Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
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.When accelerating or driving on slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors
detect these movements and control the brak-
ing and engine output to help improve vehicle
stability.
c
When the VDC system is operating, the
ªSLIPº indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.
c If the ªSLIPº indicator blinks, the road con-
ditions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. Be
sure to drive carefully. (See ªSlip indicator
lightº in the ª2. Instruments and controlsº
section, and ªVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator lightº in the ª2. Instruments
and controlsº section.)
c Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
ªSLIPº and ªVDC OFFº indicator lights illumi-
nate in the instrument panel. As long as
these indicators are illuminated, the VDC
system function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) function to improve vehicle traction.
The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The
ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other drive wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
OFF switch pushed and the VDC system turned
off, all VDC systems will be turned off. The ABLS
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. If the ABLS system is activated, the
ªSLIPº indicator will blink and 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 malfunction.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise
or feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at a
low speed forward or backward. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a ªclunkº noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This
is normal and is not an indication of a
malfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
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WARNING
cThe VDC system is designed to help improve
driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or due to careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.
c Do not modify the vehicle's suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI approved or are
extremely deteriorated the VDC system may
not operate properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling performance, and the
ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
c If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not standard equip-
ment or are extremely deteriorated, the
ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
c If engine related parts such as muffler are
not standard equipment or are extremely de-
teriorated, the ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº
indicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate. c
When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the ªVDC
OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
c When driving on unstable surfaces such as a
turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the ªVDC
OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after driving
onto a stable surface.
c If wheels or tires other than those recom-
mended are used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and ªVDC OFFº indicator or
ªSLIPº indicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
c The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road. The Rear Active Steer system is an electronically
controlled four-wheel steering system.
The angle of the rear wheels are adjusted by the
Rear Active Steer system, depending on the
vehicle speed and steering angle. The rear
wheels are designed to turn momentarily in the
opposite direction and then change to the same
direction as the front wheels.
At low speeds, the rear wheels will not turn and
the system functions as a two-wheel steering
system.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the Rear
Active Steer function will stop but the ordinary
two-wheel steering system will operate nor-
mally. The ªRASº warning light will illuminate. If
the light illuminates while driving, contact an
INFINITI retailer for repair.
WARNING
The Rear Active Steer system, although a so-
phisticated device, cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Ultimately the responsibility for
safety of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver. Therefore only through attentive
and careful driving methods can the Rear Active
Steer system be fully appreciated and safety
assured.
REAR ACTIVE STEER SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
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cAllow more stopping distance under these
conditions. Braking should be started
sooner than on dry pavement.
c Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery roads.
c 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.
c Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
c Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases un-
der your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the ex-
haust pipe and from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20ÉF ( 27ÉC) or
lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at leas t2-4hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
WARNING
cDo not use your engine block heater with an
ungrounded electrical system or a
2-pronged adapter. You can be seriously in-
jured by an electrical shock if you use an
ungrounded connection.
c Disconnect and properly store the engine
block heater cord before starting the engine.
Damage to the cord could result in an electri-
cal shock and can cause serious injury.
c Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord rated for at least 10A. Plug the
extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt
(GFI) protected, grounded 110-VAC outlet.
Failure to use the proper extension cord or a
grounded outlet can result in a fire or electri-
cal shock and cause serious personal injury.
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cReplacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
c Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire
sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping 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. Move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from
traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
cMake sure the parking brake is securely ap-
plied and the transmission is shifted into the
P (Park) position.
c Never change tires when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
c Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for professional
road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blockss1at 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
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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.
2. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
sA, position the two vehicles (sAandsB)
to bring their batteries into close proxim-
ity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
3. Apply the parking brake. Move the selec- tor lever to the P (Park) position. Switch
off all unnecessary electrical systems
(light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
4. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth
sCto reduce explo-
sion hazard. 5. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated (
s1!s2!s3!s4).
If the battery is discharged, the ignition
switch cannot be moved from the LOCK posi-
tion and, if the steering lock is engaged, the
steering wheel cannot be moved. Connect
the jumper cables to the booster vehicle
sB
before pushing the ignition switch and disen-
gaging the steering lock.
CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (+) to positive (+)
and negative ( 2) to body ground (as illus-
trated) Ð not to the battery.
c Make sure the jumper cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compartment and
that the cable clamps do not contact any
other metal.
6. Start the engine of the booster vehiclesA
and let it run for a few minutes.
7. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle
sAat about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle being jump
started
sB.
SCE0780
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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
LOCK position and wait 10 seconds before try-
ing again.
8. After starting your engine, carefully dis-connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
s4!s3!s2!s1).
9. 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.
10. Put the battery cover and the engine compartment cover on.
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.
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
c Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. Doing so could cause engine damage
or a vehicle fire.
c 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.
c 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 and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
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VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
c Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result in
serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.
Pulling a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed spe-
cifically for vehicle recovery. Always follow the
manufacturer's instructions for the recovery de-
vice.
Do not use the tie down hooks for towing or
vehicle recovery.
Front :
Open the hook cover on the front bumper.
Securely install the vehicle recovery hook
s1
stored with jacking tools as illustrated. Attach
the tow strap to the recovery hook. Make sure
that the hook is properly secured in the original
place after use. Rear :
Do not use the tie down hook
s2to pull the
vehicle.
CAUTION
c Tow chains or cables must be attached only
to the vehicle recovery hooks or main struc-
tural members of the vehicle. Otherwise, the
vehicle body will be damaged.
c Do not use the vehicle tie down hooks to free
a vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
Never tow a vehicle using the vehicle tie
down hooks.
c Always pull the cable straight out from the
front of the vehicle. Never pull on the vehicle
at an angle.
c Pulling devices should be routed so they do
not touch any part of the suspension, steer-
ing, brake or cooling systems.
c Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in ve-
hicle towing or recovery.
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MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
cThe accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt
and debris in body panel sections, cavities,
and other areas.
c Damage to paint and other protective coat-
ings caused by gravel and stone chips or
minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCE
THE RATE OF CORROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate corro-
sion. Wet floor coverings will not dry completely
inside the vehicle, and should be removed for
drying to avoid floor panel corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas where
the temperatures stay above freezing where
atmospheric pollution exists, or where road salt
is used.
Temperature
A temperature increase will accelerate the rate
of corrosion to those parts which are not well
ventilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the
air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will
accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt will
also accelerate the disintegration of paint sur-
faces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION
cWash and wax your vehicle often to keep the
vehicle clean.
c Always check for minor damage to the paint
and repair it as soon as possible.
c Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors
open to avoid water accumulation.
c Check the underbody for accumulation of
sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water
as soon as possible.
CAUTION
cNEVER remove dirt, sand or other debris from
the passenger compartment by washing it
out with a hose. Remove dirt with a vacuum
cleaner.
c Never allow water or other liquids to come in
contact with electronic components inside
the vehicle as this may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface deicing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion
and deterioration of underbody components
such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake
lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned peri-
odically.
For additional protection against rust and cor-
rosion, which may be required in some areas,
consult an INFINITI retailer.
CORROSION PROTECTION
7-6Appearance and care
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