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.
Starting and driving
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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
5-28 Starting and driving
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10 Index A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ........................... 5-26
Advanced air bag system ................................. 1-42
Air bag system
Front (See INFINITI advanced air bag
system) ..................................................... 1-42
Side and curtain (See supplemental side
air bag and curtain side-impact air bag
systems) ................................................... 1-48
Front passenger air bag and status light ... 1-44
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-51
Air bag warning light ................................ 1-51, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation........................... 4-10
Air conditioner service ...................... 4-10, 4-14
Air conditioner specification label ............. 9-13
Air conditioning system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations ......... 4-14, 9-7
Ambient temperature ................................. 4-13
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ...... 4-10
In-cabin microfilter .................................... 4-13
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................. 5-5
All-wheel drive (AWD)....................................... 5-23
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light ................... 2-9
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap......................................... 1-27
Antenna ........................................................... 4-29 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .......................... 5-26
Anti-lock brake warning light ........................... 2-10
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care............................. 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-4
Armrest
Rear armrest pocket .................................. 2-37
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray) ...... 2-30
Audible reminders ............................................ 2-16
Audio operation precautions ............................ 4-16
Audio system ................................................... 4-14
Steering wheel switch for audio control .... 4-28
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) .................................... 4-25
Autolight system.............................................. 2-22
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ............................. 3-32
Automatic adjusting function ..................... 2-41
Automatic sunroof..................................... 2-42
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)............. 8-13
Drive positioner ........................................ 3-34
Driving with automatic transmission ... 5-6, 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover ........................... 5-5
B
Battery ............................................................. 8-16
Battery saver system................................. 2-23
Before starting the engine................................ 5-10 Belts (See drive belts) ...................................... 8-19
Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System ............. 4-30
Booster seats ................................................... 1-31
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................... 5-26
Brake and clutch fluid ............................... 8-14
Brake booster ........................................... 8-24
Brake fluid ................................................ 8-14
Brake pedal .............................................. 8-23
Brake pedal check .................................... 8-23
Brake system ............................................ 5-26
Parking brake check ......................... 5-19, 8-23
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-19
Warning light ............................................ 2-10
Break-in schedule ............................................ 5-22
Brightness control, Instrument panel ............... 2-24
Bulb check/instrument panel............................. 2-9
Bulb replacement ............................................. 8-31
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants .... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-29
Card holder ..................................................... 2-38
CD care and cleaning ....................................... 4-27
Child restraints ................................................. 1-18
Booster seats ............................................. 1-31
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-28
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Floor mat cleaning ............................................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)............. 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ............................... 8-14
Brake fluid ................................................ 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 9-2
Engine coolant............................................ 8-8
Engine oil .................................................. 8-10
Power steering fluid .................................. 8-13
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-15
FM-AM-SATELLITE radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ........................................................... 4-22
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-25
Front passenger air bag and status light.......... 1-44
Front power seat adjustment .............................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 9-2
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-22
Fuel economy information (display) ............ 4-4
Fuel-filler cap ............................................ 3-28
Fuel-filler door .......................................... 3-28
Fuel octane rating ....................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-3
Gauge ......................................................... 2-5
Fuses ............................................................... 8-25
Fusible links .................................................... 8-26
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver ...................................................... 2-46
Gas cap ........................................................... 3-28 Gauge................................................................ 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge.............. 2-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 2-5
Odometer.................................................... 2-3
Speedometer .............................................. 2-3
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ......................................... 8-2
Glove box ........................................................ 2-35
Glove box (upper) ............................................ 2-35
Glove box lock ................................................. 2-35
Golf bag stowing ............................................. 2-39
H
Hands-Free Phone System, Bluetooth ............ 4-30
Hazard warning flasher switch ......................... 2-25
Head restraints .................................................. 1-8
Headlights
Bulb replacement...................................... 8-33
Headlight switch........................................ 2-21
Xenon headlights ...................................... 2-21
Heated seats ................................................... 2-26
Heater
Engine block heater .................................. 5-32
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ...... 4-10
HomeLink Universal Transceiver .................... 2-46
Hood release ................................................... 3-24
Hook, Coat hook.............................................. 2-38
Horn ................................................................ 2-26
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security ................. 2-18 I
Ignition switch
(except Intelligent Key system) ................... 5-6
Automatic transmission models .......... 5-6, 5-12
Key positions .............................................. 5-8
Manual transmission models .............. 5-7, 5-16
Immobilizer system .......................................... 2-18
In-cabin microfilter ........................................... 4-13
Indicator lights ................................................. 2-14
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System
Engine start ........................................ 5-8, 5-10
Inside
Automatic anti-glare mirror ....................... 3-32
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ................... 9-25
Instrument brightness control .......................... 2-24
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Instrument pocket ............................................ 2-31
Intelligent Key system
Engine starting .......................................... 3-14
Key operating range .................................. 3-16
Key operation............................................. 3-11
Mechanical key and valet key ................... 3-23
Operating the engine................................. 3-14
Remote keyless operation ......................... 3-20
Trouble-shooting guide .............................. 3-19
Warning light............................................. 2-12
Warning signals ......................................... 3-17
Intelligent Key warning light............................. 2-12
Interior light replacement ................................ 8-33
Interior lights .................................................. 2-44
Interior trunk lid release .................................. 3-27
ISOFIX child restraint........................................ 1-25
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