stop start INFINITI M HYBRID 2013 Owner's Manual

Hybrid System Overview
Infiniti Direct Response
HybridTMSystem.............................. Hybrid System-2
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery............... Hybrid System-2
High voltage cautions ...................... Hybrid System-2
Road accident cautions.................... Hybrid System-3
Emergency shut-off system .............. Hybrid System-4
Operation of the hybrid system ....... Hybrid System-4 Starting and slow speed driving ... Hybrid System-4
Medium or high speed driving..... Hybrid System-4
Rapid acceleration ....................... Hybrid System-5
Deceleration and braking............. Hybrid System-5
Stopping ..................................... Hybrid System-5 Energy monitors .............................. Hybrid System-5
Assist charge gauge................... Hybrid System-5
Energy Flow (models with
navigation system)..................... Hybrid System-5
Fuel economy history
(models with
navigation system)..................... Hybrid System-7
Regenerative brake ......................... Hybrid System-8
Efficient use of your vehicle ............ Hybrid System-8
Approaching Vehicle Sound for
Pedestrians (VSP) system ................ Hybrid System-9
Hybrid vehicle precautions ............ Hybrid System-10 High voltage components ........ Hybrid System-10
Hybrid
vehicle characteristics.............. Hybrid System-11

Hybrid System-4Hybrid System Overview
The emergency shut-off system is activated
and the high-voltage system automatically
turns off in the following conditions:
.Front and side collisions in which the
air bags are deployed.
. Certain rear collisions.
. Certain INFINITI Direct Response Hy-
brid
TMSystem malfunctions
For the above collisions and the certain
hybrid system malfunctions, the READY to
drive indicator light will turn off. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the“2. Instruments and
controls”.
The emergency shut-off activates for the
above collisions to minimize risk of an
event that could cause injury or an
accident. If the emergency shut-off system
activates, the hybrid system may not
switched to READY to drive position,
contact an INFINITI retailer. Even if the
ignition switch is switched to READY to
drive position, the system may shut-off
suddenly. Therefore, drive cautiously to the
nearest INFINITI retailer or contact an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible. Depress the brake pedal and place the
ignition switch in the ON position when the
transmission is in the P (Park) position or N
(Neutral) position (P is recommended) to
start the INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
TM
System.
The READY to drive indicator light
flashes until hybrid system becomes the
ready to drive mode.
When the READY to drive indicator light
illuminates, the vehicle can be
driven, even if the gasoline engine is not
running.
NOTE:
The gasoline engine starts and stops
automatically. It may stop during low
speed driving, deceleration or when the
vehicle is stopped.
The gasoline engine may automatically
run in the following conditions:
. The level of remaining charge in the
Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery is low. The
engine runs to charge the Li-ion
battery and to provide power to the
drive the vehicle.
. The temperature of the engine coolant
is low. .
Based on driving conditions.
. The selector lever is shifted to the P
(Park) position, the driver’s seat belt is
released and the driver’s side door is
then opened.
The hybrid system operates as follows
based on driving conditions and the Li-ion
battery charge.STARTING AND SLOW SPEED DRIV-
ING
The vehicle is driven by the electric motor
depending on the available Li-ion battery
charge.
MEDIUM OR HIGH SPEED DRIVING
The system automatically controls the
gasoline engine and electric motor in order
to obtain the optimum fuel mileage and
performance, depending on the driving
situation and available Li-ion battery
charge.
When the remaining battery level is low,
the Li-ion battery is charged by the electric
motor that is driven to generate electric
power while the vehicle is driving.
EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SYSTEM OPERATION OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM

The Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedes-
trians (VSP) system is a function that uses
sound to help alert pedestrians of the
presence of the vehicle when it is being
driven at a low speed in the electric drive
mode under the following conditions:
.The sound starts when the vehicle
starts accelerating.
. The sound stops when the vehicle
speed is more than 19 MPH (30 km/h)
while accelerating.
. The sound starts when the vehicle
speed is less than 16 MPH (25 km/h)
while decelerating.
. The sound stops when the vehicle
stops.
. The sound does not stop with the
vehicle in the R (Reverse) position even
if the vehicle stops.
The VSP system is automatically turned on
when the vehicle is in the ready to drive
mode.
If there is a malfunction in the VSP system,
the VSP OFF indicator light in the meter
illuminates. See “Approaching Vehicle
Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) OFF indicator
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
WARNING
. If the sound from the VSP system is not
heard while driving, stop the vehicle in a
safe and quiet location. Open a window,
and then place the vehicle in the R
(Reverse) position with the brake pedal
firmly depressed. Check that the operat-
ing sound can be heard from the front
side of the vehicle.
. If the sound cannot be heard, immedi-
ately contact an INFINITI retailer for
inspection.
Hybrid System OverviewHybrid System-9
APPROACHING VEHICLE SOUND FOR
PEDESTRIANS (VSP) SYSTEM

