Sonar system (if so equipped)........................... 5-48
Sonar indicator.............................................. 5-49
Sonar system OFF switch ............................... 5-50
Power steering................................................... 5-50
Brake system..................................................... 5-51 Braking precautions ...................................... 5-51
Parking brake break-in .................................. 5-51
Brake assist ...................................................... 5-52
Brake assist .................................................. 5-52
Preview function (Intelligent Cruise Control
system equipped models) ............................. 5-52
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..................... 5-54 Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............. 5-55
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system
(if so equipped) ................................................ 5-57
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-58
Freeing a frozen door lock ........................... 5-58
Antifreeze .................................................... 5-58
Battery......................................................... 5-58
Draining of coolant water............................. 5-58
Tire equipment ............................................ 5-58
Special winter equipment ............................ 5-58
Driving on snow or ice ................................. 5-58
Engine block heater (for Canada only).......... 5-59
5-10Starting and driving
SSD0824
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
discharged or strong radio waves are
present near the operating location, the
Intelligent Key system’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
operating range but the Intelligent Key
may function.
. If the Intelligent Key is placed on the
instrument 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
Intelligent Key may function.
SSD1021
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
OPERATION
When the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal (automatic
transmission model) or the clutch pedal
(manual transmission model), the ignition
switch position 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.
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 Transmis-
sion models).
When the ignition switch cannot be
switched toward the LOCK position, pro-
ceed as follows:
Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position (Automatic Transmission models).
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFFposition. 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 mod-
els).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 inserted in the port.
ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical acces-
sories 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.
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the push-
button ignition switch in ACC or ON posi-
tions when the engine is not running for an
extended period. This can discharge the
battery.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF
To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure:
. Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times in less than
1.5 seconds, or
. Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.
Starting and driving5-11
5-12Starting and driving
SSD0768
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
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” (P.2-20).)
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 Intelligent 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” (P.8-26).)
CAUTION
.Never place anything except the Intelli-
gent Key in the Intelligent Key port.
Doing so may cause damage to the
equipment.
. Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the
correct direction when inserting it to the
Intelligent Key port. The engine may not
start if it is in the incorrect direction.
. Remove the Intelligent Key from the
Intelligent Key port after the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
.Make sure the area around the vehicle
is clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, 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 appear-
ance and condition. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head re-
straints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to
the ON position. (See “Warning/indica-
tor lights and audible reminders” (P.2-
12).)
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-58Starting 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 328F
(08C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see“Engine cooling system” (P.8-9).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely 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”
(P.8-17).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-9).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. 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 prohi-
bit 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”(P.8-39) of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
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
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (328F, 0 8C 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 cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smell, be sure to
check for the cause or have an INFINITI
retailer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify an INFINITI retailer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, see“Maintenance precau-
tions” (P.8-6).
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this
section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all
doors and the engine hood, operate
properly. Also ensure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch
pins, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and
other lights are all operating properly and
installed securely. Also check headlight
aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). If your
vehicle is equipped with different sized
tires in the front and rear, tires cannot be
rotated.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in
all tires, including the spare, to the
pressure specified. Check carefully for
damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:
If the
vehicle should pull to either side while
driving on a straight and level road, or if
you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear,
there may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada)
in the INFINITI Warranty Information Book-
let.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at
least every six months for cracks or other
damage. Have a damaged windshield
repaired by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
.Keep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of
baking soda and water.
. Make certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
. If the vehicle is not to be used for 30
days or longer, disconnect the negative
(−) battery terminal cable to prevent
discharging it.
COUPE
CAUTION
When the battery cable is removed from the
battery terminal, do not close either of front
doors. The automatic window adjusting
function will not work, and the side roof
panel may be damaged.
To disconnect the negative (− ) battery
terminal, perform the procedure in the
following order. Otherwise, the window
and the side roof panel may contact and
be damaged.
1. Close the windows.
2. Open the hood.
3. Close and lock all the doors. 4. Disconnect the negative (−
) battery
terminal.
5. Securely close the hood.
To connect the negative (−) battery term-
inal, perform the procedure in the follow-
ing order. Otherwise, the window and the
side roof panel may contact and be
damaged.
1. Unlock and open the driver side door. Do not close the door.
2. Open the hood.
3. Connect the negative (−) battery term- inal. Then close the hood.
4. Fully open the driver side door window.
5. Close the driver side door and the window.
SEDAN AND COUPE
WARNING
. Do not expose the battery to flames or
electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener-
ated by the battery is explosive. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your skin,
eyes, fabrics, or painted surfaces. After
touching a battery or battery cap, do not
touch or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately flush
with water for at least 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
. Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid in
the battery is low. Low battery fluid can
cause a higher load on the battery which
can generate heat, reduce battery life,
and in some cases lead to an explosion.
. When working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection and
remove all jewelry.
. Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
. Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
BATTERY
10 Index
Number
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system ................. 5-57
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) warning light ....... 2-14
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ......................... 5-54
Advanced air bag system .................................. 1-46
Air bag systemAdvanced air bag system ............................. 1-46
Front passenger air bag and status light ...... 1-49
Front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental
air bag system ............................................. 1-52
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system ....................... 1-52
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-55
Air bag warning light ............................... 1-55, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-21
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ................................. 4-41
Air conditioner specification label ................ 9-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .................. 4-41, 9-7
Automatic climate control ............................ 4-31
In-cabin microfilter ....................................... 4-40
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ................................................ 2-29
Alcohol, drugs and driving .................................. 5-8
All-wheel drive (AWD) ........................................ 5-45 All-wheel drive (AWD) driving
safety precautions .............................................. 5-8
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light .................. 2-12
Antenna ............................................................ 4-89
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......................... 5-54
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light .... 2-13
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ................................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ................................ 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-13
Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and ashtrays) .... 2-44
Audible reminders ............................................ 2-19
Audio operation precautions ............................. 4-41
Audio system .................................................... 4-41
Steering wheel audio controls ...................... 4-87
Autolight system ............................................... 2-35
Automatic
Automatic adjusting function
(front windows) ............................................ 2-54
Automatic climate control .................. 4-32, 4-34
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............... 8-14
Climate control ............................................ 4-31
Door locks ..................................................... 3-6
Drive positioner ........................................... 3-31
Driving with automatic transmission ............ 5-14
Moonroof ..................................................... 2-55
Seat positioner ............................................ 3-31
Average fuel consumption and speed ................ 2-26
Avoiding collision and rollover ............................ 5-6
B
Battery .............................................................. 8-17
Battery saver system ................................... 2-37
Intelligent Key .............................................. 8-26
Variable voltage control system ................... 8-19
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-12
Belts (See drive belts) ....................................... 8-19
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) ....................... 4-90
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) ................ 4-100
Bluetooth
®streaming audio ............................. 4-70
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................... 5-54
Brake and clutch fluid .................................. 8-15
Brake fluid ................................................... 8-15
Brake system ............................................... 5-51
Parking brake operation ............................... 5-20
Warning light ............................................... 2-13
Break-in schedule ............................................. 5-45
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button .................................. 4-9
Instrument panel ......................................... 2-38
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-12
Bulb replacement .............................................. 8-28