traction control INFINITI QX 2011 Owners Manual

Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the
pretensioners 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 front air bag, side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems
and/or pretensioner systems will not operate
in an accident. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have your vehicle checked by a re-
tailer 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 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) indicator light
(if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the Adaptive Front lighting System
(AFS) indicator light will illuminate. The light
will turn off in about 1 second if the AFS is
operational.
This light also comes on when the AFS is turned
off by pushing the AFS switch.
If the AFS 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.
Instruments and controls2-17

Image Viewer
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.Full Screen Display :
The full screen display will appear when select-
ing the “Full Screen Display” key.
To operate the Image Viewer or to change the
settings, select the desired key using the
INFINITI controller.
●
(Start)
Select the “
” key to start playing the
slideshow.
●
(Stop)
Select the “
” key to stop the slide-
show. ●
(Next)
Select the “
” key to display the next
file.
●
(Previous)
Select the “
” key to display the previ-
ous file.
Setting the Image Viewer :
The Image Viewer setting display will appear
when selecting the “Settings” key on the full
screen display. The following settings are avail-
able for the full screen display.
● Slideshow Speed
Select the “Slideshow Speed” key. From the
following display, select the changing time
from 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds or “No Auto
Change”.
● Slideshow Order
Select the “Slideshow Order” key. From the
following display, select “Random” or “Or-
der List”. For “Order List”, the image order is
the order of the files as stored on the USB
memory.
SAA2491SAA2492
4-18Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems

When the SET/COAST switch is pushed under
the following conditions, the system cannot be
set.
A warning chime will sound and the set vehicle
speed indicator will blink.
●When the SNOW mode is pushed (SNOW
mode switch) (To use the ICC system, turn off
the SNOW mode switch, push the MAIN
switch to turn off the ICC and reset the ICC
switch by pushing the MAIN switch again.)
For details about the SNOW mode switch,
see “SNOW MODE” later in this section. ●
When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H or 4L
position. (To use the ICC system, place the
4WD shift switch in the AUTO position, push
the MAIN switch to turn off the ICC system
and reset the ICC switch by pushing the
MAIN switch again (for 4WD models).
For details about the 4WD shift switch, see
“INFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD” earlier 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.)
SSD1106
5-50Starting and driving

To cancel the preset speed,use one of the
following methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button. The SET indica- tor will turn off.
b) Tap the brake pedal. The SET indicator will turn off.
c) Turn the MAIN switch off. Both the MAIN switch and SET indicator will turn off.
To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one of
the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the SET/COAST switch.
b) Push and hold the RESUME/ACCELERATE set switch. When the vehicle attains the
desired speed, release the switch.
c) Push, then quickly release the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. Each time
you do this, the set speed will increase by
about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one of
the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the SET/COAST switch and release it. b) Push and hold the SET/COAST switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the SET/COAST switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and release
the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following conditions
and the control is automatically canceled.
● When the vehicle slows down more than 8
MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed
● When the vehicle speed falls below approxi-
mately 20 MPH (32 km/h)
● When the selector lever is shifted to the N
(Neutral) position
● When the parking brake is applied
● When the VDC (including the traction control
system) operates.
● When a wheel slipsWarning light
When the system is not operating properly, the
chime sounds and the 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 then perform the
setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator stays
on, it may indicate that the system is malfunc-
tioning. Although the vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions, have the vehicle
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
SSD0979
Starting and driving5-61

Under the following conditions, the Distance
Control Assist system will not operate and the
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system switch
indicator will blink:
●When the SNOW mode is pushed (SNOW
mode switch) (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” later in this section. ●
When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H or 4L
position. (To use the DCA system, place the
4WD shift switch in the AUTO position, then
turn on the dynamic driver assistance switch
(for 4WD models).
For details about the 4WD shift switch, see
“INFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD” earlier in this
section.
● 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.
SSD0996
5-70Starting and driving

NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound and the
system display may blink when the sensor de-
tects some reflectors
Awhich are fitted on ve-
hicles in other lanes or on the side of the road.
This may cause the DCA system to operate inap-
propriately. The sensor may detect these reflec-
tors when the vehicle is driven on winding roads,
hilly roads or when entering or exiting a curve.
The 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 condi-
tion (for example, if a vehicle is being driven
with some damage).
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
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 SNOW mode switch is turned on.
SSD0284ASSD0996
Starting and driving5-73

The 4WD shift switch is used to select the 4WD
mode depending on the driving conditions.
There are 3 types of drive modes available,
AUTO, 4HI and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, AUTO, 4H and 4L.
You must depress the 4WD shift switch to select
4L, and the vehicle MUST be stationary and the
selector lever in the N (Neutral) position when
changing into or out of 4L.
WARNING
●When parking, apply the parking brake be-
fore stopping the engine and make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator is on and the ATP
warning light turns off. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle could unexpectedly move even if the
automatic transmission is in the P (Park)
position.
● The 4LO and 4HI indicators must stop blink-
ing and the 4LO or 4HI indicator must remain
illuminated or turn off before shifting the
transmission into gear. If the selector lever
is shifted from the N (Neutral) position to any
other gear while the 4LO and 4HI indicators
are blinking alternately, the vehicle may
move unexpectedly.
CAUTION
● Never shift the 4WD shift switch between 4L
and 4H while driving.
● The 4HI position provides greater traction.
Avoid excessive speed, as it will cause in-
creased fuel consumption and higher oil
temperatures, and could damage drivetrain
component. Speeds over 62 MPH (100 km/h)
in 4HI is not recommended.
● The 4LO position provides maximum trac-
tion. Avoid raising vehicle speed exces-
sively, as the maximum speed is approxi-
mately 31 MPH (50 km/h).
● When driving straight, shift the 4WD shift
switch to the AUTO or 4H position. Do not
move the 4WD shift switch when making a
turn or reversing.
● Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (between
AUTO and 4H) while driving on steep down-
hill grades. Use the engine brake and low
automatic transmission gears for engine
braking.
● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch (be-
tween AUTO and 4H) with the rear wheels
spinning. ●
Do not drive on dry hard surface roads in the
4HI or 4LO position. Driving on dry hard sur-
faces in 4HI or 4LO may cause unnecessary
noise and tire wear. INFINITI recommends
driving in the AUTO position under these
conditions.
● The 4WD transfer case may not be shifted
between 4HI and 4LO at low ambient tem-
peratures and the 4LO and 4HI indicators
may blink even when the 4WD shift switch is
shifted. After driving for a while you can
change the 4WD shift switch between 4H
and 4L.
When driving on rough roads,
● Drive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck,
● Place stones or wooden blocks under the
tires to free the vehicle.
● Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4L.
● If it is difficult to free the vehicle, repeat
forward and backward movement to increase
the movement.
● If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, tire
chains may be effective.
Starting and driving5-87

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent the wheels from locking up.
Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off
and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.
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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-98Starting and driving

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants........ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ........................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ......... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 9-7
Specifications ..................................... 9-8
Engine ........................................ 9-8
Wheels and tires ............................... 9-9
Dimensions .................................... 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ................................... 9-9
Vehicle identification ............................. 9-10
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ........9-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) .............................. 9-10
Engine serial number .......................... 9-10
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Emission control information label ...............9-11
Tire and loading information label ...............9-11
Air conditioner specification label ...............9-12
Installing front license plate .......................9-12
Vehicle loading information .......................9-12
Terms ........................................ 9-12Vehicle load capacity
.......................... 9-14
Securing the load .............................. 9-15
Loading tips .................................. 9-16
Measurement of weights ....................... 9-16
Towing a trailer .................................. 9-17
Maximum load limits .......................... 9-17
Maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW)/
maximum gross axle weight (GAW) .............9-19
Towing load/specification ......................9-21
Towing safety ................................. 9-21
Flat towing ................................... 9-28
Uniform tire quality grading .......................9-28
Treadwear .................................... 9-28
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................ 9-29
Temperature A, B and C ....................... 9-29
Emission control system warranty .................9-29
Reporting safety defects .......................... 9-30
Readiness

for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ....9-31
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................9-32
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ...................................... 9-32
In the event of a collision ......................9-33

FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
●Failure to follow these guidelines can result
in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, always
tow forward, never backward.
● DO NOT tow any automatic transmission ve-
hicle with all four wheels on the ground (flat
towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal
transmission parts due to lack of transmis-
sion lubrication.
● DO NOT tow an Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) ve-
hicle with any of the wheels on the ground.
Doing so may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
● For emergency towing procedures refer to
“TOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITI” in the
“6. In case of emergency” section of this
manual.
Automatic Transmission
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models :
Do not tow a 4WD vehicle with any of the wheels
on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models :
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly
MUST be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product. DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
9-28Technical and consumer information