5-16Starting and driving
ENGINE PROTECTION MODE
The engine has an engine protection mode
to reduce the chance of damage if the
coolant temperature becomes too high (for
example, when climbing steep grades in
high temperature with heavy loads, such
as when towing a trailer).
When the engine temperature reaches a
certain level:
.The engine coolant temperature gauge
will move toward the H position.
. Engine power may be reduced.
. The air conditioning cooling function
may be automatically turned OFF for a
short time (the blower will continue to
operate).
Engine power and, under some conditions,
vehicle speed will decrease. Vehicle speed
can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the vehicle may not accelerate
at the desired speed. The transmission will
downshift or upshift as it reaches pre-
scribed shift points. You can also shift
manually.
As driving conditions change and engine
coolant temperature is reduced, vehicle
speed can be increased using the accel-
erator pedal, and air conditioning cooling function will automatically be turned back
ON.
If:
1. The engine coolant temperature is not
reduced.
2. The air conditioning cooling function does not turn back ON.
3. The engine oil pressure warning light
illuminates or engine coolant
temperature gauge does not return to
the normal range from the H position,
this may indicate a malfunction. Move
the vehicle off the road to a safe area
and allow the engine to cool. If after
checking the oil and coolant, the
remains on or engine coolant tempera-
ture does not return to the normal
range, do not continue to drive and
contact an INFINITI retailer.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may also come ON. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed, unless it remains
on, but have it inspected soon by an
INFINITI retailer. See “Warning/indicator
lights and audible reminders” in the“2.
Instruments and controls” section.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced speed
may be lower than other traffic, which could
increase the chance of a collision. Be
especially careful when driving. If the
vehicle cannot maintain a safe driving
speed, pull to the side of the road in a safe
area. Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See“If your vehicle over-
heats” in the“6. In case of emergency”
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not covered
by warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as
it is safe to do so.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
SSD0939
SSD1102
How to enable/disable the LDW
system using the settings menu
Perform the following steps to enable or
disable the LDW system.
1. Push the SETTING
*1button and high-
light the “Driver Assistance” key on the
display using the INFINITI controller.
Then push the ENTER
*2button.
2. Highlight the “Driver Assistance Warn-
ings” key, and push the ENTER
*2
button.
JVS0080X
3. Highlight the “Lane Departure Warning”
key, select ON (enabled) or OFF (dis-
abled) and push the ENTER
*2button.
Temporary disabled status at high
temperature
If the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight
under high temperature conditions (over
approximately 1048 F (408C) and then
started, the LDW system may be deacti-
vated automatically. The lane departure
warning light (orange) will flash.
When the interior temperature is reduced,
the LDW system will resume operating
automatically and the lane departure
Starting and driving5-25
5-30Starting and driving
.When the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
approach warning occurs.
. When the hazard warning flashers are
operated.
. When driving on a curve at high speed.
After the above conditions have finished
and the necessary operating conditions are
satisfied, the LDP brake control assist
function will resume.
Condition C:
Under the following conditions, a beep will
sound and the LDP system will be canceled
automatically. The LDP ON indicator light
will blink in green, and the LDP system
cannot be activated:
. When the VDC system (except TCS
function) or ABS operates.
. When the VDC system is turned off.
. When the SNOW mode switch is turned
on.
. When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H
or 4L position (for 4WD models).
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
turn off the LDP system by pushing the
dynamic driver assistance switch. Push the
dynamic driver assistance switch again to
turn the LDP system back on. Temporary disabled status at high tem-
perature:
If the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight
under high temperature conditions (over
approximately 1048F (408C)) and then the
LDP system is turned on, the LDP system
may be deactivated automatically. The lane
departure warning light (orange) will blink.
When the interior temperature is reduced,
turn off the LDP system by pushing the
dynamic driver assistance switch. Push the
dynamic driver assistance switch again to
turn the LDP system back on.
SSD0453
Lane camera unit maintenance
The lane camera unit*1for the LDW/LDP
system is located inside the map light
cover. To keep the proper operation of the
LDW/LDP systems and prevent a system
malfunction, be sure to observe the follow-
ing:
. Always keep the windshield clean.
. Do not attach a sticker (including
transparent material) or install an
accessory near the camera unit.
. Do not place reflective materials, such
as white paper or a mirror, on the
instrument panel. The reflection of
5-44Starting and driving
SSD1040
NOTE:
.The Blind Spot InterventionTMsystem
will not operate if your vehicle is on a
lane marker when another vehicle
enters the detection zone. In this case
only the BSW system operates.
. Blind Spot Intervention
TMbraking will
not operate or will stop operating and
only a warning chime will sound under
the following conditions.
— When the brake pedal is depressed.
— When the accelerator pedal is de-
pressed while brake control assist
is provided. —
When steering quickly
— When the ICC, DCA, FCW or IBA
warnings sound.
— When the hazard warning flashers
are operated.
— When driving on a curve at a high
speed.
BSW/Blind Spot InterventionTM
temporarily not available
. Under the following conditions, the
Blind Spot InterventionTMsystem will
be turned off automatically, a beep will
sound and the Blind Spot Interven-
tion
TMON indicator light (green) will
blink. The BSW system is still available,
but the Blind Spot Intervention
TMsys-
tem will not be available until the
conditions no longer exist.
— When the VDC system (except TCS
function) or ABS operates.
— When the VDC system is turned off.
— When the drive mode select switch
is turned to the SNOW mode.
Action to take:
Turn off the Blind Spot Intervention
TM
system and turn it on again when the
above conditions no longer exist. .
Under the following conditions, the
BSW and Blind Spot Intervention
TM
systems will be turned off automati-
cally, a beep will sound and the BSW/
Blind Spot Intervention
TMsystem warn-
ing light (orange) will blink. The BSW
and Blind Spot Intervention
TMsystems
are not available until the conditions no
longer exist.
— When the camera detects that the
interior temperature is high (over
approximately 1048F (408C)).
— When radar blockage is detected.
The radar sensors may be blocked by
temporary ambient conditions such as
splashing water, mist or fog. The blocked
condition may also be caused by objects
such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing the
radar sensors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the BSW system will resume automatically.
For the Blind Spot Intervention
TMsystem,
turn it off and turn it on again. If the BSW/
Blind Spot Intervention
TMwarning light
(orange) continues to blink even after the
Blind Spot Intervention
TMsystem is turned
on again, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and turn the engine off. Check for and
5-54Starting and driving
unauthorized modifications to this equip-
ment. Such modifications could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CONTROL
.If the cruise control system malfunc-
tions, it will cancel automatically. The
CRUISE indicator light on the meter
panel will then blink to warn the driver.
. If the engine coolant temperature be-
comes excessively high, the cruise
control system will be canceled auto-
matically.
. If the CRUISE indicator light blinks, turn
the cruise control main switch off and
have the system checked by your
INFINITI retailer.
. The CRUISE indicator light may some-
times blink when the cruise control
main switch is turned ON while pushing
the ACCELERATE/RESUME, COAST/SET
or CANCEL switch. To properly set the
cruise control system, perform the
steps below in the order indicated.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driving
under the following conditions:
. when it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed .
in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed
. on winding or hilly roads
. on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
. in very windy areas
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)
namic drag..Recirculating the cool air in the cabinwhen the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.
4. Drive at economical speeds and dis- tances.
.Observing the speed limit and not
exceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel
efficiency due to reduced aerody-
namic drag.
.Maintaining a safe following dis-tance behind other vehicles reduces
unnecessary braking.
.Safely monitoring traffic to antici- pate changes in speed permits
reduced braking and smooth accel-
eration changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to road
conditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady
speed.
.Cruise control is particularly effec-tive in providing fuel savings when
driving on flat terrains. 6. Plan for the shortest route.
.Utilize a map or navigation system to
determine the best route to save
time.
7. Avoid idling.
.Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.
.Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil
before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal
operating temperature more quickly
while driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered
parking area or in the shade when-
ever possible.
.When entering a hot vehicle, open- ing the windows will help to reduce
the inside temperature faster, result-
ing in reduced demand on your A/C
system.
Starting and driving5-99
5-118Starting and driving
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”in the“8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
For four-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
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 (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 208 F
(−78C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. 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,
6-14In case of emergency
CAUTION
.Do not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
. To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap or coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is still
hot. When the radiator cap or coolant
reservoir cap is removed, pressurized
hot water will spurt out, possibly caus-
ing serious injury.
. Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge
reading), or if you feel a lack of engine
power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take
the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
shift lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to maximum hot and fan control to high
speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a long hill on a hot day, run
the engine at a fast idle (approximately
1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge
indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the
radiator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off
the engine.) Do not open the hood
further until no steam or coolant can be
seen.
5. Open the engine hood.WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and
radiator should not leak water. If cool-
ant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan
can start at any time.
7. After the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the reservoir tank with
the engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir tank if necessary. Have your
vehicle repaired at the nearest INFINITI
retailer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS