MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Shifting To change gears, or when up shifting or
down shifting, fully depress the clutch
pedal, shift into the appropriate gear,
then slowly and smoothly release the
clutch.
This vehicle is equipped with a short
throw shifter manual transmission. To en-
sure smooth gear changes, fully depress
the clutch pedal before operating the shift
lever. If the clutch pedal is not fully de-
pressed before the transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be heard. Trans-
mission damage could occur.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear in se-
quence according to the vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and
then move it to the R (Reverse) position
after stopping the vehicle completely.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
the R (Reverse) or 1 position (Low gear),
shift to the N (Neutral) position, and then
release the clutch pedal once. Fully de-
press the clutch pedal again and shift
into the R or 1 position.
WARNING O Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
O Do not over-rev the engine when shifting
to a lower gear. This may cause a loss of
control or engine damage. CAUTION O Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may damage the
clutch.
O Fully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.
O Stop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
O When the vehicle is stopped for a period
of time, for example at a stop light, shift
to N (Neutral) and release the clutch
pedal with the foot brake applied.SSD0536
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To set at cruising speed, accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
SET/COAST switch and release it. (The
SET indicator light will come on.) Take
your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your
vehicle will maintain the set speed.
O To pass another vehicle, depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release
the pedal, the vehicle will return to
the previously set speed.
O The vehicle may not maintain the set
speed when going up or down steep
hills. If this happens, drive without the
cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed, follow either of
these three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL switch. The SET indi-
cator light will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal. The SET indicator
light will go out.
c) Turn the MAIN switch off. Both the
CRUISE indicator and SET indicator
lights will go out.
O If you depress the brake pedal while
pushing the RESUME/ACCELERATE
switch and reset at the cruising speed,
turn the MAIN switch off once and
then turn it on again. O The cruise control will automatically
be cancelled if the vehicle slows down
below approximately 8 MPH (13 km/h).
O If you depress the clutch pedal
(manual transmission), or move the
selector lever to the N (Neutral) posi-
tion (automatic transmission), the
cruise control will be canceled.
To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one
of the following methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When
the vehicle reaches the desired speed,
push and release the SET/COAST
switch.
b) Push and hold the RESUME/
ACCELERATE switch. When the vehicle
reaches the speed you desire, release
the switch.
c) Push, then quickly release the
RESUME/ACCELERATE set switch. This
will increase the vehicle speed by
about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h). To reset at a slower cruising speed, use
one of the following methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle reaches the desired speed,
push the SET/COAST switch and re-
lease it.
b) Push and hold the SET/COAST switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the SET/
COAST switch. This will decrease the
vehicle speed by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and re-
lease the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch.
The vehicle will resume the last set cruis-
ing speed when the vehicle speed is over
25 MPH (40 km/h).
Starting and driving
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BRAKING PRECAUTIONS The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunc-
tions, you will still have braking ability at
two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required
to stop the vehicle and the stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance will be
longer and the vehicle may pull to one
side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake
pedal to heat-up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the
brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes when-
ever the stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened or whenever the park-
ing brake shoes and/or drums/rotors are
replaced, in order to assure the best
braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by
your INFINITI dealer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating
of the brakes, increases wear on the
brakes and pads, and reduces gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce
speed and downshift to a lower gear be-
fore going down a slope or long grade.
Overheated brakes may reduce braking
performance and could result in loss of
vehicle control.
WARNING O While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel- erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
O If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for the
brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The anti-lock brake system (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slip-
pery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing
wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery sur-
faces.
Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it
down.BRAKE SYSTEM
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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.
Starting and driving
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In order to maintain the appearance of
your vehicle, it is important to care for it
properly.
To protect the paint surfaces, please
wash your vehicle as soon as you can.
O After a rainfall to prevent possible
damage from acid rain.
O After driving in coastal areas to pre-
vent possible damage from sea salt.
O When foreign objects, such as soot,
bird droppings, tree sap, metal par-
ticles, or insects get on the paint sur-
faces.
O When dust or mud builds up on the
paint surfaces.
Whenever possible, store or park your ve-
hicle inside garage or in covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park
in a shady area or protect the vehicle with
a body cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.
WASHING Wash dirt off the vehicle with a wet
sponge and plenty of water. Clean the ve- hicle thoroughly using a mild soap, spe-
cial vehicle soap or general purpose dish-
washing liquid mixed with clean, luke-
warm (never hot) water.
CAUTION O Do not use strong household soap,
strong chemical detergents, gasoline or
solvents.
O Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun-
light or while the vehicle body is hot, as
the surface may become water-spotted.
O Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must
be taken when removing caked-on dirt or
other foreign substances so the paint
surface is not scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle again with plenty of
clean water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the
doors, hatches and hood are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of road salt.
Therefore, these areas must be regularly
cleaned. Make sure that the drain holes
in the lower edge of the door are open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash
away road salt.
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint
surface by using a damp chamois to dry
the vehicle.
WAXING Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove
built-up wax residue and to avoid a
weathered appearance before re-applying
wax.
An INFINITI dealer can assist you in
choosing the proper product.
O Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions sup-
plied with the wax.
O Do not use a wax containing any abra-
sives, cutting compounds or cleaners
that may damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compounding or aggressive pol-
ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint fin-
ish may dull the finish or leave swirl
marks.CLEANING EXTERIOR
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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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HEADLIGHTS
Replacing the xenon headlight
bulb Xenon headlight bulb:
WARNING HIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they produce
a high voltage. To prevent an electric shock,
never attempt to modify or disassemble. Al-
ways have your xenon headlights replaced
at an INFINITI dealer. For additional informa-
tion, see ªHeadlight and turn signal switchº
in the ª2. Instruments and controlsº section.
If replacement is required, see an INFINITI
dealer. EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS Item Wattage (W) Bulb No.
Front turn signal light* 21 T20
Front park light* 5 T10
Front side marker light 3.8 T10
Front fog light Sedan: 60/55
Coupe: 55 Sedan: H4
Coupe: H1
Rear combination light
Turn signal 21 T20
Stop/Tail* (LED) Ð
Side marker light* Sedan: (LED)/Coupe: 3.8 Sedan: Ð/Coupe: T10
Back-up light 18 T16
License plate light 5 T10
High-mounted stop light* (LED) Ð
Map light 8 Ð
Rear personal light (Sedan) 8 Ð
Step light 5 Ð
Trunk light 3.4 158
Vanity mirror light 1.32 Ð
*: See an INFINITI dealer for replacement.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CAUTIONO Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
O The hitch should not be attached to or af-
fect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
O Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
O To reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from the
rear, where practical, remove the hitch
and/or receiver when not in use.
O After the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water or
dust from entering the passenger com-
partment.
O Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted. Tire pressures
O When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
O Trailer tire condition, size, load
rating and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the
trailer and tire manufacturers' speci-
fications.
Safety chains Always use a suitable chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety
chains should be crossed and should be
attached to the hitch, not to the vehicle
bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough
slack in the chains to permit turning cor-
ners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION When splicing into the vehicle electrical sys-
tem, a commercially available power-type module/converter must be used to provide
power for all trailer lighting. This unit uses
the vehicle battery as a direct power source
for all trailer lights while using the vehicle
tail light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/converter
must draw no more than 15 milliamps from
the stop and tail lamp circuits. Using a
module/converter that exceeds these power
requirements may damage the vehicle's
electrical system. See a reputable trailer
dealer to obtain the proper equipment and to
have it installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an
INFINITI dealer or reputable trailer dealer.
Trailer brakes If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to federal
and/or local regulations and that it is
properly installed.
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