Black plate (370,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
5-50Starting and driving
to the object with its color and rate of
blinking.
When an object is detected, the indicator
(green) appears and blinks (the tone
sounds intermittently). When the vehicle
moves closer to the object, the color of the
indicator turns yellow and the rate of
blinking increases (the rate of the tone
increases). When the corner of the vehicle
is very close to the object, less than 11.8 in
(30 cm) away, the indicator stops blinking
and turns red (the tone sounds continu-
ously).
When the rear view monitor is displayed,
the colors of the sonar indicator and the
distance guide lines in the rear view
indicate different distances to the object.
The sonar indicator can be turned off in the
SONAR setting display. (See“How to use
SETTING button” (P.4-14) for the“Sonar”
settings.) When the sonar indicator is off,
only a tone sounds when the sonar detects
obstacles.
SSD0929
SONAR SYSTEM OFF SWITCHGUID-446340A3-E5C0-4566-9701-88DF98FE3774The sonar system OFF switch on the
instrument panel allows the driver to turn
the sonar system on and off. To turn the
sonar system on and off, the ignition
switch must be in the “ON”position. The
indicator light
*1on the switch will
illuminate when the system is turned off.
If the indicator light flashes when the
sonar system is not turned off, it may
indicate a malfunction in the sonar system.
GUID-7A26DC9E-F480-487F-A4C2-174FF498CC5C
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 hy-
draulic 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, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
POWER STEERING
Black plate (371,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
GUID-D12A8E6E-B2CE-4633-80C5-8B66D102DAA5
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSGUID-69469B45-E0A5-4BC3-B99F-C3213CC27874The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakesGUID-95686AE6-7A34-4D3E-9305-085085C76F84The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure 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 brakesGUID-B2433212-C5E2-4B61-9394-8ED34BB6A681When 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 thevehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-INGUID-B441C7AD-F0BB-453E-A531-8E92178C3484Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened 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
service manual and can be performed by
an INFINITI retailer.
Using the brakesGUID-EB3F3C9C-0F2F-47F8-8239-331D9D489654Avoid 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.
WARNING
.
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
. If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Starting and driving5-51
BRAKE SYSTEM
Black plate (373,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
all times.
. As there is a performance limit to the
Preview Function, never rely solely on
this system. This system does not
correct careless inattentive or absent-
minded driving, or overcome poor visi-
bility in rain, fog, or other bad weather.
Reduce vehicle speed by depressing the
brake pedal, in order to maintain a safe
distance between vehicles.
. The system may not detect the vehicle in
front of you in certain road or weather
conditions. The Preview Function may
not operate properly under the following
conditions. The vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions and the Brake
Assist will operate.
—When rain, snow or dirt adhere to
the system sensor
—When strong light (for example, atsunrise or sunset) is directly shining
on the front of the vehicle
—Winding or hilly roads may causethe sensor to temporarily not detect
a vehicle in the same lane or may
detect objects or vehicles in other
lanes.
—Vehicle position in the lane maycause the sensor to temporarily not
detect a vehicle in the same lane or
may detect objects or vehicles in
other lanes.
SSD0471
Warning light and displayGUID-A2927947-1E33-4EB3-9D1D-6799F67E6AB2When the Preview Function is not operating
properly, a chime sounds and the system
warning light (orange) will come on.
Action to take:
GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine and resume driving.
If the indicator stays on, it may indicate
that the Preview Function is malfunction-
ing (the brake is operative). Although the
Vehicle is still driveable under normal
conditions, have the vehicle checked at
an INFINITI retailer.
Starting and driving5-53
Black plate (375,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test featureGUID-EC96AE96-D9F6-4F19-A5A9-937C4D6337A4The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a
computer. The computer has a built-in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move
the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a“clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If the
computer senses a malfunction, it switches
the ABS off and illuminates the ABS
warning light on the instrument panel.
The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Normal operationGUID-36C3BA08-72B5-4E9B-96CF-93CCD7FE6655The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure. This action is similar to pumping
the brakes very quickly. You may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a
vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.
GUID-B2222C83-77D9-46CF-971F-591ADE2397C3The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver
inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, 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 func-
tion).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due
to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
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
warning light
in the instrument panel
Starting and driving5-55
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
Black plate (376,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
5-56Starting and driving
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) warn-
ing light” (P.2-17).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically 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 automatically reset to on when the ignition switch is
placed in the off position then back to the
on position.
See
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-17) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-19).
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 malfunction.
WARNING
. The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents 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.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings and wheels are not
INFINITI recommended for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the VDC
system may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle handling
performance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not INFINITI
recommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
. When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto a
Black plate (378,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
5-58Starting and driving
GUID-695D451B-86A6-4B0E-A4A9-166BD9DD27DE
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKGUID-5F57F3E0-2969-4980-A1A0-BD5D647B2C54To 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.
ANTIFREEZEGUID-F8D7961D-C579-4F53-826C-B5C0F179A8A4In 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).
BATTERYGUID-7370DBB5-3733-4F67-B170-202B0ECEAFD5If 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 WATERGUID-1E2017DE-B388-4F4A-AC44-3F639AB39240If 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 EQUIPMENTGUID-CB13ADAD-1389-4CA9-89D4-C970D4152E81SUMMER 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 driveGUID-7A027A3E-CFDC-48CE-8A84-86EFBDFF0BCBIf you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTGUID-6AEDC1F1-78E0-49EE-A495-05AD7B0A46B7It 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 ICEGUID-0864712C-2A8E-4B2A-96E7-B1801A0D999A
WARNING
. Wet ice (328F, 08C 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
Black plate (379,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise clear
road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is
seen ahead, brake before reaching it. Try
not to brake while on the ice, and avoid
any sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases
under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around your
vehicle.ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (for Canada
only)
GUID-57C14237-474B-4E2F-8C23-788BAC9DC9B0Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 208F
(−78C) or lower.
To use the engine block heaterGUID-DCD15CC7-8B8D-45F0-802F-80EFDBCBADD51. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be
plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,
depending on outside temperatures, to
properly warm the engine coolant. Use
an appropriate timer to turn the engine
block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
WARNING
. Do not use your engine block heater with
an ungrounded electrical system or a 2-
pronged adapter. You can be seriously
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
. Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.
. Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the proper
extension cord or a grounded outlet can
result in a fire or electrical shock and
cause serious personal injury.
Starting and driving5-59
Black plate (381,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
6 In case of emergency
Roadside assistance program...
.............................. 6-2
Emergency engine shut off ...
.................................. 6-2
Flat tire ...
................................................................ 6-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ...
.......... 6-2
Changing a flat tire ...
......................................... 6-3 Jump starting
...
...................................................... 6-8
Push starting ...
.................................................... 6-10
If your vehicle overheats ...
................................... 6-10
Towing your vehicle ...
.......................................... 6-11
Towing recommended by INFINITI ...
................. 6-12
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck vehicle) ...
.... 6-13