
5 Starting and driving Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .................. 5-2
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-3
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ..... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover..................... 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............. 5-5
All-wheel drive (AWD) driving safety
precautions (for AWD models) .................... 5-6
Ignition switch (except Intelligent Key
system)............................................................. 5-6
Automatic transmission ............................... 5-6
Manual transmission .................................. 5-7
Key positions .............................................. 5-8
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System ............ 5-8
Ignition switch (models with the Intelligent
Key system) ...................................................... 5-9
Ignition switch positions ............................. 5-9
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System .......... 5-10
Before starting the engine............................... 5-10
Starting the engine .......................................... 5-11
Driving the vehicle .......................................... 5-12
Automatic transmission.............................. 5-12
Manual transmission ................................ 5-16
Parking brake .................................................. 5-19 Cruise control ................................................. 5-20
Precautions on cruise control .................... 5-20
Cruise control operations .......................... 5-20
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-22
Increasing fuel economy ................................. 5-22
All-wheel drive (AWD) (if so equipped) ............ 5-23
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light ........... 5-23
Parking/parking on hills ................................. 5-24
Power steering ................................................ 5-25
Brake system .................................................. 5-26
Braking precautions .................................. 5-26
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)..................... 5-26
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .......... 5-28
Rear active steer (RAS) system (if so
equipped) ....................................................... 5-29
Cold weather driving....................................... 5-30
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................... 5-30
Anti-freeze ................................................. 5-30
Battery ...................................................... 5-30
Draining of coolant water .......................... 5-30
Tire equipment .......................................... 5-30
Special winter equipment........................... 5-31
Driving on snow or ice ............................... 5-31
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ......... 5-32
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THREE WAY CATALYST The three way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust
system. Exhaust gas in the converter is
burned at high temperatures to help re-
duce pollutants.
WARNINGO The exhaust gas and the exhaust system
are very hot. Keep people, animals or
flammable materials away from the ex-
haust system components.
O Do not stop or park the vehicle over flam-
mable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite and
cause a fire.
CAUTIONO Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re- duce the three-way catalyst's ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
O Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if no-
ticeable loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are detected.
Have the vehicle inspected promptly by
an INFINITI dealer.
O Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause the
engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
O Do not race the engine while warming it
up.
O Do not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS) Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la-
bel. (If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illumi-
nates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low
tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon
as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-
inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver's responsibility to maintain cor-
rect tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low tire pressure tell-
tale.
Starting and driving
5-3
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Remember, drinking and driving don't
mix!
And that's true for drugs too (over the
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don't drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) DRIVING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (for AWD
models)
WARNINGO Do not drive beyond the performance ca-
pability of the tires, even with AWD en-
gaged. Accelerating quickly, sharp
steering maneuvers or sudden braking
may cause loss of control.
O Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the rear
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully. O This vehicle is not designed for off-road
(rough road) use. Do not drive on sandy
or muddy roads that tires may get stuck
in.
O Do not place an AWD equipped vehicle
on a two wheel dynamometer or raise
two wheels off the ground and shift the
transmission to any D (drive) or R (re-
verse) position. Doing so may result in
transmission damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in se-
rious vehicle damage or personal injury.
O Never operate the accelerator pedal with
any wheels raised and the other wheels
on the ground while jacking up or with
any wheels on a roller and the other
wheels on the ground. Otherwise, the
vehicle could lurch forward or backward.
O When a wheel is off the ground due to an
unlevel surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION The ignition lock is designed so the key
cannot be turned to the LOCK position
and removed until the selector lever is
moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition
switch, make sure the selector lever is in
the P (Park) position.
If the selector lever is not returned to the
P (Park) position, the key cannot be
moved to the LOCK position. SSD0392
IGNITION SWITCH (except Intelligent Key
system)
5-6 Starting and driving
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In order for the steering wheel to be
locked, it must be turned about 1/6 of a
turn clockwise from the straight up posi-
tion.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the
key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNINGNever remove or turn the key to the LOCK po-
sition while driving. The steering wheel will
lock. This may cause the driver to lose con-
trol of the vehicle and could result in serious
vehicle damage and/or personal injury.
KEY POSITIONS The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device.
LOCK (Normal parking position) (0)
The ignition key can only be removed
when the ignition switch is in this posi-
tion. OFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without
locking the steering wheel.
The ignition lock is designed so that the
key cannot be turned to the LOCK position
and removed until the selector lever is
moved to the P position (for automatic
transmission) or the key is pushed in
while turning the key between the ACC
and LOCK positions.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries when the engine is not running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position activates ignition system in
addition to electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
starting the engine.
INFINITI VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM The INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System
will not allow the engine to start without
the use of the registered key. If the engine fails to start using a regis-
tered key (for example, when interference
is caused by another registered key, an
automated toll road device or automated
payment device on the key ring), restart
the engine using the following proce-
dures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON po-
sition for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the
device (which may have caused the in-
terference) away from the registered
key.
If this procedure allows the engine to
start, INFINITI recommends placing the
registered key on a separate key ring to
avoid interference from other devices.
5-8 Starting and driving
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The ignition lock is designed so that the
ignition switch cannot be turned to the
LOCK position and removed until the se-
lector lever is moved to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
When turning the ignition switch, make
sure the selector lever is in the P position.
If the selector lever is not returned to the
P position, the ignition switch cannot be
moved toward the LOCK position.
