4WD INFINITI QX80 2018 User Guide

5-10Starting and driving
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving
after drinking alcohol increases the like-
lihood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in an accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
INFINITI is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under the
influence of alcohol. Every year thousands of
people are injured or killed in alcohol-related
accidents. Although the local laws vary on
what is considered to be legally intoxicated,
the fact is that alcohol affects all people
differently and most people underestimate
the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don’t drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical condition.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your INFINITI is designed for both normal
and off-road use. However, avoid driving in
deep water or mud as your INFINITI is
mainly designed for leisure use, unlike a
conventional off-road vehicle.
Remember that Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)
models are less capable than Four-Wheel
Drive (4WD) models for rough road driving
and extrication when stuck in deep snow,
mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
.
Drive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle
should be seated with their seat belt
fastened. This will keep you and your
passengers in position when driving
over rough terrain.
. Do not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward. .
Many hills are too steep for any
vehicle. If you drive up them, you
may stall. If you drive down them,
you may not be able to control your
speed. If you drive across them, you
may roll over.
. Do not shift ranges while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
. Stay alert when driving to the top of
a hill. At the top there could be a
drop-off or other hazard that could
cause an accident.
. If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
range. Never back down in N (Neu-
tral), using only the brake, as this
could cause loss of control.
. Heavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low range to control your
speed.
. Unsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough
terrain. Properly secure all cargo so
it will not be thrown forward and

cause injury to you or your passen-
gers.
. To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the cargo
area as far forward and as low as
possible. Do not equip the vehicle
with tires larger than specified in this
manual. This could cause your vehicle
to roll over.
. Do not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could move
suddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
. Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
. Always drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may became hot.
. Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your INFINITI is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control. .
Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with
4WD engaged.
. For 4WD equipped vehicles, 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 dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing), or similar equip-
ment 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 (4WD models).
. When a wheel is off the ground due
to an unlevel surface, do not spin the
wheel excessively. .
Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
. If at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your vehicle has a higher
center of gravity than a conventional
passenger car. The vehicle is not
designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional passenger
cars. Failure to operate this vehicle
correctly could result in loss of con-
trol and/or a rollover accident.
. Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Install tire chains
on the rear wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
. Be sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See “Brake system” (P.5-131) for wet
brakes.
. Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
. Whenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. See
Starting and driving5-11

5-12Starting and driving
the maintenance schedules shown in
the "9. Maintenance and schedules"
section.
. Spinning the rear wheels on slippery
surfaces may cause the 4WD warn-
ing light to flash. The 4WD system
may also automatically switch from
the 4WD mode to the 2WD mode.
This could reduce traction. Be espe-
cially careful when towing a trailer
(4WD models).WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except in
an emergency. (The engine will stop
when the ignition switch is pushed 3
consecutive times or the ignition switch
is pushed and held for more than 2
seconds.) If the engine stops while the
vehicle is being driven, this could lead to
a crash and serious injury.
Before operating the push-button ignition
switch, be sure to move the shift lever to the
P (Park) position.
SSD0436
OPERATING RANGE FOR EN-
GINE START FUNCTION
The operating range for starting the engine
inside the vehicleis shown in the illustra-
tion.
. If the Intelligent Key is on the instrument
panel, cargo area, inside the glove box or
door pocket, or the corner of interior
compartment, it may not be possible to
start the engine.
. If the Intelligent Key is near the door or
door glass outside the vehicle, it may be
possible to start the engine.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH

5-30Starting and driving
JVS0658X
LDP ON indicator light (green) (on the
instrument panel)
Warning systems ON indicator light
Dynamic driver assistance switch
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNA-
VAILABLE
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, a beep will
sound and the LDP system will be canceled
automatically. The LDP ON indicator light
(green)
will blink, and the LDP system
cannot be activated:
. When the VDC system (except TCS
function) or ABS operates.
. When the VDC system is turned off.
. When the SNOW mode switch is turned
on.
. When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H
or 4L position (for 4WD models).
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
turn off the LDP system. Push the dynamic
driver assistance switch
again to turn the
LDP system back on.
Condition B:
LDW system: If the vehicle is parked in direct
sunlight under high temperature conditions
(over approximately 104°F (40°C)) and then
the LDW system is turned on, the LDW
system may be deactivated automatically,
and the warning systems ON indicator light
on the switch will blink.

5-72Starting and driving
SSD1053
To set cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. (Vehicle
ahead detection indicator, set distance in-
dicator and set vehicle speed indicator come
on.) Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle will maintain the set speed.
SSD1105
When the COAST/SET switch is pushed
under the following conditions, the system
cannot be set and the ICC indicators will
blink for approximately 2 seconds:
. When traveling below 20 MPH (32
km/h) and the vehicle ahead is not
detected
. When the shift lever is not in the D (Drive)
or manual shift mode
. When the parking brake is applied
. When the brakes are operated by the
driver
SSD1106
When the COAST/SET switch is pushed
under the following conditions, the system
cannot be set.
A warning chime will sound and the ICC
indicators 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” (P.5-130).
. 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
®” (P.5-
120).
. 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
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P.5-133).
. When ABS or VDC (including the traction
control system) is operating
. 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.)
SSD1107
System set display with vehicle ahead
System set display without vehicle
ahead
System operation
The driver sets the desired vehicle speed
based on the road conditions. The ICC
system maintains the set vehicle speed,
similar to standard cruise control, as long
as no vehicle is detected in the lane ahead.
The ICC system displays the set speed.
Vehicle detected ahead:
When a vehicle is detected in the lane ahead,
the ICC system decelerates the vehicle by
controlling the throttle and applying the brakes to match the speed of a slower
vehicle ahead. The system then controls the
vehicle speed based on the speed of the
vehicle ahead to maintain the driver selected
distance.
The stoplights of the vehicle come on when
braking is performed by the ICC system.
When the brake operates, a noise may be
heard and/or vibration may be felt. This is
not a malfunction.
When a vehicle ahead is detected, the
vehicle ahead detection indicator comes on.
The ICC system will also display the set
speed and selected distance.
Vehicle ahead not detected:
Starting and driving5-73

