The full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) system
automatically changes the driving mode. ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) WARNING
LIGHT The AWD warning light is located on the
instrument panel.
The AWD warning light comes on when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON po-
sition. It turns off soon after the engine is
started.
If any malfunction occurs in the AWD sys-
tem while the engine is running, the
warning light will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about
twice per second) while trying to free a
stuck vehicle due to high power train oil
temperature. The driving mode may
change to 2 wheel drive. If the warning
light blinks rapidly during operation, stop
the vehicle with the engine idling in a
safe place immediately. Then if the light
goes off after a while, you can continue
driving.
A large difference between the diameters
of front and rear wheels will make the
warning light blink slowly (about once per
two seconds). Pull off the road in a safe
area, and idle the engine. Check that all
tire sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct and tires are not worn. If the warning light is blinking after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped vehicle
with two wheels on a two wheel dynamometer
and the other two wheels raised. Doing so may
result in transmission damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
CAUTION O Do not operate the engine on a free roller
when any of the wheels are raised.
O If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction in the
AWD system. Reduce the vehicle speed
and have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI dealer as soon as possible.
O Never drive on dry hard surface roads in
the SNOW mode, as this will over load
the power train and may cause a serious
malfunction.SSD0336AALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)
Starting and driving
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WARNINGDo not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Normal operation The ABS will not operate at speeds below
3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to stop the ve-
hicle. (The speeds will vary according to
road conditions.) When the anti-lock
system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator
(under the hood) rapidly applies and re-
leases hydraulic pressure (like pumping
the brakes very quickly). While the actua-
tor is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood.
This is normal and indicates that the ABS
is working properly. However, the ABS op-
eration may indicate that road conditions
are hazardous and extra care is required
while driving.
Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of
electronic sensors, electric pumps, and
hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com- puter. The computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each
time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or re-
verse. 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 any malfunction. If
the computer senses any malfunction, it
switches the ABS off and turns on the
ABS warning light in the instrument
panel. The brake system operates nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test
or while driving, take the vehicle to an
INFINITI dealer for repair.
WARNING The anti-lock brake system is a sophisticated
device, but it cannot prevent accidents re-
sulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain vehicle con-
trol during braking on slippery surfaces, but
remember that the stopping distance on slip-
pery surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with the anti-lock brake system. 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 self and others rests in the
hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also af-
fect braking effectiveness.
O When replacing tires, install the speci-
fied size of tires to the front and rear.
O When installing a spare tire, make sure it
is the proper size and type as specified
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See ªVehicle identificationº in the
ª9. Technical and consumer informa-
tionº section for the Tire and Loading In-
formation label location.
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When accelerating or driving on a slippery
surface, the tires may spin or slide. With
the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system, sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine
output to help improve vehicle stability.
O When the VDC system is operating,
the ªSLIPº indicator in the instrument
panel blinks.
O When only the Traction Control System
(TCS) portion of the VDC system is op-
erating, the ªSLIPº indicator in the in-
strument panel blinks.
O If the ªSLIPº indicator blinks, the road
conditions are slippery. Be sure to ad-
just your speed and driving to these
conditions. Be sure to drive carefully.
See ªSlip indicator lightº, and ªVe-
hicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indica-
tor lightº in the ª2. Instruments and
controlsº section.
O Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the ªSLIPº and ªVDC OFFº indicator
lights illuminate in the instrument
panel. As long as these indicators are
illuminated, the VDC system function
is canceled. The VDC system uses an Active Brake Lim-
ited Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle
traction. The ABLS system works when
one of the driving wheels is spinning on a
slippery surface. The ABLS system brakes
the spinning wheel which distributes the
driving power to the other driving wheel.
If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
system turned off, all VDC system func-
tions and TCS functions will be turned off.
The ABLS system and ABS will still op-
erate with the VDC system off. When the
ABLS system is activated, the ªSLIPº indi-
cator light will blink and 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.
While the VDC system is operating, you
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and
hear a noise or feel a vibration from under
the hood. This is normal and indicates that
the VDC system is working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move
the vehicle forward or backward. 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 indica-
tion of a malfunction. WARNING O The VDC system is designed to help im-
prove driving stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration at high speeds or due to careless
or dangerous driving. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
O If engine related parts such as muffler
are not standard equipment or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ªVDC OFFº in-
dicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both indi-
cator lights may illuminate.
O Do not modify the vehicle's suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars
and bushings are not INFINITI-approved
or are extremely deteriorated, the VDC
system may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle handling
performance, and the ªVDC OFFº indi-
cator or ªSLIPº indicator or both indi
cator lights may illuminate.VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
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O If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the ªVDC OFFº indicator or
ªSLIPº indicator or both indicator lights
may illuminate.
