Infiniti QX56 (2012 year). Manual — part 26

5-78

Starting and driving

SSD0997

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
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.

WARNING

. When the vehicle ahead detection in-

dicator is not illuminated, system will
not control or warn the driver.

. 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 (ICC)

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.

Starting and driving

5-79

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Starting and driving

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).

SSD0996

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 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.

. When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H

or 4L position (for 4WD models)

. When driving into a strong light (for

example 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.

SSD0998

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.

SSD0999

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

Starting and driving

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5-82

Starting and driving

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

” 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.

SSD1047

SSD0749

Vehicle ahead detection indicator

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

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 blinks and a warning chime
sounds.

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 (for

example 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 (for
example being very close to another
vehicle, signboard, etc.)

— When you are towing a trailer.

. 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

Starting and driving

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Starting 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

*

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

Cruise Control (ICC) system

” later in this

section.

SSD0956

FCW system operation

The warning systems switch is used to turn
on and off the FCW system when it is
activated using the settings menu on the
center display. See

“How to enable/disable

the FCW system using the settings menu

”

later in this section.

When the warning systems switch is turned
off, the indicator

*

1

on the switch is off.

The indicator will also be off if the FCW, the
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and the
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) systems are
deactivated.

For the LDW and BSW systems, see

“Lane

Departure Warning (LDW)/Prevention (LDP)
system

” earlier in this section and “Blind

Spot Warning (BSW) system/Blind Spot
Intervention

TM

system

” earlier in this sec-

tion.

For the sensor maintenance, see

“Intelli-

gent Cruise Control (ICC) system

” earlier in

this section.

SSD0939

SSD1102

Starting and driving

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Starting and driving

How to enable/disable the FCW
system using the settings menu

Perform the following steps to enable or
disable the FCW system.

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

“Driver Assistance Warn-

ings

” key, and push the ENTER

*

2

button.

JVS0080X

3. Highlight the

“Forward Collision Warn-

ing

” key, select ON (enabled) or OFF

(disabled) and push the ENTER

*

2

button.

For the sensor maintenance, see

“Intelli-

gent Cruise Control (ICC) system

” 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)

SSD1047

SSD0749

Vehicle ahead detection indicator

The IBA system uses a 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
traveling lane, the vehicle ahead detection
indicator on the instrument panel blinks
and a warning chime sounds.

The IBA system will be turned on/off by
pushing the IBA OFF switch. The IBA OFF
indicator light will illuminate when the
system is turned off.

PRECAUTIONS ON IBA SYSTEM

WARNING

. The IBA system is not a collision

avoidance system. 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 or
braking in certain conditions.

. The system will not detect the following

objects:

— Pedestrians, animals or obstacles in

the roadway

— Motorcycles traveling offset in the

traveling lane

— 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 (for

example 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 and it is

impossible to detect the distance
from the vehicle ahead.

— When the reflectors on the vehicle

ahead are missing, damaged or
covered.

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Starting and driving

— 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 (for
example being very close to another
vehicle, signboard, etc.)

— When towing a trailer or other

vehicle.

. 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 not function in offset

conditions.

. The system may not function when the

distance to the vehicle ahead is extre-
mely close.

SSD0782

Reflectors on the road

WARNING

. 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.

In extreme conditions, detection of these
objects may cause the system to func-
tion.

. 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
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

*

A

on 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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Starting 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).

. Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-

tain cruising speeds with a constant
accelerator position.

. Drive at moderate speeds on the high-

way.

. Avoid unnecessary stopping and brak-

ing. Keep a safe distance behind other
vehicles.

. Select a gear range suitable to road

conditions.

. Avoid unnecessary prolonged engine

idling.

. Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended periodic main-

tenance schedule.

. Keep the tires inflated at the correct

pressure. Improper tire pressure will
increase wear and waste fuel.

. Make sure the front wheels are properly

aligned. Improper alignment will cause
premature tire wear and lower fuel
economy.

. Climate control operation lowers fuel

economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.

. When cruising at highway speeds, it is

more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

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 vehicle

and 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.

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 accord-
ing to the driving conditions.

4WD shift procedure:

Starting and driving

5-91

INFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD

®

(if so equipped)

5-92

Starting and driving

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
selector lever has been shifted to the N (Neutral) position. If the indicator keeps flashing after the 4WD shift procedure, drive slowly
without abrupt maneuvers for a while. Then the indicator will illuminate or turn off.

· Avoid making a turn or abrupt starts while shifting to the 4LO position. Otherwise the gears may grind, damaging the drive system.

*2: While changing in and out of the 4LO position, the engine must be running. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and the 4LO

indicator will not be on or flashing.

*3: Make sure that the 4LO indicator turns on when shifting the 4WD shift switch to the 4L position. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light will also turn on when 4L is selected. (See

“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” later in this section.)

Starting and driving

5-93