Technology & How-To
How to Use INFINITI ProPILOT Assist: A Beginner’s Guide
Mastering the art of the high-tech co-pilot without the steep learning curve.
Driving has evolved from a purely mechanical task into a digital partnership. For INFINITI owners, the centerpiece of this partnership is ProPILOT Assist. It isn't a "self-driving" system in the way sci-fi movies promised, but rather a sophisticated semi-autonomous suite designed to take the edge off long highway slogs and gridlocked commutes.
The Steering Wheel: Your Command Center
To use ProPILOT Assist, you don't need to dive into complex touchscreen menus. Everything is controlled via the right-hand side of your steering wheel. Here is the breakdown of the buttons you need to know:
- The Blue ProPILOT Button: This is the "Master Switch." Pressing this initiates the system and puts it into standby mode. You'll see the ProPILOT icon appear on your instrument cluster.
- SET / - Toggle: Once you reach your desired cruising speed, toggle this down to "SET." The system will now take over throttle and braking duties to maintain that speed.
- RES / + Toggle: Use this to increase your set speed or resume ProPILOT after you’ve tapped the brakes.
- Distance Button: Represented by a car with horizontal bars underneath, this allows you to choose how much space you want between you and the car ahead (Short, Medium, or Long).
Decoding the Dashboard Icons
The instrument cluster uses color-coded icons to tell you exactly what the car is doing. Understanding these is vital for a smooth experience:
| Icon Color | What It Means |
|---|---|
| White / Grey | System is in standby. It is ready to be set but is not currently controlling the vehicle. |
| Green | System is active. When the steering wheel icon turns green, Steering Assist is now providing centering input. |
| Blue (2.1 Only) | In newer models with ProPILOT 2.1, blue indicates "Hands-Off" mode is active on compatible HD-mapped highways. |
Know the Limits: When to Take Over
ProPILOT Assist is a "hands-on" system (unless you have the 2.1 version in a QX80). It uses a camera behind the rearview mirror and radar in the front grille. Because it relies on visibility, it has clear safety limitations:
Crucial Tip: If the windshield wipers are on "High," Steering Assist will automatically cancel. The system assumes visibility is too poor for the camera to reliably track lane lines.
- Faded Lane Markings: If the road paint is worn or covered by snow/debris, the steering icon will turn grey, and you must steer manually.
- Tight Curves: The system is designed for highway curves. If a curve is too sharp, the car may alert you to take over immediately.
- Direct Sunlight: Driving directly into a low-hanging sun can "blind" the camera, causing Steering Assist to disengage.
- The 3-Second Rule: In stop-and-go traffic, if the car stops for more than 3 seconds, you must tap the "RES" button or the gas pedal to start moving again.
ProPILOT Assist is meant to reduce the "micro-stress" of driving, not replace the driver. By keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the icons, you can turn a grueling road trip into a much more relaxed experience.