WARNING
●Do not leave children or adults who would
normally require the support of others alone
in your vehicle. Pets should not be left alone
either. They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent opera-
tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause severe
or possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals.
● Closely supervise children when they are
around cars to prevent them from playing
and becoming locked in the trunk where they
could be seriously injured. Keep the car
locked, with the rear seatback and trunk lid
securely latched when not in use, and pre-
vent children’s access to car keys.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
● Do not breathe exhaust gases; they contain
colorless and odorless carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is dangerous. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. ●
If you suspect that exhaust fumes are enter-
ing the vehicle, drive with all windows fully
open, and have the vehicle inspected
immediately.
● Do not run the engine in closed spaces such
as a garage.
● Do not park the vehicle with the engine run-
ning for any extended length of time.
● Keep the trunk lid closed while driving, oth-
erwise exhaust gases could be drawn into
the passenger compartment. If you must
drive with the trunk lid open, follow these
precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation to off and
the fan control to high to circulate the air.
● If electrical wiring or other cable connec-
tions must pass to a trailer through the seal
on the trunk lid or the body, follow the manu-
facturer’s recommendation to prevent car-
bon monoxide entry into the vehicle.
● The exhaust system and body should be in-
spected by a qualified mechanic whenever:
– The vehicle is raised for service.
– You suspect that exhaust fumes are en- tering into the passenger compartment. – You notice a change in the sound of the
exhaust system.
– You have had an accident involving dam- age to the exhaust system, underbody, or
rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the three-way catalyst are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
●The exhaust gas and the exhaust system are
very hot. Keep people, animals or flammable
materials away from the exhaust system
components.
● Do not stop or park the vehicle over flam-
mable materials such as dry grass, waste
paper or rags. They may ignite and cause a
fire.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND
DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
OPERATING RANGE FOR ENGINE
START FUNCTION
The Intelligent Key can only be used for starting
the engine when the Intelligent Key is within the
specified operating range
1.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost dis-
charged or strong radio waves are present near
the operating location, the Intelligent Key sys-
tem’s operating range becomes narrower and
may not function properly.
If the Intelligent Key is within the operating
range, it is possible for anyone, even someone
who does not carry the Intelligent Key, to push
the ignition switch to start the engine. ●
The trunk area is not included in the operat-
ing range but the Intelligent Key may func-
tion.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed on the instru-
ment panel, rear parcel shelf, inside the
glove box or door pocket, the Intelligent Key
may not function.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed near the door
or window outside the vehicle, the Intelli-
gent Key may function.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
OPERATION
When the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal (automatic trans-
mission model) or the clutch pedal (manual
transmission model), the ignition switch posi-
tion will change as follows:
● Push center once to change to ACC.
● Push center two times to change to ON.
● Push center three times to change to OFF.
(No position illuminates.)
● Push center four times to return to ACC.
● Open or close any door to return to LOCK
during the OFF position.
SSD0872SSD1021
5-8Starting and driving
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch position cannot be switched to LOCK
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position (Automatic Transmission models).
When the ignition switch cannot be switched
toward the LOCK position, proceed as follows:
Move the selector lever into the P (Park) posi-
tion (Automatic Transmission models).
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF posi-tion. The ignition switch position indicator
will not illuminate.
2. Open the door. The ignition switch will change to the LOCK position.
The selector lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in the ON
position and the brake pedal is depressed
(Automatic Transmission models).
STEERING LOCK (if so equipped)
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a right or left turn
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, push the ignition
switch to the OFF position. To unlock the steer-
ing wheel, push the ignition switch. If the steering lock release malfunction indica-
tor appears on the dot matrix liquid crystal
display, push the push-button ignition switch
again while lightly turning the steering wheel
right and left. (See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYS-
TAL DISPLAY” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.)
If the battery of the vehicle is discharged, the
push-button ignition switch cannot be turned
from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the dot matrix liquid crystal dis-
play between the speedometer and tachometer.
(See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
The ignition switch can only be locked in this
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while carrying the
Intelligent Key or with the Intelligent Key in-
serted in the port.
ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not
running.
ON (Normal operating position)
This position turns on the ignition system and
electrical accessories.
OFF
The engine can be turned off in this position.
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be switched to the LOCK position
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
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
switch 3 consecutive times, or
● Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.
Starting and driving5-9
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the push-button
ignition switch in ACC or ON positions when the
engine is not running for an extended period.
This can discharge the battery.
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DISCHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is almost
discharged, the guide light
Bof the Intelligent
Key port
Ablinks and the indicator appears on
the dot matrix liquid crystal display. (See “DOT
MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section.)
In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key into
the port
1allows you to start the engine. Make
sure that the key ring side faces backward as
illustrated. Insert the Intelligent Key in the port
until it is latched and secured.
To remove the Intelligent Key from the port,
push the ignition switch to the OFF position and
pull the Intelligent Key out of the port. NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge the In-
telligent Key battery. If you see the low battery
indicator in the dot matrix liquid crystal display,
replace the battery as soon as possible. (See
“INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
●
Never place anything except the Intelligent
Key in the Intelligent Key port. Doing so may
cause damage to the equipment.
● Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the cor-
rect direction when inserting it to the Intelli-
gent Key port. The engine may not start if it is
in the incorrect direction.
● Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelli-
gent Key port after the ignition switch is
pushed to the OFF position.
SSD0768
5-10Starting and driving
●Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head restraints.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) posi-
tion. Depress the clutch pedal fully to the
floor.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
The Intelligent Key must be carried when op-
erating the ignition switch.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion. Depress the brake pedal (AT model)
or the clutch pedal (MT model) and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal or the clutch pedal (MT
model) with the ignition switch in any posi-
tion. ●
If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion to start cranking the engine. After 5
or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by depressing the brake
pedal and the clutch pedal (MT model)
and pushing the push-button ignition
switch to start the engine. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure.CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start,
push the ignition switch to OFF and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11
CAUTION
Keep the interior of the vehicle as quiet as pos-
sible to hear the tone clearly.
The sonar system sounds a tone to warn the
driver of obstacles near the bumper. When the
“Sonar Display” key is ON, the sonar indicator
will also appear in the center display. (See
“SONAR INDICATOR” later in this section.) The
system detects rear obstacles when the selector
or shift lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
The system may not detect objects at speeds
above 6 MPH (10 km/h) and may not detect
certain angular or moving objects.
The sonar system detects obstacles up to 3.9 ft
(1.2 m) from the bumper with a decreased
coverage area at the outer corners of the bum-
per. Refer to the illustration for approximate
zone coverage areas. As you move closer to the
obstacle, the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 11.8 in (30 cm) away,
the tone will sound continuously. Keep the corner/center sonar (located on the
bumper fascia) free from snow, ice and large
accumulations of dirt (do not clean the sonar
with sharp objects). If the sonar is covered, it
will affect the accuracy of the sonar system.
The sensitivity level of the corner/center sonar
can be adjusted (higher or lower) in the SONAR
setting display. (See “HOW TO USE SETTING
BUTTON” in the “4. Monitor, climate, audio,
phone and voice recognition systems” section
for the “Sonar” settings.)
1Rear view monitor display
ACorner sonar indicator
BCenter sonar indicator
SONAR INDICATOR
With the “Sonar Display” key ON in the “Sonar”
settings, when the corner/center sonar detects
obstacles near the bumper, a tone will sound
and the sonar indicator will appear in the center
display. When the rear view monitor is dis-
played, the sonar indicator will appear in the
upper corner of the display
1.
The sonar indicators
AandBindicate the
position of the object and the distance to the
object with its color and rate of blinking.
SSD0928
5-46Starting and driving
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “BATTERY” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEM” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, INFINITI recommends the use of MUD
& SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
●A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades. ●
A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very
cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to
drive on. The vehicle will have much less
traction or “grip” under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating or downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
● Allow more stopping distance under these
conditions. Braking should be started
sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery roads.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-54Starting and driving
Every new INFINITI comes with a 4 year, unlim-
ited mileage Roadside Assistance plan. In the
event of a roadside emergency, Roadside Assis-
tance Service is available to you. Please refer to
your Warranty Information Booklet (U.S.) or
Warranty & Roadside Assistance Information
Booklet (Canada) for details. Both the Warranty
Information Booklet and Roadside Assistance
Calling Card in your Owner’s Literature Portfolio
provide the Toll-Free Number to call for assis-
tance. Roadside Assistance is provided 24
hours a day, 365 days a year, for 4 years from
the date sold to give emergency roadside help,
in the event of mechanical or nonmechanical
trouble(s) such as flat tires, out-of-gas, dead
battery, lost keys, mechanical breakdown, acci-
dent, etc.To shut off the engine in an emergency situation
while driving, perform the following procedure:
●
Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times, or
● Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch 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 and the
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning appears on the
dot matrix crystal display, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. If the ve-
hicle 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. Instruments
and controls” section and “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFFFLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency