CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without having
the emission control system checked and re-
paired as necessary could lead to poor drive-
ability, reduced fuel economy, and possible
damage to the emission control system.
Slip indicator light
This light will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system is operating, thus alerting
the driver to the fact that the road surface is
slippery and the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits.
Small light indicator
light
The light comes on when the front park, side
marker, tail and license plate lights are on.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light
The light comes on when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates that the VDC system is not operating.
When the VDC off indicator light and slip indi-
cator light come on with the VDC system turned
on, this light alerts the driver to the fact that the
VDC system's fail-safe mode is operating, for
example the VDC system may not be function-
ing properly. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer. If a malfunction occurs in the
system, the VDC system function will be can-
celed but the vehicle is still driveable. For
additional information, see ªVEHICLE DYNAMIC
CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEMº in the ª5. Starting and
drivingº section of this manual.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or LOCK position with the Intelligent
Key left in the Intelligent Key port. Make sure
the ignition switch is pushed to the LOCK
position, and take the Intelligent Key with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side door is
opened with the light switch in the
or
position, and the ignition switch is
pushed to the ACC position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Parking brake reminder chime
The chime will sound if the vehicle is driven at
more than 4 MPH (7 km/h) with the parking
brake applied. Stop the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Seat belt warning chime
The chime will sound for about 6 seconds
unless the driver's seat belt is securely fas-
tened.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound
will first occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake pad,
the sound will always be heard even if the brake
2-20Instruments and controls
wÐ
Ð
05/14/09Ðpattie
X
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 reduce brake wear 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
cWhile 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.
c 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.
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.
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 (for Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) 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.
c This system will not operate when the ve-
hicle is moving at approximately 20 MPH
(32 km/h) or less.
BRAKE ASSIST
5-50Starting and driving
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
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)
Starting and driving5-55
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
If you wax the surface of the hood, be careful
not to let wax get into the washer nozzle
sA.
This may cause clogging or improper wind-
shield washer operation. If wax gets into the
nozzle, remove it with a needle or small pin
sB. If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by an INFINITI retailer.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See an INFINITI retailer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not return
to normal.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNINGS
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound
will first occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake pad,
the sound will always be heard even if the brake
pedal is not depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear warn-
ing sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to moderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake sys-
tem.
Proper brake inspection intervals should be fol-
lowed.
For additional information, see the main-
tenance log section of your ªINFINITI Service
and Maintenance Guideº.
SDI1832
BRAKES
8-24Maintenance and do-it-yourself
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X