Infiniti G Sedan (2013 year). Manual — part 21

Black plate (328,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

5-14

Starting and driving

such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-

nic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.)

2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or

only driven short distances.

In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

7 speed automatic transmission

The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by a transmis-
sion control module to produce maximum
efficiency and smooth operation.

Shown on the following pages are the
recommended operating procedures for
this transmission. Follow these procedures
for maximum vehicle performance and
driving enjoyment.

Starting the vehicle

After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the selector
lever button before shifting the selector
lever to the R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D
(Drive), DS (Drive Sport) or Manual shift
mode position. Be sure the vehicle is fully
stopped before attempting to shift the
selector lever.

This automatic transmission model is
designed so that the foot brake pedal
must be depressed before shifting from P
(Park) to any drive position while the
ignition switch position is ON.

The selector lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition switch
is pushed to the LOCK, OFF or ACC
position.

1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed

and push the selector lever button to
shift into a driving gear.

2. Release the parking brake and foot

brake, then gradually start the vehicle
in motion.

WARNING

.

Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), DS
(Drive Sport) or manual shift mode.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and have
an accident.

.

Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.

.

Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while vehicle is moving forward. Never

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

Condition:

Black plate (329,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

shift to P (Park), D (Drive) or DS (Drive
Sport) while vehicle is moving rearward.
Failure to do so could cause you to lose
control and have an accident.

CAUTION

.

Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.

.

When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal. The
foot brake should be used for this
purpose.

.

Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.

SSD0596

Selector lever

To move the selector lever,

:

Push the button while depressing the
brake pedal,

:

Push the button,

:

Just move the selector lever.

Shifting

After starting the engine, fully depress the
brake pedal and shift the selector lever
from P (Park) to R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D
(Drive), DS (Drive Sport) or Manual shift
mode position.

Push the button to shift into P (Park) or R
(Reverse). All other positions can be
selected without pushing the button.

WARNING

Apply the parking brake if the selector lever
is in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause the
vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away
and result in serious personal injury or
property damage.

CAUTION

Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped
and the transmission is in the P (Park)
position.

P (Park) position:

Use this selector position when the vehicle
is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped. The brake pedal must be de-
pressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from
the N (Neutral) position or any drive
position to the P (Park) position. Apply
the parking brake. When parking on a hill,
apply the parking brake first, then move

Starting and driving

5-15

Condition:

Black plate (330,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

5-16

Starting and driving

the selector lever to the P (Park) position.

CAUTION

Use this position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.

R (Reverse):

Use this position to back up. Always be
sure the vehicle is completely stopped
before selecting the R (Reverse) position.
The brake pedal must be depressed and
the selector lever button pushed in to
move the selector lever from the P (Park)
position, the N (Neutral) position or any
drive position to the R (Reverse) position.

N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to the N (Neutral)
position and restart a stalled engine while
the vehicle is moving.

D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.

DS (Drive Sport) mode

Move the selector lever from D (Drive) to
the left into the manual shift gate. The
transmission position indicator in the
meter shows “DS”.

In the DS (Drive Sport) mode, the transmis-
sion changes to the “sporty” driving shift
operation, creating a more aggressive
acceleration feeling than the D (Drive)
mode and providing a gear change sensa-
tion when the driver accelerates quickly.

When the driver selects the manual shift
mode using the selector lever (or the
paddle shifter) during the DS (Drive Sport)
mode operation, the driver must move the
selector lever from DS (Drive Sport) to D
(Drive) and back again to re-select the DS
(Drive Sport) mode.

SSD0599

Paddle shifters

Manual shift mode

When the selector lever is in the DS (Drive
Sport) position, the transmission is ready
for the manual shift mode. Shift ranges can
be selected manually by moving the
selector lever up or down, or pulling the
right-side or left-side paddle shifter.

When shifting up, move the selector lever
to the + (up) side or pull the right-side
paddle shifter (+)

*

A

(if so equipped). The

transmission shifts to the higher range.

When shifting down, move the selector
lever to the − (down) side or pull the left-
side paddle shifter (−)

*

B

(if so equipped).

Condition:

Black plate (331,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

The transmission shifts to the lower range.

When canceling the manual shift mode,
return the selector lever to the D (Drive)
position. The transmission returns to the
normal driving mode.

When you pull the paddle shifter while in
the D (Drive) position, the transmission will
shift to the upper or lower range tempora-
rily. The transmission will automatically
return to the D (Drive) position after a short
period of time. If you want to return to the
D (Drive) position manually, pull and hold
the paddle shifter for about 1.5 seconds.

