Infiniti QX: Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode operation - Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system (if so equipped) - Starting and driving - Infiniti QX Owner's ManualInfiniti QX: Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode operation

Always pay attention to the operation of

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 distance) 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 luggage area of your vehicle.
► When your vehicle is towing a trailer, etc. The ICC system is designed to automatically check the sensor’s operation within the limitation of the system. When the sensor is covered with dirt or obstructs, the system will automatically be canceled. If the sensor is covered with ice, a transparent 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, and if the vehicle ahead comes to a stop, the vehicle decelerates to a standstill. However, 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 decelerates, the distance between vehicles may become closer because the ICC system cannot decelerate the vehicle quickly enough. 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 15 MPH (24 km/h) and a vehicle is not detected ahead. The system will also disengage when the vehicle goes above the maximum set speed. See “Approach warning” later in this section. 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 20 and 90 MPH (32 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 up to the set speed. 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.
► When the vehicle traveling ahead has moved out from its lane of travel, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode accelerates and maintains vehicle 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.

The detection zone of the ICC sensor is

The detection zone of the ICC sensor is limited. A vehicle ahead must be in the detection zone for the vehicle-to-vehicle distance detection mode to maintain the selected distance from the vehicle ahead. 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 ICC 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.

When driving on some roads, such as

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

When driving on the freeway at a set speed

When driving on the freeway at a set speed and approaching a slower traveling vehicle ahead, the ICC system will adjust the speed to maintain the distance, selected by the driver, from the vehicle ahead. If the vehicle ahead changes lanes or exits the freeway, the ICC system will accelerate and maintain the speed up to the set speed. Pay attention to the driving operation to maintain control of the vehicle as it accelerates to the set speed. The vehicle may not maintain the set speed on winding or hilly roads. If this occurs, you will have to manually control the vehicle speed.

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system switch

The system is operated by a MAIN switch and four control switches, all mounted on the steering wheel. 1. RESUME/ACCELERATE switch: Resumes set speed or increases speed incrementally. 2. SET/COAST switch: Sets desired cruise speed, reduces speed incrementally. 3. CANCEL switch: Deactivates the system without erasing the set speed. 4. DISTANCE switch: Changes the vehicle’s following distance:

► Long
► Middle
► Short

5. MAIN switch: Master switch to activate the system

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system display and indicators

The display is located between the speedometer

The display is located between the speedometer and tachometer. 1. MAIN switch indicator: Indicates that the MAIN switch is ON. 2. Vehicle ahead detection indicator: Indicates whether it detects a vehicle in front of you. 3. Set distance indicator: Displays the selected distance between vehicles set with the DISTANCE switch.

4. Indicates your vehicle 5. Set vehicle speed indicator: Indicates the set vehicle speed. For Canadian models, the speed is displayed in km/h. 6. Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system warning light (orange): The light comes on if there is a malfunction in the ICC system.

When the ignition switch is pushed to the

When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON position, the indicators come on as illustrated to check for a burned-out bulb, and it turns off when the engine is started.

Operating vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode

To turn on the cruise control, quickly push

To turn on the cruise control, quickly push and release the MAIN switch A on. The MAIN switch indicator, set distance indicator and set vehicle speed indicator come on and in a standby state for setting.

To set cruising speed, accelerate your

To set cruising speed, accelerate your vehicle to the desired speed, push the SET/COAST switch and release it. (Vehicle ahead detection indicator, set distance indicator and set vehicle speed indicator come on.) Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will maintain the set speed.

When the SET/COAST switch is pushed

When the SET/COAST switch is pushed under the following conditions, the system cannot be set and the set vehicle speed indicator will blink for approximately 2 seconds:
► When traveling below 20 MPH (32 km/h) and a vehicle ahead is not detected.
► When the selector lever is not in the D or Manual mode.
► When the windshield wipers are operating at high speed. The system may cancel when the wipers are set to the AUTO position.
► When the brakes are operated by the driver.
► When the parking brake is applied

When the SET/COAST switch is pushed

When the SET/COAST switch is pushed under the following conditions, the system cannot be set. A warning chime will sound and the set vehicle speed indicator 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” later in this section.
► 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®” earlier in this section.
► 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” later in this section.
► When ABS or VDC (including the traction control system) is operating
► When driving into a strong light (for example sunlight)
► 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.)

1. System set display with vehicle ahead

1. System set display with vehicle ahead
2. System set display without vehicle ahead

System operation

Normally when controlling the distance to a WARNING
Normally when controlling the distance to a vehicle ahead, this system automatically accelerates or decelerates your vehicle according to the speed of the vehicle ahead. Depress the accelerator to properly accelerate your vehicle when acceleration is required for a lane change. Depress the brake pedal when deceleration is required to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle ahead due to its sudden braking or if a vehicle cuts in. Always stay alert when using the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system.

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:

When a vehicle is no longer detected ahead, the ICC system gradually accelerates your vehicle to resume the previously set vehicle speed. The ICC system then maintains the set speed. When a vehicle is no longer detected the vehicle ahead detection indicator turns off.

If a vehicle ahead appears during acceleration to the set vehicle speed or any time the ICC system is in operation, the system controls the distance to that vehicle. When a vehicle is no longer detected under approximately 15 MPH (24 km/h), the system will be cancelled.

When passing another vehicle, the set

When passing another vehicle, the set vehicle speed indicator will flash when the vehicle speed exceeds the set speed. The vehicle detect indicator will turn off when the area ahead of the vehicle is open. When the pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the previously set speed. Even though your vehicle speed is set in the ICC system, you can depress the accelerator pedal when it is necessary to accelerate your vehicle rapidly. How to change set vehicle speed To cancel the preset speed, use any of these methods:

► Push the CANCEL switch. The set vehicle speed indicator will go out.
► Tap the brake pedal. The set vehicle speed indicator will go out.
► Turn the MAIN switch off. Both the MAIN switch indicator and set vehicle speed indicator will go out. 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 SET/COAST switch.
► Push and hold the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. The set vehicle speed will increase by approximately 5 MPH or 5 km/h.
► Push, then quickly release the RESUME/ ACCELERATE switch. Each time you do this, the set speed will increase by approximately 1 MPH or 1 km/h. To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one of the following methods:
► Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push the SET/COAST switch and release it.
► Push and hold the SET/COAST switch. The set vehicle speed will decrease by approximately 5 MPH or 5 km/h.
► Push, then quickly release the SET/ COAST switch. Each time you do this, the set speed will decrease by approximately 1 MPH or 1 km/h. To resume the preset speed, push and release the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. The vehicle will resume the last set cruising speed when the vehicle speed is over 20 MPH (32 km/h).

How to change set distance to vehicle ahead

The distance to the vehicle ahead can be

The distance to the vehicle ahead can be selected at any time depending on the traffic conditions. Each time the DISTANCE switch A is pushed, the set distance will change to long, middle, short and back to long again in that sequence.

► The distance to the vehicle ahead will

► The distance to the vehicle ahead will change according to the vehicle speed. The higher the vehicle speed, the longer the distance.
► If the engine is stopped, the set distance becomes “long”. (Each time the engine is started, the initial setting becomes “long”.). 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 Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system display. Decelerate by depressing the brake pedal to maintain a safe vehicle distance if:
► The chime sounds.
► The vehicle ahead detection and set distance indicator blink. 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 vehicles is increasing.
► When a vehicle cuts in near your vehicle The warning chime will not sound in the following cases:
► When your vehicle approaches vehicles that are parked or moving slowly.
► When the accelerator pedal is depressed, overriding the system

NOTE:

NOTE:

The approach warning chime may sound and the system display may blink when the ICC sensor detects some reflectors A which are fitted on vehicles in other lanes or on the side of the road. This may cause the ICC system to decelerate or accelerate the vehicle. The ICC sensor may detect these reflectors when the vehicle is driven on winding roads, hilly roads or when entering or exiting a curve. The ICC 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).

Automatic cancellation

A chime sounds under the following conditions and the control is automatically canceled.
► When the vehicle speed falls below approximately 15 MPH (24 km/h)
► When the system judges the vehicle is at a standstill
► When the selector lever is shifted to the N (Neutral) position
► When the windshield wipers are operating at high speed. The system may cancel when the wipers are set to the AUTO position.
► When the VDC is turned off
► When the ABS or VDC operates
► 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 driving into a strong light (for example sunlight)
► When distance measurement becomes impaired due to adhesion of dirt or obstruction to the sensor
► When a wheel slips

Warning light and display

Condition A:

Condition A:

The chime sounds and the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system is canceled automatically in the conditions described below. Part of the system display will come on or blink, making it impossible to set.

► When the VDC is turned off
► When the ABS or VDC operates
► When a tire slips
► When driving into a strong light (for example sunlight)
► When the SNOW mode switch is pushed on
► When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H or 4L position (for 4WD models)

Action to take:

When the conditions listed above are no longer present, turn the system off using the ICC MAIN switch. Turn the ICC system back on to use the system.

Condition B:

Condition B:

When the sensor window is dirty, making it impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the ICC system is automatically canceled. The chime sounds and the ICC 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.

Condition C:

Condition C:

When the ICC system is not operating properly, the chime sounds and the system warning light (orange) will come on.

Action to take:

If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the engine, resume driving and set the ICC system again.

If it is not possible to set the system or the indicator stays on, it may indicate that the ICC system is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is still driveable under normal conditions, have the vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.

Sensor maintenance

The sensor for the Intelligent Cruise Control

The sensor for the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system A is located below the front bumper. To keep the ICC system operating properly, be sure to observe the following:
► Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe with a soft cloth carefully so as not to damage the sensor.
► Do not strike or damage the areas around the sensor. Do not touch or remove the screw located on the sensor. Doing so could cause failure or malfunction. If the sensor is damaged due to an accident, contact an INFINITI retailer.
► Do not attach a sticker (including transparent material) or install an accessory near the sensor. This could cause failure or malfunction.

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