When the ignition switch cannot be
turned toward the LOCK position, proceed
as follows: 1. Move the selector lever into the P po-
sition.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly in the
ON direction.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK posi-
tion.
The selector lever can be moved from the P
position if the ignition switch is in the ON
position and the foot brake pedal is de-
pressed.
There is an OFF position in between the
LOCK and ACC positions, although it does
not show on the lock cylinder. When the
ignition is in the OFF position the steering
wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be
locked, it must be turned about 1/6 of a
turn counterclockwise from the straight
up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the igni-
tion switch to the LOCK position. To unlock
the steering wheel, push the ignition
switch in and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
If the battery of the vehicle equipped with
the Intelligent Key system is discharged,
the ignition switch cannot be turned from the LOCK position, even using the me-
chanical key or valet key.
WARNING Never turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position while driving. The steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and/or personal injury.
IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS Push in the ignition switch to the
q B
range when you turn it.
LOCK (Normal parking position):
The ignition switch can only be locked in
the
q A
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when
it is pushed in, and turned to the ACC po-
sition
q D
while carrying the Intelligent
Key.
ACC (Accessories)
q D
:
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio, when the engine is
not running.SPA1628
IGNITION SWITCH (models with the
Intelligent Key system)
Starting and driving
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ON (Normal operating position)
q E
:
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
START
q F
:
This position starts the engine. As soon
as the engine has started, release the
switch immediately. It will automatically
return to the ON position.
For important safety information, see ªIg-
nition switchº in the ª5. Starting and driv-
ingº section.
The ignition switch cannot be turned back
to the LOCK position unless the shift lever
is in P position. (It can be turned to only
q C
.)
CAUTIONDo not leave the vehicle with the ignition
switch in ACC or ON position when the en-
gine is not running for an extended period.
This can discharge the battery. INFINITI VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM The INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System
will not allow the engine to start without
the use of the registered key.
If the engine does not start using a regis-
tered key (for example, when interference
is caused by another registered key, an
automated toll road device or an auto-
mated payment device on the key ring),
restart the engine using the following pro-
cedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON po-
sition for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the
device (which may have caused the in-
terference) separate from the regis-
tered key.
If this procedure allows the engine to
start, INFINITI recommends placing the
registered key on a separate key ring to
avoid interference from other devices. O Make sure the area around the vehicle
is clear.
O Maintenance items should be checked
periodically, for example, each time
you check engine oil.
O Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
O Visually inspect tires for their appear-
ance and condition. Also check tires
for proper inflation.
O Lock all doors.
O Position seat and adjust head re-
straints.
O Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
O Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
O Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position. See ªWarning/indicator
lights and audible remindersº in the
ª2. Instruments and controlsº section.BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
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D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
Manual shift mode When the selector lever is shifted from
the D position to the manual shift gate
with the vehicle stopped or while driving,
the transmission enters the manual shift
mode. Shift range can be selected manu-
ally.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range
is displayed on the position indicator in
the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows: 1 M
!
à 2 M
!
à 3 M
!
à 4 M
!
à 5 M
5 M
(5th):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
4 M
(4th):
For driving up or down long slopes where
engine braking would be advantageous. 3 M
(3rd) and 2 M
(2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
1 M
(1st):
Use this position when climbing steep
hills slowly or driving slowly through
deep snow, sand or mud, or for maximum
engine braking on steep downhill grades.
O Remember not to drive at high speeds
for extended periods of time in lower
than 4 M
range. This reduces gas mile-
age.
O When shifting up, move the selector
lever to the + (up) side. (Shifts to
higher range.)
O When shifting down, move the se-
lector lever to the þ (down) side.
(Shifts to lower range.)
O Moving the selector lever rapidly to
the same side twice will shift the
ranges in succession.
O When canceling the manual shift
mode, return the selector lever to the
D position. The transmission returns
to the normal driving mode. O In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of ve-
hicle damage or loss of control.
In the manual shift mode, the transmission
automatically shifts down to 1st gear be-
fore the vehicle comes to a stop. When ac-
celerating again, it is necessary to shift up
to the desired range.
Accelerator downshift
Ð In D position Ð For passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This
shifts the transmission down into the
lower gear, depending on the vehicle
speed.
Fail-safe When the fail-safe operation occurs, the
automatic transmission will be locked in
the 4th gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition
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switch to the OFF position and wait for 3
seconds. Then turn the key back to the ON
position. The vehicle should return to its
normal operating condition. If it does not
return to its normal operating condition,
have an INFINITI dealer check the trans-
mission and repair if necessary.
Shift lock release If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the selector lever may not be moved from
the P (Park) position even with the brake
pedal depressed and the selector lever
button pushed.
To move the selector lever, release the
shift lock and push the selector lever but-
ton. The selector lever can be moved to
the N (Neutral) position. However, the
steering wheel will be locked unless the
ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion. To release the shift lock, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover
q A
using a
suitable tool.
4. Insert a suitable tool in the shift lock
slot, and push down
q B
.
5. Push the selector lever button
q C
and
move the selector lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position
q D
while holding down
the shift lock.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the ON po-
sition to unlock the steering wheel.
Now the vehicle may be moved to the
desired location.
If the lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position, have an INFINITI dealer
check the automatic transmission system
as soon as possible. SSD0477
Starting and driving
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