sensor INFINITI QX 2011 Owner's Guide

SELECTING VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE
DISTANCE CONTROL MODE
To choose the vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol mode
1, quickly push and release the
MAIN switch
A.
VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE DISTANCE
CONTROL MODE
In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode,
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system auto-
matically maintains a selected distance from
the vehicle traveling in front of you according to
that vehicle’s speed (up to the set speed), or at
the set speed when the road ahead is clear.
With ICC, the driver can maintain the same
speed as other vehicles without the constant
need to adjust the set speed as you would with
a normal cruise control system.
PRECAUTIONS ON VEHICLE-TO-
VEHICLE DISTANCE CONTROL MODE
The system is intended to enhance the opera-
tion of the vehicle when following a vehicle
traveling in the same lane and direction.
If the distance sensor
Adetects a slower
moving vehicle ahead, the system will reduce
the vehicle speed so that your vehicle follows
the vehicle in front at the selected distance.
The system automatically controls the throttle
and applies the brakes (up to 25% of vehicle
braking power) if necessary.
The detection range of the sensor is approxi-
mately 390 ft (120 m) ahead.
WARNING
● This system is only an aid to assist the driver
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.
● 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 congested areas.
● This system will not adapt automatically to
road conditions. This system should be used
in evenly flowing traffic. Do not use the sys-
tem on roads with sharp curves, or on icy
roads, in heavy rain or in fog.
The distance 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
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WARNING
●As there is a performance limit to the dis-
tance control function, never rely solely on
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system.
This system does not correct careless, inat-
tentive or absent-minded driving, or over-
come poor visibility in rain, fog, or other bad
weather. Decelerate the vehicle speed by de-
pressing the brake pedal, depending on the
distance to the vehicle ahead and the sur-
rounding circumstances in order to maintain
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.
● The system may not function properly under
the following conditions. To avoid accidents,
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. – On off-road surfaces such as on sand or
rock, etc.
– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.)
– When the windshield wipers are operat- ing at high speed. The system may cancel
when the wipers are set to the AUTO
position.
– When strong light (for example, at sun- rise or sunset) is directly shining on the
front of the vehicle
– When rain, snow or dirt adhere to the sys- tem sensor
– On steep downhill roads (the vehicle may go beyond the set vehicle speed and fre-
quent braking 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 frequent acceleration or
deceleration
– When towing a trailer or other vehicle ●
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 dis-
tance from other vehicles using the accelera-
tor pedal. Always stay alert and avoid using
the ICC system when it is not recommended
in this section.
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VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE DISTANCE
CONTROL MODE OPERATION
Always pay attention to the operation of the
vehicle and be ready to manually control the
proper following distance. The vehicle-to-
vehicle distance control mode of the Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system may not be able to
maintain the selected distance between ve-
hicles (following distance) or selected vehicle
speed under some circumstances.
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
uses a sensor
Alocated on the front of the
vehicle to detect vehicles traveling ahead. The
sensor generally detects the signals returned
from the reflectors on a vehicle ahead. There- fore, if the sensor cannot detect the reflector on
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 reflector of the vehicle ahead is
positioned high on the vehicle (trailer, etc.)
● When the reflector on the vehicle ahead is
missing, damaged or covered
● When the reflector of the vehicle ahead is
covered with dirt, snow and road spray
● When the snow or road spray from traveling
vehicles reduces the sensor’s visibility
● When dense exhaust or other smoke (black
smoke) from vehicles reduces the sensor’s
visibility
● When excessively heavy baggage is loaded
in the rear seat or the trunk of your vehicle
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer, etc.
The ICC system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s operation within the limita-
tion of the system. When the sensor is covered
with dirt or obstructs, the system will automati-
cally be canceled. If the sensor is covered with
ice, a transparent or translucent vinyl bag, etc.,
the ICC system may not detect them. In these
instances, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance con- trol mode may not cancel and may not be able
to maintain the selected following distance
from the vehicle ahead. Be sure to check and
clean the sensor regularly.
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 decelerate 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
25% of the vehicles total braking power. This
system should only be used when traffic condi-
tions allow vehicle speeds to remain fairly
constant or when vehicle speeds change gradu-
ally. 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 falls below approximately 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” later in this section.
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The detection zone of the ICC sensor is limited.
A vehicle ahead must be in the detection zone
for the vehicle-to-vehicle distance detection
mode to maintain the selected distance from
the vehicle ahead.
A vehicle ahead may move outside of the de-
tection zone due to its position within the same
lane of travel. Motorcycles may not be detected
in the same lane ahead if they are traveling
offset from the centerline of the lane. A vehicle
that is entering the lane ahead may not be
detected until the vehicle has completely
moved into the lane.If this occurs, the ICC
system may warn you by blinking the system
indicator and sounding the chime. The driver may have to manually control the proper dis-
tance away from vehicle traveling ahead.
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When driving on some roads, such as winding,
hilly, curved, narrow roads, or roads which are
under construction, the ICC 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 acceler-
ate the vehicle.The detection of vehicles may also be affected
by vehicle operation (steering maneuver or trav-
eling position in the lane, etc.) or vehicle con-
dition.
If this occurs, the ICC system may warn
you by blinking the system indicator and sound-
ing the chime unexpectedly. You will have to
manually control the proper distance away from
the vehicle traveling ahead. 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.
