3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-tion. Depress the brake pedal (AT model)
or the clutch pedal (MT model) 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 or the clutch pedal (MT model)
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 the clutch pedal (MT model)
and pushing the push-button ignition
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 of2-3
minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
When racing the engine up to 4,000 rpm or
more under no load condition, the engine
will enter the fuel cut mode.
5. To stop the engine, shift the selector lever
to the P (Park) position (AT model) or
move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position (MT model), and push the igni-
tion switch to the OFF position.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
7 speed automatic transmission
The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum efficiency and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this transmis-
sion. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
After starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal and push the selector lever button
before shifting the selector lever to the R (Re-
verse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), DS (Drive Sport) or
Manual shift mode position. Be sure the vehicle
is fully stopped before attempting to shift the
selector lever.
This automatic transmission model is designed
so that the foot brake pedal must be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive posi-
tion while the ignition switch position is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition switch is pushed to the
LOCK, OFF or ACC position.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
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VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE DISTANCE
CONTROL MODE
In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode,
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system auto-
matically maintains a selected distance from
the vehicle traveling in front of you according to
that vehicle’s speed (up to the set speed), or at
the set speed when the road ahead is clear.
With ICC, the driver can maintain the same
speed as other vehicles without the constant
need to adjust the set speed as you would with
a normal cruise control system.
PRECAUTIONS ON VEHICLE-TO-
VEHICLE DISTANCE CONTROL MODE
The system is intended to enhance the opera-
tion of the vehicle when following a vehicle
traveling in the same lane and direction.
If the distance sensor
Adetects a slower
moving vehicle ahead, the system will reduce
the vehicle speed so that your vehicle follows
the vehicle in front at the selected distance.
The system automatically controls the throttle
and applies the brakes (up to 25% of vehicle
braking power) if necessary.
The detection range of the sensor is approxi-
mately 390 ft (120 m) ahead.
WARNING
● This system is only an aid to assist the driver
and is not a collision warning or avoidance
device. It is the driver’s responsibility to stay
alert, drive safely and be in control of the
vehicle at all times.
● The system is primarily intended for use on
straight, dry, open roads with light traffic. It
is not advisable to use the system in city
traffic or congested areas.
Type A
SSD0662
Type B
SSD0663
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To resume the preset speed,push and release
the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following conditions
and the control is automatically canceled.
● When the vehicle slows down more than 8
MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed
● When the vehicle speed falls below approxi-
mately 20 MPH (32 km/h)
● When the selector lever is not in the D
(Drive), DS (Drive Sport) or manual shift
mode
● When the VDC operates (including the trac-
tion control system)
● When a tire slips
Warning light
When the system is not operating properly, the
chime sounds and the system warning light
(orange) will come on.
Action to take
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and then perform the
setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator stays
on, it may indicate that the system is malfunc-
tioning. Although the vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions, have the vehicle
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (for Intelligent
Cruise Control system equipped
models)
The ICC system with the preview function iden-
tifies the need to apply emergency braking by
sensing the vehicle ahead in the same lane and
the distance to the vehicle ahead and relative
speed from it, it applies the brake pre-pressure
before the driver depresses the brake pedal and
helps improve brake response by reducing
pedal free play.
For more details, see “BRAKE ASSIST” later in
this section.
SSD0621
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SONAR SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
The sonar system OFF switch on the instrument
panel allows the driver to turn the sonar system
on and off. To turn the sonar system on and off,
the ignition switch must be in the “ON” posi-
tion. The indicator light
1on the switch will
illuminate when the system is turned off. If the
indicator light flashes when the sonar system is
not turned off, it may indicate a malfunction in
the sonar system.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off while
driving, the power assist for the steering will
not work. Steering will be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. How-
ever, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal
will be required to stop the vehicle and the
stopping distance will be longer.
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly and
firmly, you may hear a clicking noise and feel a
slight pulsation. This is normal and indicates
that the Brake Assist System is operating.
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.
SSD0929
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weak-
ened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster
and reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
●While driving on a slippery surface, be care-
ful when braking, accelerating or downshift-
ing. Abrupt braking or accelerating could
cause the wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
● 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.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force than
a conventional brake booster even with light
pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist braking
operation and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver’s responsibil-
ity to stay alert, drive safely and be in control of
the vehicle at all times.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (Intelligent Cruise
Control system equipped models)
When the Preview Function identifies the need
to apply emergency braking by sensing a ve-
hicle ahead in the same lane and the distance
and relative speed from it, it applies the brake
pre-pressure before the driver depresses the
brake pedal and helps improve brake response
by reducing pedal free play.
● This system will not operate when the ve-
hicle is moving at approximately 20 MPH (32
km/h) or less.
BRAKE ASSIST
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●The pre-pressure function ceases when the
following conditions are met:
a) When the driver depresses the accelera- tor pedal or the brake pedal.
b) If the driver does not operate the accel- erator or brake pedal within approxi-
mately 1 second.
●The sensor will not detect:
a) Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
b) Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
c) Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel lane as illustrated
WARNING
●This system is only an aid to assist braking
operation and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver’s responsi-
bility to stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times. ●
As there is a performance limit to the Pre-
view Function, never rely solely on this sys-
tem. This system does not correct careless
inattentive or absent-minded driving, or
overcome poor visibility in rain, fog, or other
bad weather. Reduce vehicle speed by de-
pressing the brake pedal, in order to main-
tain a safe distance between vehicles.
● The system may not detect the vehicle in
front of you in certain road or weather condi-
tions. The Preview Function may not operate
properly under the following conditions. The
vehicle is still driveable under normal condi-
tions and the Brake Assist will operate.
– When rain, snow or dirt adhere to the sys- tem sensor
– When strong light (for example, at sun- rise or sunset) is directly shining on the
front of the vehicle
– Winding or hilly roads may cause the sen- sor to temporarily not detect a vehicle in
the same lane or may detect objects or
vehicles in other lanes.
– Vehicle position in the lane may cause the sensor to temporarily not detect a vehicle
in the same lane or may detect objects or
vehicles in other lanes.
SSD0338
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ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
●The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances 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 driver is responsible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four wheels.
–
When installing a spare tire, make sure that
it is the proper size and type as specified on
the Tire and Loading Information label. See
“TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL”
in the “9. Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see “WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent the wheels from locking up.
Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off
and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.
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The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and
vehicle motion. Under certain driving condi-
tions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
●Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip
on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function).
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations. When the VDC system operates, theindicator in the instrument panel flashes so
note the following:
●
The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Slip indicator light” in the “2. Instruments
and controls” section and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in the
instrument panel. The VDC system automati-
cally turns off when these indicator lights are
on. The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator illuminates to
indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC
switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC
system still operates to prevent one drive wheel
from slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The
indicator
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC functions
are off and the
indicator will not flash.
The VDC System is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. 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 a malfunc-
tion.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
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