traction control INFINITI EX 2011 Owners Manual

light will illuminate. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7 seconds
if the supplemental front air bag and supple-
mental side air bag, curtain side-impact air bag
systems and/or pretensioner seat belt are op-
erational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag and
pretensioner systems needs servicing and your
vehicle must be taken to your nearest INFINITI
retailer.
●The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
● The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint systems and/or the pretensioners seat
belt (air bag system) may not function properly.
For additional information, see “SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint system”
section.WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is on,
it could mean that the front air bag, side air
bag, curtain air bag systems and/or preten-
sioner systems will not operate in an accident.
To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have
your vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer as
soon as possible.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light
The light will blink when the VDC system or the
traction control system is operating, thus alert-
ing the driver that the vehicle is nearing its
traction limits. The road surface may be slip-
pery.
When the vehicle dynamic control warning light
illuminates when the vehicle dynamic control
system is turned on, this light alerts the driver
to the fact that the vehicle dynamic control
system’s fail-safe mode is operating, for ex-
ample the vehicle dynamic control system may
not be functioning properly. Have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer. If a malfunction
occurs in the system, the vehicle dynamic con-
trol system function will be canceled but the
vehicle is still driveable. For additional informa- tion, see “VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Front lighting
System (AFS) indicator light
(if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the Adaptive Front lighting System
(AFS) indicator light will illuminate. The light
will turn off in about 1 second if the AFS is
operational.
If the AFS indicator light blinks, it may indicate
the AFS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
See “Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)” later
in this section.
Automatic transmission
position indicator light
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the indicator shows the automatic
selector shift position. (See “AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section.)
Instruments and controls2-17

closed tightly, and that the vehicle has at least
3 US gallons (14 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light remains on for 20 seconds
and then blinks for 10 seconds when the engine
is not running, it indicates that the vehicle is
not ready for an emission control system
inspection/maintenance test. (See “READINESS
FOR INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST” in
the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section.)
Operation :
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
● Malfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap if the
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning appears on the dot
matrix liquid crystal display. If the fuel-filler
cap is loose or missing, tighten or install the
cap and continue to drive the vehicle. The
light should turn off after a few
driving trips. If thelight does not turn
off after a few driving trips, have the vehicle
inspected by an INFINITI retailer. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed to the
retailer. ●
Malfunction indicator light blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h).
b) Avoid hard acceleration or decelera- tion.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) 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 by an INFINITI
retailer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the retailer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without having
the emission control system checked and re-
paired as necessary could lead to poor drive-
ability, reduced fuel economy, and possible
damage to the emission control system.
Security indicator light
The light blinks when the ignition switch is in
the ACC, OFF and LOCK position. This function
indicates the security system equipped on the
vehicle is operational.
If the security system is malfunctioning, this
light will remain on while the ignition switch is
in the ON position. For additional information,
see “SECURITY SYSTEMS” later in this section.
Low beam indicator light
The light illuminates when the front park, side
marker, tail and license plate lights are on.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light
The light comes on when the vehicle dynamic
control off switch is pushed to OFF. This indi-
cates that the vehicle dynamic control system
and traction control system are not operating.
Instruments and controls2-19

When the SET/COAST switch is pushed under
the following conditions, the system cannot be
set and the ICC indicators will blink for approxi-
mately 2 seconds:
●When traveling below 20 MPH (32 km/h) and
the vehicle ahead is not detected
● When the selector lever is not in the D, DS or
Manual mode
● When the windshield wipers are operating at
low (LO) or high speed (HI). If the vehicle is
equipped with a rain-sensing auto wiper, the
system may cancel when the wipers are
operating at the intermittent (INT) speed.
● When the parking brake is applied ●
When the brakes are operated by the driver
When the SET/COAST switch is pushed under
the following conditions, the system cannot be
set.
A warning chime will sound and the ICC indica-
tors will blink.
● When the SNOW mode switch is ON (To use
the ICC system, turn off the SNOW mode
switch, push the MAIN switch to turn off the
ICC and reset the ICC switch by pressing the
MAIN switch again.)
For details about the SNOW mode switch,
see “SNOW MODE SWITCH” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section. ●
When the VDC system is off (To use the ICC
system, turn on the VDC system. Push the
MAIN switch to turn off the ICC system and
reset the ICC switch by pushing the MAIN
switch again.)
For details about the VDC system, see “VE-
HICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM”
later in this section.
● When ABS or VDC (including the traction
control system) is operating
● When driving into a strong light (i.e., sun-
light)
● When a wheel is slipping (To use the ICC
system, make sure the wheels are no longer
slipping. Push the MAIN switch to turn off
the ICC, and reset the ICC system by pushing
the MAIN switch again.)
SSD0784SSD0614
Starting and driving5-43

