
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
collisions and rollovers.In a rollover crash,
an unbelted or improperly belted person is
significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
They have higher ground clearance than
passenger cars to make them capable of
performing in a variety of on-pavement and
off-road applications. This gives them a
higher center of gravity than ordinary cars.
An advantage of higher ground clearance is
a better view of the road, allowing you to
anticipate problems. However, they are not
designed for cornering at the same speeds
as conventional passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road con-
ditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns
or abrupt maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or vehicle rollover.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in collisions and rollovers. In a rollover crash,
an unbelted or improperly belted person is
significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.
Be sure to read
“Driving safety precau-
tions” (P.5-8).
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
If the right side or left side wheels
unintentionally leave the road surface,
maintain control of the vehicle by following
the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must be driven as appropriate
based on the conditions of the vehicle,
road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering
wheel with both hands and try to hold a
straight course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accelerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle to follow the road while the
vehicle speed is reduced. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle back onto
the road surface until vehicle speed is
reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires
return to the road surface. When all
tires are on the road surface, steer the
vehicle to stay in the appropriate
driving lane..If you decide that it is not safe toreturn the vehicle to the road surface
based on vehicle, road or traffic
conditions, gradually slow the vehi-
cle to a stop in a safe place off the
road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out”can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged
due to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air
pressure loss can also be caused by
driving on under-inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the
handling and stability of the vehicle,
especially at highway speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by
maintaining the correct air pressure and
visually inspect the tires for wear and
damage. See “Wheels and tires” (P.8-32) of
Starting and driving5-7

5-8Starting and driving
this manual.
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or
“blows-out”while driving maintain control
of the vehicle by following the procedure
below. Please note that this procedure is
only a general guide. The vehicle must be
driven as appropriate based on the condi-
tions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury.
. The vehicle generally moves or pulls in
the direction of the flat tire.
. Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
. Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
. Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering
wheel with both hands and try to hold a
straight course. 3. When appropriate, slowly release the
accelerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from
traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradu- ally stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either contact a roadside emer-
gency service to change the tire or see
“Changing a flat tire” (P.6-3) of this
Owner’s Manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or
drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream reduces
coordination, delays reaction time and im-
pairs judgement. Driving after drinking
alcohol increases the likelihood of being
involved in an accident injuring yourself and
others. Additionally, if you are injured in an
accident, alcohol can increase the severity
of the injury.
INFINITI is committed to safe driving.
However, you must choose not to drive
under the influence of alcohol. Every year
thousands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol-related accidents. Although the
local laws vary on what is considered to
be legally intoxicated, the fact is that
alcohol affects all people differently and
most people underestimate the effects of
alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don’t drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your INFINITI is designed for both normal
and off-road use. However, avoid driving in
deep water or mud as your INFINITI is
mainly designed for leisure use, unlike a
conventional off-road vehicle.
Remember that Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)
models are less capable than All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) models for rough road driving
and extrication when stuck in deep snow,
mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:

5-18Starting and driving
down long slopes.
M4 (4th),M3 (3rd) andM2 (2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or
engine braking on downhill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep
snow, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.
. Remember not to drive at high speeds
for extended periods of time in lower
than 7th gear. This reduces fuel econ-
omy.
. Moving the selector lever rapidly to the
same side twice will shift the ranges in
succession.
. In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of
vehicle damage or loss of control.
When this situation occurs, the Auto-
matic Transmission (AT) position indi-
cator light (on the dot matrix liquid
crystal display) will blink and the
chime will sound.
. In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down to 1st gear before the vehicle comes to a
stop. When accelerating again, it is
necessary to shift up to the desired
range.Accelerator downshift
—In D (Drive)
position —
For passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This
shifts the transmission down into the lower
gear, depending on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, note
that the transmission will be locked in any
of the forward gears according to the
condition.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel spin-
ning and subsequent hard braking, the
fail-safe system may be activated. This will
occur even if all electrical circuits are
functioning properly. In this case, push
the switch to the OFF position and wait for
3 seconds. Then push the ignition switch
back to the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating
condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have an
INFINITI retailer check the transmission and repair if necessary.

5-22Starting and driving
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)
SYSTEM
Precautions on LDW system
WARNING
.This system is only a warning device to
inform the driver of a potential unin-
tended lane departure. It will not steer
the vehicle or prevent loss of control. It
is the driver’ s responsibility to stay
alert, drive safely, keep the vehicle in
the traveling lane, and be in control of
the vehicle at all times.
. The system will not operate at speeds
below approximately 45 MPH or if it
cannot detect lane markers.
. If the LDW system malfunctions, it will
cancel automatically, and the lane de-
parture warning light (orange) will illu-
minate.
. If the lane departure warning light
(orange) illuminates, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle.
Turn the engine off and restart the
engine. If the lane departure warning
light (orange) continues to illuminate, have the system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.The system may not function properly
under the following conditions:
.On roads where there are multiple
parallel lane markers; lane markers
that are faded or not painted clearly;
yellow painted lane markers; non-stan-
dard lane markers; or lane markers
covered with water, dirt, snow, etc.
. On roads where the discontinued lane
markers are still detectable.
. On roads where there are sharp curves.
. On roads where there are sharply
contrasting objects, such as shadows,
snow, water, wheel ruts, seams or lines
remaining after road repairs. (The LDW
system could detect these items as
lane markers.)
. On roads where the traveling lane
merges or separates.
. When the vehicle’s traveling direction
does not align with the lane marker. .
When traveling close to the vehicle in
front of you, which obstructs the lane
camera unit detection range.
. When rain, snow or dirt adheres to the
windshield in front of the lane camera
unit.
. When the headlights are not bright due
to dirt on the lens or if the aiming is not
adjusted properly.
. When strong light enters the lane
camera unit. (For example, the light
directly shines on the front of the
vehicle at sunrise or sunset.)
. When a sudden change in brightness
occurs. (For example, when the vehicle
enters or exits a tunnel or under a
bridge.)

5-24Starting and driving
vated automatically. The warning systems
ON indicator on the switch will flash.
When the interior temperature is reduced,
the LDW system will resume operating
automatically and the warning systems
ON indicator will stop flashing.
LANE DEPARTURE PREVENTION
(LDP) SYSTEM
Precautions on LDP system
WARNING
.The LDP system will not steer the vehicle
or prevent loss of control. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely, keep the vehicle in the traveling
lane, and be in control of vehicle at all
times.
. The LDP system is primarily intended for
use on well-developed freeways or high-
ways. It may not detect the lane markers
in certain roads, weather or driving
conditions.
. Using the LDP system under some
conditions of road, lane marker or
weather, or when you change lanes
without using the lane change signal could lead to an unexpected system
operation. In such conditions, you need
to correct the vehicle’s direction with
your steering operation to avoid acci-
dents.
. When the LDP system is operating, avoid
excessive or sudden steering maneu-
vers. Otherwise, you could lose control
of the vehicle.
. The LDP system will not operate at
speeds below approximately 45 MPH
(70 km/h) or if it cannot detect lane
markers.
. The LDP system may not function
properly under the following conditions,
and do not use the LDP system:
—During bad weather (rain, fog, snow,
wind, etc.).
—When driving on slippery roads,such as on ice or snow, etc.
—When driving on winding or uneven roads.
—When there is a lane closure due toroad repairs.
—When driving in a makeshift lane.
—When driving on roads where thelane width is too narrow.
—When driving without normal tireconditions (for example, tire wear,
low tire pressure, installation of
spare tire, tire chains, non-standard
wheels).
—When the vehicle is equipped withnonoriginal brake parts or suspen-
sion parts.
—When you are towing a trailer.
. If the LDP system malfunctions, it will
cancel automatically. The lane departure
warning light (orange) on the instrument
panel will illuminate.
. If the lane departure warning light
(orange) illuminates, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle.
Turn the engine off and restart the
engine. If the warning light (orange)
continues to illuminate, have the LDP
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
. Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.

