
.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 —
GUID-06BB20B5-DB70-4A4E-BFAD-8895E4D6A7ADFor 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-safeGUID-95D61986-6CBA-49FB-BC3E-01783BEA6F87When 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 ignition 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.
SSD0598
Shift lock releaseGUID-274AEC6C-BC56-4620-B517-6BF60F025945If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the selector lever may not be moved from
the P (Park) position even with the brake
pedal depressed and the selector lever
button pushed.
To move the selector lever, perform the
following procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover
*Ausing a
suitable tool.
Starting and driving5-17

SSD0605
Intelligent cruise control switchGUID-7F7546F2-447F-4FE2-9BC5-85552819844AThe system is operated by a MAIN switch
and four control switches, all mounted on
the steering wheel.
1. ACCELERATE/RESUME switch:Resumes set speed or increases speed
incrementally.
2. COAST/SET switch: Sets desired cruise speed, reduces
speed incrementally.
3. CANCEL switch:
Deactivates the system without erasing
the set speed. 4. DISTANCE switch:
Changes the vehicle’s following dis-
tance:
.Long.Middle.Short
5. MAIN switch:
Master switch to activate the system
SSD0606
Intelligent cruise control system
display and indicators
GUID-875E3009-E75E-4FD9-8464-6A8CC0E3392CThe display is located between the speed-
ometer and tachometer.
1. MAIN switch indicator:Indicates that the MAIN switch is ON.
2. Vehicle ahead detection indicator: Indicates whether it detects a vehicle in
front of you.
3. Set distance indicator: Displays the selected distance between
vehicles set with the DISTANCE switch.
Starting and driving5-31

5-34Starting and driving
SSD0614
When the COAST/SET switch is pushed
under the following conditions, the system
cannot be set.
A warning chime will sound and the ICC
indicators will blink.
.When the VDC system is off (To use the
ICC system, turn on the VDC system.
Push the MAIN switch to turn off the ICC
system and reset the ICC switch by
pushing the MAIN switch again.)
For details about the VDC system, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem” (P.5-55).
. When ABS or VDC (including the trac-
tion control system) is operating .
When driving into a strong light (for
example, sunlight)
. When a wheel is slipping (To use the ICC
system, make sure the wheels are no
longer slipping. Push the MAIN switch
to turn off the ICC, and reset the ICC
system by pushing the MAIN switch
again.)

5-46Starting and driving
GUID-80396E4C-7829-4CC4-B140-AD5C5CA0C471
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.
GUID-A0B243EA-7BDA-4E12-AEC1-2F8D7AC85AA5. 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

GUID-4DD9A0F8-1386-4A22-899B-3ECDD1F27745
SD1006MA
WARNING
.Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite and
cause a fire.
. Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.
. Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly
activate switches or controls. Unat-
tended children could become involved
in serious accidents. .
Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied and
the transmission placed into P (Park) for
Automatic Transmission (AT) model or in
an appropriate gear for Manual Trans-
mission (MT) model. Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move un-
expectedly or roll away and result in an
accident.
. Make sure the automatic transmission
selector lever has been pushed as far
forward as it can go and cannot be
moved without depressing the foot brake pedal.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)
gear. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the shift lever in the 1st gear.
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, NO
CURB:
*3
Turn the wheels toward the side of
the road so the vehicle will move
Starting and driving5-47
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

GUID-B50FAB06-8209-43C1-BD38-DA20F3688BF7
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSGUID-303F7865-3EEE-42BE-875A-2373C76593B9The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakesGUID-FB3BB3B2-604D-4649-8638-2E41A80E1853The 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-435B5EB3-1F68-4B06-9333-CD2462DA6490When 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-837DE698-6E89-4ED2-965C-C45C0822EC96Break 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-798BCC8C-1840-436E-B736-D4D16F071B12Avoid 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

5-54Starting and driving
How to handle the sensorGUID-987C621F-BCC5-4DA7-BA01-D4D917899DCAThe sensor for the Preview Function is
common with Intelligent Cruise Control and
is located below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating
properly, be sure to observe the following:
.Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe
with a soft cloth carefully so as not to
damage the sensor.
. Do not strike or damage the areas
around the sensor. Do not touch or
remove the screw located on the
sensor. Doing so could cause failure
or malfunction. If the sensor is da-
maged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
. Do not attach a sticker (including
transparent material) or install an
accessory near the sensor. This could
cause failure or malfunction.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)GUID-CC021868-0ABC-45AA-B3D9-819FB93AA13F
WARNING
. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
—When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
—When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See “Tireand Loading Information label”
(P.9-
13) of this manual.
—For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-30) of this
manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols the brakes so the wheels do not lock
during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies
the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre-
venting each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the systemGUID-A17A02B4-B98C-49CB-8417-28E29F497208Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels
from locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid
obstacles.

WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test featureGUID-4FC5730B-9006-485D-8F47-48423827A0FDThe 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-4A24737D-9B87-4CFC-A807-4E8F57A64E71The 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-9B2B3B86-188B-477E-85AC-1E8002A9BE3EThe 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