INFINITI Q50 HYBRID 2014 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: INFINITI, Model Year: 2014, Model line: Q50 HYBRID, Model: INFINITI Q50 HYBRID 2014Pages: 402, PDF Size: 2.83 MB
Page 281 of 402

5-96Starting and driving
JVS0296X
JVS0297X
WARNING
.The radar sensor may not detect a
second vehicle when the vehicle ahead
is being towed.
. When the distance to the vehicle ahead
is too close, the beam of the radar
sensor is obstructed.
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JVS0298X
WARNING
.The radar sensor may not detect a
second vehicle when driving on a steep
downhill slope or on roads with sharp
curves.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning tone sound, and it may not be
heard.
NOTE:
When the forward emergency braking
system setting is turned ON or OFF, the predictive forward emergency warning
system is also turned ON or OFF simulta-
neously.
JVS0299X
Forward emergency braking system warn-
ing light (orange)
System temporarily unavailable
Condition A:
When the radar sensor picks up interfer-
ence from another radar source, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the
predictive forward collision warning sys-
tem is automatically turned off. The for-
ward emergency braking system warning
light (orange) and the driver assist system
forward indicator (orange) will illuminate.
Starting and driving5-97
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5-98Starting and driving
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the predictive forward collision warning
system will resume automatically.
Condition B:
When the sensor area of the front bumper
is covered with dirt or is obstructed,
making it impossible to detect a vehicle
ahead, the predictive forward collision
warning system is automatically turned
off. The forward emergency braking system
warning light (orange) and the driver assist
system forward indicator (orange) will
illuminate and the“front radar obstruc-
tion” warning message will appear in the
vehicle information display.
Action to take:
If the warning light (orange) comes on,
park the vehicle in a safe place, and turn
the hybrid system off. Clean the radar
cover on lower grille with a soft cloth, and
restart the hybrid system. If the warning
light continues to illuminate, have the
predictive forward collision warning sys-
tem checked by an INFINITI retailer.System malfunction
If the predictive forward collision warning
system malfunctions, it will be turned off
automatically, a chime will sound, the
forward emergency braking system warn-
ing light (orange) and the driver assist
system forward indicator (orange) will
illuminate, and the system malfunction
message will appear in the vehicle infor-
mation display.
Action to take:
If the warning light (orange) illuminates,
park the vehicle in a safe location, turn the
hybrid system off and restart the hybrid
system. If the warning light continues to
illuminate, have the predictive forward
collision warning system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
Sensor maintenance
For the radar sensor maintenance, see
“Sensor maintenance ”(P.5-74).
FCC Notice:
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: 1.
This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. This device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Warning
Changes or modification not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must accept any interfer-
ence, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the de-
vice.
Page 284 of 402

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. Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.
1. Use smooth accelerator and brake
pedal application.
.Avoid rapid starts and stops..Use smooth, gentle accelerator andbrake application whenever possi-
ble.
.Maintain constant speed while com-muting and coast whenever possi-
ble.
2. Maintain constant speed.
.Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
.Synchronizing your speed with traf-fic lights allows you to reduce your
number of stops.
.Maintaining a steady speed can
minimize red light stops and im-
prove fuel efficiency.
3. Use air conditioning (A/C) at higher vehicle speeds.
.Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is moreefficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
.Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is moreefficient to use A/C to cool the
vehicle due to increased aerody- namic drag.
.Recirculating the cool air in the cabin
when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.
4. Drive at economical speeds and dis- tances.
.Observing the speed limit and not
exceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel
efficiency due to reduced aerody-
namic drag.
.Maintaining a safe following dis-tance behind other vehicles reduces
unnecessary braking.
.Safely monitoring traffic to antici- pate changes in speed permits
reduced braking and smooth accel-
eration changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to road
conditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady
speed.
.Cruise control is particularly effec-tive in providing fuel savings when
driving on flat terrains.
Starting and driving5-99
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
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5-100Starting and driving
6. Plan for the shortest route..Utilize a map or navigation system todetermine the best route to save
time.
7. Avoid idling.
.Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.
.Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil
before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal
operating temperature more quickly
while driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered
parking area or in the shade when-
ever possible.
.When entering a hot vehicle, open- ing the windows will help to reduce
the inside temperature faster, result-
ing in reduced demand on your A/C
system. .
Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine
oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation” (P.9-6).)
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Page 286 of 402