SSD0738
VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE DISTANCE
CONTROL MODE OPERATION
Always pay attention to the operation of
the vehicle and be ready to manually
control the proper following distance. The
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode of
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
may not be able to maintain the selected
distance between vehicles (following dis-
tance) or selected vehicle speed under
some circumstances.
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode uses a sensor
*Alocated on the
front of the vehicle to detect vehicles traveling ahead. The sensor generally
detects the signals returned from the
reflectors on a vehicle ahead. Therefore, if
the sensor cannot detect the reflector on
the vehicle ahead, the ICC system may not
maintain the selected distance.
The following are some conditions in which
the sensor cannot detect the signals:
.
When the reflector of the vehicle ahead
is positioned high on the vehicle
(trailer, etc.)
. When the reflector on the vehicle ahead
is missing, damaged or covered
. When the reflector of the vehicle ahead
is covered with dirt, snow and road
spray
. When the snow or road spray from
traveling vehicles reduces the sensor’s
visibility
. When dense exhaust or other smoke
(black smoke) from vehicles reduces
the sensor’s visibility
. When excessively heavy baggage is
loaded in the rear seat or the luggage
room of your vehicle
The ICC system is designed to automati-
cally check the sensor’s operation within
the limitation of the system. When the sensor is covered with dirt or is obstructed,
the system will automatically be canceled.
If the sensor is covered with ice, a
transparent or translucent vinyl bag, etc.,
the ICC system may not detect them. In
these instances, the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance control mode may not cancel and
may not be able to maintain the selected
following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Be sure to check and clean the sensor
regularly.
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode is designed to maintain a selected
distance and reduce the speed to match
the slower vehicle ahead. The system will
decelerate the vehicle as necessary and if
the vehicle ahead comes to a stop, the
vehicle decelerates to a standstill. How-
ever, the ICC system can only apply up to
25% of the vehicles total braking power.
This system should only be used when
traffic conditions allow vehicle speeds to
remain fairly constant or when vehicle
speeds change gradually. If a vehicle
moves into the traveling lane ahead or if
a vehicle traveling ahead rapidly decele-
rates, the distance between vehicles may
become closer because the ICC system
cannot decelerate the vehicle quickly en-
Starting and driving5-35

SSD0284A
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the system display may blink when
the ICC sensor detects some reflectors
*Awhich are fitted on vehicles in other lanes
or on the side of the road. This may cause
the ICC system to decelerate or accelerate
the vehicle. The ICC sensor may detect
these reflectors when the vehicle is driven
on winding roads, hilly roads or when
entering or exiting a curve. The ICC sensor
may also detect reflectors on narrow roads
or in road construction zones. In these
cases you will have to manually control
the proper distance ahead of your vehicle.Also, the sensor sensitivity can be affected
by vehicle operation (steering maneuver or
driving position in the lane) or traffic or
vehicle condition (for example, if a vehicle
is being driven with some damage).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following con-
ditions and the control is automatically
canceled.
.
When the vehicle ahead is not detected
and your vehicle is traveling below the
speed of 15 MPH (24 km/h)
. When the system judges the vehicle is
at standstill
. When the selector lever is not in the D,
DS or Manual mode
. When the windshield wipers are operat-
ing at low (LO) or high speed (HI). If the
vehicle is equipped with a rain sensing
auto-wiper, the system may cancel
when the wipers are set to intermittent
(INT).
. When the parking brake is applied
. When the SNOW mode switch is turned
ON
. When the VDC system is turned off
. When ABS or VDC (including the trac-
tion control system) operates .
When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
. When distance measurement becomes
impaired due to adhesion of dirt or
obstruction to the sensor
. When a wheel slips
Starting and driving5-47

5-74Starting and driving
pushed again, the system will turn on and
the IBA OFF indicator light will turn off.
The IBA system will remain in the last ON
or OFF state it was left in until it is
manually changed by pressing the IBA
OFF switch.
Illumination of the IBA OFF indicator light
without the warning chime sound is an
indication that the IBA system is tempora-
rily unavailable. It will occur under the
following conditions:
.When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
The IBA OFF indicator light will turn off
when the system returns to its normal
operating conditions.
For the sensor maintenance, see “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system (FULL
SPEED RANGE)” (P.5-31).
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and ensure
the future reliability and economy of your
new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in shortened engine life and
reduced engine performance.
.Avoid driving for long periods at con-
stant speed, either fast or slow. Do not
run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possi-
ble.
. Do not tow a trailer for the first 500
miles (805 km). .
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-
tain cruising speeds with a constant
accelerator position.
. Drive at moderate speeds on the high-
way.
. Avoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Keep a safe distance behind other
vehicles.
. Select a gear range suitable to road
conditions.
. Avoid unnecessary prolonged engine
idling.
. Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
. Keep the tires inflated at the correct
pressure. Improper tire pressure will
increase wear and waste fuel.
. Make sure the front wheels are properly
aligned. Improper alignment will cause
premature tire wear and lower fuel
economy.
. Climate control operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
. When cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY