stop start INFINITI QX 2013 Workshop Manual

5-80Starting and driving
JVS0227X
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. 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.

5-86Starting and driving
SSD0997
1. System set display with vehicle ahead
2. System set display without vehicleahead
System operation
WARNING
The Distance Control Assist system auto-
matically decelerates your vehicle to help
assist the driver to maintain a following
distance from the vehicle ahead. Manually
brake when deceleration 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.
The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
helps assist the driver to keep a following
distance to the vehicle ahead by braking
and moving the accelerator pedal upward
in the normal driving condition.
When a vehicle is detected ahead:
The vehicle ahead detection indicator
comes on.When vehicle approaches a vehicle ahead:
. If the driver’ s foot is not on the
accelerator pedal, the system activates
the brakes to decelerate smoothly as
necessary. If the vehicle ahead comes
to a stop, the vehicle decelerates to a
standstill within the limitations of the
system.
. If the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal, the system moves the accelera-
tor pedal upward to assist the driver to
release the accelerator pedal.
When brake operation by driver is re-
quired:
The system alerts the driver by a warning
chime and blinking the vehicle ahead
detection indicator. If the driver’s foot is
on the accelerator pedal after the warning,
the system moves the accelerator pedal
upward to assist the driver to switch to the
brake pedal.
The stoplights of the vehicle come on
when braking is performed by the DCA
system.
When the brake operates, a noise may be
heard and/or vibration may be felt. This is
not a malfunction.

5-92Starting and driving
provide unnecessary warning.
. The system may not function in offset
conditions.
. The system may not function when the
distance to the vehicle ahead is extre-
mely close.
. The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality. If the
sensor is covered with ice, a transparent
or translucent plastic bag, etc., the
system may not detect them. In these
instances the system may not be able to
warn the driver properly. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor regularly.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.
. A sudden appearance of a vehicle in
front (for example, it abruptly cuts in)
may not be detected and the system may
not warn the driver soon enough.
. The system will be cancelled automati-
cally with a beep sound and the IBA OFF
indicator light will illuminate under the
following conditions:
—When the sensor window is dirty
—When the system malfunctions
SSD1050
If the IBA OFF indicator light*Ailluminates
with a beep sound, pull off the road to a
safe location, stop the vehicle and turn the
engine off. Check to see if the sensor
window is dirty. If the sensor window is
dirty, clean it with a soft cloth and restart
the engine. If the sensor window is not
dirty, restart the engine. If the IBA OFF
indicator light continues to illuminate even
if the IBA system is turned on with the IBA
OFF switch
*B, have the system checked
by an INFINITI retailer.
To turn on the IBA system, see “Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system” later in this
section.

system may not detect them. In these
instances the system may not be able to
warn the driver properly. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor regularly.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.
. A sudden appearance of a vehicle in
front (for example, it abruptly cuts in)
may not be detected and the system may
not warn the driver soon enough.
. The system will be cancelled automati-
cally with a beep sound and the IBA
warning light will illuminate under the
following conditions:
—When the sensor window is dirty
—When the system malfunctions
If the IBA OFF indicator light illuminates
with a beep sound, pull off the road to a
safe location, stop the vehicle and turn the
engine off. Check to see if the sensor
window is dirty. If the sensor window is
dirty, clean it with a soft cloth and restart
the engine. If the sensor window is not
dirty, restart the engine. If the IBA OFF
indicator light continues to illuminate even
if the IBA system is turned on, have the system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
SSD1050
IBA system operation
The IBA system will function when your
vehicle is driven at speeds of approxi-
mately 10 MPH (15 km/h) or above, and
when the vehicle’s speed is approximately
10 MPH (15 km/h) faster than that of the
vehicle ahead.
To turn the system off or on, push and hold
the IBA OFF switch
*B(located on the
lower side of the instrument panel) for
more than 1 second after starting the
engine. When the IBA OFF indicator light
*Aon the instrument panel turns off and
the IBA OFF switch is pushed, the system
will turn off and the IBA OFF indicator light
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5-98Starting and driving
will illuminate. When the IBA OFF switch is
pushed again, the system will turn on and
the IBA OFF indicator light will turn off.
The IBA system will remain in the last ON
or OFF state it was left in until it is
manually changed by pressing the IBA
OFF switch.
Illumination of the IBA OFF indicator light
without a beep sound is an indication that
the IBA system is temporarily unavailable.
It will occur under the following conditions:
.When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
. When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H
or 4L position (for 4WD models)
The IBA OFF indicator light will turn off
when the system returns to its normal
operating conditions.
For the sensor maintenance, see “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system” earlier in
this section.
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.
. Do not tow a trailer for the first 500
miles (805 km). 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-
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

