engine INFINITI FX 2012 Manual Online

5-60Starting and driving
The light comes on if there is a
malfunction in the DCA system.
SSD1183
Operating Distance Control Assist
(DCA) system
To turn on the DCA system, push the
dynamic driver assistance switch on the
steering wheel after starting the engine.
The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator light in the dot matrix
liquid crystal display will illuminate. Push
the dynamic driver assistance switch again
to turn off the DCA system. The Distance
Control Assist (DCA) system switch indica-
tor light will turn off.
The system will start to operate after the
vehicle speed becomes above approxi-mately 3 MPH (5 km/h).
WARNING
When the DCA system is not necessary, be
sure to turn off the dynamic driver assis-
tance switch. Using the system when it is
not necessary may result in an accident.
The dynamic driver assistance switch is
used for both the LDP and DCA system.
When the dynamic driver assistance switch
is pushed, the LDP system will also turn on
or off simultaneously. The DCA system can
be individually set to on or off on the
display. If the system is set to off, the
system will not turn on even if the dynamic
driver assistance switch is pushed to on. To
set the system to on or off on the display,
see
“Setting DCA system to ON/OFF” (P.5-
61).

5-62Starting and driving
SSD0771
Under the following conditions, the Dis-
tance Control Assist system will not oper-
ate 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 turn on the dynamic
driver assistance switch.)
For details about the SNOW mode
switch, see “Snow mode switch” (P.2-
46).
. 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
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem”
(P.5-83).
. When ABS or VDC (including the trac-
tion control system) is operating
. When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
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 “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system (FULL
SPEED RANGE)” (P.5-31).
When the engine is turned off, the system
is automatically turned off.

5-66Starting and driving
.When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the system off with the
dynamic driver assistance switch. Turn the
DCA system back on to use the system.
SSD0772
Condition B:
When the sensor window is dirty, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the
DCA 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.
SSD0787
Condition C:
When the DCA system is not operating
properly, the chime sounds and the system
warning light (“CRUISE” 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, and turn on the DCA
system again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the
system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal

—When abruptly accelerating or de-celerating.
—On a steep downhill slope or onroads with sharp curves.
—When there is a highly reflectiveobject near the vehicle ahead (for
example, being very close to another
vehicle, signboard, etc.)
—When you are towing a trailer.
. Depending on certain road conditions
(curved or beginning of a curve), vehicle
conditions (steering position or vehicle
position), or the preceding vehicle’ s
conditions (position in lane, etc.), the
system may not function properly. The
system may detect highly reflective
objects such as reflectors, signs, white
markers, and other stationary objects on
the road or near the traveling lane and
provide unnecessary warning.
. The system may not function in offset
conditions.
. The system may not function when the
distance to the vehicle ahead is extre-
mely close.
. The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality. If the sensor is covered with ice, a transparent
or translucent plastic bag, etc., the
system may not detect them. In these
instances the system may not be able to
warn the driver properly. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor regularly.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.
. A sudden appearance of a vehicle in
front (for example, it abruptly cuts in)
may not be detected and the system may
not warn the driver soon enough.
. The system will be cancelled automati-
cally with a beep sound and the IBA OFF
indicator light will illuminate under the
following conditions:
—When the sensor window is dirty
—When the system malfunctions
SSD0748
If the IBA OFF indicator light*Ailluminates
with a beep sound, pull off the road to a
safe location, stop the vehicle and turn the
engine off. Check to see if the sensor
window is dirty. If the sensor window is
dirty, clean it with a soft cloth and restart
the engine. If the sensor window is not
dirty, restart the engine. If the IBA OFF
indicator light continues to illuminate even
if the IBA system is turned on with the IBA
OFF switch
*B, have the system checked
by an INFINITI retailer.
To turn on the IBA system, see “Intelligent
Brake Assist (IBA) system” (P.5-70).
Starting and driving5-69

system may not detect them. In these
instances the system may not be able to
warn the driver properly. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor regularly.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.
. Never place your foot under the brake
pedal when the IBA system turns on.
Your foot may be caught when the
system controls the brake.
. A sudden appearance of a vehicle in
front (for example, it abruptly cuts in)
may not be detected and the system may
not warn the driver soon enough.
. The system will be cancelled automati-
cally with a beep sound and the IBA
warning light will illuminate under the
following conditions:
—When the sensor window is dirty
—When the system malfunctions
If the IBA OFF indicator light illuminates
with a beep sound, pull off the road to a
safe location, stop the vehicle and turn the
engine off. Check to see if the sensor
window is dirty. If the sensor window is dirty, clean it with a soft cloth and restart
the engine. If the sensor window is not
dirty, restart the engine. If the IBA OFF
indicator light continues to illuminate even
if the IBA system is turned on, have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
SSD0748
IBA system operation
The IBA system will function when your
vehicle is driven at speeds of approxi-
mately 10 MPH (15 km/h) or above, and
when the vehicle’s speed is approximately
10 MPH (15 km/h) faster than that of the
vehicle ahead.
To turn the system off/on, push and hold
the IBA OFF switch
*Bfor more than 1
second after starting the engine. When the
IBA OFF indicator light
*Aon the instru-
ment panel turns off and the IBA OFF
switch is pushed, the system will turn off
and the IBA OFF indicator light will
illuminate. When the IBA OFF switch is
Starting and driving5-73

5-74Starting and driving
pushed again, the system will turn on and
the IBA OFF indicator light will turn off.
The IBA system will remain in the last ON
or OFF state it was left in until it is
manually changed by pressing the IBA
OFF switch.
Illumination of the IBA OFF indicator light
without the warning chime sound is an
indication that the IBA system is tempora-
rily unavailable. It will occur under the
following conditions:
.When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
The IBA OFF indicator light will turn off
when the system returns to its normal
operating conditions.
For the sensor maintenance, see “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system (FULL
SPEED RANGE)” (P.5-31).
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and ensure
the future reliability and economy of your
new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in shortened engine life and
reduced engine performance.
.Avoid driving for long periods at con-
stant speed, either fast or slow. Do not
run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possi-
ble.
. Do not tow a trailer for the first 500
miles (805 km). .
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-
tain cruising speeds with a constant
accelerator position.
. Drive at moderate speeds on the high-
way.
. Avoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Keep a safe distance behind other
vehicles.
. Select a gear range suitable to road
conditions.
. Avoid unnecessary prolonged engine
idling.
. Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
. Keep the tires inflated at the correct
pressure. Improper tire pressure will
increase wear and waste fuel.
. Make sure the front wheels are properly
aligned. Improper alignment will cause
premature tire wear and lower fuel
economy.
. Climate control operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
. When cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

SSD0336
The AWD warning light is located in the
meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. It turns off soon after the engine
is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD
system while the engine is running, the
warning light will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about
twice per second) while trying to free a
stuck vehicle due to high power train oil
temperature. The driving mode may change
to two-wheel drive. If the warning light
blinks rapidly during operation, stop the
vehicle with the engine idling in a safe
place immediately. Then if the light goes
off after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters
of front and rear wheels will make the
warning light blink slowly (about once per
two seconds). Pull off the road in a safe
area, and idle the engine. Check that all
tire sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is blinking after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon as
possible.
WARNING
.
For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such
as the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing) or similar
equipment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure that
you inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with AWD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
CAUTION
.Do not operate the engine on a free
roller when any of the wheels are raised.
. If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction in
Starting and driving5-75
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)

5-76Starting and driving
the AWD system. Reduce the vehicle
speed and have your vehicle checked by
an INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
. If the warning light remains on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon
as possible.
. The power train may be damaged if you
continue driving with the warning light
blinking.
SD1006MA
WARNING
.Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite and
cause a fire.
. Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.
. Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly
activate switches or controls. Unat-
tended children could become involved
in serious accidents. .
Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied and
the transmission be placed in the P
(Park) position. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly
or roll away and result in an accident.
. Make sure the automatic transmission
selector lever has been pushed as far
forward as it can go and cannot be
moved without depressing the foot
brake pedal.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

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