sensor INFINITI M 2012 Owner's Guide

traveling ahead. The sensor generally
detects the signals returned from the
reflectors on a vehicle ahead. Therefore, 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
The ICC system is designed to automati-
cally check the sensor ’s operation within
the limitations of the system. When the sensor is covered with dirt or obstructs, the
system will automatically be canceled. If
the sensor is covered with ice, a transpar-
ent or translucent vinyl bag, etc., the ICC
system may not detect them. In these
instances, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control 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. How-
ever, the ICC system can only apply up to
25% of the vehicles total braking power.
This system should only be used when
traffic conditions allow vehicle speeds to
remain fairly constant or when vehicle
speeds change gradually. If a vehicle
moves into the traveling lane ahead or if
a vehicle traveling ahead rapidly decele-
rates, the distance between vehicles may
become closer because the ICC system
cannot decelerate the vehicle quickly en-
ough. 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 is 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.
The following items are controlled in the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode:
. When there are no vehicles traveling
ahead, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode maintains the speed set
by the driver. The set speed range is
between approximately 20 and 90 MPH
(32 and 144 km/h).
. When there is a vehicle traveling ahead,
the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode adjusts the speed to maintain the
distance, selected by driver, from the
vehicle ahead. The adjusting speed
range is up to the set speed. If the
vehicle ahead comes to a stop, the
vehicle decelerates to a standstill with-
in the limitations of the system. The
system will cancel once it judges a
Starting and driving5-51

5-52Starting and driving
standstill with a warning chime.
. When the vehicle traveling ahead has
moved out from its lane of travel, the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode accelerates and maintains vehi-
cle speed up to the set speed.
The ICC system does not control vehicle
speed or warn you when you approach
stationary and slow moving vehicles. You
must pay attention to vehicle operation to
maintain proper distance from vehicles
ahead when approaching toll gates or
traffic congestion.
SSD0252
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
detection 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
distance away from vehicle traveling
ahead.

SSD0253
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
accelerate the vehicle.
The detection of vehicles may also be
affected by vehicle operation (steering
maneuver or traveling position in the lane,
etc.) or vehicle condition.If this occurs, the
ICC system may warn you by blinking the
system indicator and sounding the chime
unexpectedly. You will have to manually control the proper distance away from the
vehicle traveling ahead.
SSD0254
When driving on the freeway at a set speed
and approaching a slower traveling vehicle
ahead, the ICC 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.
Starting and driving5-53

5-62Starting and driving
SSD0284A
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the system display may blink when
the ICC sensor detects some reflectors
*A
which 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 detect
these reflectors when the vehicle is driven
on winding roads, hilly roads or when
entering or exiting a curve. The ICC 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 condition (for example, if a vehicle
is being driven with some damage).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following con-
ditions 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 operat-
ing 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 trac-
tion control system) operates .
When driving into a strong light (i.e.,
sunlight)
. When distance measurement becomes
impaired due to adhesion of dirt or
obstruction to the sensor
. When a wheel slips

SSD0988
Warning light and display
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the Intelli-
gent Cruise Control system is automatically
canceled. 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 Intelligent Cruise Control MAIN Switch.
Turn the ICC system back on to use the
system.
SSD0989
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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5-64Starting and driving
SSD0979
Condition C:
When the ICC system is not operating
properly, the chime sounds and the ICC
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 normalconditions, have the vehicle checked at an
INFINITI retailer.
SSD0943
Sensor maintenance
The sensor for the 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 da-
maged due to an accident, contact an

INFINITI retailer.
. Do not attach a sticker (including
transparent material) or install an
accessory near the sensor. This could
cause failure or malfunction.
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 accel-
erator pedal.
WARNING
. In the conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control mode, a warning chime does not
sound to warn you if you are too close to
the vehicle ahead, as neither the pre-
sence of the vehicle ahead nor the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance is detected.
. Pay special attention to the distance
between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead of you or a collision could occur.
. Always confirm the setting in the In-
telligent Cruise Control 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 thatvaries 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.
SSD0990
Conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control switch
1. RESUME/ACCELERATE switch:
Resumes set speed or increases speed
incrementally.
2. SET/COAST switch: Sets the desired cruise speed, reduces
speed incrementally.
3. CANCEL switch: Deactivates the system without erasing
the set speed.
4. MAIN switch:
Master switch to activate the system.
Starting and driving5-65

5-70Starting and driving
SSD0943
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 shin-
ing on the front of the vehicle

—When rain, snow or dirt adhere tothe system sensor
—On steep downhill roads (frequentbraking may result in overheating
the brakes)
—On repeated uphill and downhill
roads
. 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 distance from other vehicles
using the accelerator pedal. Always stay
alert and avoid using the DCA system
when it is not recommended in this
section.
SSD0943
DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST OP-
ERATION
Always pay attention to the operation of
the vehicle and be ready to manually
decelerate to maintain the proper following
distance. The Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system may not be able to decelerate the
vehicle under some circumstances.
The DCA system uses a sensor
*Alocated
on the front of the vehicle to detect
vehicles traveling ahead. The sensor gen-
erally detects the signals returned from the
reflectors on a vehicle ahead. Therefore, if
the sensor cannot detect the reflector on the vehicle ahead, the DCA system may not
operate.
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 luggage
room of your vehicle
The DCA system is designed to automati-
cally check the sensor ’s operation. When
the sensor is covered with dirt or is
obstructed, the system will automatically
be canceled. If the sensor is covered with
ice, a transparent or translucent vinyl bag,
etc., the DCA system may not detect them.
Starting and driving5-71

5-72Starting and driving
In these instances, the Distance Control
Assist (DCA) system may not be able to
decelerate the vehicle properly. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor regularly.
The DCA system is designed to help assist
the driver to maintain a following distance
from the vehicle ahead. The system will
decelerate as necessary and if the vehicle
ahead comes to a stop, the vehicle
decelerates to a standstill. However, the
DCA system can only apply up to 25% of
the vehicles total braking power. 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 DCA
system cannot decelerate the vehicle
quickly enough. If this occurs, the DCA
system will sound a warning chime and
blink the system display to notify the driver
to take necessary action.
See“Approach warning ”later in this
section.
This system only brakes and moves the
accelerator pedal upward to help assist the
driver to maintain a following distance
from the vehicle ahead. Acceleration
should be operated by the driver. The DCA system does not control vehicle
speed or warn you when you approach
stationary and slow moving vehicles. You
must pay attention to vehicle operation to
maintain proper distance from vehicles
ahead.