In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the
meter.

Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:

M

1

?
/

M

2

?
/

M

3

?
/

M

4

?
/

M

5

?
/

M

6

?
/

M

7

M

7 (7th):

Use these positions for all normal forward
driving at highway speeds.

M

6 (6th) and

M

5 (5th):

Use this position when driving up long
slopes, or for engine braking when driving
down long slopes.

M

4 (4th),

M

3 (3rd) and

M

2 (2nd):

Use these positions for hill climbing or
engine braking on downhill grades.

M

1 (1st):

Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep
snow, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.

. Remember not to drive at high speeds

for extended periods of time in lower
than 7th gear. This reduces fuel econ-
omy.

. Moving the selector lever rapidly to the

same side twice will shift the ranges in
succession.

. In the manual shift mode, the transmis-

sion may not shift to the selected gear
or may automatically shift to the other
gear. This helps maintain driving per-
formance and reduces the chance of
vehicle damage or loss of control.

. When the transmission does not shift

to the selected gear, the Automatic
Transmission (AT) position indicator
light (on the dot matrix liquid crystal
display) will blink and the chime will
sound.

. In the manual shift mode, the transmis-

sion automatically shifts down to 1st
gear before the vehicle comes to a
stop. When accelerating again, it is
necessary to shift up to the desired
range.

Accelerator downshift — In D (Drive)
position —

For passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This
shifts the transmission down into the lower
gear, depending on the vehicle speed.

Fail-safe

When the fail-safe operation occurs, note
that the transmission will be locked in any
of the forward gears according to the
condition.

If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel spin-
ning and subsequent hard braking, the
fail-safe system may be activated. This will
occur even if all electrical circuits are
functioning properly. In this case, push
the ignition switch to the OFF position and
wait for 3 seconds. Then push the ignition
switch back to the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating
condition. If it does not return to its

Starting and driving

5-17

Condition:

Black plate (332,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

5-18

Starting and driving

normal operating condition, have an
INFINITI retailer check the transmission
and repair if necessary.

SSD0598

Shift lock release

If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the selector lever may not be moved from
the P (Park) position even with the brake
pedal depressed and the selector lever
button pushed.

To move the selector lever, perform the
following procedure:

1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF or

LOCK position.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Remove the shift lock cover

*

A

using a

suitable tool.

4. Push down the shift lock

*

B

as

illustrated.

5. Push the selector lever button

*

C

and

move the selector lever to N (Neutral)
position

*

D

while holding down the

shift lock.

Now the vehicle may be moved to the
desired location.

If the lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have an INFINITI retailer check the
automatic transmission system as soon as
possible.

Adaptive shift control (ASC)

The adaptive shift control system automa-
tically operates when the transmission is
in the "D" (drive) and "DS" (Drive Sport)
position and selects an appropriate gear
depending on the road conditions such as
uphill, downhill or curving roads.

Control on uphill and curving roads:
A low gear is maintained that suits the
degree of the slope or curve to allow
smooth driving with a small number of
shifts.

Control on downhill roads:
The adaptive shift control system shifts to
a low gear that suits the degree of the

Condition:

Black plate (333,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

slope, and uses the engine braking to
reduce the number of times that the brake
must be used.

Control on winding roads:
A low gear is maintained on continuous
curves that involve repeated acceleration
and deceleration, so that smooth accelera-
tion is available instantly when the accel-
erator pedal is depressed.

NOTE:
. Adaptive shift control may not operate

when the transmission oil temperature
is low immediately after the start of
driving or when it is very hot.

. During some driving situations, hard

braking for example, the adaptive shift
control may automatically operate. The
transmission may automatically shift
to a lower gear for engine braking. This
increases engine speed but not vehicle
speed. Vehicle speed is controlled by
the accelerator pedal when the vehicle
is in the Adaptive shift control mode.

. When the adaptive shift control oper-

ates, the transmission sometimes
maintains a lower gear for a longer
period of time than when adaptive shift
control is not operating. Engine speed

will be higher for a specific vehicle
speed while ASC system is operating
than when ASC is not operating.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

WARNING

.

Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.

.

Do not over-rev the engine when shifting
to a lower gear. This may cause a loss of
control or engine damage.

CAUTION

.

Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may damage the
clutch.

.

Fully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.

.

Stop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).

.

When the vehicle is stopped for a period
of time, for example at a stop light, shift
to N (Neutral) and release the clutch

pedal with the foot brake applied.

Starting and driving

5-19

Condition:

Black plate (334,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

5-20

Starting and driving

SSD0536

Shifting

To change gears, or when upshifting or
downshifting, fully depress the clutch
pedal, shift into the appropriate gear, then
slowly and smoothly release the clutch
pedal.

This vehicle is equipped with a short throw
shifter manual transmission. To ensure
smooth gear changes, fully depress the
clutch pedal before operating the shift
lever. If the clutch pedal is not fully
depressed before the transmission is
shifted, a gear noise may be heard.
Transmission damage could occur.

Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear in
sequence according to vehicle speed.

To back up, depress the shift lever and
then move it to the R (Reverse) gear after
stopping the vehicle completely.

The shift lever returns to its original
position when the shift lever is moved to
the N (Neutral) position.

If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
the R (Reverse) or 1st gear, shift to the N
(Neutral) position, and then release the
clutch pedal once. Fully depress the clutch
pedal again and shift into the R (Reverse)
or 1st gear.

Suggested upshift speeds

The following are suggested vehicle
speeds for shifting into a higher gear.
These suggestions relate to fuel economy
and vehicle performance. Actual upshift
speeds will vary according to road condi-
tions, the weather and individual driving
habits.

For normal acceleration in low altitude
areas [less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:

Gear change

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd

8 (13)

2nd to 3rd

16 (25)

3rd to 4th

25 (40)

4th to 5th

28 (45)

5th to 6th

33 (53)

For quick acceleration in low altitude areas
or in high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft
(1,219 m)]:

Gear change

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd

15 (24)

2nd to 3rd

25 (40)

3rd to 4th

40 (64)

4th to 5th

45 (72)

5th to 6th

50 (80)

Suggested maximum speed in each
gear

Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is
not running smoothly, or if you need to
accelerate.

Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according

Condition:

Black plate (335,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

to the road conditions, which will ensure
safe operation. Do not over-rev the engine
when shifting to a lower gear as it may
cause engine damage or loss of vehicle
control.

Sedan:

Gear

MPH (km/h)

1st

39 (63)

2nd

64 (103)

3rd

92 (148)

4th

—

5th

—

6th

—

Coupe:

Gear

MPH (km/h)

1st

39 (63)

2nd

65 (104)

3rd

93 (149)

4th

—

5th

—

6th

—

WARNING

.

Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.

.

Do not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.

.

Do not use the gear shift in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure
the parking brake is fully engaged.

.

Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.

SPA2331

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MOD-
ELS

To apply: Fully depress the parking brake
pedal

*

1

.

To release:

1. Firmly apply the foot brake

*

2

.

2. Depress the parking brake pedal

*

1

and the parking brake will be released.

3. Before driving, be sure the brake

warning light goes out.

Starting and driving

5-21

PARKING BRAKE

Condition:

Black plate (336,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

5-22

Starting and driving

SPA2110

MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS

To apply: Pull the parking brake lever up

*

1

.

To release:

1. Firmly apply the foot brake.

2. While pulling up on the parking brake

lever slightly, push the button

*

2

and

lower the lever completely

*

3

.

3. Before driving, be sure the brake

warning light goes out.

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CONTROL

. If the cruise control system malfunc-

tions, it will cancel automatically. The
SET indicator on the dot matrix crystal
display will then blink to warn the
driver.

. If the engine coolant temperature be-

comes excessively high, the cruise
control system will be canceled auto-
matically.

. If the SET indicator blinks, turn the

cruise control main switch off and have
the system checked by your INFINITI
retailer.

. The SET indicator may sometimes blink

when the cruise control main switch is
turned ON while pushing the ACCELER-
ATE/RESUME, COAST/SET or CANCEL
switch. To properly set the cruise
control system, perform the steps
below in the order indicated.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driving
under the following conditions:

.

when it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed

.

in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed

.

on winding or hilly roads

.

on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)

.

in very windy areas

Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.

CAUTION

On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N (Neutral) without depressing the
clutch pedal when the cruise control is set.
Should this occur, depress the clutch pedal
and turn the main switch off immediately.
Failure to do so may cause engine damage.

CRUISE CONTROL

Condition:

Black plate (337,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

SSD0600

1.

ACCELERATE/RESUME switch

2.

COAST/SET switch

3.

CANCEL switch

4.

MAIN (ON·OFF) switch

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accel-
erator pedal.

To turn on the cruise control, push the
MAIN switch on. The CRUISE indicator will
come on.