O When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
Vehicle Dynamic Control system may not
operate properly and the ªVDC OFFº indi-
cator or ªSLIPº indicator or both indi-
cator lights may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
O When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº
indicator or both indicator lights may il-
luminate. This is not a malfunction. Re-
start the engine after driving onto a
stable surface.
O If wheels or tires other than those rec-
ommended are used, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the ªVDC
OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate. O The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road. The Rear Active Steer (RAS) system is an
electronically controlled four-wheel
steering system.
The angle of the rear wheels are adjusted
by the RAS system, depending on the ve-
hicle speed and steering angle. The rear
wheels are designed to turn momentarily
in the opposite direction and then change
to the same direction as the front wheels.
At low speeds, the rear wheels will not
turn and the system functions as a two-
wheel steering system.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
RAS function will stop but the ordinary
two-wheel steering system will operate
normally. The ªRASº warning light will il-
luminate.
If the light illuminates while you are driv-
ing, contact an INFINITI dealer for repair.REAR ACTIVE STEER (RAS) SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
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WARNINGThe RAS system, although a sophisticated
device, cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. Ultimately the responsibility for
safety of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver. Therefore only through attentive
and careful driving methods can the RAS
system be fully appreciated and safety as-
sured. 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 antifreeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see
ªEngine cooling systemº in the ª8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourselfº section.
BATTERY If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely 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. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain plug located under the
radiator. Refill before operating the ve-
hicle. See ªEngine cooling systemº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº sec-
tion for changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance
of these tires will be substantially re-
duced 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
an INFINITI dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability in-
formation.
2. For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However,
some provinces and states prohibit
their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial laws before installing studded
tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires, on wet or dry sur-
faces, 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 in-COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-30 Starting and driving
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stalled according to the chain manu-
facturer's suggestions. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their
use. Check local state and provincial
laws before installing tire chains. Use
only SAE Class S chains. Class ªSº
chains are used on vehicles with re-
stricted tire to vehicle clearance. Ve-
hicles that can use Class ªSº chains
are designed to meet the SAE stan-
dard minimum clearances between the
tire and the closest vehicle suspen-
sion or body component required to
accommodate the use of a winter trac-
tion device (tire chains or cables). The
minimum clearances are determined
using the factory equipped tire size.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end
links of the tire chain must be secured
or removed to prevent the possibility
of damage to the fenders or under-
body. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In
addition, drive at a reduced speed.
Otherwise, your vehicle may be dam-
aged and/or vehicle handling and per-
formance may be adversely affected. O Never install the tire chains on TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tires.
O Do not use the tire chains on dry roads.
O The tire chains must be installed only
on the rear wheels and not on the front
wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved
roads which are clear of snow. Driving
with chains in such conditions can
cause damage to the various mecha-
nisms of the vehicle due to some over-
stress.
4. For all-wheel drive (AWD):
If you install snow tires, they must
also be the same size, brand, con-
struction and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
O a scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
O a sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support. O a shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snow-drifts.
O extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING O Wet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or ªgripº under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or sanded.
O Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
O Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
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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. TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS) This vehicle is equipped with the tire pres-
sure monitoring system (TPMS). It monitors
tire pressure of all tires except the spare.
When the low tire pressure warning light is
lit, or flashing continuously one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. If
the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning
light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16
MPH (25 km/h). For more details, refer to
ªWarning/indicator lights and audible re-
mindersº in the ª2. Instruments and con-
trolsº section and ªTire pressure moni-
toring system (TPMS)º in the ª5. Starting
and drivingº section.
WARNING O If the low tire pressure warning light illu-
minates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road to
a safe location and stop the vehicle as
soon as possible. Serious vehicle damage could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for all
four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information label
to turn the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a
spare tire as soon as possible.
O When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, tire pressure will not be indi-
cated, the TPMS will not function and the
low tire pressure warning light will flash.
Contact your INFINITI dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
O Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
O
Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire
sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE If you have a flat tire, follow the instruc-
tions below.ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FLAT TIRE
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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 trans-
mission into the R (Reverse) position
(automatic transmission into the P
(Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic,
and to signal professional road assis-
tance personnel that you need assis-
tance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the ve-
hicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNINGO Make sure the parking brake is securely
applied and the manual transmission is
shifted into R (Reverse), 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 profes-
sional road assistance.
Blocking wheels Place suitable blocks
q 1
at both the front
and back of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the flat tire to prevent the vehicle
from moving when it is jacked up.
WARNING Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and result in personal injury. MCE0001A
In case of emergency
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