
When the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal, the ignition switch
position will change as follows:
●Push center once to change to ACC.
● Push center two times to change to ON.
● Push center three times to change to OFF.
(No position illuminates.)
● Push center four times to return to ACC.
● Open or close any door to return to LOCK
during the OFF position.
The ignition switch is equipped with an anti-
theft steering lock device. The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch position cannot be switched to LOCK
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When the ignition switch cannot be pushed
toward the LOCK position, proceed as follows:
1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Push the ignition switch to the OFF posi- tion. The ignition switch position indicator
will not illuminate.
3. Open the door. The ignition switch will change to the LOCK position.
The selector lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position if the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion and the brake pedal is depressed.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a right or left turn
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, push the ignition
switch to the OFF position. To unlock the steer-
ing wheel, push the ignition switch. If the steer-
ing lock release malfunction indicator appears
on the dot matrix liquid crystal display, push the
push-button ignition switch again while lightly
turning the steering wheel right and left. (See
“DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section.) If the battery of the vehicle is discharged, the
push-button ignition switch cannot be turned
from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the dot matrix liquid crystal dis-
play between the speedometer and tachometer.
(See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
The ignition switch can only be locked in this
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while carrying the
Intelligent Key or with the Intelligent Key in-
serted in the port.
ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not
running.
ON (Normal operating position)
This position turns on the ignition system and
electrical accessories.
SSD1021
5-10Starting and driving
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03/16/10—tbrooks

●Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head
restraints/headrests.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
● If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion to start cranking the engine. After 5
or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal
by depressing the brake
pedal and pushing the push-button igni-
tion switch to start the engine. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start,
push the ignition switch to OFF and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather. In cold weather, keep the
engine running for a minimum of 2 - 3
minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
5. To stop the engine, shift the selector lever
to the P (Park) position and push the
ignition switch to the OFF position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-12Starting and driving
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08/03/09—pattie

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely 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 “BATTERY” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEM” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. 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.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
●A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C 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 “grip” under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating or downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-80Starting and driving
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08/03/09—pattie

Your new INFINITI has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with long
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your IN-
FINITI’s fine mechanical condition, as well as its
emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “INFINITI Service and
Maintenance Guide”. 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 essential for propervehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
an INFINITI retailer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your ve-
hicle appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced by an INFINITI retailer.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-retailership information systems.
They are completely qualified to work on
INFINITI vehicles
beforework begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI retailer’s
service department performs the best job to
meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle — in a reliable and economical way. During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed 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 retailer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify an INFINITI retailer if you think
that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see “MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS” later
in this section.EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following items
with “*” is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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08/03/09—pattie

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-76
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) .....2-38
Advanced air bag system ...........1-45
Aiming control, Adaptive front lighting
system (AFS) ................. .2-38
Air bag system Advanced air bag system .........1-45
Front passenger air bag and status
light ..................... 1-47
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-50
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system . . 1-50
Air bag warning labels .............1-53
Air bag warning light ..........1-53 , 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ...........8-19
Air conditioner Advanced Climate Control System
(ACCS) ................... .4-44
Air conditioner service ..........4-46
Air conditioner specification label ....9-13
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .......4-46
Automatic climate control ........4-40
In-cabin microfilter ............4-45
Operation (See automatic climate
control) ................... 4-40
Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system) .........2-31Alcohol, drugs and driving
...........5-7
All-wheel drive (AWD) .............5-69
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light .....2-13
Antenna .................... .4-90
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-76
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light ...................... .2-13
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ..........7-4
Armrest .................... .1-12
Around view monitor .............4-28
Audible reminders .............. .2-20
Audio operation precautions .........4-46
Audio system ................. .4-46
Audio system, Steering wheel audio
controls .................... .4-89
Auto closure .................. .3-17
Autolight
system ............... .2-36
Automatic Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . .8-13
Climate control .............. 4-40
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-13
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
Automatic drive positioner ..........3-25
Automatic seat positioner ...........3-25
Average fuel consumption and speed . . . .2-27
Avoiding collision and rollover .........5-5 B
Back door (See lift gate) ............3-16
Battery ..................... .8-15
Battery Battery saver system ............2-37
Intelligent Key ............... 8-23
Variable voltage control system . ....8-17
Before starting the engine ...........5-12
Belts (See drive belts) .............8-17
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) ......4-104
Booster seats ................. .1-35
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-76
Brake fluid ................. 8-14
Brake system ................ 5-73
Parking brake operation ..........5-17
Brake warning light ............. .2-13
Break-in schedule .............. .5-68
Brightness control and display ON/OFF
button ...................... .4-7
Brightness control, Instrument panel . . . .2-39
Bulb check/instrument panel . . . . . . . . .2-12
Bulb replacement .............. .8-25
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10/19/09—tbrooks

