Infiniti EX35 (2012 year). Manual — part 24

The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
brakes and moves the accelerator pedal
upward according to the distance from and
the relative speed of the vehicle ahead to
help assist the driver to maintain a
following distance.

WARNING

.

Always drive carefully and attentively
when using the Distance Control Assist
system. Read and understand the Own-
er’s Manual thoroughly before using the
DCA system. To avoid serious injury or
death, do not rely on the system to
prevent accidents or to control the
vehicle’s speed in emergency situations.
Do not use the Distance Control Assist
system except in appropriate road and
traffic conditions.

.

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 with
a warning chime. To prevent the vehicle
from moving, the driver must depress
the brake pedal.

.

The DCA system will not apply brake
control while the driver’s foot is on the
accelerator pedal.

SSD0701

PRECAUTIONS ON DISTANCE CON-
TROL ASSIST SYSTEM

The system is intended to assist the driver
to keep a following distance from the
vehicle ahead traveling in the same lane
and direction.

If the distance sensor

*

A

detects a slower

moving vehicle ahead, the system will
reduce the vehicle speed to help assist
the driver to maintain a following distance.

The system automatically controls the
throttle and applies the brakes (up to
25% of vehicle braking power) if neces-
sary.

Starting and driving

5-59

DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST (DCA) SYSTEM
(if so equipped)

5-60

Starting and driving

The detection range of the sensor is
approximately 390 ft (120 m) ahead.

WARNING

.

This system is only an aid to assist the
driver 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.

.

This system will not adapt automatically
to road conditions. Do not use the
system on roads with sharp curves, or
on icy roads, in heavy rain or in fog.

The distance sensor will not detect the
following objects:

. Stationary and slow moving vehicles
. Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
. Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
. Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel

lane

WARNING

.

As there is a performance limit to the
distance control function, never rely
solely on the Distance Control Assist
system. This system does not correct
careless, inattentive or absent-minded
driving, or overcome poor visibility in
rain, fog, or other bad weather. Decele-
rate the vehicle speed by depressing the
brake pedal, depending on the distance
to the vehicle ahead and the surround-
ing circumstances 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. To avoid accidents, never use
the Distance Control Assist system
under the following conditions:

— On roads with sharp curves

— On slippery road surfaces such as

on ice or snow, etc.

— During bad weather (rain, fog, snow,

etc.)

— When strong light (for example, at

sunrise or sunset) is directly shining
on the front of the vehicle

— When rain, snow or dirt adhere to

the system sensor

— On steep downhill roads (frequent

braking may result in overheating
the brakes)

— On repeated uphill and downhill

roads

.

In some road or traffic conditions, a
vehicle or object can unexpectedly come
into the sensor detection zone and cause
automatic braking. You may need to
control the distance from other vehicles
using the accelerator pedal. Always stay
alert and avoid using the DCA system
when it is not recommended in this
section.

SSD0701

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

*

A

located

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” earlier 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.

Starting and driving

5-61

5-62

Starting and driving

The DCA system does not control vehicle
speed or warn you when you approach
stationary and slow moving vehicles. You
must pay attention to vehicle operation to
maintain proper distance from vehicles
ahead.

SSD0252

The detection zone of the sensor is limited.
A vehicle ahead must be in the detection
zone for the system to operate.

A vehicle ahead may move outside of the
detection zone due to its position within
the same lane of travel. Motorcycles may
not be detected in the same lane ahead if
they are traveling offset from the centerline
of the lane. A vehicle that is entering the
lane ahead may not be detected until the
vehicle has completely moved into the
lane. If this occurs, the system may warn
you by blinking the system indicator and
sounding the chime. The driver may have
to manually control the proper distance

away from vehicle traveling ahead.

SSD0253

When driving on some roads, such as
winding, hilly, curved, narrow roads, or
roads which are under construction, the
sensor may detect vehicles in a different
lane, or may temporarily not detect a
vehicle traveling ahead. This may cause
the system to work inappropriately.