To set cruising speed, accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the

COAST/SET switch and release it. (The
CRUISE SET indicator will come on in the
instrument panel.) Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will main-
tain the set speed.

. To pass another vehicle, depress the

accelerator pedal. When you release
the pedal, the vehicle will return to the
previously set speed.

. The vehicle may not maintain the set

speed on winding or hilly roads. If this
happens, drive without the cruise con-
trol.

To cancel the preset speed, follow any of
these methods:

a)

Push the CANCEL button. The SET
indicator will go out.

b)

Tap the brake pedal. The SET indicator
will go out.

c)

Move the selector lever to the N
(Neutral) position. The SET indicator
will go out.

d)

Turn the MAIN switch off. Both the
CRUISE indicator and SET indicator
will go out.

. If you depress the brake pedal while

pushing the ACCELERATE/RESUME or
COAST/SET switch and reset at the

cruising speed, the cruise control will
disengage. Turn the MAIN switch off
once and then turn it on again.

. The cruise control will automatically

cancel if the vehicle slows more than
8 MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed.

. If you depress the clutch pedal (Manual

Transmission models) or move the
selector lever to N (Neutral) position
(Automatic Transmission models), the
cruise control will be canceled.

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one
of the following methods:

. Depress the accelerator pedal. When

the vehicle attains the desired speed,
push and release the COAST/SET
switch.

. Push and hold the ACCELERATE/RE-

SUME switch. When the vehicle attains
the speed you desire, release the
switch.

. Push, then quickly release the ACCEL-

ERATE/RESUME switch. Each time you
do this, the set speed will increase by
about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use
one of the following methods:

. Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the

Starting and driving

5-23

Condition:

Black plate (338,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

5-24

Starting and driving

vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.

. Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.

Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.

. Push, then quickly release the COAST/

SET switch. Each time you do this, the
set speed will decrease by about 1 MPH
(1.6 km/h).

To resume the preset speed, push and
release the ACCELERATE/RESUME switch.
The vehicle will resume the last set
cruising speed when the vehicle speed is
over 25 MPH (40 km/h).

The Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
automatically maintains a selected dis-
tance from the vehicle traveling in front of
you according to that vehicle’s speed (up
to the set speed), or at the set speed when
the road ahead is clear.

The ICC function can be set to one of two
cruise control modes:

. Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control

mode:
For maintaining a selected distance
between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you up to the preset speed.

. Conventional (fixed speed) cruise con-

trol mode:
For cruising at a preset speed.

WARNING

.

Always drive carefully and attentively
when using either cruise control mode.
Read and understand the Owner’s Man-
ual thoroughly before using the cruise
control. 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 cruise control except in appropriate
road and traffic conditions.

.

In the conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control mode, a warning chime will not
sound to warn you if you are too close to
the vehicle ahead. Pay special attention
to the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle ahead of you or a collision
could occur.

INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL (ICC)
SYSTEM (if so equipped)

Condition:

Black plate (339,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

SSD0604

1.

Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode

2.

Conventional (fixed speed) cruise con-
trol mode

SELECTING THE VEHICLE-TO-VEHI-
CLE DISTANCE CONTROL MODE

Push the MAIN switch

*

A

to choose the

cruise control mode between the vehicle-
to-vehicle distance control mode

*

1

and

the conventional (fixed speed) cruise con-
trol mode

*

2

.

Always confirm the setting in the Intelligent
Cruise Control system display.

For the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode, see the following description. For
the “Conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control mode” (P.5-42).

To choose the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode

*

1

, quickly push and release

the MAIN switch

*

A

.

Once a control mode is activated, it cannot
be changed to the other cruise control
mode. To change the mode, push the MAIN
switch once to turn the system off. Then
push the MAIN switch again to turn the
system back on and select the desired
cruise control mode.

VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE DISTANCE
CONTROL MODE

In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode, the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system automatically maintains a selected
distance from the vehicle traveling in front
of you according to that vehicle’s speed
(up to the set speed), or at the set speed
when the road ahead is clear.

With ICC, the driver can maintain the same
speed as other vehicles without the con-
stant need to adjust the set speed as you
would with a normal cruise control system.

Starting and driving

5-25

Condition:

Black plate (340,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

5-26

Starting and driving

SSD0926

Sedan

SSD1170

Coupe — Type A

SSD1169

Coupe — Type B

PRECAUTIONS ON VEHICLE-TO-VE-
HICLE DISTANCE CONTROL MODE

The system is intended to enhance the
operation of the vehicle when following a
vehicle 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 so that your
vehicle follows the vehicle in front at the
selected distance.

