request switch, the LOCK button on the Intelli-
gent Key, the mechanical key or the power door
lock switch.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
WARNING
●Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly
explosive under certain conditions. You
could be burned or seriously injured if it is
misused or mishandled. Always stop engine
and do not smoke or allow open flames or
sparks near the vehicle when refueling.
● Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank after
the fuel pump nozzle shuts off automati-
cally. Continued refueling may cause fuel
overflow, resulting in fuel spray and possi-
bly a fire.
● Use only an original equipment type fuel-
filler cap as a replacement. It has a built-in
safety valve needed for proper operation of
the fuel system and emission control sys-
tem. An incorrect cap can result in a serious
malfunction and possible injury. It could
also cause the malfunction indicator light to
come on.
● Never pour fuel into the throttle body to at-
tempt to start your vehicle. ●
Do not fill a portable fuel container in the
vehicle or trailer. Static electricity can cause
an explosion of flammable liquid, vapor or
gas in any vehicle or trailer. To reduce the
risk of serious injury or death when filling
portable fuel containers:
– Always place the container on the ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when filling.
– Keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container while you are filling it.
– Use only approved portable fuel contain- ers for flammable liquid.
CAUTION
●If fuel is spilled on the vehicle body, flush it
away with water to avoid paint damage.
● Insert the cap straight into the fuel-filler
tube, then tighten until the fuel-filler cap
clicks. Failure to tighten the fuel-filler cap
properly may cause the
malfunction
indicator light (MIL) to illuminate. If the
light illuminates because the fuel-
filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or in-
stall the cap and continue to drive the ve-
hicle. The
light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If thelight does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by an INFINITI retailer.
● The LOOSE FUEL CAP warning (if so
equipped) will appear if the fuel-filler cap is
not properly tightened. Failure to tighten the
fuel-filler cap properly after the LOOSE FUEL
CAP warning (if so equipped) appears may
cause the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
to illuminate.
3-18Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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
