5-68Starting and driving
WARNING
.When the vehicle ahead detection in-
dicator light is not illuminated, system
will not control or warn the driver.
. Never place your foot under the brake
pedal. Your foot may be caught when the
system controls the brake.
. Depending on the position of the accel-
erator pedal, the system may not be able
to assist the driver to release the
accelerator pedal appropriately.
. If the vehicle ahead comes to a stand-
still, the vehicle decelerates to a stand-
still within the limitations of the system.
The system will release brake control
with a warning chime once it judges the
vehicle is at a standstill. To prevent the
vehicle from moving, the driver must
depress the brake pedal. (The system
will resume control automatically once
the system reaches 3 MPH (5 km/h)).
Overriding the system:
The following driver’s operation overrides
the system operation. .
When the driver depresses the accel-
erator pedal even further while the
system is moving the accelerator pedal
upward, the DCA system control of the
accelerator pedal is canceled.
. When the driver’s foot is on the accel-
erator pedal, the brake control by the
system is not operated.
. When the driver’s foot is on the brake
pedal, neither the brake control nor the
alert by the system operates.
. When the Intelligent Cruise Control
system is set, the DCA system will be
cancelled.
Approach warning
If your vehicle comes closer to the vehicle
ahead due to rapid deceleration of that
vehicle or if another vehicle cuts in, the
system warns the driver with the chime
and DCA system display. Decelerate by
depressing the brake pedal to maintain a
safe vehicle distance if:
. The chime sounds.
. The vehicle ahead detection indicator
blinks.
The warning chime may not sound in some
cases when there is a short distance
between vehicles. Some examples are: .
When the vehicles are traveling at the
same speed and the distance between
vehicles is not changing
. When the vehicle ahead is traveling
faster and the distance between vehi-
cles is increasing
. When a vehicle cuts in near your vehicle
The warning chime will not sound when
your vehicle approaches vehicles that are
parked or moving slowly.
5-70Starting and driving
.When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the system off with the
dynamic driver assistance switch. Turn the
DCA system back on to use the system.
SSD0772
Condition B:
When the sensor window is dirty, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the
DCA system is automatically canceled.
The chime sounds and the system warning
light (orange) will come on and the “CLEAN
SENSOR” indicator will appear.
Action to take:
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place, turn the engine off.
Clean the sensor window with a soft cloth
and then perform the settings again.
SSD0787
Condition C:
When the DCA system is not operating
properly, the chime sounds and the system
warning light (“CRUISE” orange) will come
on.
Action to take:
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine, and turn on the DCA
system again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the
system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into the street when parked on a
sloping drive way, it is a good practice
to turn the wheels as illustrated.
.HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:*1
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
.HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:*2
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NOCURB:
*3
Turn the wheels toward the side of
the road so the vehicle will move
away from the center of the road if it
moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position.
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.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic 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. 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 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
Starting and driving5-81
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-82Starting and driving
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
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 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 performanceand 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.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at all
times.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (Intelligent
Cruise Control system equipped
models)
When the Preview Function identifies the
need to apply emergency braking by
sensing a vehicle ahead in the same lane
and the distance and relative speed from
it, it applies the brake pre-pressure before
the driver depresses the brake pedal and
helps improve brake response by reducing
pedal free play.
BRAKE ASSIST
6-2In case of emergency
SIC2574
Push the switch on to warn other drivers
when you must stop or park under
emergency conditions. All turn signal lights
will flash.
WARNING
.If stopping for an emergency, be sure to
move the vehicle well off the road.
. Do not use the hazard warning flashers
while moving on the highway unless
unusual circumstances force you to drive
so slowly that your vehicle might be-
come a hazard to other traffic. .
Turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning flasher lights are on.
The flasher can be actuated with the
ignition switch in any position.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of
the hazard warning flasher switch while
driving. In the event of a roadside emergency,
Roadside Assistance Service is available to
you. Please refer to your Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada)
for details.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
6-4In case of emergency
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instruc-
tions below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the roadand away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the selector lever
to the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assis-
tance personnel that you need assis-
tance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
. Make sure the parking brake is securely
applied and the automatic transmission is in the P (Park) position.
. Never change tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
. Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for profes-
sional road assistance.
MCE0001A
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks*1at both the front
and back of the wheel diagonally opposite
the flat tire to prevent the vehicle from
moving when it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and result in personal injury.
7-2Appearance and care
In order to maintain the appearance of
your vehicle, it is important to take proper
care of it.
To protect the paint surface, wash your
vehicle as soon as you can:
.after a rainfall to prevent possible
damage from acid rain
. after driving on coastal roads
. when contaminants such as soot, bird
droppings, tree sap, metal particles or
bugs get on the paint surface
. when dust or mud builds up on the
surface
Whenever possible, store or park your
vehicle inside a garage or in a covered
area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park
in a shady area or protect the vehicle with
a body cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.WASHING
Wash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge
and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle
thoroughly using a mild soap, a special
vehicle soap or general purpose dishwash-
ing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm
(never hot) water.
CAUTION
. Do not use car washes that use acid in
the detergent. Some car washes, espe-
cially brushless ones, use some acid for
cleaning. The acid may react with some
plastic vehicle components, causing
them to crack. This could affect their
appearance, and also could cause them
not to function properly. Always check
with your car wash to confirm that acid
is not used.
. Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical deter-
gents, gasoline or solvents.
. Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun-
light or while the vehicle body is hot, as
the surface may become water-spotted.
. Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must be taken when removing caked-on
dirt or other foreign substances so the
paint surface is not scratched or da-
maged.
Rinse the vehicle again with plenty of clean
water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the
doors, hatches and hood are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of road salt.
Therefore, these areas must be regularly
cleaned. Make sure that the drain holes in
the lower edge of the door are open. Spray
water under the body and in the wheel
wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint
surface by using a damp chamois to dry
the vehicle.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove built-
up wax residue and to avoid a weathered
appearance before reapplying wax.
An INFINITI retailer can assist you in
choosing the proper product.
CLEANING EXTERIOR
10-6
Preview Function warning light .......................... 2-15
Push starting .................................................... 6-10
“PUSH”warning ............................................... 2-22
Push-button ignition switch ....................... 5-9, 5-10
R
Radio ................................................................ 4-53 Car phone or CB radio ................................. 4-93
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ................................................... 4-68
Rapid air pressure loss ....................................... 5-7
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test .......................................................... 9-20
Rear center seat belt ......................................... 1-16
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door locks ........ 3-6
Rear seats .......................................................... 1-4
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ................................................ 2-34
Rear window wiper blades ................................ 8-21
Rearview monitor .............................................. 4-24
Recorders, Event data ....................................... 9-21
Registering your vehicle in another country ...... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ............................ 3-14
Reporting safety defects ................................... 9-19
Roadside assistance program ............................. 6-2
Rollover .............................................................. 5-6
Roof
Moonroof ..................................................... 2-55
Roof rack ..................................................... 2-51
S
Safety, Child seat belts ..................................... 1-17
Satellite radio operation ................................... 4-70
Seat adjustmentFront power seat adjustment .......................... 1-3
Front seats ..................................................... 1-3
Seat belt(s)
Child safety ................................................. 1-17
Infants ......................................................... 1-18
Injured persons ........................................... 1-13Larger children ............................................. 1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage .................... 1-11
Pregnant women .......................................... 1-13
Rear center seat belt .................................... 1-16
Seat belt cleaning .......................................... 7-6
Seat belt extenders ...................................... 1-16
Seat belt maintenance ................................. 1-17
Seat belt warning light and chime ............... 2-15
Seat belts .................................................... 1-11
Seat belts with pretensioners ...................... 1-49
Shoulder belt height adjustment .................. 1-16
Small children ............................................. 1-18
Three-point type .......................................... 1-13
Seat synchronization function ........................... 3-27
Seat(s) Driver-side memory ...................................... 3-26
Heated seats ............................................... 2-40
Seats ............................................................. 1-2
Seat-mounted jacket hanger ............................. 2-48 Security system (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ........................................ 2-30
Security system, Vehicle security system .......... 2-29
Selector lever
Shift lock release ......................................... 5-17
Servicing climate control ................................... 4-52
SETTING button ................................................. 4-14
Shift lock release Transmission ............................................... 5-17
SHIFT “P”warning ............................................ 2-22
Shifting, Automatic transmission ....................... 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For
front seats ........................................................ 1-16
Snow mode switch ............................................ 2-42
Spare tire ........................................................... 9-8
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-18
Speedometer ...................................................... 2-7
Starting Before starting the engine ........................... 5-12
Jump starting ................................................. 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ........... 5-3
Push starting ............................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-13
STATUS button .................................................. 4-10
Status light, Front passenger air bag ................ 1-44
Steering Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-13
Power steering system ................................. 5-81
Steering-wheel-mounted controls
for audio ...................................................... 4-90
Tilting telescopic steering column ................ 3-21