2011 INFINITI EX power steering

15. Steering-wheel-mounted controls(right side)
— Cruise control switches (P. 5-32)
— Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
switches (if so equipped) (P. 5-34)
— Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
switch (if so equipped) (P. 5-17)
— Distance Control Assist (DCA) switch (if
so equipped) (P. 5-54)
16. Center-console-mounted controls — Heated seat switches
(if so equipped) (P. 2-40)
— Rear seat power return switches
(if so equipped) (P. 1-4)
— SNOW mode switch (P. 2-43)
Illustrated table of contents0-7

VQ35HR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-20)
2. Battery (P. 8-13)
3. Radiator filler cap (P. 8-6)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-8)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-8)6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
7. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
9. Air cleaner (P. 8-16)
10. Drive belts (P. 8-15)
11. Coolant reservoir (P. 8-6)
SSI0388
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
0-10Illustrated table of contents

15. Steering-wheel-mounted controls(right side)
— Cruise control switches (P. 5-32)
— Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
switches (if so equipped) (P. 5-34)
— Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
switch (if so equipped) (P. 5-17)
— Distance Control Assist (DCA) switch (if
so equipped) (P. 5-54)
16. Center-console-mounted controls — Heated seat switches
(if so equipped) (P. 2-40)
— Rear seat power return switches
(if so equipped) (P. 1-4)
— SNOW mode switch (P. 2-43)
Instruments and controls2-3

●Never leave the Intelligent Key in the vehicle
when you leave the vehicle.
The Intelligent Key is always communicating
with the vehicle as it receives radio waves. The
Intelligent Key system transmits weak radio
waves. Environmental conditions may interfere
with the operation of the Intelligent Key system
under the following operating conditions.
● When operating near a location where strong
radio waves are transmitted, such as a TV
tower, power station and broadcasting sta-
tion.
● When in possession of wireless equipment,
such as a cellular telephone, transceiver,
and CB radio.
● When the Intelligent Key is in contact with or
covered by metallic materials.
● When any type of radio wave remote control
is used nearby.
● When the Intelligent Key is placed near an
electric appliance such as a personal com-
puter.
● When the vehicle is parked near a parking
meter. In such cases, correct the operating conditions
before using the Intelligent Key function or use
the mechanical key.
Although the life of the battery varies depend-
ing on the operating conditions, the battery’s
life is approximately 2 years. If the battery is
discharged, replace it with a new one.
Since the Intelligent Key is continuously receiv-
ing radio waves, if the key is left near equip-
ment which transmits strong radio waves, such
as signals from a TV and personal computer, the
battery life may become shorter.
For information regarding replacement of a bat-
tery, see “INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY REPLACE-
MENT” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.
For models with a steering wheel lock mecha-
nism: Because the steering wheel is locked
electrically, unlocking the steering wheel with
the ignition switch in the LOCK position is
impossible when the vehicle battery is com-
pletely discharged. Pay special attention that
the vehicle battery is not completely dis-
charged.
As many as 4 Intelligent Keys can be registered
and used with one vehicle. For information
about the purchase and use of additional Intel-
ligent Keys, contact an INFINITI retailer.CAUTION
●
Do not allow the Intelligent Key, which con-
tains electrical components, to come into
contact with water or salt water. This could
affect the system function.
● Do not drop the Intelligent Key.
● Do not strike the Intelligent Key sharply
against another object.
● Do not change or modify the Intelligent Key.
● Wetting may damage the Intelligent Key. If
the Intelligent Key gets wet, immediately
wipe until it is completely dry.
● Do not place the Intelligent Key for an ex-
tended period in an area where tempera-
tures exceed 140°F (60°C).
● Do not attach the Intelligent Key with a key
holder that contains a magnet.
● Do not place the Intelligent Key near equip-
ment that produces a magnetic field, such as
a TV, audio equipment and personal
computers.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-7

The driver’s seat will not return to the previous
positions if the seat or steering adjusting
switch is operated when the seat is at the exit
position.
Cancel or activate entry/exit function
The selector lever must be in the P (Park)
position with the ignition switch in the OFF
position.
The entry/exit function can be activated or
canceled by pressing and holding the SET
switch for more than 10 seconds.
The indicator lights on the memory switches (1
and 2) will blink once when the function is
canceled, and the indicator lights will blink
twice when the function is activated.
The entry/exit function can also be activated or
canceled if the “Lift Steering Wheel on Exit” key
or “Slide Driver Seat Back on Exit” key is turned
to ON or OFF in the “Comfort & Conv.” settings.
(See “VEHICLE INFORMATION AND SETTINGS” in
the “4. Monitor, climate, audio, phone and
voice recognition systems” section.)
Initialize entry/exit function
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if the
fuse opens, the entry/exit function will not work
though this function was set on before. In such
a case, after connecting the battery or replacing
with a new fuse, open and close the driver’s
door more than two times after the ignition
switch is turned from the ON position to the
LOCK position. The entry/exit function will be
activated.
SEAT SYNCHRONIZATION FUNCTION
The seat synchronization function automatically
adjusts the positions of the steering wheel and
outside mirrors when the seat is adjusted using
the power seat switches.
However, the steering wheel and outside mir-
rors will not move if the seat is adjusted over
the maximum thresholds. The system considers
that the steering wheel and outside mirror
adjustments are not necessary because the
seat may not be adjusted for the driving posi-
tion. Note that the function is set to disabled as
the factory default setting.
SPA2469
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-25

Preview function (for Intelligent Cruise
Control system equipped models)..............5-54
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system (if so
equipped) ....................................... 5-54
Precautions on distance control assist
system ....................................... 5-54
Distance control assist operation ...............5-56
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system (if so
equipped) ....................................... 5-66
Precautions on FCW system ....................5-67
Intelligent brake assist (IBA) system (if so
equipped) ....................................... 5-69
Precautions on IBA system .....................5-70
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-73
Increasing fuel economy .......................... 5-73
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped) .............5-74
Parking/parking on hills .......................... 5-76
Power steering ................................... 5-77Brake system
.................................... 5-77
Braking precautions ........................... 5-77
Parking brake break-in ......................... 5-77
Brake assist ..................................... 5-78
Brake assist .................................. 5-78
Preview function (Intelligent Cruise Control
system equipped models) ......................5-78
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-80
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-82
Cold weather driving ............................. 5-83
Freeing a frozen door lock .....................5-83
Antifreeze .................................... 5-83
Battery ....................................... 5-83
Draining of coolant water ......................5-83
Tire equipment ................................ 5-84
Special winter equipment ......................5-84
Driving on snow or ice ......................... 5-84
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ............5-85

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.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed slowly.
This is not a malfunction and indicates that the
brake assist mechanism is operating properly.
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.
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.
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-77

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 VDC warn-
ing light
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 “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically
turns off.
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 VDC warning light
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off, and the VDC warning light
will not flash. The VDC system is auto-
matically reset to on when the ignition switch is
placed in the off position then back to the on
position. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.
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 improve
driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-82Starting and driving