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

sary.

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.

.

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 congested areas.

.

This system will not adapt automatically
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.

The distance sensor will not detect under
most conditions:

. Stationary and slow moving vehicles
. Pedestrians or objects in the roadway

Condition:

Black plate (341,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

. Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
. Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel

lane

This system will not automatically brake
the vehicle to a stop.

WARNING

.

As there is a performance limit to the
distance control function, never rely
solely on the Intelligent Cruise Control
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.

.

Although the brake operation is con-
trolled by the system, the system does
not automatically stop the vehicle. If the
vehicle speed falls below approximately
20 MPH (32 km/h), the Intelligent Cruise
Control system is automatically canceled
and a warning chime sounds. (The brake
control is also canceled.)

.

The system may not detect the vehicle in
front of you in certain road or weather
conditions. To avoid accidents, never use
the Intelligent Cruise Control system
under the following conditions:

— On roads where the traffic is heavy

or there are sharp curves

— On slippery road surfaces such as

on ice or snow, etc.

— During bad weather (rain, fog, snow,

etc.)

When the windshield wiper is oper-
ated at the low speed (LO) or high
speed (HI) position, the Intelligent
Cruise Control system is automati-
cally canceled.

— 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 (the vehi-

cle may go beyond the set vehicle
speed and frequent braking may
result in overheating the brakes)

— On repeated uphill and downhill

roads

— When traffic conditions make it

difficult to keep a proper distance
between vehicles because of fre-
quent acceleration or deceleration

.

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 ICC system
when it is not recommended in this
section.

Starting and driving

5-27

Condition:

Black plate (342,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

5-28

Starting and driving

SSD0926

Sedan

SSD1170

Coupe — Type A

SSD1169

Coupe — Type B

VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE DISTANCE
CONTROL MODE OPERATION

Always pay attention to the operation of
the vehicle and be ready to manually
control the proper following distance. The
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode of
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
may not be able to maintain the selected
distance between vehicles (following dis-
tance) or selected vehicle speed under
some circumstances.

The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode uses a sensor

*

A

located on the

front of the vehicle to detect vehicles

traveling ahead. The sensor generally
detects the signals returned from the
reflectors on a vehicle ahead. Therefore, if
the sensor cannot detect the reflector on
the vehicle ahead, the ICC system may not
maintain the selected distance.

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 trunk of
your vehicle

The ICC system is designed to automati-
cally check the sensor’s operation within
the limitations of the system. When the

Condition:

Black plate (343,1)

[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]

sensor is covered with dirt or obstructs, the
system will automatically be canceled. If
the sensor is covered with ice, a transpar-
ent or translucent vinyl bag, etc., the ICC
system may not detect them. In these
instances, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode may not cancel and may not
be able to maintain the selected following
distance from the vehicle ahead. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor regularly.

The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode is designed to maintain a selected
distance and reduce the speed to match
the slower vehicle ahead; the system will
decelerate the vehicle as necessary. How-
ever, the ICC system can only apply up to
25% of the vehicles total braking power.
This system should only be used when
traffic conditions allow vehicle speeds to
remain fairly constant or when vehicle
speeds change gradually. If a vehicle
moves into the traveling lane ahead or if
a vehicle traveling ahead rapidly decele-
rates, the distance between vehicles may
become closer because the ICC system
cannot decelerate the vehicle quickly en-
ough. If this occurs, the ICC system will
sound a warning chime and blink the
system display to notify the driver to take

necessary action.

The system will cancel and a warning
chime will sound if the speed falls below
approximately 20 MPH (32 km/h). The
system will also disengage below the 20
MPH (32 km/h) cut-off speed or over the
maximum set speed.

See “Approach warning” (P.5-38).

The following items are controlled in the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode:

. When there are no vehicles traveling

ahead, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode maintains the speed set
by the driver. The set speed range is
between approximately 25 and 90 MPH
(40 and 144 km/h).

. When there is a vehicle traveling ahead,

the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode adjusts the speed to maintain the
distance, selected by driver, from the
vehicle ahead. The adjusting speed
range is between approximately 20
MPH (32 km/h) and up to the set
speed.

. When the vehicle traveling ahead has

moved out from its lane of travel, the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode accelerates and maintains vehi-

cle speed up to the set speed.

The ICC 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 when approaching toll gates or
traffic congestion.

Starting and driving

5-29

Condition: