ESP INFINITI FX 2012 Owner's Manual

5-14Starting and driving
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)or N (Neutral) position. (P is recom-
mended.)
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the selector lever is in either of
the above positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position. Depress the brake pedal and
push the ignition switch to start the
engine.
To start the engine immediately, push
and release the ignition switch while
depressing the brake pedal with the
ignition switch in any position.
.If the engine is very hard to start inextremely cold weather or when
restarting, depress the accelerator
pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to
the floor) and while holding, crank
the engine. Release the accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
.If the engine is very hard to startbecause it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it. Push the ignition
switch to the ON position to start
cranking the engine. After 5 or 6
seconds, stop cranking by pushing the ignition switch to OFF. After
cranking the engine, release the
accelerator pedal. Crank the engine
with your foot off the accelerator
pedal
by depressing the brake pedal
and pushing the push-button igni-
tion switch to start the engine. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat
the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not
start, push the ignition switch to OFF and
wait 10 seconds before cranking again,
otherwise the starter could be damaged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the
engine while warming it up. Drive at
moderate speed for a short distance
first, especially in cold weather. In cold
weather, keep the engine running for a
minimum of 2 - 3 minutes before
shutting it off. Starting and stopping
the engine over a short period of time
may make the vehicle more difficult to start.
5. To stop the engine, shift the selector lever to the P (Park) position and push
the ignition switch to the OFF position.
STARTING THE ENGINE

5-22Starting and driving
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)
SYSTEM
Precautions on LDW system
WARNING
.This system is only a warning device to
inform the driver of a potential unin-
tended lane departure. It will not steer
the vehicle or prevent loss of control. It
is the driver’ s responsibility to stay
alert, drive safely, keep the vehicle in
the traveling lane, and be in control of
the vehicle at all times.
. The system will not operate at speeds
below approximately 45 MPH or if it
cannot detect lane markers.
. If the LDW system malfunctions, it will
cancel automatically, and the lane de-
parture warning light (orange) will illu-
minate.
. If the lane departure warning light
(orange) illuminates, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle.
Turn the engine off and restart the
engine. If the lane departure warning
light (orange) continues to illuminate, have the system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.The system may not function properly
under the following conditions:
.On roads where there are multiple
parallel lane markers; lane markers
that are faded or not painted clearly;
yellow painted lane markers; non-stan-
dard lane markers; or lane markers
covered with water, dirt, snow, etc.
. On roads where the discontinued lane
markers are still detectable.
. On roads where there are sharp curves.
. On roads where there are sharply
contrasting objects, such as shadows,
snow, water, wheel ruts, seams or lines
remaining after road repairs. (The LDW
system could detect these items as
lane markers.)
. On roads where the traveling lane
merges or separates.
. When the vehicle’s traveling direction
does not align with the lane marker. .
When traveling close to the vehicle in
front of you, which obstructs the lane
camera unit detection range.
. When rain, snow or dirt adheres to the
windshield in front of the lane camera
unit.
. When the headlights are not bright due
to dirt on the lens or if the aiming is not
adjusted properly.
. When strong light enters the lane
camera unit. (For example, the light
directly shines on the front of the
vehicle at sunrise or sunset.)
. When a sudden change in brightness
occurs. (For example, when the vehicle
enters or exits a tunnel or under a
bridge.)

5-24Starting and driving
vated automatically. The warning systems
ON indicator on the switch will flash.
When the interior temperature is reduced,
the LDW system will resume operating
automatically and the warning systems
ON indicator will stop flashing.
LANE DEPARTURE PREVENTION
(LDP) SYSTEM
Precautions on LDP system
WARNING
.The LDP system will not steer the vehicle
or prevent loss of control. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely, keep the vehicle in the traveling
lane, and be in control of vehicle at all
times.
. The LDP system is primarily intended for
use on well-developed freeways or high-
ways. It may not detect the lane markers
in certain roads, weather or driving
conditions.
. Using the LDP system under some
conditions of road, lane marker or
weather, or when you change lanes
without using the lane change signal could lead to an unexpected system
operation. In such conditions, you need
to correct the vehicle’s direction with
your steering operation to avoid acci-
dents.
. When the LDP system is operating, avoid
excessive or sudden steering maneu-
vers. Otherwise, you could lose control
of the vehicle.
. The LDP system will not operate at
speeds below approximately 45 MPH
(70 km/h) or if it cannot detect lane
markers.
. The LDP system may not function
properly under the following conditions,
and do not use the LDP system:
—During bad weather (rain, fog, snow,
wind, etc.).
—When driving on slippery roads,such as on ice or snow, etc.
—When driving on winding or uneven roads.
—When there is a lane closure due toroad repairs.
—When driving in a makeshift lane.
—When driving on roads where thelane width is too narrow.
—When driving without normal tireconditions (for example, tire wear,
low tire pressure, installation of
spare tire, tire chains, non-standard
wheels).
—When the vehicle is equipped withnonoriginal brake parts or suspen-
sion parts.
—When you are towing a trailer.
. If the LDP system malfunctions, it will
cancel automatically. The lane departure
warning light (orange) on the instrument
panel will illuminate.
. If the lane departure warning light
(orange) illuminates, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle.
Turn the engine off and restart the
engine. If the warning light (orange)
continues to illuminate, have the LDP
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.

SELECTING THE VEHICLE-TO-VEHI-
CLE DISTANCE CONTROL MODE
To choose the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control 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 automatically 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 con-
stant need to adjust the set speed as you
would with a normal cruise control system.
SSD0738
PRECAUTIONS ON VEHICLE-TO-VE-
HICLE DISTANCE CONTROL MODE
The system is intended to enhance the
operation 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 neces- sary.
The detection range of the sensor is
approximately 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 system on roads with sharp
curves, or on icy roads, in heavy rain or
in fog.
The distance sensor will not detect the
following objects:
.Stationary and slow moving vehicles
. Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
Starting and driving5-33

5-54Starting and driving
retailer.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (for Intelligent
Cruise Control system equipped
models)
The ICC system with the preview function
identifies the need to apply emergency
braking by sensing the vehicle ahead in
the same lane and the distance to the
vehicle ahead and relative speed from it, it
applies the brake pre-pressure before the
driver depresses the brake pedal and helps
improve brake response by reducing pedal
free play.
For more details, see“Brake assist”(P.5-
79). The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
brakes and moves the accelerator pedal
upward according to the distance from and
the relative speed of the vehicle ahead to
help assist the driver to maintain a
following distance.
WARNING
.
Always drive carefully and attentively
when using the Distance Control Assist
system. Read and understand the Own-
er’s Manual thoroughly before using the
DCA system. To avoid serious injury or
death, do not rely on the system to
prevent accidents or to control the
vehicle’s speed in emergency situations.
Do not use the Distance Control Assist
system except in appropriate road and
traffic conditions.
. 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 with
a warning chime. To prevent the vehicle
from moving, the driver must depress
the brake pedal. .
The DCA system will not apply brake
control while the driver’s foot is on the
accelerator pedal.
DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST (DCA) SYSTEM
(if so equipped)

SSD0738
PRECAUTIONS ON DISTANCE CON-
TROL 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 neces-
sary. The detection range of the sensor is
approximately 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
following 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
distance control function, never rely
solely on the Distance Control Assist
system. This system does not correct
careless, inattentive or absent-minded
driving, or overcome poor visibility in
rain, fog, or other bad weather. Decele-
rate the vehicle speed by depressing the
brake pedal, depending on the distance
to the vehicle ahead and the surround-
ing circumstances in order to maintain a
safe distance between vehicles.
. The system may not detect the vehicle in
front of you in certain road or weather
conditions. To avoid accidents, never use
the Distance Control Assist system
under the following conditions:
—On roads with sharp curves
—On slippery road surfaces such as
on ice or snow, etc.
—During bad weather (rain, fog, snow,etc.)
—When strong light (for example, atsunrise or sunset) is directly shining
on the front of the vehicle
Starting and driving5-55

