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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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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The jack should be used on level firm
ground.
2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two
turns by turning counterclockwise with
the wheel nut wrench. Do not remove
the wheel nuts until the tire is off the
ground.
3. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire
clears the ground. To lift the vehicle,
securely hold the jack lever and rod
with both hands as shown above. Re-
move the wheel nuts, and then re-
move the tire.
WARNING O Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by the jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support it
with safety stands.
O Use only the jack provided with your ve-
hicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use the
jack provided with your vehicle on other
vehicles. The jack is designed for lifting
only your vehicle during a tire change. O Never use any other part of the vehicle
for jack support.
O Never jack up the vehicle more than nec-
essary.
O Never use blocks on or under the jack.
O Do not start or run the engine while ve-
hicle is on the jack. This is especially
true for vehicles with limited slip differ-
entials.
O Do not allow passengers to stay in the
vehicle while it is on the jack. SCE0504
6-6 In case of emergency
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REMOVING SPOTS Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as pos-
sible from the surface of the paint to
avoid lasting damage or staining. Special
cleaning products are available at an
INFINITI dealer or any automotive acces-
sory store.
UNDERBODY In areas where road salt is used in winter,
the underbody must be cleaned regularly.
This will prevent dirt and salt from
building up and causing underbody and
suspension corrosion. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the under-
seal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.
GLASS Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is
normal for glass to become coated with a
film after the vehicle is parked in the hot
sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will
easily remove this film. CAUTION When cleaning the inside of the windows, do
not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant
cleaners. They could damage the electrical
conductors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS Wash regularly, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used.
Salt could discolor the wheel if not re-
moved.
CHROME PARTS Clean all chrome parts regularly with a
non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain
the finish.
TIRE DRESSING INFINITI does not recommend the use of
tire dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a
coating to the tires to help reduce discol-
oration of the rubber. If a tire dressing is
applied to the tires, it may react with the
coating and form a compound. This com- pound may come off the tire while driving
and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take
the following precautions:
O Use a water-based tire dressing. The
coating on the tire dissolves more
easily with an oil-based tire dressing.
O Apply a light coat of tire dressing to
help prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be diffi-
cult to remove).
O Wipe off excess tire dressing using a
dry towel. Make sure the tire dressing
is completely removed from the tire
tread/grooves.
O Allow the tire dressing to dry as rec-
ommended by tire dressing manufac-
turer.
Appearance and care
7-3
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SEAT BELTS The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping
them with a sponge dampened in a mild
soap solution. Allow the belts to dry com-
pletely before using them. See ªSeat belt
maintenanceº in the ª1. Safety Ð Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint sys-
temº section.
WARNINGDo not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the
retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or
chemical solvents to clean the seat belts,
since these materials may severely weaken
the seat belt webbing. MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION O The accumulation of moisture-
retaining dirt and debris in body panel
sections, cavities, and other areas.
O Damage to paint and other protective
coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION
Moisture Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on
the vehicle body underside can accelerate
corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not dry
completely inside the vehicle, and should
be removed for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.
Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of
high relative humidity, especially those
areas where the temperatures stay above
freezing and where atmospheric pollution
exists and road salt is used. Temperature A temperature increase will accelerate the
rate of corrosion to those parts which are
not well ventilated.
Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt
in the air in coastal areas, or heavy road
salt use will accelerate the corrosion pro-
cess. Road salt will also accelerate the
disintegration of paint surfaces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION O Wash and wax your vehicle often to
keep it clean.
O Always check for minor damage to the
paint and repair it as soon as pos-
sible.
O Keep drain holes at the bottom of the
doors open to avoid water accumula-
tion.
O Check the underbody for accumulation
of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash
with water as soon as possible.CORROSION PROTECTION
Appearance and care
7-5
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Your new INFINITI has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with longer service intervals to save you
both time and money. However, some day-
to-day and regular maintenance is essen-
tial to maintain your INFINITI's fine me-
chanical condition, as well as its emission
and engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make
sure that the specified maintenance as
well as the general maintenance are per-
formed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only
one who can ensure that your vehicle re-
ceives the proper maintenance care. You
are a vital link in the maintenance chain.
Scheduled maintenance:
For your convenience, both required and
optional scheduled maintenance items
are described and listed in your ªINFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guideº. You
must refer to that guide to ensure that
necessary maintenance is performed on
your INFINITI at regular intervals.
General maintenance:
General maintenance includes those
items which should be checked during
normal day-to-day operation. They are es- sential for proper vehicle operation. It is
your responsibility to perform these main-
tenance procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.
Performing general maintenance checks
requires minimal mechanical skill and
only a few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done
by you, a qualified technician, or, if you
prefer, an INFINITI dealer.
Where to go for service:
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced by an
INFINITI dealer.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through tech-
nical bulletins, service tips, and in-
dealership information systems. They are
completely qualified to work on INFINITI
vehicles before work begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI
dealer's service department performs the
best job to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle Ð in a
reliable and economic way. During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smell, be sure to
check for the cause or have an INFINITI
dealer perform it promptly. In addition,
you should notify an INFINITI dealer if you
think the repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the ªMainte-
nance precautionsº later in this section.MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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KEYFOB (except Intelligent Key) Replace the battery as follows:
1. Open the lid using a suitable tool
q A
. 2. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery: CR2025 or
equivalent
Make sure that the ! side faces the
bottom case.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Push the keyfob button two or three
times to check its operation.
See an INFINITI dealer if you need any as-
sistance for replacement.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4
above.
O Be careful not to touch the circuit board
and the battery terminal.
O An improperly disposed battery can
harm the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
O The keyfob is water-resistant; how-
ever, if it gets wet, immediately wipe it
completely dry.
O When changing batteries, do not let
dust or oil get on the keyfob. FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause un-
desired operation of the device.
SDI1731KEYFOB BATTERY REPLACEMENT
8-28 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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performance problems and/or fuel system
damage.
O The fuel must be unleaded and have an
octane rating no lower than that recom-
mended for unleaded gasoline.
O If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
O If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanol
blends may cause fuel system damage
and/or vehicle performance problems.
At this time, sufficient data is not avail-
able to ensure that all methanol blends
are suitable for use in INFINITI vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as en-
gine stalling and hard hot starting are ex-
perienced after using oxygenate-blend fu-
els, immediately change to a non-
oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a low blend
of MTBE. Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
E-85 fuel E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately
85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gaso-
line. E-85 can only be used in a Flexible
Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do not use E-85 fuel in
your vehicle. U.S. government regulations
require fuel ethanol dispensing pumps to
be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives INFINITI does not recommend the use of
any aftermarket fuel additives (i.e. fuel in-
jector cleaner, octane booster, intake
valve deposit removers, etc.) which are
sold commercially. Many of these addi-
tives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to
the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark knock
even when using gasoline of the stated oc-
tane rating, or if you hear steady spark
knock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have your dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which INFINITI
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in
knocking, after-run or overheating. This in
turn may cause excessive fuel consump-
tion or damage to the engine. If any of the
above symptoms are encountered, have
your vehicle checked at an INFINITI dealer
or other competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while ac-
celerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-4 Technical and consumer information
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