2023 INFINITI QX80 ESP

.Engine idling speed is high while
warming up the engine. Be especially
careful when starting or driving on
slippery surfaces with the 4WD shift
switch in AUTO.
WAF0362X
4WD shift indicator
4WD SHIFT INDICATOR
The 4WD shift indicator is displayed in the
vehicle information display.
The indicator should turn off within a few
seconds after placing the ignition switch in
the ON position.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift
indicator will illuminate the position selected
by the 4WD shift switch. (See the 4WD shift
procedure list shown in the “INFINITI all-
mode 4WD
®system” (P.5-117).) .
The 4WD shift indicator may blink while
shifting from one drive mode to the
other. When the shifting is completed,
the 4WD shift indicator will come on. If
the indicator does not come on immedi-
ately, make sure the area around the
vehicle is safe, and drive the vehicle
straight, accelerate or decelerate or
move the vehicle in reverse, then shift
the 4WD shift switch.
. If the 4WD warning light comes on, the
4WD shift indicator turns off.
4WD WARNING LIGHT
Warning light Comes on or
blinks when:
Illuminates There is a mal-
function in the 4WD system
Blinks rapidly The transfer case
oil temperature is
abnormally high
Blinks slowly The difference in
wheel rotation is
large
The 4WD warning light is located in the
meter.
The 4WD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
It turns off soon after the engine is started.
Starting and driving5-121

5-122Starting and driving
If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system
when the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the 4WD warning light will either
remain illuminated or blink.
If the 4WD warning light comes on, the
4WD shift indicator turns off.
High-temperature transfer case oil makes
the 4WD warning light blink rapidly (about
twice per second). If the warning light blinks
rapidly during operation, stop the vehicle in a
safe place immediately. Then if the light
turns off after a while, you can continue
driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the 4WD
warning light blink slowly (about once per
two seconds). Change the 4WD shift switch
to AUTO and do not drive fast.
CAUTION
.If the 4WD warning light comes on or
blinks slowly during operation or
rapidly after stopping the vehicle for
a while, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
. Shifting between 4HI and 4LO is not
recommended when the 4WD warn- ing light turns on.
. When the 4WD warning light comes
on, the 2WD mode may be engaged
even if the 4WD shift switch is in
AUTO or 4H. Be especially careful
when driving. If corresponding parts
are malfunctioning, the 4WD mode
will not be engaged even if the 4WD
shift switch is shifted.
. Do not drive the vehicle in the 4HI or
4LO position on dry hard surface
roads. Driving on dry, hard surfaces
in 4HI or 4LO may cause unnecessary
noise, tire wear and increased fuel
consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on
when driving on dry hard surface
roads:
— in the AUTO or 4HI position, shift the 4WD shift switch to AUTO.
— in the 4LO position, stop the vehicle and shift the transmission
shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position and shift the 4WD shift
switch to AUTO.
. If the 4WD warning light is still on
after the above operation, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. It
is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. .
The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing light blinking.

WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill.
Always drive carefully and atten-
tively. 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
designed 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 collision 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
depress the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards.
Failure to do so may result in a
collision or serious personal injury. The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards in the time it
takes the driver to release the brake pedal
and apply the accelerator when the vehicle is
stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate
automatically under the following condi-
tions:
.
The transmission is shifted to a forward
or reverse gear.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding 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 transmission is shifted to the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road.
When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light illuminates in the meter, the hill
start assist system will not operate. (See
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders” (P.2-11).)
Starting and driving5-123
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM

5-126Starting and driving
NOTE:
When the SNOW mode is activated, the
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Blind
Spot Intervention (BSI), Distance Control
Assist (DCA), and Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) systems will be turned off automati-
cally if the vehicle is equipped with them.
SSD0622
The sonar system sounds a tone to inform
the driver of obstacles near the bumper.
When the sonar system is turned on, the
sonar view will automatically appear in the
touch screen display when the camera is
activated.
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 maneuvers. 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 sonar
indicator indicates different dis-
tances 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 system; this may
include reduced performance or a
false activation.
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM

5-132Starting and driving
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNA-
VAILABLE
When sonar blockage is detected, the sys-
tem will be deactivated automatically.
The system is not available until the condi-
tions no longer exist.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by
temporary ambient conditions such as
splashing water, mist or fog. The blocked
condition may also be caused by objects
such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing the
sonar sensors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the system will resume automatically.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The sonar sensors are located on the front
and rear bumpers. (See “Exterior front” (P.0-
3) and “Exterior rear” (P.0-5).)
.Always keep the area near the sonar
sensors clean.
. If the sonar sensors are dirty, wipe them
off with a soft cloth while being careful
to not damage them.
. The sonar sensors may be blocked by
temporary ambient conditions such as
splashing water, mist or fog. The blocked
condition may also be caused by objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing the
sonar sensors. Check for and remove
objects obstructing the area around the
sonar sensors.
. Do not subject the area around the sonar
sensors to strong impact. Also, do not
remove or disassemble the sonar sen-
sors. If the sonar sensors and peripheral
areas are deformed in an accident, etc.,
have the sonar sensors checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
. Do not attach stickers (including trans-
parent 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.
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.
POWER STEERING

5-134Starting and driving
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 conventional 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.10-13).
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-27).
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 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 and
BRAKE ASSIST

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). 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. .
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.
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
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,
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.
When the 4L position is selected with the
4WD shift switch, the VDC system is
disabled and the VDC off indicator light
illuminates (for 4WD models).
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-18) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-18).
Starting and driving5-135
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM

5-136Starting and driving
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the engine 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 malfunction.
WARNING
.The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving 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.
. 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 engine after driving onto
a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the
INFINITI recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.