If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system while the
INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®System is
running, warning messages appear in the
vehicle information display.
JVS0228M
If the “AWD Error” warning*1appears,
there may be a malfunction in the Intelli-
gent AWD system. Reduce vehicle speed
and have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
The “AWD High Temp.” (high temperature)
warning
*2may appear while trying to free a stuck vehicle due to increased oil
temperature. The driving mode may change
to Two-Wheel Drive (2WD). If this warning
is displayed, stop the vehicle with the
hybrid system idling, as soon as it is safe
to do so. Then if the warning turns off, you
can continue driving.
The
“Tire Size Incorrect” warning
*3may
appear if there is a large difference
between the diameters of front and rear
wheels. Pull off the road in a safe area,
with the hybrid system idling. Check that
all tire sizes are the same, that the tire
pressure is correct and that the tires are
not excessively worn.
If any warning message continues to be
displayed, 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
hybrid system running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or
Starting and driving5-101
INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so
equipped)
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5-102Starting and driving
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 hybrid system on a
free roller when any of the wheels are
raised.
. If the “AWD Error” warning appears
while driving there may be a malfunction
in the AWD system. Reduce the vehicle
speed and have your vehicle checked by
an INFINITI retailer as soon as possible. .
If the “AWD Error” warning 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 “AWD Error”
warning on.
Page 288 of 402

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 INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System in the READY to drive
mode 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 placed into P (Park).
Failure to do so could cause the vehicle
to move unexpectedly or roll away and
result in an accident.
. Make sure the automatic transmission
shift 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.
2. Move the shift 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, NO
CURB:
*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.
Starting and driving5-103
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
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5-104Starting and driving
DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING TYPE
WARNING
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the INFINITI Direct Re-
sponse Hybrid
®System running, the power
assist for the steering will cease operation.
You will still have control of the vehicle, but
the steering will be harder to operate.
CAUTION
. If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the direct
adaptive steering system may not oper-
ate properly and the power steering
warning light may illuminate.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer
bars, bushings and wheels are not
INFINITI recommended for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the direct
adaptive steering system may not oper-
ate properly and the power steering
warning light may illuminate. .
Do not modify the vehicle’s steering. If
steering parts are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are extremely
deteriorated, the direct adaptive steer-
ing system may not operate properly and
the power steering warning light may
illuminate.
. If the VDC warning light illuminates, the
power steering warning light may also
illuminate at the same time. Stop the
vehicle in a safe location, turn the hybrid
system off and restart the hybrid sys-
tem. If the power steering warning light
continues to illuminate, have the system
checked by an INFNITI retailer. For the
VDC system, see “Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) system” (P.5-108).
. Do not place the ignition switch is in the
ON position while the steering wheel or
a tire is removed.
. Do not turn the steering wheel as much
as possible while the ignition switch is
in any position other than the ON
position.
. Installing an accessory on the steering
wheel, or changing the steering wheel,
may reduce the steering performance.
The direct adaptive steering system is
designed to control the steering force and
steering angle according to the vehicle
speed and amount of turning of the
steering wheel.
The steering characteristic can be selected
with the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector. See
“INFINITI Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
When the steering wheel is operated
repeatedly or continuously while parking
or driving at a very low speed, the power
assist for the steering wheel will be
reduced and the steering wheel may be
slightly turned even when driving on a
straight road. This is to prevent overheat-
ing of the direct adaptive steering system
and protect it from getting damaged. When
the temperature of the direct adaptive
steering system cools down, the power
assist level will return to normal. Avoid
repeating steering wheel operations that
could cause the direct adaptive steering
system to overheat.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the hybrid system is running, it
may indicate that the direct adaptive
steering system is not functioning properly
and may need servicing. Have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer. (See
POWER STEERING
Page 290 of 402

“Power steering warning light”(P.2-17).)
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the hybrid system run-
ning, the power assist for the steering will
cease operation. You will still have control
of the vehicle. However, greater steering
effort will be needed, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
If the direct adaptive steering system is
malfunctioning, the steering wheel may
turn slightly even when driving on a
straight road.
Under the following conditions, the steer-
ing wheel may turn slightly even when
driving on a straight road. This is due to a
protection mechanism for the direct adap-
tive steering system.
. When the battery is discharged
. When the hybrid system is stalled
. After the vehicle is tested on the four-
wheel dynamometer
. When the steering wheel is held in the
full lock position or when the front tire
touches an obstruction.
The steering wheel will return to the
normal position after the protection me-
chanism deactivates. To return to the
normal position, turn the hybrid system off, restart the hybrid system, and then
drive the vehicle for a period of time.
When the vehicle is tested on the 2-wheel
dynamometer, the power steering warning
light may illuminate. To turn off the power
steering warning light, stop the vehicle in a
safe location, turn the hybrid system off,
restart the hybrid system, and then drive
the vehicle for a period of time.
The following conditions do not indicate a
malfunction of the direct adaptive steering
system.
.
You may notice wider steering play
when the ignition switch is in the OFF
or ACC position compared to when it is
in the ON position.
. After the hybrid system is started, the
steering wheel may turn slightly even
when driving on a straight road. To
return to the normal position, drive the
vehicle on a straight road for a period
of time.
. After the hybrid system is started, the
steering wheel may move if the steering
wheel was turned to the fully locked
position while the ignition switch was
in the OFF position.
You may hear a noise under the following
conditions. However, this is not a malfunc- tion.
.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped.
. When the steering wheel is turned in
the full lock position.
Starting and driving5-105