5-68Starting and driving
SSD1156
Warning systems switch
The FCW system uses the distance sensor
*Alocated below the front bumper to
measure the distance to the vehicle ahead.
When the system judges that your vehicle
is getting close to the vehicle ahead in the
travel lane, the vehicle ahead detection
indicator light on the instrument panel
blinks and a warning chime sounds.
The FCW system will be turned on/off by
pushing the warning systems switch. The
warning systems ON indicator light
*1on
the switch will illuminate when the system
turns on.
PRECAUTIONS ON FCW SYSTEM
WARNING
. The FCW system is intended to warn you
before a collision but will not avoid a
collision. It is the driver’s responsibility
to stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times.
. As there is a performance limit, the
system may not provide a warning in
certain conditions.
. The system will not detect the following
objects:
—Pedestrians, animals or obstacles in
the roadway
—Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
. The system will not detect another
vehicle under the following conditions:
—When the sensor gets dirty and it is
impossible to detect the distance
from the vehicle ahead.
—When driving into a strong light (forexample, sunlight)
. The sensor generally detects the signals
returned from the reflectors on a vehicle ahead. Therefore, the system may not
function properly under the following
conditions:
—When the reflectors of the vehicle
ahead are positioned high or close to
each other (including a small vehicle
such as motorcycles).
—When the sensor gets dirty or it isimpossible to detect the distance
from the vehicle ahead.
—When the reflectors on the vehicleahead are missing, damaged or
covered.
—When the reflectors of the vehicle
ahead are covered with dirt, snow or
road spray.
—When visibility is low (such as rain,fog, snow, etc.).
—When snow or road spray fromtraveling vehicles is splashed.
—When dense exhaust or other smoke (black smoke) from vehicles reduces
the visibility of the sensor.
—When excessively heavy baggage isloaded in the rear seat or the
luggage room of your vehicle.

SSD0738
SSD0749
Vehicle ahead detection indicator lightThe IBA system uses a distance sensor
*Alocated below the front bumper to measure
the distance to the vehicle ahead. When
the system judges that your vehicle is
getting close to the vehicle ahead in the
traveling lane, the vehicle ahead detection
indicator light on the instrument panel
blinks and a warning chime sounds.
The IBA system will be turned on/off by
pushing the IBA OFF switch. The IBA OFF
indicator light display will illuminate when
the system is turned off.
PRECAUTIONS ON IBA SYSTEM
WARNING
.
The IBA system is not a collision
avoidance system. It is the driver’ s
responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all
times.
. As there is a performance limit, the
system may not provide a warning or
braking in certain conditions.
. The system will not detect the following
objects:
—Pedestrians, animals or obstacles in the roadway
—Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
. The system will not detect another
vehicle under the following conditions:
—When the sensor gets dirty and it is
impossible to detect the distance
from the vehicle ahead.
—When driving into a strong light (forexample, sunlight)
. The sensor generally detects the signals
returned from the reflectors on a vehicle
ahead. Therefore, the system may not
function properly under the following
conditions:
—When the reflectors of the vehicle
ahead are positioned high or close to
each other (including a small vehicle
such as motorcycles).
—When the sensor gets dirty and it isimpossible to detect the distance
from the vehicle ahead.
—When the reflectors on the vehicle
ahead are missing, damaged or
covered.
—When the reflectors of the vehicleahead are covered with dirt, snow or
Starting and driving5-71

2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into the street when parked on a
sloping drive way, it is a good practice
to turn the wheels as illustrated.
.HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:*1
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
.HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:*2
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NOCURB:
*3
Turn the wheels toward the side of
the road so the vehicle will move
away from the center of the road if it
moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position.
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 hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
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.
SIC3848
The Continuous Damping Control optimizes
damping force and helps minimize the
movement of the vehicle body. It helps
stable driving when the vehicle moves up
and down on large rolling roads or when
the vehicle body leans during cornering
with a high centrifugal force.
The damping force will automatically ad-
just according to the road surface and
driving conditions.
The damping force of the shock absorbers
can be adjusted to the level you desire. Set
the switch to the position you desire while
the ignition switch is ON.
Starting and driving5-77
POWER STEERING CONTINUOUS DAMPING CONTROL (if so
equipped)

5-78Starting and driving
Set the Continuous Damping Control mode
select switch to the AUTO position
*Afor a
smooth ride.
Set the switch to the SPORT position
*Bwhen you desire a quick response all the
time.
The SPORT mode indicator light will illumi-
nate.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking 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
indicates that the brake assist mechanism
is operating properly.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and the stopping distance
will be longer.
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly
and firmly, you may hear a clicking noise
and feel a slight pulsation. This is normal
and indicates that the Brake Assist System
is operating.
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.
EUROPEAN DESIGN BRAKE PADS (if
so equipped)
The FX50 Sport (only) is equipped with
more aggressive European style brake
pads which provide increased fade resis-
tance when repeatedly braking from very
high speeds. These pads are likely to
experience increased brake dust and noise
as well as increased pad and rotor wear,
with replacement intervals of less than
20,000 miles (32,000 km) for some custo-
mers depending upon their driving pat-
terns.
BRAKE SYSTEM