The detection of vehicles may also be
affected by vehicle operation (steering
maneuver or traveling position in the lane,
etc.) or vehicle condition. If this occurs, the
system may warn you by blinking the
system indicator and sounding the chime
unexpectedly. You will have to manually
control the proper distance away from the

vehicle traveling ahead.

SSD0770

Distance Control Assist system
display and indicators

The display is located between the speed-
ometer and tachometer.

1. Distance Control Assist (DCA) system

switch indicator:

Indicates that the dynamic driver assis-
tance switch is ON.

2. Vehicle ahead detection indicator:

Indicates whether it detects a vehicle in
front of you.

3. Distance Control Assist system warning

light (orange):

Starting and driving

5-63

5-64

Starting and driving

The light comes on if there is a
malfunction in the DCA system.

SSD0907

Operating Distance Control Assist
(DCA) system

To turn on the DCA system, push the
dynamic driver assistance switch on the
steering wheel after starting the engine.
The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator light in the dot matrix
liquid crystal display will illuminate. Push
the dynamic driver assistance switch again
to turn off the DCA system. The Distance
Control Assist (DCA) system switch indica-
tor light will turn off.

The system will start to operate after the
vehicle speed becomes above approxi-

mately 3 MPH (5 km/h).

WARNING

When the DCA system is not necessary, be
sure to turn off the DCA switch. Using the
system when it is not necessary may result
in an accident.

The dynamic driver assistance switch is
used for both the LDP and DCA systems.
When the dynamic driver assistance switch
is pushed, the LDP system will also turn on
or off simultaneously. The DCA system can
be individually set to on or off on the
display. If the system is set to off, the
system will not turn on even if the dynamic
driver assistance switch is pushed to on. To
set the system to on or off on the display,
see “Setting DCA system to ON/OFF” later
in this section.

SSD0884

SSD0885

Setting DCA system to ON/OFF:
1. Push the SETTING

*

1

button and high-

light the “Driver Assistance” key on the
display using the INFINITI controller.
Then push the ENTER

*

2

button.

2. Highlight the “Dynamic Assistance set-

tings” key, and push the ENTER

*

2

button.

SSD0886

3. To set the DCA system to on or off,

highlight the “Distance Control Assist”
key, select ON or OFF and push the
ENTER

*

2

button.

If both the LDP and DCA systems are set to
OFF on the display, when the dynamic
driver assistance switch is pushed, the LDP
ON indicator light and the Distance Control
Assist (DCA) system switch indicator light
will blink for approximately 2 seconds. See
“Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system/
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system”
earlier in this section for LDP system.

Starting and driving

5-65

5-66

Starting and driving

SSD0771

Under the following conditions, the Dis-
tance Control Assist system will not oper-
ate and the Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system switch indicator light will blink:

. When the SNOW mode switch is ON (To

use the DCA system, turn off the SNOW
mode switch, then push the dynamic
driver assistance switch.)
For details about the SNOW mode
switch, see “SNOW mode switch” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” sec-
tion.

. 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
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem” later in this section.

. When ABS or VDC (including the trac-

tion control system) is operating

. When driving into a strong light (i.e.,

sunlight)

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 “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system (FULL
SPEED RANGE)” earlier in this section.

When the engine is turned off, the system
is automatically turned off.

SSD0746

1.

System set display with vehicle ahead

2.

System set display without vehicle
ahead

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 and
the brake pedal depresses when braking is
performed by the DCA system.

When the brake operates, a noise may be
heard. This is not a malfunction.

Starting and driving

5-67

5-68

Starting and driving

WARNING

.

When the vehicle ahead detection in-
dicator light is not illuminated, system
will not control or warn the driver.

.

Never place your foot under the brake
pedal. Your foot may be caught when the
system controls the brake.

.

Depending on the position of the accel-
erator pedal, the system may not be able
to assist the driver to release the
accelerator pedal appropriately.

.

If the vehicle ahead comes to a stand-
still, the vehicle decelerates to a stand-
still within the limitations of the system.
The system will release brake control
with a warning chime once it judges the
vehicle is at a standstill. To prevent the
vehicle from moving, the driver must
depress the brake pedal. (The system
will resume control automatically once
the system reaches 3 MPH (5 km/h)).

Overriding the system:
The following driver’s operation overrides
the system operation.

. When the driver depresses the accel-

erator pedal even further while the
system is moving the accelerator pedal
upward, the DCA system control of the
accelerator pedal is canceled.

. When the driver’s foot is on the accel-

erator pedal, the brake control by the
system is not operated.

. When the driver’s foot is on the brake

pedal, neither the brake control nor the
alert by the system operates.

. When the Intelligent Cruise Control

system is set, the DCA system will be
cancelled.

Approach warning

If your vehicle comes closer to the vehicle
ahead due to rapid deceleration of that
vehicle or if another vehicle cuts in, the
system warns the driver with the chime
and DCA system display. Decelerate by
depressing the brake pedal to maintain a
safe vehicle distance if:

. The chime sounds.
. The vehicle ahead detection indicator

blinks.

The warning chime may not sound in some
cases when there is a short distance
between vehicles. Some examples are:

. When the vehicles are traveling at the

same speed and the distance between
vehicles is not changing

. When the vehicle ahead is traveling

faster and the distance between vehi-
cles is increasing

. When a vehicle cuts in near your vehicle
The warning chime will not sound when
your vehicle approaches vehicles that are
parked or moving slowly.

SSD0284A

NOTE:

The approach warning chime may sound
and the system display may blink when
the sensor detects some reflectors

*

A

which are fitted on vehicles in other lanes
or on the side of the road. This may cause
the DCA system to operate inappropriately.
The sensor may detect these reflectors
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 condition (for example, if a vehicle
is being driven with some damage).

SSD0771

Automatic cancellation

Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the Dis-
tance Control Assist system is automati-
cally canceled. The chime will sound and
the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator light 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

Starting and driving

5-69

5-70

Starting and driving

. When driving into a strong light (i.e.,

sunlight)

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.

SSD0772

Condition B:
When the sensor window is dirty, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the
DCA system is automatically canceled.

The chime sounds and the system warning
light (orange) will come on and the “CLEAN
SENSOR” indicator will appear.

Action to take:
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place, turn the engine off.
Clean the sensor window with a soft cloth
and then perform the settings again.

SSD0787

Condition C:
When the DCA system is not operating
properly, the chime sounds and the system
warning light (“CRUISE” 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 turn on the DCA
system again.

If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the
system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal

conditions, have the vehicle checked at an
INFINITI retailer.

Sensor maintenance

How to handle the sensor:
The sensor for the DCA system is common
with Intelligent Cruise Control and is
located below the front bumper.

To handle the sensor, see “Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system (FULL SPEED
RANGE)” earlier in this section.

The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) sys-
tem will warn the driver by a warning light
and chime when your vehicle is getting
close to the vehicle ahead in the traveling
lane.

The FCW system will function when your
vehicle is driven at speeds of approxi-
mately 10 MPH (15 km/h) and above.

SSD0701

SSD0749

Vehicle ahead detection light

Starting and driving

5-71

FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW)
SYSTEM (if so equipped)

5-72

Starting and driving

SSD1156

Warning systems switch

The FCW system uses the distance sensor

*

A

located below the front bumper to

measure the distance to the vehicle ahead.
When the system judges that your vehicle
is getting close to the vehicle ahead in the
travel lane, the vehicle ahead detection
indicator light on the instrument panel
blinks and a warning chime sounds.

The FCW system will be turned on/off by
pushing the warning systems switch. The
warning systems indicator light

*

1

on the

switch will illuminate when the system
turns on.

PRECAUTIONS ON FCW SYSTEM

WARNING

.

The FCW system is intended to warn you
before a collision but will not avoid a
collision. 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, the
system may not provide a warning in
certain conditions.

.

The system will not detect the following
objects:

— Pedestrians, animals or obstacles in

the roadway

— Oncoming vehicles in the same lane

.

The system will not detect another
vehicle under the following conditions:

— When the sensor gets dirty and it is

impossible to detect the distance
from the vehicle ahead.

— When driving into a strong light

(i.e., sunlight)

.

The sensor generally detects the signals
returned from the reflectors on a vehicle

ahead. Therefore, the system may not
function properly under the following
conditions:

— When the reflectors of the vehicle

ahead are positioned high or close to
each other (including a small vehicle
such as motorcycles).

— When the sensor gets dirty or it is

impossible to detect the distance
from the vehicle ahead.

— When the reflectors on the vehicle

ahead are missing, damaged or
covered.

— When the reflectors of the vehicle

ahead are covered with dirt, snow or
road spray.

— When visibility is low (such as rain,

fog, snow, etc.).

— When snow or road spray from

traveling vehicles is splashed.

— When dense exhaust or other smoke

(black smoke) from vehicles reduces
the visibility of the sensor.

— When excessively heavy baggage is

loaded in the rear seat or the
luggage room of your vehicle.

— When abruptly accelerating or de-

celerating.

— On a steep downhill slope or on

roads with sharp curves.

— When there is a highly reflective

object near the vehicle ahead (i.e.,
being very close to another vehicle,
signboard, etc.)

.

Depending on certain road conditions
(curved or beginning of a curve), vehicle
conditions (steering position or vehicle
position), or the preceding vehicle’s
conditions (position in lane, etc.), the
system may not function properly. The
system may detect highly reflective
objects such as reflectors, signs, white
markers, and other stationary objects on
the road or near the traveling lane and
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 (i.e., 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

SSD0887

If the IBA OFF indicator light

*

A

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 with the IBA
OFF switch

*

B

, have the system checked

by an INFINITI retailer.

To turn on the IBA system, see “Intelligent
Brake Assist (IBA) system” later in this
section.

Starting and driving

5-73

5-74

Starting and driving

SSD1156

Warning systems switch

FCW system operation

The FCW system will function at speeds of
approximately 10 MPH (15 km/h) and
above, when the system turns on.

The FCW system has an automatic setting
mode and a manual setting mode to turn
the system on. The setting mode can be
changed. In the automatic setting mode,
the FCW system is automatically turned on
when the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position. When the FCW system is on,
the warning systems ON indicator light

*

1

on the warning systems switch illuminates.
To cancel the FCW system, push the

warning systems switch. The warning
systems ON indicator light will turn off. To
turn on the system, push the warning
systems switch again.

When the warning systems switch is
pushed, the LDW and BSW systems will
also turn on or off simultaneously. See
“Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system”
earlier in this section and “Blind Spot
Warning (BSW) system” earlier in this
section.

In the manual setting mode, you need to
push the warning systems switch to turn
on the system after the ignition switch is
pushed to the ON position.

The setting mode can be changed using
the warning systems switch. To change the
setting mode, push and hold the warning
systems switch for more than 4 seconds
when the warning systems ON indicator is
off. When the mode is changed, a chime
sounds and the lane departure warning
light (orange) flashes.

For the sensor maintenance, see “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system (FULL
SPEED RANGE)” earlier in this section.

The Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system
warns the driver by a warning light and
chime when there is a risk of a collision
with the vehicle ahead in the traveling lane
and the driver must take avoidance action
immediately. The system helps reduce the
rear-end collision speed by applying the
brakes when the system judges that the
collision cannot be prevented.

The IBA system will function when your
vehicle is driven at speeds of approxi-
mately 10 MPH (15 km/h) and above, and
when your vehicle is driven at speeds
approximately 10 MPH (15 km/h) faster
than the vehicle ahead.

INTELLIGENT BRAKE ASSIST (IBA) SYSTEM
(if so equipped)