5-88Starting and driving
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
(orange) 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).
WAF0299X
LDP/BSI/DCA ON indicator (on the
vehicle information display)
Dynamic driver assistance switch
Lower display
TURNING THE DCA SYSTEM ON/
OFF
To turn on the DCA system, push the
dynamic driver assistance switchon the
steering wheel after starting the engine. The
LDP/BSI/DCA ON indicator
in the vehicle
information display will appear. Push the
dynamic driver assistance switch
again to
turn off the DCA system. The LDP/BSI/
DCA ON indicator
will turn off.
The system will start to operate after the
vehicle speed is above approximately 3 MPH
(5 km/h).
The dynamic driver assistance switch
is
used for the Lane Departure Prevention
(LDP), Blind Spot Intervention
®(BSI) and
DCA systems. When the dynamic driver
assistance switch
is pushed, the BSI and
LDP systems will also turn on or off
simultaneously. The DCA system can be
individually set to on or off using the settings
menu on the lower display
. If the system is
set to off, the system will not turn on even if
the dynamic driver assistance switch
is
pushed to on. To set the system to on or off
on the lower display, see “How to enable/
disable the DCA system” (P.5-90).
When the Conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control mode is operating, the DCA system
will not operate. (To use the DCA system,
turn the conventional (fixed speed) cruise
Starting and driving5-89
SSD0253
When driving on some roads, such as wind-
ing, hilly, curved, narrow roads, or roads
which are under construction, the sensor
may detect vehicles in a different lane, or
may temporarily not detect a vehicle travel-
ing ahead. This may cause the system to
work inappropriately.
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 system
may warn you by blinking the system
indicator and sounding the chime unexpect-
edly. You will have to manually control the
proper distance away from the vehicle
traveling ahead.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNA-
VAILABLE
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the DCA
system is automatically canceled. The chime
will sound and the following message will
appear. The system will not be able to be set.
. “Currently unavailable”:
— When the VDC system is off (To use the DCA system, turn on the VDC,
then push the dynamic driver assis-
tance switch.)
For details about the VDC system,
see “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system” (P.5-125).
— When the SNOW mode switch is ON (To use the DCA system, turn off the
SNOW mode switch, then turn on the
dynamic driver assistance switch
.)
For details about the SNOW mode
switch, see “SNOW mode switch”
(P.2-52).
— When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H or 4L position (for 4WD models)
— When the radar signal is temporarily interrupted
. “Not available: Poor Road Conditions”:
— When the VDC or ABS (including the traction control system) operates
Starting and driving5-93
FEB WITH PEDESTRIAN DETEC-
TION SYSTEM OPERATION
The FEB with pedestrian detection system
operates at speeds above approximately 3
MPH (5 km/h).
For the pedestrian detection function, the
FEB with pedestrian detection system oper-
ates at speeds between 6 – 37 MPH (10 –
60 km/h).
If a risk of a forward collision with a vehicle is
detected, the FEB with pedestrian detection
system will firstly provide the warning to the
driver by blinking the vehicle ahead detection
indicator in the vehicle information display
and providing an audible alert. In addition,
the FEB with pedestrian detection system
pushes the accelerator pedal up. If the driver
releases the accelerator pedal, then the
system applies partial braking. If the driver
applies the brakes quickly and forcefully, but
the FEB with pedestrian detection system
detects that there is still the possibility of a
forward collision, the system will automati-
cally increase the braking force.
If the risk of a forward collision becomes
imminent and the driver does not take
action, the FEB with pedestrian detection
system issues the second visual (flashing)
and audible alert, and then automatically
applies harder braking.If a risk of a forward impact with a
pedestrian is detected, the FEB with pedes-
trian detection system issues the second
visual (flashing) and audible alert , and the
system will apply partial braking. If the driver
applies the brakes quickly and forcefully but
the FEB with pedestrian detection system
detects that there is still the possibility of a
forward impact with a pedestrian, the
system will automatically increase the brak-
ing force. If the risk of collision becomes
imminent and the driver does not take
action, the FEB with pedestrian detection
system automatically applies harder braking.
NOTE:
The vehicle’s stop lights come on when
braking is performed by the FEB with
pedestrian detection system.
Depending on vehicle speed and distance to
the vehicle or pedestrian 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
collision should one be unavoidable.
If the driver is handling the steering wheel,
accelerating or braking, the FEB with pe-
destrian detection 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 or
pedestrian detected ahead.
If the FEB with pedestrian detection system
has stopped the vehicle, the vehicle will
remain at a standstill for approximately 2
seconds before the brakes are released.
Starting and driving5-97
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 FEB
with pedestrian detection system to work
inappropriately.
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 system
may warn you by blinking the vehicle ahead
detection indicator and sounding the chime
unexpectedly. You will have to manually
control the proper distance away from the vehicle traveling ahead.
WAF0318X
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNA-
VAILABLE
Condition A
In the following conditions, the FEB system
warning light (orange)will illuminate or
blink and the system will be turned off
automatically.
. The radar sensor picks up interference
from another radar source.
. The camera area of windshield is misted
or frozen.
. Strong light is shining from the front.
. The cabin temperature is over approxi-
mately 104°F (40°C) in direct sunlight.
Starting and driving5-101
may not be heard.
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 PFCW
system to work inappropriately.
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 system
may warn you by blinking the vehicle ahead
detection indicator and sounding the chime
unexpectedly. You will have to manually
control the proper distance away from the
vehicle traveling ahead.
Starting and driving5-109
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steer-
ing.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you
will still have braking ability at two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed
slowly. This is not a malfunction and in-
dicates that the brake assist mechanism is
operating properly.
Hydraulically-assisted brakes
The hydraulically-assisted brake system is
designed to use a hydraulic pump driven
electrically, to assist braking. If the engine
stops, you can stop the vehicle by depressing
the foot brake pedal. However, greater foot
pressure on the foot brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle. The stopping
distance will be longer.
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
Starting and driving5-123
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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 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
malfunction. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off andilluminates 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). The speed varies
according 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
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 out-
put 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
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.
Starting and driving5-125
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM