Precautions For Vehicle-To-Vehicle Distance Control Mode

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Nissan Murano. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

ICC system is only an aid to assist the driver and is not a collision warning or avoidance system. 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. Never use the system on roads with sharp curves or on icy roads, in heavy rain or in fog.
The ICC 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.
As there is a performance limit to the distance control function, never rely solely on the ICC system. This system does not correct careless, inattentive or absent-minded driving or overcome poor visibility in rain, fog, or other bad weather. Decelerate the vehicle speed by depressing the brake pedal, depending on the distance to the vehicle ahead and the surrounding circumstances in order to maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
If the vehicle ahead comes to a stop, the vehicle decelerates to a standstill within the limitations of the system. The system will cancel once it judges that the vehicle has come to a standstill and sound a warning chime. To prevent the vehicle from moving, the driver must depress the brake pedal.
The system may not detect the vehicle in front of the driver in certain road or weather conditions. To avoid accidents, never use the ICC 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 rain, snow or dirt clings to the ICC sensor.
- On steep downhill roads (the vehicle 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 frequent acceleration or deceleration.
- Never use the ICC system if own vehicle is towing a trailer. The system may not detect a vehicle ahead.
In some road or traffic conditions, a vehicle or object can unexpectedly come into the sensor detection zone and cause automatic braking. The driver 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 article.
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode uses a sensor located behind the front bumper of the vehicle to detect vehicles traveling ahead. The sensor generally detects the signals returned from the vehicle ahead. Therefore, if the sensor cannot detect the reflection from 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 snow or road spray from traveling vehicles reduces the sensor's visibility.
- When excessively heavy baggage is loaded in the rear seat or the luggage room of own vehicle.
The ICC system is designed to automatically check the sensor's operation within the limitation of the system. When the front bumper area of the ICC sensor is covered with dirt or is obstructed, the system will automatically cancel. If the front bumper area of the ICC 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 front bumper area of the ICC sensor regularly.
The ICC system does not control vehicle speed or warn the driver when own vehicle approaches stationary and slow moving vehicles. The driver 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 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 center line 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 the driver by blinking the system indicator and sounding the chime. The driver may have to manually control the proper distance from vehicle traveling ahead.

Fig 1: Identifying Detection Zone Of ICC Sensor (Straight Road)
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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 the driver by blinking the system indicator and sounding the chime unexpectedly. The driver will have to manually control the proper distance away from the vehicle traveling ahead.

Fig 2: Identifying Detection Zone Of ICC Sensor (Curved Or Narrow Road)
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
When driving on the freeway at a set speed and approaching a slower traveling vehicle ahead, the ICC 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, the driver will have to manually control the vehicle speed.

Fig 3: Identifying Detection Zone Of ICC Sensor (Driving On Freeway At Set Speed)
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Normally when controlling the distance to a vehicle ahead, this system automatically accelerates or decelerates own vehicle according to the speed of the vehicle ahead. Depress the accelerator to properly accelerate own 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 ICC system.
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).