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
5-50Starting and driving
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WARNING
●The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or danger-
ous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully.
● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI recommended
for your vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling performance, and the
indicator
may flash or both
andindicator
lights may illuminate.
● If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI recom-
mended or are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
both
andindicator lights may
illuminate. ●
If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely de-
teriorated, both the
andindica-
tor lights may illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the
indicator may flash or bothand
indicator lights may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface such as
a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the
indicator may flash or bothand
indicator lights may illuminate. This
is not a malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI rec-
ommended ones are used, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
in-
dicator may flash or both
and
indicator lights may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.
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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-51
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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.
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. ●
Allow more stopping distance under these
conditions. Braking should be started
sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases un-
der your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the ex-
haust pipe and from around your vehicle.
5-52Starting and driving
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– Do not drop the kit or allow hard impactsto the kit.
● Do not use the emergency tire puncture re-
pair kit under the following conditions. Con-
tact an INFINITI retailer or professional road
assistance.
– when the sealant has passed its expira- tion date (shown on the label attached to
the bottle)
– when the cut or the puncture is approxi- mately 0.16 in (4 mm) (Type A)/0.25 in (6
mm) (Type B) or longer
– when the tire sidewall is damaged
– when the vehicle has been driven with extremely low tire pressure
– when the tire has come off the inside or the outside of the wheel.
– when the tire wheel is damaged
– when two or more tires are flatStopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
4. Automatic Transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission models:
Move the shift lever to the R (Reverse)
position.
5. Turn off the engine.
6. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to
signal professional road assistance per-
sonnel that you need assistance.
7. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from
traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Make sure the parking brake is securely ap-
plied and the manual transmission is shifted
into R (Reverse) or the automatic transmission
into P (Park).
●Never repair tires when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
● Never repair tires if oncoming traffic is close
to your vehicle. Wait for professional road
assistance.
6-4In case of emergency
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CHANGING FLAT TIRE (for models with
spare tire)
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road andaway from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
4. Automatic Transmission model:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission model:
Move the shift lever to the R (Reverse)
position.
5. Turn off the engine.
6. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and
to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
7. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from
traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
●Make sure the parking brake is securely ap-
plied and the manual transmission is shifted
into R (Reverse), or the automatic transmis-
sion into P (Park).
● Never change tires when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
● Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for professional
road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks1at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire to prevent the vehicle from moving when it
is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle may
move and result in personal injury.
MCE0001A
6-12In case of emergency
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2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turnsby turning counterclockwise with the
wheel nut wrench. Do not remove the
wheel nuts until the tire is off the ground.
3. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack lever and rod with both hands as shown
above. Carefully raise the vehicle until the
tire clears the ground. Remove the wheel
nuts, and then remove the tire.
Installing the spare tire
The T-type spare tire is designed for emergency
use. (See specific instructions under the head-
ing “WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.)
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten the wheel nuts finger tight. Check that all
the wheel nuts contact the wheel surface
horizontally.
When replacing a front tire, make sure that
the hole in the spare tire wheel is aligned
with the pin on the brake rotor.
SCE0504
SCE0661
In case of emergency6-15
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WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Failure to
do so could result in damage to the charging
system and cause personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
A, position the two vehicles (AandB)
to bring their batteries into close proxim-
ity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. 3.
Automatic Transmission model:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) posi-
tion.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys-
tems (headlights, heater, air conditioner,
etc.).
5. Remove the vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth
Cto reduce explo-
sion hazard. 6. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated (
1→2→3→4).
If the battery is disconnected or discharged,
the steering wheel will lock and cannot be
turned. Supply power using jumper cables
before pushing the ignition switch and dis-
engaging the steering lock.
CAUTION
●Always connect positive (+) to positive (+)
and negative () to body ground (as illus-
trated) — not to the battery.
● Make sure the jumper cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compartment and
that clamps do not contact any other metal.
7. Start the engine of the booster vehicleA
and let it run for a few minutes.
8. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle
Aat about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle
Bbeing jump
started.
SCE0653
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CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more
than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start
right away, push the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
9. After starting your engine, carefully dis-connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
4→3→2→1).
10. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.
Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION
●Automatic transmission models cannot be
push-started or tow-started. Attempting to
do so may cause transmission damage.
● Three way catalyst equipped models should
not be started by pushing since the three
way catalyst may be damaged.
● Never try to start the vehicle by towing it;
when the engine starts, the forward surge
could cause the vehicle to collide with the
tow vehicle.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).
CAUTION
● Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. Doing so could cause engine damage
or a vehicle fire.
● To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
remove the radiator cap while the engine is
still hot. When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out, possi-
bly causing serious injury.
● Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic Transmission model:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) posi-
tion.
Do not stop the engine.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
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