C
Cabin air filter ................ .4-45
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................. .9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............4-103
Card holder .................. .2-49
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .2-50
Cargo cover .................. .2-51
Cargo light .................. .2-60
Cargo net ................... .2-50
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst . . . .5-2
Center multi-function control panel ......4-2
Child restraints ................ .1-20
Child restraints Booster seats ............... .1-35
Installation using LATCH .........1-25
Installation using the seat belts .....1-29
LATCH system ............... 1-22
Precautions on child restraints ......1-20
Top tether strap .............. 1-24
Child safety .................. .1-15
Child safety rear door lock ...........3-6
Chimes Audible reminders .............2-20
Seat belt warning light and chime ....2-17
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ..........8-22
Cleaning exterior and interior ......7-2 , 7-4
Climate control Automatic climate control .........4-40
Clock ..................... .2-45
Coat hooks .................. .2-49
Cockpit ..................... .2-2
Cold weather driving ............. .5-80Command (See Bluetooth
Hands-Free
Phone System) ............4-105 , 4-121
Compact Disc (CD) player
(See audio system) ............. .4-63
Compact spare tire ............. .8-38
Compass .................... .2-9
Console box ..................2-48
Continuous
Damping Control .........5-72
Controller, Center multi-function control
panel ...................... .4-4
Controls Control panel button (display) .......4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(See automatic climate control) .....4-40
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-10
Checking engine coolant level ......8-9
Corrosion protection ..............7-6
Cover, Cargo cover .............. .2-51
Cruise control ................. .5-26
Cruise control, Fixed speed cruise control
(on ICC system) ................ .5-45
Cruise indicator ............... .2-24
Cup holders .................. .2-46
Current fuel consumption ...........2-27
D
Daytime running light system ........2-38
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............2-35
Dimensions .................. .9-10
Display cleaning ................ .4-5Display controls (See center multi-function
control panel)
................. .4-2
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system . . . .5-49
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator ............... .2-25
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light ................. .2-14
Distance to empty .............. .2-27
Door/lift gate open warning .........2-24
Dot matrix liquid crystal display .......2-21
Drive belts ................... .8-17
Drive positioner ............... .3-25
Driving All-wheel drive (AWD) ...........5-69
Cold weather driving ...........5-80
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-13
On-pavement and off-road driving ....5-5
Precautions when starting and driving . . 5-2
Safety precautions .............5-7
DS (Drive Sport) mode .............5-15
E
Economy, Fuel ................ .5-68
Elapsed time ................. .2-27
Elapsed
time and trip odometer .......2-27
Emission control information label ......9-12
Emission control system warranty ......9-29
Engine Before starting the engine .........5-12
Break-in schedule ............. 5-68
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................9-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-10
Changing engine oil and filter . . . . . . 8-11
10-2
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10/19/09—tbrooks

Checking engine coolant level......8-9
Checking engine oil level .........8-10
Engine block heater ............5-81
Engine compartment check locations . . . 8-6
Engine cooling system ...........8-9
Engine oil .................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..............9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator .....2-25
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Engine serial number ...........9-12
Engine specifications ............9-8
Engine start operation indicator .....2-23
If your vehicle overheats .........6-10
Starting the engine ............5-12
Engine coolant temperature gauge ......2-7
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive
positioner ................... .3-25
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ..........9-31
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ........5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label . . .9-12
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .........8-19
Changing engine oil and filter ......8-11
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) .....2-40
Flat tire ..................... .6-2
Flat towing .................. .9-27
Floor mat cleaning ............... .7-5
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . .8-13
Brake fluid ................. 8-14Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants
..................9-2
Engine coolant ...............8-9
Engine oil .................. 8-10
Power steering fluid ............8-13
Window washer fluid ...........8-14
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ..................... .4-61
Fog light switch ............... .2-40
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system . . .5-61
Front passenger air bag and status light . .1-47
Front power seat adjustment ..........1-2
Front seat, Front seat adjustment .......1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Fuel
economy ............... 5-68
Fuel economy information (display) ....4-9
Fuel octane rating .............9-4
Fuel recommendation ...........9-4
Fuel-filler cap ................ 3-18
Fuel-filler door ............... 3-18
Gauge ....................2-8
Fuses ..................... .8-22
Fusible links ................. .8-22
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver .................. .2-60
Gascap .................... .3-18
Gauge ...................... .2-5
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . .2-7
Fuel gauge ..................2-8 Odometer
..................2-6
Speedometer ................2-6
Tachometer .................2-7
Trip computer ............... 2-27
General maintenance ..............8-2
Glove box ................... .2-48
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth
(with navigation system) ...........4-104
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth
(without navigation system) .........4-115
Hazard warning flasher switch . . . . . . . .2-40
Head restraints ................. .1-6
Headlights Aiming control (See adaptive front
lighting system (AFS)) ...........2-38
Bulb replacement ............. 8-26
Headlight switch .............. 2-36
Xenon headlights ............. 2-35
Headphones (See INFINITI mobile
entertainment system) ........4-94 , 4-102
Heater Automatic climate control .........4-40
Engine block heater ............5-81
HomeLink Universal Transceiver . . . . . .2-60
Hood release ................. .3-16
Hook Coat
hooks................ .2-49
Luggage hook ............... 2-50
Horn ...................... .2-41
10-3
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10/19/09—tbrooks

Loading information
(See vehicle loading information).......9-15
Lock Automatic door locks ............3-5
Door locks ..................3-4
Lift gate lock ................ 3-16
Power door lock ...............3-4
Locking with mechanical key ..........3-4
Low fuel warning ............... .2-24
Low outside temperature warning ......2-24
Low tire pressure warning light ........2-15
Low tire pressure warning system (See tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)) .....5-3
Low washer fluid warning ...........2-24
Luggage hooks ................ .2-50
Maintenance Battery ................... .8-15
General maintenance ............8-2
Indicators for maintenance
(dot matrix) ................. 2-25
Inside the vehicle ..............8-3
Maintenance precautions .........8-5
Maintenance requirements ........8-2
Outside the vehicle .............8-2
Seat belt maintenance ..........1-20
M
Malfunction indicator light (MIL) .......2-19
Map lights .................. .2-58
Master warning light ............. .2-17
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) . . .3-3
Memory storage, Automatic drive
positioner ................... .3-26Meter
Trip computer ............... .2-27
Meters and gauges .............. .2-5
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control ..................... .2-39
Mirror Inside mirror ............... .3-21
Outside mirrors .............. 3-23
Monitor, Rearview monitor ..........4-22
Moonroof ................... .2-56
N
Net, Cargo net ................ .2-50
New vehicle break-in .............5-68
No key warning ................ .2-23
O
Odometer .................... .2-6
Off-road
recovery ............... .5-6
Oil Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ......8-11
Checking engine oil level .........8-10
Engine oil .................. 8-10
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Oil filter replacement indicator ......2-25
Operation, Indicators for operation
(dot matrix) .................. .2-23
Outside air temperature ............2-28
Outside mirrors ................ .3-23Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information
.................. .9-32
P
Panic alarm .................. .3-14
Parking Parking brake operation . . . . . . . . . .5-17
Parking brake release warning ......2-24
Parking on hills .............. 5-71
Parking brake break-in .............5-73
Personal lights ................ .2-58
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ........4-103
Power Power door lock .............. .3-4
Power outlet ................ 2-45
Power steering fluid ............8-13
Power steering system ..........5-72
Power windows .............. 2-53
Power front seat adjustment ..........1-2
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function . .1-16
Precautions Audio operation ............. .4-46
Braking precautions ............5-73
Child restraints .............. 1-20
Cruise control ............... 5-26
Driving safety ................5-7
Maintenance .................8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving ....5-5
Seat belt usage ............... 1-12
Supplemental restraint system ......1-40
When
starting and driving . . .......5-2
Preview function ............... .5-74
Preview function (for Intelligent cruise control
system) .................... .5-49
10-5
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10/19/09—tbrooks