WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or by
careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be es-
pecially careful when driving and corner-
ing 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 ad-
versely affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI rec-
ommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and both the
and theindicator lights may illuminate. •
If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the
indicator light may flash or
both theandindicator lights
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
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the engine after driv-
ing 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
indicator light may flash or both
theandindicator lights may
illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road. The chassis control is an electric control mod-
ule that includes the following functions:
• Active Trace Control
• Active Ride Control (if so equipped)
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
This system senses driving based on the driv-
er’s steering and acceleration/braking pat-
terns, and controls brake pressure at indi-
vidual wheels to aid tracing at corners and
help smooth vehicle response.
When the PERSONAL mode is selected, the
Active Trace Control can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled). For additional infor-
mation see “INFINITI Drive Mode Selector”
(P. 5-29).
When the VDC system is turned off, the Ac-
tive Trace Control is also turned off.
Amount of brake control is changed depend-
ing on the mode selected by the INFINITI
Drive Mode Selector.
When the Active Trace Control is not func-
tioning properly, the master warning light il-
luminates, and the warning message “Chassis
Control System Error” will also appear in the
vehicle information display.
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-170Starting and driving
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Active Trace Control is
not functioning properly. Have the system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service. For additional information, see
“Vehicle information display warnings and in-
dicators” (P. 2-37) or (P. 2-60).
WARNING
The Active Trace Control may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
When the Active Trace Control is operating,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise. This is normal and indicates
that the Active Trace Control is operating
properly. You may also feel deceleration
when the Active Trace Control is operating.
However, this is not a malfunction.
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses upper body motion and
controls four wheel brake pressure. This will
enhance ride comfort in an effort to restrain
uncomfortable upper body movement when
passing over undulated road surfaces. When
the VDC system is turned off, the Active Ride
Control is also turned off.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Active Ride Control is
not functioning properly. Have the system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
WARNING
The Active Ride Control may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
When the Active Ride Control is operating,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise. This is normal and indicates
that the Active Ride Control is operating
properly. You may also feel deceleration
when the Active Ride Control is operating.
However, this is not a malfunction.
WARNING
• Never rely solely on the hill start assist
system to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing 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 result 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. Fail-
ure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll
backwards and may result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
• The hill start assist system may not pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards. Failure to do so may result in
a collision or serious personal injury.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-171
When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill
start assist system automatically keeps the
brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backward in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply
the accelerator.
The hill start assist system will operate auto-
matically under the following conditions:
• The transmission is shifted to a forward orreverse gear.
• The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake. The maximum hold-
ing time is 2 seconds. After 2 seconds the
vehicle will begin to roll back and the hill
start assist system will stop operating
completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the shift position is placed in the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road. The sonar system sounds a tone to inform the
driver of obstacles around the vehicle using
the sonar sensors located in the front and
rear bumpers..
When the sonar system is turned on, the
sonar view will automatically appear in the
vehicle information display.
WARNING
• The sonar system is a convenience but it
is not a substitute for proper parking. •
The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other maneu-
vers. Always look around and check that
it is safe to do so before parking.
• Read and understand the limitations of
the sonar system as contained in this
section. The colors of the corner sonar
indicator indicates different distances to
the object.
• Inclement weather or ultrasonic sources
such as an automatic car wash, a truck's
compressed-air brakes or a pneumatic
drill may affect the function of the sys-
tem; this may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.
• The sonar system is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large stationary
objects to help avoid damaging the
vehicle.
• The sonar system is not designed to pre-
vent contact with small or moving ob-
jects. Always move slowly. The system
will not detect small objects below the
bumper, and may not detect objects
close to the bumper or on the ground.
• The sonar system may not detect the fol-
lowing objects: fluffy objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass, wool, etc.;
thin objects such as rope, wire and chain,
etc.; or wedge-shaped objects.
LSD4335
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
5-172Starting and driving
NOTE:
The system will automatically be turned on
when the engine is restarted.
SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations for
the sonar system. Failure to operate the
vehicle in accordance with these system
limitations could result in serious injury or
death.
• Read and understand the limitations of
the sonar system as contained in this
section. Inclement weather may affect
the function of the sonar system; this
may include reduced performance or a
false activation.
• The sonar system is deactivated at
speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h). It is re-
activated at lower speeds.
• Inclement weather or ultrasonic sources
such as an automatic car wash, a truck’s
compressed-air brakes or a pneumatic
drill may affect the function of the sys-
tem; this may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.
LSD4520
For vehicles with the 12.3 inch (31.2 cm) display
5-176Starting and driving
• If the sonar sensors are dirty, wipe them offwith a soft cloth while being careful to not
damage them.
• The sonar sensors may be blocked by tem- porary ambient conditions such as splash-
ing water, mist or fog. The blocked condi-
tion may also be caused by objects such as
ice, frost or dirt obstructing the sonar sen-
sors. Check for and remove objects ob-
structing the area around the sonar
sensors.
• Do not subject the area around the sonar sensors to strong impact. Also, do not re-
move or disassemble the sonar sensors. If
the sonar sensors and peripheral areas are
deformed in an accident, etc., have the so-
nar sensors checked by an INFINITI retailer.
• Do not attach stickers (including transpar- ent material), install accessories or apply
additional paint on the sonar sensors and
their surrounding areas. This may cause a
malfunction or improper operation.
• When washing the vehicle using a high- pressure washer, do not apply direct
washer pressure on the sonar sensors. This
may cause a malfunction of the sonar
sensors. The Idling Stop System activates to prevent
unnecessary fuel consumption, exhaust
emissions and noise.
• When you stop the vehicle, the engine is
turned off automatically.
• When you release the brake pedal to begin moving again, the engine is turned on
automatically.
WARNING
The engine restarts if the vehicle moves at
approximately 1 mph (2 km/h) or more (on
a downhill grade, etc.) while the engine is
turned off by the Idling Stop System. De-
press the brake pedal immediately to stop
the vehicle to prevent an accident.
CAUTION
At the end of the journey the engine must
be stopped and ignition switch be pushed
off. Lock the vehicle as normal. Pushing the
ignition switch off will shut down all elec-
trical systems. Failure to do this may result
in a discharged battery.
NOTE:
The Idling Stop System will not activate un-
der the following conditions:
• When the engine is kept idling without the
vehicle being driven after the engine is
turned on.
• When the engine coolant temperature is
low.
• When the battery capacity is low.
• When the battery temperature is low.
• When the vehicle is moving.
• When a negative pressure booster
decreases.
• When the engine hood is opened with the
engine running.
• When the engine is turned on with the en-
gine hood open.
• When the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
• When the driver’s door is open.
• When the steering wheel is operated.
• When the Idling Stop System indicator
blinks at a low speed.
•
When the fan speed control is in any position
other than “OFF,” (0) while the air flow con-
trol is in the front defogger position.
• When the front defroster switch is on.
IDLING STOP SYSTEM
5-178Starting and driving
•When the rear window defroster switch is
on.
• When the temperature inside the vehicle is
lower than approximately 20°C (68°F),
unless the Air Conditioning ECO custom-
ize option is selected, and the ECO driving
mode is on.
• When the temperature inside the vehicle is
higher than approximately 30°C (86°F),
unless the Air Conditioning ECO custom-
ize option is selected, and the ECO driving
mode is on. (When the air conditioner is
off, the Idling Stop System will operate.)
• When the fan speed of the air conditioner
is set to the maximum speed, unless the Air
Conditioning ECO customize option is se-
lected, and the ECO driving mode is on.
• When the Idling Stop OFF switch is turned
on.
• When the power consumption is large.
• When the altitude is high.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
• When the shift lever is any range other
than D (Drive).
• When the brake pedal is not firmly
depressed.
• When stopping the vehicle on steep slop-
ing roads.NOTE:
The Idling Stop System may not activate
when the Intelligent Key is not in the vehicle
and you open/close any door.
NOTE:
The engine will not restart even if the brake
pedal is released while the Idling Stop Sys-
tem is activated under the following condi-
tions: (The engine may restart under other
conditions.)
• When the automatic brake hold system is
activated.
• When the engine hood is opened.
NOTE:
It may take some time until the Idling Stop
System activates under the following
conditions:
•When the battery is discharged.
• When the outside temperature is low or
high.
• When the battery is replaced or the bat-
tery terminal is disconnected for extended
periods and then reconnected.
NOTE:
When the Idling Stop System indicator light
illuminates, the engine starts running auto-
matically under at least one of the following
conditions:
• The vacuum pressure for brake system is
not enough as the brake pedal is repeat-
edly depressed.
• The driver’s seat belt is unfastened, or the
driver’s door is open.
• The battery voltage becomes low (due to
electrical load from other vehicle systems
like headlights, heaters, etc., or auxiliary
devices connected to the 12 volt socket
inside the vehicle).
• The vehicle speed is above about 1 mph
(2 km/h).
• When the rear window defroster is
operated.
• When the temperature inside the vehicle is
lower than approximately 68°F (20°C),
unless the Air Conditioning ECO custom-
ize option is selected, and the ECO driving
mode is on.
Starting and driving5-179
•When the temperature inside the vehicle is
higher than approximately 86°F (30°C),
unless the Air Conditioning ECO custom-
ize option is selected, and the ECO driving
mode is on. (When the air conditioner is
off, the Idling Stop System will operate.)
• When the front defroster is turned on.
• When more than 3 minutes have elapsed
since the Idling Stop System was active.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
• When the steering wheel is operated. (The
steering wheel operation may become
heavy, but this is not a malfunction.)
• When the battery capacity is low.
• When the power consumption is high.
• When the shift lever is any range other
than D (Drive).
• When the Idling Stop OFF switch is
pushed.
• When the negative pressure of the brake
system is not sufficiently applied by de-
pressing the brake pedal several times.
NOTE:
The Idling Stop System may not active when
the Intelligent Key is not in the vehicle and
you open/close any door.
NOTE:
The following condition will prevent the
Idling Stop System from automatically re-
starting the engine. Starting the engine with
the ignition switch operation is then
necessary:
• The hood is open.
Use this system while waiting at a stop light,
etc. When the vehicle is stopped for long
periods of time, turn off the engine.
When the engine is stopped by the Idling Stop
System, heating, cooling and dehumidifying
functions will be deactivated. To avoid the air
conditioning functions from being deacti-
vated, turn off the Idling Stop System by
pushing the Idling Stop OFF switch.
RETROGRADE MOVEMENT
CONTROL FUNCTION
This system is designed to reduce the retro-
grade movement that occurs while the driv-
er’s foot changes from depressing the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal when moving
the vehicle while the Idling Stop System is
active on a hilly road.
IDLING STOP SYSTEM DISPLAY
The status of the Idling Stop System can be
checked in the vehicle information display.
5-180Starting and driving
This message is displayed when the Idling
Stop System is malfunctioning.
It is recommended that you have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.This indicator is displayed when the vehicle is
stopped if the engine is prevented from au-
tomatically stopping by the Idling Stop sys-
tem under the inhibition conditions. For addi-
tional information, see “Idling Stop System”
(P. 5-178).
When the vehicle is stopped, the guidance is
displayed if the Idling Stop system is deacti-
vated due to not fully depressing the brake
pedal.
If you wish to activate the Idling Stop system,
further depress the brake pedal. For addi-
tional information, see “Idling Stop System”
(P. 5-178).
The display disappears under the following
conditions:
• The Idling Stop system is activated.
• The vehicle starts running.
LSD4280
System fault
LSD4776
Idling Stop inhibition
LSD4777
Idling Stop guidance display (further
depressing the brake pedal)
5-182Starting and driving