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Disable VSP?

30972 Views 36 Replies 18 Participants Last post by  mitsuboost
As most of you know, Q50 hybrids have a wonderfully annoying feature called VSP. Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians.
It makes artificial engine noises at less than 19mph. It also beeps (like a commercial truck noise) when reverse is selected. I have read in a few places you can turn it off. The switch is supposed to be down near the trunk opening button. I don't have the switch on my US model. I'm guessing Infiniti wasn't allowed to include it in US models.

-Does anyone know how to disable the beeping noise (fuse...menu setting...etc.)?

Thanks!
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I doubt VSP (is a safety warning) can be turned off unless you get in the software control of the car but go ahead read your Owners Manual. You can't hear VSP spounds unless you are outside the car or windows down.

Get a copy of ESM section: VSP (Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians)- it explains how the system works and controls.
The switch by the trunk release is for VDC (vehicle dynamic control), not VSP. We turn off traction control with VDC. Do not think we can disable VSP.
I have had a few clients asking about this question. I talked to our techs and they don't know how to do it yet. There has to be a way to do this, it just needs to be figured out. Once something comes up, I will post it on here.
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I have had a few clients asking about this question. I talked to our techs and they don't know how to do it yet. There has to be a way to do this, it just needs to be figured out. Once something comes up, I will post it on here.
the only way to do it is to install a switch with wires which runs from the VSP control unit (in the trunk) of the the car.
As most of you know, Q50 hybrids have a wonderfully annoying feature called VSP. Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians.
It makes artificial engine noises at less than 19mph. It also beeps (like a commercial truck noise) when reverse is selected. I have read in a few places you can turn it off. The switch is supposed to be down near the trunk opening button. I don't have the switch on my US model. I'm guessing Infiniti wasn't allowed to include it in US models.

-Does anyone know how to disable the beeping noise (fuse...menu setting...etc.)?

Thanks!
Absolutely. How dare the powers that be to require that we be annoyed by those loud noises! I think it's ridiculous that we aren't able to "surprise" pedestrians when we pull up beside them! We should be able to see them jump five feet in the air when we hit our horn next to them, when they aren't aware that we are there. As far as the beeping when we're backing up, well, they'll just have to be more careful, or we'll sue them for messing up our rear bumper. Every man for himself!!! Sheeesh!
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Every man for himself!!!
I know right. :p

Why don't those blind pedestrians and inattentive people respect the silence of EV mode...As a cyclist in a metro area I have found these systems useful on more than one occasion.

The earliest Leaf actually was the first vehicle to offer this following passage of legislation in 2010 requiring this type of system.

I was thinking about proving a how to for this until I realized it is required by law. Sorry.
I just want to disable the beeping in reverse...not the "engine" noise.

It's okay to allow me to disable BCI (backup collision intervention...see, I read the manual :D), but I can't shut off the beeping?
About couple of months ago, our neighbor Prius (probably the very first generation) back up and passed us without me notice it. We were all shocked that a vehicle sudden appeared out of nowhere. The reason is because there was no sound from that Prius. We sat on a chair behind a SUV which blindside both that Prius driver and me. If my 1.8 months daughter get out of her chair and walk out, she probably would have hit by the Prius. I would be ****. Normally, if I heard a vehicle sound, I would hold my daughter so she wouldn't able to move.
I am very glad there is a law that required VSP sound from all hybrid/electric vehicle. It only take 1 accident to ruin all families member life. This is something to be considered.
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Does anyone have an update to this subject? I would really like to turn this feature off on my Q50 Hybrid.
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Being a system that functions over the CAN network it seems unlikely that diabling this system will go unnoticed by the other cpus on the network.

Furthermore since 2010 there has been a Federal requirement that all EVs and HEVs have warning systems for peds. (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/s841/text)
I am no expert, but I would think that if any driver were to bypass or "hack" this system and someone were to be injured, they would be liable...especially if they posted a how-to publicly.
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Does anyone have an update to this subject? I would really like to turn this feature off on my Q50 Hybrid.
Ready to face legal consequences?
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I know the back up ding-a-ling sounds a little on the dainty side and you'd probably rather hold your wife's purse at a rodeo than back up in front of your friends, but without it no one has any audio cue that you are about to move 4,000 lbs. in a direction that your physical eyes aren't looking. That's part of why I am so glad the car has the back-up collision intervention on top of already alerting the parking lot to my car's feminine side when I'm in reverse. I've already startled pedestrians who had no idea I was there even with the VSP so I would never want to mess with these systems. Even a moderate speed demon has to draw the line somewhere.

Look at the bright side, most people go to jail for showing off their ding-a-lings in a public parking lot.
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The blank space between the trunk release and traction control buttons near your left knee is where this button is located- on non-US models. I remember seeing somewhere in the service manual.


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I have a button there. It alternates the beeps to La Cucaracha. You guys don't have that?

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Infiniti must have charged you extra for thatv?
It was factory installed! Seriously, I thought this was as normal for a Japanese car as the hamuketsu photo book I found in the glove box.
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I just want to disable the beeping in reverse...not the "engine" noise...
Why??? Trying to run someone over? Those **** kids riding their bikes in your driveway again?
There sure are some weird threads on this forum. I think I'll head back over to the Mercedes R170 forum and restore my sanity.
Why??? Trying to run someone over? Those **** kids riding their bikes in your driveway again?
Nah, the backup collision intervention system keeps "intervening!" :)

But, I can turn that system off....so maybe I'll try again.

It makes zero sense that I can disable the backup collision intervention, but cannot disable that infernal beeping noise! :crying:

The next time you are in a parking lot, try to see if you can hear the engine of some little 4 banger as it's backing out. You can't.

It's an annoyance I have with the car. Is it a big deal? No. Did I think there was someone on here that might be able to help? Yes. I guess I was wrong. I'll continue to look around. Once I figure out how to do it, I promise I will never use the reverse feature of my car...;)
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