.Noise from the rear of the vehicle when
the hybrid system activates or deacti-
vates
. Noise and vibration when the gasoline
engine starts running or stops
. Operating noise or electric motor noise
when releasing the accelerator pedal or
depressing the brake pedal
. Engine noise due to rapid acceleration
. Fan noise from the air inlet located on
the rear parcel shelf
. Noise from the climate control system
. Noise from the vehicle in order to alert
pedestrians to the presence of an
approaching vehicle. See “Approaching
Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP)
system” earlier in this section.
Hybrid System OverviewHybrid System-13

CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake and push the ignition switch to the
ON position without starting the INFINITI
Direct Response Hybrid
TMSystem. The
following lights will come on (if so
equipped):
,or,,,,,,,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off (if so equipped):
,,or,,,,,,,
If any light does not come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an open
circuit in the electrical system. Have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Some indicators and warnings are also
displayed on the dot matrix liquid crystal
display between the speedometer and
tachometer. (See “Dot matrix liquid crystal
display” later in this section.)
WARNING LIGHTS
12-volt battery charge warning
light
If the light comes on when the ignition
switch is in the ON position, it may indicate
the charging system is not functioning
properly. See an INFINITI retailer immedi-
ately.
CAUTION
The charging system may not be functioning
properly if the 12-volt battery charge warn-
ing light comes on while the hybrid system
is running. The hybrid system will stop
operating when the 12-volt battery becomes
discharged. Immediately stop the vehicle in
a safe place and contact your INFINITI
retailer.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminates and then
turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional. If the ABS warning light illuminates while
the hybrid system is running, or while
driving, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system
then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance. (See
“Brake system”in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.)
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/
Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) sys-
tem warning light (orange; if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the indicator light will first
illuminate in orange and turn green before
turning off. This indicates that the Blind
Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Inter-
vention (BSI) systems are operational.
If the light comes on in orange and remains
on, it may indicate that the BSW and BSI
systems are not functioning properly.
Although the vehicle is still driveable, have
the systems checked by an INFINITI retailer.
See “Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system/
Blind Spot Intervention
TM(BSI) system” in
the “5. Starting and driving” section.
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2-12Instruments and controls
Brake system warning light
(yellow)
This light will illuminate after the hybrid
system is started and then turns off after a
few seconds.
WARNING
If both the brake system warning light
(yellow) and the brake warning light (red)
illuminate when the parking brake is re-
leased and the hybrid system is on, do not
drive the vehicle. More brake pedal effort
than normal will be required and there will
be a significant reduction in brake perfor-
mance, which could result in an accident.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
location and contact an INFINITI retailer.
If the brake system warning light (yellow)
illuminates when the ignition switch is in
the ON position, it may indicate a malfunc-
tion in the brake system or one of the
following other functions.
. Regenerative brake system
. Hill start assist system
. Rise-up and build-up function See an INFINITI retailer for an inspection as
soon as possible.
A chime sounds if a malfunction occurs in
the brake system power supply.
orBrake warning light
(red)
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on with the
parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake
fluid is low, add fluid and have the
system checked by your INFINITI retai-
ler. (See “Brake fluid” in the“8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by an
INFINITI retailer. Brake system malfunction warning:
If the brake warning light (red) and the
following warning light illuminate at the
same time when the parking brake is
released and the brake fluid level is
sufficient, there may be a malfunction in
the brake system.
. Brake system warning light (yellow)
WARNING
If both the brake system warning light
(yellow) and the brake warning light (red)
illuminate when the parking brake is re-
leased and the hybrid system is on, do not
drive the vehicle. More brake pedal effort
than normal will be required and there will
be a significant reduction in brake perfor-
mance, which could result in an accident.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
location and contact an INFINITI retailer.
A chime sounds if a malfunction occurs in
the brake system power supply.
.Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
— Avoid driving at high speed and
sudden braking, and see an INFINITI

retailer as soon as possible for an
inspection.
WARNING
.Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake warning light (red)
is on. Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to the
nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dangerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the hybrid
system stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
. If the brake fluid level is below the
minimum or MIN mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked at an INFINITI
retailer.
Direct Response HybridTM
System warning light
When the ignition switch is in the "ON"
position, the Direct Response HybridTM
System warning light illuminates. After starting the hybrid system, the hybrid
system warning light turns off.
If the hybrid system warning light illumi-
nates while driving, it may indicate that
there is a malfunction in the electric motor
and/or other hybrid system components.
Stop your vehicle immediately and contact
your INFINITI retailer.
If the hybrid system warning light blinks
while driving, it may indicate that the Li-ion
battery charge is low and you cannot
continue to drive.
Do not allow the vehicle to coast when the
Li-ion battery is low or when the hybrid
system warning light blinks while driving.
The engine will not automatically start to
charge the Li-ion battery while the vehicle
is coasting.
Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system warning light (orange; if so
equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunc-
tion in the Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system.
If the warning light illuminates, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Stop the hybrid
system, restart the hybrid system, resume driving and turn on the DCA system again.
If it is not possible to turn on the system
or the warning light stays on, it may
indicate that the system is malfunctioning.
Although the vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions, have the vehicle
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure.
If the light flickers or comes on during
normal driving, pull off the road in a safe
area, stop the engine immediatelyand call
an INFINITI retailer or other authorized
repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“Engine oil” in the“8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not covered
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2-14Instruments and controls
by warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as
it is safe to do so.
High temperature warning
light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the high temperature warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates that the high temperature sensor
in the engine coolant system is opera-
tional.
CAUTION
If the high temperature warning light
illuminates when the ignition switch is in
the ON position, it may indicate the engine
temperature is extremely high.
Stop the vehicle safety as soon as possible.
If the vehicle is overheated, continuing
vehicle operation may seriously damage
the engine. (See “If your vehicle overheats”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section for
the immediate action required.)
Hybrid EPS (Electrical Power
Steering) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Hybrid EPS (Electrical Power
Steering) warning light illuminates. After
starting the hybrid system, the Hybrid EPS
warning light turns off. This indicates that
the electrical power steering system is
operational.
If the Hybrid EPS warning light illuminates
while the hybrid system is running, it may
indicates the Hybrid EPS system is not
functioning properly and may need servi-
cing. Have the Hybrid EPS system checked
by an INFINITI retailer.
When the Hybrid EPS warning light illumi-
nates with the hybrid system running, the
power assist to the steering will cease
operation but you will still have control of
the vehicle. At this time, greater steering
efforts are required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds. However, if the steering wheel
operation is still performed, the Hybrid EPS
may stop and the Hybrid EPS warning light
will illuminate. Place the ignition switch in
the OFF position. For a while after it
refrains from the steering wheel control,
the temperature of the Hybrid EPS system will go down and the power assist level will
return to normal after starting the hybrid
system. The Hybrid EPS warning light will
go off.
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system warning light (orange; if so
equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunc-
tion in the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system.
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Stop the hybrid
system, restart the hybrid system, 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
system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal
conditions, have the vehicle checked at
an INFINITI retailer.
Lane departure warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light will come on in
orange, turn green, and then turn off. This
indicates that the Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)

systems are operational.
While the LDW and/or LDP system is on,
the light will blink in orange and a warning
chime will sound if the vehicle is traveling
close to either the left or the right of a
traveling lane with detectable lane mar-
kers.
If the light comes on in orange and remains
on, it may indicate that the LDW and LDP
systems are not functioning properly. Have
the systems checked by an INFINITI retailer.
See“Lane Departure Warning (LDW) sys-
tem/Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) sys-
tem” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section.
Low tire pressure warning
light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that
monitors the tire pressure of all tires
except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns
of low tire pressure or indicates that the
TPMS is not functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is pushed ON, this
light illuminates for about 1 second and
turns off. Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate.
A CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning also
appears in the dot matrix liquid crystal
display.
If you select tire pressure information in
the display, the LOW PRESSURE warning
message will be displayed. The tire pres-
sure for each tire will also be displayed.
When the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates, you should stop and adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. The low tire
pressure warning light does not automati-
cally turn off when the tire pressure is
adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the
recommended pressure, the vehicle must
be driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25
km/h) to activate the TPMS and turn off the
low tire pressure warning light. Use a tire
pressure gauge to check the tire pressure.
The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning is
active as long as the low tire pressure
warning light remains illuminated.
For additional information, see “Dot matrix
liquid crystal display” later in this section, “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section and
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section.
TPMS malfunction:
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute when the ignition
switch is pushed ON. The light will remain
on after the 1 minute. Have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer. THE CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE warning does not appear if
the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates to indicate a TPMS malfunction.
For additional information, see “Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System (TPMS) ”in the “5.
Starting and driving” section.WARNING
.If the light does not illuminate with the
ignition switch pushed ON, have the
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer as
soon as possible.
. If the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location and
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2-16Instruments and controls
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with under-inflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and could
result in serious personal injury. Check
the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If
the light still illuminates while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
. When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after the 1
minute. Contact your INFINITI retailer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
. Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.CAUTION
.The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
. If the vehicle is being driven at speeds of
less than 16 MPH (25 km/h), the TPMS
may not operate correctly.
. Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the four wheels correctly.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the master warning light illumi-
nates if any of the following are displayed
on the dot matrix liquid crystal display:
.No key warning
. Low fuel warning
. Low washer fluid warning
. Parking brake release warning
. Door/trunk open warning
. Loose fuel cap warning
. Check tire pressure warning
. Intelligent Key system warning
. SHIFT “P”warning .
Hybrid system over heat warning
See “Dot matrix liquid crystal display” later
in this section.
Preview Function warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
The light comes on if there is a malfunction
in the Brake Assist (with Preview Function)
system.
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Stop the hybrid
system, restart the hybrid system, then
resume driving.
If the indicator stays on, it may indicate
that the system is malfunctioning.
Although the vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions, have the vehicle
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, and will remain illuminated until
the driver’s seat belt is fastened. At the
same time, the chime will sound for about
6 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt is
securely fastened.