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NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound and the
system display may blink when the ICC sensor
detects some reflectors
Awhich are fitted on
vehicles in other lanes or on the side of the road.
This may cause the ICC system to decelerate or
accelerate the vehicle. The ICC sensor may de-
tect these reflectors when the vehicle is driven
on winding roads, hilly roads or when entering
or exiting a curve. The ICC sensor may also de-
tect reflectors on narrow roads or in road con-
struction zones. 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 condi-
tion (for example, if a vehicle is being driven
with some damage).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following conditions
and the control is automatically canceled.
●
When the vehicle speed falls below approxi-
mately 15 MPH (24 km/h)
● When the system judges the vehicle is at a
standstill
● When the selector lever is shifted to the N
(Neutral) position
● When the windshield wipers are operating at
high speed. The system may cancel when
the wipers are set to the AUTO position.
● When the VDC is turned off
● When the ABS or VDC operates
● When the parking brake is applied
● When the SNOW mode switch is pushed on.
● When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H or 4L
position (for 4WD models) ●
When driving into a strong light (i.e., sun-
light)
● When distance measurement becomes im-
paired due to adhesion of dirt or obstruction
to the sensor
● When a wheel slips
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Warning light and display
Condition A :
The chime sounds and the Intelligent Cruise
Control (ICC) system is canceled automatically
in the conditions described below. Part of the
system display will come on or blink, making it
impossible to set.
●When the VDC is turned off
● When the ABS or VDC operates
● When a tire slips ●
When driving into a strong light (i.e., sun-
light)
● When the SNOW mode switch is pushed on
● When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H or 4L
position
Action to take :
When the conditions listed above are no longer
present, turn the system off using the ICC MAIN
switch. Turn the ICC system back on to use the
system.
Condition B :
When the sensor window is dirty, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the ICC
system is automatically canceled.
The chime sounds and the ICC system warning
light (orange) will come on and the CLEAN
SENSOR indicator will appear.
Action to take :
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place, turn the engine off. Clean the
sensor window with a soft cloth and then
perform the settings again.
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Condition C :
When the ICC system is not operating properly,
the chime sounds and the system warning light
(orange) will come on.
Action to take :
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and set the ICC system
again.If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the ICC
system is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle
is still driveable under normal conditions, have
the vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.Sensor maintenance
The sensor for the Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) system
Ais located below the front
bumper.
To keep the ICC system operating properly, be
sure to observe the following:
● Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe with a
soft cloth carefully so as not to damage the
sensor.
● Do not strike or damage the areas around
the sensor. Do not touch or remove the
screw located on the sensor. Doing so could
cause failure or malfunction. If the sensor is
damaged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
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●Do not attach a sticker (including transpar-
ent material) or install an accessory near the
sensor. This could cause failure or malfunc-
tion.
CONVENTIONAL (FIXED SPEED) CRUISE
CONTROL MODE
This mode allows driving at a speed between 25
to 90 MPH (40 to 144 km/h) without keeping
your foot on the accelerator pedal.
WARNING
● In the conventional (fixed speed) cruise con-
trol mode, a warning chime does not sound
to warn you if you are too close to the vehicle
ahead, as neither the presence of the vehicle
ahead nor the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is
detected.
● Pay special attention to the distance be-
tween your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of
you or a collision could occur.
● Always confirm the setting in the Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system display.
● Do not use the conventional (fixed speed)
cruise control mode when driving under the
following conditions.
– when it is not possible to keep the vehicle at a set speed – in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed
– on winding or hilly roads
– on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
– in very windy areas
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle control
and result in an accident.
Conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control switch
1. RESUME/ACCELERATE switch:
Resumes set speed or increases speed incre-
mentally.
2. SET/COAST switch:
Sets the desired cruise speed, reduces
speed incrementally.
3. CANCEL switch:
Deactivates the system without erasing the
set speed.
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PRECAUTIONS ON DISTANCE CONTROL
ASSIST SYSTEM
The system is intended to assist the driver to
keep a following distance from the vehicle
ahead traveling in the same lane and direction.
If the distance sensor
Adetects a slower
moving vehicle ahead, the system will reduce
the vehicle speed to help assist the driver to
maintain a following distance.
The system automatically controls the throttle
and applies the brakes (up to 25% of vehicle
braking power) if necessary. The detection range of the sensor is approxi-
mately 390 ft (120 m) ahead.
WARNING
●
This system is only an aid to assist the driver
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.
● This system will not adapt automatically to
road conditions. Do not use the system on
roads with sharp curves, or on icy roads, in
heavy rain or in fog.
The distance 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
WARNING
● As there is a performance limit to the dis-
tance control function, never rely solely on
the Distance Control Assist system. This
system does not correct careless, inatten-
tive or absent-minded driving, or overcome
poor visibility in rain, fog, or other bad
weather. Decelerate the vehicle speed by de-
pressing the brake pedal, depending on the
distance to the vehicle ahead and the sur-
rounding circumstances in order to maintain
a safe distance between vehicles.
● The system may not function properly under
the following conditions. To avoid accidents,
never use the Distance Control Assist sys-
tem under the following conditions:
– On roads with sharp curves
– On slippery road surfaces such as on ice or snow, etc.
– On off-road surfaces such as on sand or rock, etc.
– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.)
– When strong light (for example, at sun- rise or sunset) is directly shining on the
front of the vehicle
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