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 condition (for example, if a vehicle is
being driven with some damage).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following condi-
tions and the control is automatically can-
celed.
.When the vehicle ahead is not detected
and your vehicle is traveling below the
speed of 15 MPH (24 km/h)
. When the system judges the vehicle is at
standstill
. When the shift lever is not in the D (Drive)
or manual shift mode
. When the parking brake is applied
. When the SNOW mode switch is pushed
on.
. When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H
or 4L position (for 4WD models)
. When the VDC system is turned off
. When ABS or VDC (including the traction
control system) operates
. When distance measurement becomes
impaired due to adhesion of dirt or
obstruction to the sensor .
When a wheel slips
. When the radar signal is temporarily
interrupted
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode limitations
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations
for the ICC system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in serious
injury or death.
. The system is primarily intended for
use on straight, dry, open roads with
light traffic. It is not advisable to use
the system in city traffic or con-
gested areas.
. This system will not adapt automati-
cally to road conditions. This system
should be used in evenly flowing
traffic. Do not use the system on
roads with sharp curves, or on icy
roads, in heavy rain or in fog.
. As there is a performance limit to the
distance control function, never rely
solely on the ICC system. This system
does not correct careless, inattentive
or absent-minded driving, or over- come poor visibility in rain, fog, or
other bad weather. Decelerate the
vehicle speed by depressing the brake
pedal, depending on the distance to
the vehicle ahead and the surround-
ing circumstances in order to main-
tain a safe distance between vehicles.
. If the vehicle ahead comes to a stop,
the vehicle decelerates to a standstill
within the limitations of the system.
The system will cancel once it judges
that the vehicle has come to a
standstill and sound a warning chime.
To prevent the vehicle from moving,
the driver must depress the brake
pedal.
. Always pay attention to the opera-
tion of the vehicle and be ready to
manually control the proper follow-
ing distance. The vehicle-to-vehicle
distance control mode of the ICC
system may not be able to maintain
the selected distance between vehi-
cles (following distance) or selected
vehicle speed under some circum-
stances.
. Normally when controlling the dis-
tance to a vehicle ahead, this system
automatically accelerates or decele-
rates your vehicle according to the
speed of the vehicle ahead. Depress
Starting and driving5-77

5-82Starting and driving
System temporarily unavailable
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the ICC
system is automatically canceled. The chime
will sound and the system will not be able to
be set.
.When the VDC is turned off
. When the ABS or VDC operates
. When a tire slips
. When the SNOW mode switch is pushed
on
. When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H
or 4L position (for 4WD models)
. When the radar signal is temporarily
interrupted
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the system off using the
MAIN switch
. Turn the ICC system back
on to use the system.
JVS0481X
Condition B:
Under the following conditions, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the ICC
system is automatically canceled.
The chime will sound, the ICC system
warning light (orange) will come on and the
“FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION” warning
message will appear in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
. When the radar sensor area of the front
bumper is covered with dirt or is ob-
structed. Action to take:
If the warning light (orange) comes on or
warning message appears, stop the vehicle
in a safe place, place the shift lever in the P
(Park) position and turn the engine off.
When the radar signal is temporarily inter-
rupted, clean the sensor area of the front
bumper and restart the engine. If the warn-
ing light (orange) stays on or warning
message continues to be displayed, have
the ICC system checked. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
.
When driving on roads with limited road
structures or buildings (for example, long
bridges, deserts, snow fields, driving next
to long walls)
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
turn the ICC system back on to use the
system.

5-98Starting and driving
.When the VDC or ABS (including the
traction control system) operates
. When the SNOW mode switch is ON (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 switch” (P.2-
49).
. When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H
or 4L position (for 4WD models)
. When the radar signal is temporarily
interrupted
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the system off with the
dynamic driver assistance switch
. Turn the
DCA system back on to use the system.
JVS0482X
Condition B:
Under the following conditions, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the
DCA system is automatically canceled.
The chime will sound, the DCA system
warning light (orange) will come on and the
“FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION” warning
message will appear in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
. When the radar sensor area of the front
bumper is covered with dirt or is ob-
structed Action to take:
If the DCA system warning light (orange)
comes on and the warning message appears,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position and turn
the engine off. When the radar signal is
temporarily interrupted, clean the sensor
area of the front bumper and restart the
engine. If the warning message continues to
be displayed, have the DCA system checked.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
.
When driving on roads with limited road
structures or buildings (for example, long
bridges, deserts, snow fields, driving next
to long walls)
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
turn the DCA system back on to use the
system.

5-120Starting and driving
8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads..Automated passes permit drivers touse special lanes to maintain cruising
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 oper-ating temperature more quickly while
driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possi-
ble.
.When entering a hot vehicle, openingthe windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting 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 recom-
mendation” (P.10-6).)
WARNING
. Do not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the trans-
mission to any drive or reverse posi-
tion 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 dy-
namometer or similar equipment even
if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure you inform
test facility personnel that your ve-
hicle is equipped with 4WD before it
is placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
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
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMYINFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD®(if so equipped)