
O Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
O Maintenance items should be checked pe-
riodically, e.g., each time you check engine
oil.
O Check that all windows and lights are clean.
O Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also, check tires for proper
inflation.
O Lock all doors.
O Position seat and adjust head restraints.
O Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
O Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
O Check the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position. 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate un-
less the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
O If the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it then
crank the engine. Release the key and the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
O If the engine is very hard to start because it
is flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it. Crank the
engine for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
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During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow
these recommendations to obtain maximum
engine performance and ensure the future
reliability and economy of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and reduced
engine performance.
O Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
O Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
O Avoid quick starts.
O Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
O Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km). O Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
O Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel
economy.
O Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
O Use a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
O Avoid unnecessary engine idling. O Keep your engine tuned up.
O Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
O Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear
and waste fuel.
O Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.
O Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
O When cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air conditioner
and leave the windows closed to reduce
drag. SD1001M
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving
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cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of yourself
and others rests in the hands of the
driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
O When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
O When installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See ªVe-
hicle identificationº in the ª10. Tech-
nical and consumer informationº sec- tion for tire placard location. When driving on slippery surfaces or suddenly
avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle might
swerve or slip. With the vehicle dynamics
control (VDC) system, sensors detect these
movements and control the braking and en-
gine output to help improve vehicle stability
while driving.
O When the vehicle dynamics control system
is operating, the slip indicator in the instru-
ment panel blinks.
O When only the traction control system por-
tion of the vehicle dynamics control system
is operating, the slip indicator will also blink.
O If the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is
under slippery conditions. Be sure to drive
carefully. See ªSlip indicator lightº, and ªVe-
hicle dynamics control off indicator lightº in
the ª2. Instruments and controlsº section.
O Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
SLIP and indicator lights come on in
the meter panel.
As long as these warning lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.
The VDC system uses a Brake Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) system to improve vehicle
traction. The brake LSD system works when
one of the driving wheels is spinning on aVEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM
Starting and driving
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slippery surface. The brake LSD system
brakes the spinning wheel which distributes
the driving power to the other drive wheel. If
the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dynam-
ics control system turned off, all VDC and TCS
functions will be turned off. The brake LSD
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. If the brake LSD system or the ABS
is activated, the slip indicator light will blink and
you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal.
While the VDC system is operating, you may
feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise or vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal
and is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNINGO The vehicle dynamics control system
is designed to help improve driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Re-
duce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering
on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
O If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs and bush-
ings are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the ve-
hicle dynamics control off indicator
light may come on.
O When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the vehicle dynamics control
system may not operate properly or
the vehicle dynamics control off indi-
cator light may come on. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
O If the tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle
dynamics control system may not op-
erate properly or the vehicle dynam- ics control off indicator light may
come on.
O The vehicle dynamics control system
is not a substitute for winter tires or
tire chains on a snow covered road.
5-22 Starting and driving
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.
ANTI-FREEZE In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see ªEngine Cool-
ing Systemº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
BATTERY If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see ªBatteryº in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain plug located under the radiator.
Refill before operating the vehicle. See ªEn-
gine cooling systemº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº
section for changing engine coolant. TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, INFINITI
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your INFINITI retailer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before in-
stalling studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are in- stalled according to the chain manufactur-
er's suggestions. Use only SAE Class S
chains. Class ªSº chains are used on ve-
hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class ªSº
chains are designed to meet the SAE stan-
dard minimum clearances between the tire
and the closest vehicle suspension or body
component required to accommodate the
use of a winter traction device (tire chains
or cables). The minimum clearances are
determined using the factory equipped tire
size. Other types may damage your ve-
hicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to pre-
vent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the fenders or underbody. If pos-
sible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a
reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare
tire. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT It is recommended that the following items beCOLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
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Every new INFINITI comes with a 4 year,
unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance plan.
In the event of a roadside emergency,
Roadside Assistance Service is available to
you. Please refer to your Warranty Booklet
(U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside assistance
information booklet (Canada) for details. Both
the Warranty Booklet and Roadside
Assistance Calling Card in your Owner's
Literature Portfolio provide the Toll-Free
Number to call for assistance. Roadside
Assistance is provided 24 hours a day, 365
days a year, for 4 years from the date sold to
give emergency roadside help, in the event of
mechanical or nonmechanical trouble(s) such
as flat tires, out-of-gas, dead battery, lost
keys, mechanical breakdown, accident, etc. CHANGING A FLAT TIRE If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle 1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into R (Reverse) position (automatic
transmission in P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING O Make sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R (Re- verse), or the automatic transmission
into P (Park).
O Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
O Never change tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM FLAT TIRE
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Stowing the damaged tire and tools Securely store the spare tire and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
WARNINGO Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
O The T-type spare tire and small size spare tire are designed for emer-
gency use. See ªWheels and tiresº in
the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
If needed Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-
free number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Road-
side assistance information booklet (Canada). To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING O If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could also
damage your vehicle.
O Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away from
the battery.
O Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
O Keep battery out of the reach of
children.SCE0384A SCE0425
JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency
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VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle) After removing the front license plate (or the
bumper cover), securely install the towing
hook
j 1
. (Located with jacking tools.)
Reinstall the license plate on the lower fitting
point.
WARNING O Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
O Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode
and result in serious injury. Parts of
your vehicle could also overheat and
be damaged. CAUTION O Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to the main structural
members of the vehicle.
O Always pull the cable straight out
from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull on the vehicle at an angle.
O Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.
O Pulling devices such as ropes or can-
vas straps are not recommended for
use in vehicle towing or recovery.SCE0396A SCE0427
In case of emergency
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