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 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 selector lever is not in the D, DS or
Manual mode
● When the windshield wipers are operating at
low (LO) or high speed (HI). If the vehicle is
equipped with a rain sensing auto-wiper, the
system may cancel when the wipers are set
to intermittent (INT).
● When the parking brake is applied
● When the SNOW mode switch is turned ON
● When the VDC system is turned off
● When ABS or VDC (including the traction
control system) operates ●
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
SSD0284A
5-48Starting and driving

Warning light and display
Condition A :
Under the following conditions, the Intelligent
Cruise Control system is automatically can-
celed. The chime will sound and the system will
not be able to be set.
●When the VDC system is turned off
● When the VDC or ABS (including the traction
control system) operates
● When a tire slips
● When the SNOW mode switch is turned ON
● When driving into a strong light (i.e., sun-
light) Action to take :
When the conditions listed above are no longer
present, turn the system off using the Intelli-
gent Cruise Control 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 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.
SSD0614SSD0615
Starting and driving5-49

a) Push the CANCEL button. The SET indica-tor will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal. The SET indicator will go out.
c) Turn the MAIN switch off. Both the CRUISE indicator and SET indicator will go out.
To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one of
the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the SET/COAST switch.
b) Push and hold the RESUME/ACCELERATE set switch. When the vehicle attains the
speed you desire, release the switch.
c) Push, then quickly release the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. Each time
you do this, the set speed will increase by
about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one of
the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the SET/COAST switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the SET/COAST switch. Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the SET/COAST switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and release
the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).
Automatic cancellation
Under the following condition, a chime will
sound and the system control is automatically
canceled.
● When the vehicle slows down more than 8
MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed
● When the vehicle speed falls below approxi-
mately 20 MPH (32 km/h)
● When the selector lever is not in the D, DS or
Manual mode
● When the parking brake is applied
● When the VDC (including the traction control
system) operates
● When a wheel slips
Warning light
When the 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 then perform the
setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator stays
on, it may indicate that the system is malfunc-
tioning. Although the vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions, have the vehicle
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
SSD0621
Starting and driving5-53

Under the following conditions, the Distance
Control Assist system will not operate and the
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system switch
indicator light will blink:
●When the SNOW mode switch is ON (To use
the DCA system, turn off the SNOW mode
switch, then push the dynamic driver assis-
tance switch.)
For details about the SNOW mode switch,
see “SNOW MODE SWITCH” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.
● When the VDC system is off (To use the DCA
system, turn on the VDC, then push the
dynamic driver assistance switch.) For details about the VDC system, see “VE-
HICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM”
later in this section.
● When ABS or VDC (including the traction
control system) is operating
● When driving into a strong light (i.e., sun-
light)
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 control mode
off, then push the dynamic driver assistance
switch.)
For details about the Conventional (fixed speed)
cruise control mode, see “INTELLIGENT CRUISE
CONTROL (ICC) SYSTEM (FULL SPEED RANGE)”
earlier in this section.
When the engine is turned off, the system is
automatically turned off.
SSD0771
Starting and driving5-61

NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound and the
system display may blink when the sensor de-
tects some reflectors
Awhich are fitted on ve-
hicles in other lanes or on the side of the road.
This may cause the DCA system to operate inap-
propriately. The sensor may detect these reflec-
tors when the vehicle is driven on winding roads,
hilly roads or when entering or exiting a curve.
The sensor may also detect reflectors on narrow
roads or in road construction 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
Condition A :
Under the following conditions, the Distance
Control Assist system is automatically can-
celed. The chime will sound and the Distance
Control Assist (DCA) system switch indicator
light will blink. The system will not be able to be
set.
●
When the VDC system is turned off
● When the VDC or ABS (including the traction
control system) operates
● When the SNOW mode switch is turned ON
● When driving into a strong light (i.e., sun-
light)
SSD0284ASSD0771
5-64Starting and driving

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and
vehicle motion. Under certain driving condi-
tions, 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 output
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 main-
tain control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing 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 warn-
ing 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.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically
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 auto-
matically reset to on when the ignition switch is
placed in the off position then back to the on
position. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.
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 malfunc-
tion.
WARNING
●
The VDC system is designed to help improve
driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-82Starting and driving

TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, INFINITI recommends the use of MUD
& SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
●A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very
cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to
drive on. The vehicle will have much less
traction or “grip” under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating or downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction. ●
Allow more stopping distance under these
conditions. Braking should be started
sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases un-
der your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the ex-
haust pipe and from around your vehicle.
5-84Starting and driving