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
Starting and driving5-49
—
—
04/29/10—pattie
●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
5-50Starting and driving
—
—
04/29/10—pattie
●When the Preview Function operates, the
brake pedal may move slightly and may
make a small noise. This is not a system
malfunction.
Warning light and display
When the Preview Function is not operating
properly, a chime sounds and the system warn-
ing 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 and resume driving.
If the indicator stays on, it may indicate that the
Preview Function is malfunctioning (the brake is
operative). Although the Vehicle is still drive-
able under normal conditions, have the vehicle
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
How to handle the sensor
The sensor for the Preview Function is common
with Intelligent Cruise Control and is located
below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating prop-
erly, be sure to observe the following:
● Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe with a
soft cloth carefully so as not to damage the
sensor.
● Do not strike or damage the areas around
the sensor. Do not touch or remove the
screw located on the sensor. Doing so could
cause failure or malfunction. If the sensor is
damaged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
● Do not attach a sticker (including transpar-
ent material) or install an accessory near the
sensor. This could cause failure or malfunc-
tion.
SSD0471
Starting and driving5-51
—
—
04/29/10—pattie
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.
5-52Starting and driving
—
—
04/29/10—pattie
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, the
indicator 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.
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.
●
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-53
—
—
04/29/10—pattie
●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 bothandindicator 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
andindicator lights may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road. The 4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system is an
electronically controlled four-wheel steering
system.
Depending on the vehicle speed and steering
angle, the angles of the front and rear wheels
are adjusted by the 4WAS system to help
improve driving performance.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the 4WAS
function will stop but the ordinary two-wheel
steering system will operate normally. The
“4WAS” warning light will illuminate. If the light
illuminates while you are driving, contact an
INFINITI retailer for repair.
The steering wheel may be slightly turned even
when driving on a straight road due to a
protection mechanism for the 4WAS system.
This is not a malfunction. The steering wheel
will return to the normal position after the
protection mechanism deactivates.
The protection mechanism activates under the
following conditions:
●
The steering wheel is operated forcibly when
it is hard to operate or the tires are blocked
by obstacles.
● The steering wheel is continuously operated
when the vehicle is parked or being driven at
extremely low speed.
4 WHEEL ACTIVE STEER (4WAS) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
5-54Starting and driving
—
—
04/29/10—pattie
In the event of a roadside emergency, Roadside
Assistance Service is available to you. Please
refer to your Warranty Information Booklet
(U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside Assistance Infor-
mation Booklet (Canada) for details.Emergency engine shut off
To shut off the engine in an emergency situation
while driving perform the following procedure:
− Rapidly push the push-button ignition switch3 consecutive times, or
− Push and hold the push-button ignition for more than 2 seconds.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When the
low tire pressure warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with low
tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning light.
This system will activate only when the vehicle
is driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For
more details, see “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section and “TIRE PRES-
SURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section.
WARNING
●If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates while driving, avoid sudden steering
maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce vehicle
speed, pull off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Driving
with under-inflated tires may permanently
damage the tires and increase the likelihood
of tire failure. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to an accident and could
result in serious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading In-
formation label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If the light still illumi-
nates while driving after adjusting the tire
pressure, a tire may be flat. If you have a flat
tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, the TPMS will not function and the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
—
—
04/21/10—debbie
●Whenever working on or near a battery, al-
ways wear suitable eye protectors (for ex-
ample, goggles or industrial safety spec-
tacles) and remove rings, metal bands, or
any other jewelry. Do not lean over the bat-
tery when jump starting.
● Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery.
It could explode and cause serious injury.
● Your vehicle has an automatic engine cool-
ing fan. It could come on at any time. Keep
hands and other objects away from it.
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 Information
Booklet (Canada).
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 parking brake. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) position (Automatic
transmission models). Move the shift le-
ver to the N (Neutral) position (Manual
transmission models). Switch off all un-
necessary electrical systems (light,
heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth
Cto reduce explo-
sion hazard.
SCE0653
6-8In case of emergency
—
—
04/21/10—debbie