warning light INFINITI QX80 2014 Owner's Manual

5-110Starting and driving
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking ability at two
wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed
slowly. This is not a malfunction and
indicates that the brake assist mechanism
is operating properly.
Hydraulically-assisted brakes
The hydraulically-assisted brake system is
designed to use a hydraulic pump driven
electrically, to assist braking. If the engine
stops, you can stop the vehicle by depres-
sing the foot brake pedal. However, greater
foot pressure on the foot brake pedal will
be required to stop the vehicle. The
stopping distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance will be
longer and the vehicle may pull to one side
during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedalto heat-up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by
an INFINITI retailer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating
of the brakes, wearing out the brake and
pads faster and reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance
and could result in loss of vehicle control.
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM

WARNING
.While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
. If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation 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.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (Intelligent
Cruise Control system equipped
models)
When the Preview Function identifies the
need to apply emergency braking by
sensing a vehicle ahead in the same lane
and the distance and relative speed from
it, it applies the brake pre-pressure before
the driver depresses the brake pedal and
helps improve brake response by reducing
pedal free play. .
This system will not operate when the
vehicle is moving at approximately 20
MPH (32 km/h) or less.
. The pre-pressure function ceases when
the following conditions are met:
1) When the driver depresses the
accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal.
2) If the driver does not operate the accelerator or brake pedal within
approximately 1 second.
3) When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H or 4L position (for 4WD models).
Starting and driving5-111
BRAKE ASSIST

5-112Starting and driving
SSD0338
.The sensor will not detect:
1) Pedestrians or objects in the road- way
2) Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
3) Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel lane as illustrated
WARNING
. This system is only an aid to assist
braking operation 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.
. As there is a performance limit to the
Preview Function, never rely solely on
this system. This system does not
correct careless inattentive or absent-
minded driving, or overcome poor visi-
bility in rain, fog, or other bad weather.
Reduce vehicle speed by depressing the
brake pedal, 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. The Preview Function may
not operate properly under the following
conditions. The vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions and the Brake
Assist will operate.
—When rain, snow or dirt adhere to
the system sensor
—When strong light (for example, atsunrise or sunset) is directly shining
on the front of the vehicle
—Winding or hilly roads may causethe sensor to temporarily not detect
a vehicle in the same lane or may
detect objects or vehicles in other
lanes.
—Vehicle position in the lane maycause the sensor to temporarily not
detect a vehicle in the same lane or
may detect objects or vehicles in
other lanes.

SSD0471
Warning light and display
When the Preview Function 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 and resume driving.
If the indicator stays on, it may indicate
that the Preview Function is malfunction-
ing (the brake is operative). Although the
Vehicle is still driveable under normal
conditions, have the vehicle checked at
an INFINITI retailer.
How to handle the sensor
The sensor for the Preview Function is
common with Intelligent Cruise Control and
is located below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function 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.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
—When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
—When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See “Tire
Starting and driving5-113

5-114Starting and driving
and loading information label”in the
“9. Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
—For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” in the“8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section
of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols 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 pre-
venting 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
pressure, 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, elec-
tric 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 pulsa-
tion 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 operates 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. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous 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 conditions, 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 func-
tion).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due
to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
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.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel flashes so note the following:
.
The road may be slippery or the system
may determine some action is required
to help keep the vehicle on the steered
path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise or vibration
from under the hood. This is normal
and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the
road conditions.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is
off. When the VDC switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates
to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non slipping drive
wheel. The VDC warning light
flashes if
this occurs. All other VDC functions are off,
and the VDC warning light
will not
flash. The VDC system is automatically
reset to on when the ignition switch is
placed in the off position then back to the on position.
When the 4L position is selected with the
4WD shift switch, the VDC system is
disabled and the VDC off indicator light
illuminates (for 4WD models).
See
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” in the“2. Instruments and
controls” section and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the“2.
Instruments and controls” section.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle
forward or in reverse at a slow speed.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
“clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
. The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steering
operation at high speeds or by careless
or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
Starting and driving5-115
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

5-116Starting and driving
surfaces and always drive carefully.
. 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 VDC
system may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle handling
performance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not INFINITI
recommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. Do not drive on these types
of roads. .
When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto a
stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
SIC4455
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
The vehicle should be driven with the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ON
for most driving conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
the VDC system reduces the engine output
to reduce wheel spin. The engine speed
will be reduced even if the accelerator is
depressed to the floor. If maximum engine
power is needed to free a stuck vehicle,
turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system, push the VDC OFF switch.

6-2In case of emergency
SIC2574
Push the switch on to warn other drivers
when you must stop or park under
emergency conditions. All turn signal lights
will flash.
WARNING
.If stopping for an emergency, be sure to
move the vehicle well off the road.
. Do not use the hazard warning flashers
while moving on the highway unless
unusual circumstances force you to drive
so slowly that your vehicle might be-
come a hazard to other traffic. .
Turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning flasher lights are on.
The flasher can be actuated with the
ignition switch in any position.
When an impact that could activate the
supplemental air bags is detected, the
hazard warning flasher lights blink auto-
matically. If the hazard warning flasher
switch is pushed twice, the hazard warning
flashers will turn off.
WARNING
Do not turn the hazard warning flasher
switch to off until you can make sure that it
is safe to do so. Also, the hazard flasher
warning may not blink automatically de-
pending on the force of impact.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of
the hazard warning flasher switch while
driving. In the event of a roadside emergency,
Roadside Assistance Service is available to
you. Please refer to your Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada)
for details.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure:
.Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times in less than
1.5 seconds, or
. Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except
the spare. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit and the CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE warning appears in the dot
matrix liquid crystal display, one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning
light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16
MPH (25 km/h). For more details, see
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the“2. Instruments and
controls” section,“TIRE PRESSURE infor-
mation” in the“4. Monitor, climate, audio,
phone and voice recognition systems”
section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)” in the“5. Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING
.If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates or LOW PRESSURE informa- tion is displayed on the monitor screen
while driving, avoid sudden steering
maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce
vehicle speed, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Driving with under-inflated
tires may permanently damage the tires
and increase the likelihood of tire fail-
ure. 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 1 minute.
Contact your INFINITI retailer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
In case of emergency6-3
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE

6-12In case of emergency
.Whenever working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protectors (for
example, goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean
over the battery when jump starting.
. Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
. Your vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any time.
Keep hands and other objects away from
it.
SCE0920
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Failure
to do so could result in damage to the
charging system and cause personal injury.
1. Remove the engine compartment cover,
if necessary. See “Engine compartment
check locations” in the“8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
2. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
*A, position the two vehicles
(
*Aand*B) to bring their batteries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
3. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position. Switch off
all unnecessary electrical systems
(light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
4. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with a
firmly wrung out moist cloth
*Cto
reduce explosion hazard.
5. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
*1?*2?*3?*4).