number of shifts.
Control on downhill roads:
The adaptive shift control system shifts to a
low gear that suits the degree of the slope,
and uses the engine braking to reduce the
number of times that the brake must be
used.
Control on winding roads:
A low gear is maintained on continuous
curves that involve repeated acceleration
and deceleration, so that smooth accelera-
tion is available instantly when the accel- erator pedal is depressed.
NOTE:
.
Adaptive shift control may not operate
when the transmission oil temperature
is low immediately after the start of
driving or when it is very hot.
. During some driving situations, hard
braking for example, the adaptive shift
control may automatically operate. The
transmission may automatically shift to
a lower gear for engine braking. This
increases engine speed but not vehicle
speed. Vehicle speed is controlled by the
accelerator pedal when the vehicle is in
the Adaptive shift control mode.
. When the adaptive shift control oper-
ates, the transmission sometimes main-
tains a lower gear for a longer period of
time than when adaptive shift control is
not operating. Engine speed will be
higher for a specific vehicle speed while
ASC system is operating than when ASC
is not operating.
WARNING
. Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead to
an accident.
. Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
. Do not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
. To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly
become high enough to cause a sig-
nificant risk of injury or death to
people and pets.
PARKING BRAKE
5-74Starting and driving
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode operation
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode is designed to maintain a selected
distance and reduce the speed to match the
slower vehicle ahead; the system will de-
celerate the vehicle as necessary and if the
vehicle ahead comes to a stop, the vehicle
decelerates to a standstill. However, the ICC
system can only apply up to approximately
40% of the vehicle’s total braking power.
This system should only be used when traffic
conditions allow vehicle speeds to remain
fairly constant or when vehicle speeds
change gradually. If a vehicle moves into
the traveling lane ahead or if a vehicle
traveling ahead rapidly decelerates, the
distance between vehicles may become
closer because the ICC system cannot
decelerate the vehicle quickly enough. If this
occurs, the ICC system will sound a warning
chime and blink the system display to notify
the driver to take necessary action.
The system will cancel and a warning chime
will sound if the speed is below approxi-
mately 15 MPH (24 km/h) and a vehicle is
not detected ahead. The system will also
disengage when the vehicle goes above the
maximum set speed.
See “Approach warning” (P.5-81).The following items are controlled in the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode:
.
When there are no vehicles traveling
ahead, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode maintains the speed set
by the driver. The set speed range is
between approximately 20 and 90 MPH
(32 and 144 km/h).
. When there is a vehicle traveling ahead,
the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode adjusts the speed to maintain the
distance, selected by driver, from the
vehicle ahead. The adjusting speed range
is up to the set speed. 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 a standstill with
a warning chime.
. When the vehicle traveling ahead has
moved out from its lane of travel, the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
accelerates and maintains vehicle speed
up to the set speed.
The ICC 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 when approaching toll gates or traffic
congestion.
SSD0254
When driving on the freeway at a set speed
and approaching a slower traveling vehicle
ahead, the ICC system will adjust the speed
to maintain the distance, selected by the
driver, from the vehicle ahead. If the vehicle
ahead changes lanes or exits the freeway,
the ICC system will accelerate and maintain
the speed up to the set speed. Pay attention
to the driving operation to maintain control
of the vehicle as it accelerates to the set
speed.
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
on winding or hilly roads. If this occurs, you
will have to manually control the vehicle
speed.
Normally when controlling the distance to a
vehicle ahead, this system automatically
accelerates or decelerates your vehicle ac-
cording to the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Depress the accelerator to properly accel-
erate your vehicle when acceleration is
required for a lane change. Depress the
brake pedal when deceleration is required
to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle
ahead due to its sudden braking or if a
vehicle cuts in. Always stay alert when using
the ICC system.
JVS0836X
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode switches
The system is operated by a MAIN switch
and four control switches, all mounted on
the steering wheel.
1. RESUME/ACCELERATE (+) switch:Resumes set speed or increases speed
incrementally.
2. SET/COAST (-) switch: Sets desired cruise speed, reduces speed
incrementally.
3. CANCEL switch: Deactivates the system without erasing
the set speed. 4. MAIN switch:
Master switch to activate the system
5. DISTANCE switch: Changes the vehicle’s following distance:
.Long.Middle.Short
Starting and driving5-75
5-78Starting and driving
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 stoplights 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:
When a vehicle is no longer detected ahead,
the ICC system gradually accelerates your
vehicle to resume the previously set vehicle
speed. The ICC system then maintains the
set speed.
When a vehicle is no longer detected the
vehicle ahead detection indicator turns off.
If a vehicle ahead appears during accelera-
tion to the set vehicle speed or any time the
ICC system is in operation, the system
controls the distance to that vehicle.
When a vehicle is no longer detected under
approximately 15 MPH (24 km/h), the
system will be canceled.
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
ICC system display. Decelerate by depres-
sing the brake pedal to maintain a safe
vehicle distance if:
.The chime sounds.
. The vehicle ahead detection indicator and
set distance indicator blink.
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 other vehicles
that are parked or moving slowly.
. The accelerator pedal is depressed, over-
riding the system.
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 ICC 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).
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 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
Starting and driving5-81
5-82Starting and driving
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:
— On roads where the traffic is heavy or there are 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 system sensor
— On steep downhill roads (the vehicle may go beyond the set
vehicle speed and frequent brak-
ing may result in overheating the
brakes)
— On repeated uphill and downhill roads
— When traffic conditions make it difficult to keep a proper distance
between vehicles because of fre-
quent acceleration or deceleration
. 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 accel-
erator pedal. Always stay alert and
avoid using the ICC system when it is
not recommended in this section.
The radar sensor will not detect the follow-
ing objects:
. Stationary and slow moving vehicles
. Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
. Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
. Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel
lane
The sensor generally detects the signals
returned from the vehicle ahead. Therefore,
if the sensor cannot detect the reflection
from the vehicle ahead, the ICC system may
not maintain the selected distance.
The following are some conditions in which
the sensor cannot detect the signals:
. When the snow or road spray from
traveling vehicles reduces the sensor’s
visibility
. When excessively heavy baggage is
loaded in the rear seat or the trunk of
your vehicle
The ICC system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s operation within the
limitation of the system. When the sensor
5-84Starting 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