namic drag..Recirculating the cool air in the cabinwhen 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. 6. Plan for the shortest route.
.Utilize a map or navigation system to
determine 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.
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5-100Starting and driving
.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” in the“9. Technical
and consumer information” section.)
WARNING
.Do not attempt to raise two wheels off
the ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
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 drive the vehicle in the 4HI or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads.
Driving on dry, hard surfaces in 4HI or 4LO may cause unnecessary noise, tire
wear and increased fuel consumption.
If the Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) warning
light turns on when driving on dry hard
surface roads:
—in the 4HI position, shift the 4WD
shift switch to AUTO.
—in the 4LO position, stop the vehicleand shift the transmission lever to
the N (Neutral) position with the
brake pedal depressed and shift the
4WD shift switch to AUTO.
If the 4WD warning light is still on
after the above operation, have your
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retai-
ler as soon as possible.
. The transfer case may be damaged if you
continue driving with the 4WD warning
light blinking.
See “On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions” earlier in this section for
other precautions for offroad driving.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY INFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD®(if so equipped)

INFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD®SYSTEM
The all mode 4WD system provides 3 positions (AUTO, 4HI and 4LO), so you can select the desired drive mode according to the driving
conditions.
4WD shift procedure:
SSD1100
*1: The 4LO and 4HI indicator may flash alternately. Stop the vehicle and be sure to turn the 4WD shift switch after the transmission shift
Starting and driving5-101

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 con-
trols 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 shift lever in the N
(Neutral) position when changing into or
out of 4L.
WARNING
.When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make
sure that the 4WD shift indicator is on
and the ATP warning light turns off.
Otherwise, the vehicle could unexpect-
edly move even if the automatic trans-
mission is in the P (Park) position.
. The 4LO and 4HI indicators must stop
blinking and the 4LO or 4HI indicator
must remain illuminated or turn off
before shifting the transmission into
gear. If the shift 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 be-
tween 4L and 4H while driving.
. The 4HI position provides greater trac-
tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperatures, and could da-
mage drivetrain component. Speeds over
62 MPH (100 km/h) in 4HI is not
recommended.
. The 4LO position provides maximum
traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed
excessively, as the maximum speed is
approximately 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 downhill grades. Use the engine brake and low automatic trans-
mission gears for engine braking.
. Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 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 surfaces 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 temperatures 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
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5-104Starting and driving
increase the movement.
. If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, tire
chains may be effective.
CAUTION
. Do not spin the tires excessively. Tires
will sink deep into the mud, making it
difficult to free the vehicle.
. Avoid shifting gears with the engine
running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.
SSD1048
4WD SHIFT SWITCH
.Shift the 4WD shift switch to either the
AUTO, 4H or 4L position, depending on
driving conditions.
. With the switch set to the AUTO posi-
tion, distribution of torque to the front
and rear wheels changes automatically,
depending on road conditions encoun-
tered [ratio; 0 : 100 (2WD) ?50 : 50
(4WD)]. This results in improved driving
stability.
. If the 4WD shift switch is operated
while making a turn, accelerating or
decelerating or if the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF position while in the AUTO, 4H or 4L, you may feel a jolt.
This is not abnormal.
. When the vehicle is stopped after
making a turn, you may feel a slight
jolt after the shift lever is shifted to N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position. This
occurs because the transfer clutch is
released and not because of a malfunc-
tion.
CAUTION
. 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 while
driving on steep downhill grades. Use
the engine brake and low automatic
transmission gears for engine braking.
. Do not operate the 4WD shift switch with
the rear wheels spinning.
. Before placing the 4WD shift switch in
the 4H position from AUTO, ensure the
vehicle speed is less than 62 MPH (100
km/h). Failure to do so can damage the
4WD system.