traction control INFINITI M 2011 Owners Manual

See “SEAT BELTS” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint system”
section for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion, the supplemental air bag warning light will
illuminate. The supplemental air bag warning
light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the
supplemental front air bag and supplemental
side air bag, curtain side-impact air bag systems
and/or pretensioner seat belt are operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side
air bag, supplemental curtain side-impact air
bag and pretensioner seat belt 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 pretensioner seat
belt 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 supplemental front air
bag, supplemental side air bag, curtain side-
impact air bag systems and/or pretensioner
seat belt will not operate in an accident. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked by a 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, active trace
control (if so equipped), Rise-up & Build-upfunction, Brake Force Distribution or hill start
assist system may not be functioning properly.
Have the system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
vehicle dynamic control system function will be
canceled but the vehicle is still driveable. For
additional information, see “VEHICLE DYNAMIC
CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Front lighting
System (AFS) off indicator
light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the Adaptive Front lighting System
(AFS) off indicator light will illuminate. The light
will turn off in about 1 second if the AFS is
operational.
If the AFS off 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.
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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 or 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
(green)
The low beam indicator light illuminates when
the front park lights, rear combination lightsand license plate lights are on. The indicator
light turns off when the
is turned off.
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.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the ignition switch is pushed to the
ACC position. Make sure the ignition switch is
pushed to the OFF position, and take the Intelli-
gent Key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side door is
opened with the light switch in the
or
position and the ignition switch in the
ACC, OFF or LOCK position. Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
The chime will also sound for 2 seconds when
the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position
with the fog lights on while the headlight switch
is in the AUTO position.
Parking brake reminder chime
The parking brake reminder chime will sound if
the vehicle is driven at more than 4 MPH (7
km/h) with the parking brake applied. Stop the
vehicle and release the parking brake.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound
will first occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake pad,
the sound will always be heard even if the brake
pedal is not depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the warning
sound is heard.
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Camera settings
The “CAMERA” screen will appear when select-
ing the “Camera” key with the INFINITI control-
ler and pushing the ENTER button.
For the details about the camera system opera-
tion, see “REARVIEW MONITOR” later in this
section.
Predictive Course Lines :
When this item is turned to ON, the predicted
course lines will be displayed on the monitor
when the selector/shift lever is in the “R”
(Reverse) position.
Image Viewer (models with
navigation system)
The image files in the USB memory will be
displayed. To display the Image Viewer, push
the SETTING button, select the “Other” key and
then select the “Image Viewer” key. The image
of the selected file is displayed on the right side
of the screen.
When a number of folders are included in the
USB memory, select a folder from the list to
display the file list.
Images will not be shown on the display while the
vehicle is in any drive position to reduce driver
distraction. To view images, stop the vehicle in a
safe location and apply the parking brake.
Models with navigation system
SAA2404
Models without navigation system
SAA2606
SAA2491
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space on the Music Box leaving less room for
more songs.
For the details of Music Box, see “MUSIC BOX
HARD DRIVE (models with navigation system)”
later in this section.
Text (models without navigation system) :
When the “Text” key is selected in the screen
using the INFINITI controller and then the ENTER
button is pushed while the CD is being played,
the music information below will be displayed
on the screen.
CD:
● Disc title
● Track title
CD with compressed audio files:
● Folder title
● File title
● Song title
● Album title
● Artist
Next/Previous Track and Fast
Forward/Rewind :
When the
(fast forward) or(re-
wind) button is pushed for more than 1.5 sec- onds while the CD is being played, the CD will
play while fast forwarding or rewinding. When
the button is released, the CD will return to
normal play speed.
When the
orbutton is pushed for
less than 1.5 seconds while the CD is being
played, the next track or the beginning of the
current track on the CD will be played.
REPEAT (RPT), RANDOM (RDM) :
When the RPT button is pushed while the CD is
played, the play pattern can be changed as
follows:
(CD)
(CD with compressed audio files)
CD EJECT :
When the CD EJECT button is pushed with the
CD loaded, the CD will be ejected.
When this button is pushed while the CD is
being played, the CD will be ejected.
If the CD comes out and is not removed, it will be
pulled back into the slot to protect it.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) PLAYER
OPERATION (models with navigation
system)
Precautions
Start the engine when using the DVD entertain-
ment system.
Movies will not be shown on the front display
while the vehicle is in any drive position to
reduce driver distraction. Audio is available
when a movie is played. To view movies in the
front display, stop the vehicle in a safe location,
move the selector lever to the P (Park) position.
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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 drive mode select switch is turned
to the SNOW mode (To use the ICC system,
turn the drive mode select switch to a mode
other than the SNOW mode, push the MAIN
switch to turn off the ICC and reset the ICC
switch by pressing the MAIN switch again.)
For details about the INFINITI drive mode
selector, see “INFINITI DRIVE MODE SELEC-
TOR” later in this 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.)
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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 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 or
Manual mode
● When the windshield wipers are operating at
high speed (HI). If the vehicle is equipped
with a rain sensing auto-wiper, the system
may cancel when the wipers are set to the
AUTO position.
● When the parking brake is applied
● When the drive mode select switch is turned
to the SNOW mode
● 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
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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 is turned off
● When the ABS or VDC (including the traction
control system) operates
● When a tire slips
● When the drive mode select switch is turned
to the SNOW mode
● When strong light (sunlight, etc.) is directly
shining on the front of the vehicle 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 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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●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” earlier in this section.
When the engine is turned off, the system is
automatically turned off.
1. System set display with vehicle ahead
2. System set display without vehicle aheadSystem operation
WARNING
The Distance Control Assist system automati-
cally decelerates your vehicle to help assist the
driver to maintain a following distance from the
vehicle ahead. Manually brake when decelera-
tion is required to maintain a safe distance
upon sudden braking by the vehicle ahead or
when a vehicle suddenly appears in front of
you. Always stay alert when using the DCA
system.
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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 drive mode select switch is turned
to the SNOW mode ●
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 with the dynamic
driver assistance switch. Turn the DCA system
back on to use the system.
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.
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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, except for rise-up and
build-up and brake force distribution, 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.
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.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses driving based on the driv-
er’s steering and acceleration/braking patterns,
and controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help smooth ve-
hicle response.
When the drive mode selector switch is set to
the “SPORT” mode, the amount of brake control
provided by active trace control is reduced.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
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