2-26Instruments and controls
Information label. (See“Low tire pressure
warning light” (P.2-15) and“Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.5-4).)
17. Flat Tire - Visit dealer warning
This warning appears when the low tire
pressure warning light in the meter illumi-
nates and one or more flat tires are
detected while driving. A chime also
sounds for approximately 10 seconds.
(See“Low tire pressure warning light”
(P.2-15) and “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)” (P.5-4).)
18. Low oil pressure warning
This warning appears if low engine oil
pressure is detected. If the warning
appears during normal driving, pull off
the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediately and call an INFINITI retailer or
other authorized repair shop.
The low oil pressure warning is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“Engine oil”(P.8-12).)
19. High temperature warning
This warning appears when the engine
coolant temperature is extremely high.
CAUTION
If the high temperature warning appears
when the ignition switch is in the ON
position, stop the vehicle safely as soon
as possible.
If the vehicle is overheated, continuing
vehicle operation may seriously damage
the engine. (See “If your vehicle overheats”
(P.6-7) for the immediate action required.)
20. Hybrid system overheat warn-
ing
This warning appears when the tempera-
ture of the hybrid system is extremely high.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible. Avoid quick starting or abrupt
acceleration. When the warning turns off,
the vehicle can be driven.
If the warning appears again soon after it
turns off, have the vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
WARNING
Do not hold the vehicle in a stopped
position on an uphill grade by depressing
the accelerator or by slowly creeping for-
ward. This may cause damage to the
transmission or the vehicle may enter traffic
causing serious injury or death. Always use
the brake pedal when stopping on an uphill
grade.
CAUTION
. If you continue to drive the vehicle while
the warning is displayed, the vehicle
may become undriveable. If this occurs,
place the shift lever in the “P”position
and wait for a short period of time with
the vehicle stopped until the display
goes out. In this case, the warning will
be displayed alternately with the SHIFT
“P” warning. (See “3. SHIFT“P”warn-
ing” (P.2-24).)
. Do not drive the vehicle with the warning
on. Doing so could cause a hybrid
system malfunction.
Control on winding roads:
A low gear is maintained on continuous
curves that involve repeated acceleration
and deceleration, so that smooth accelera-
tion is available instantly when the accel-
erator pedal is depressed.
NOTE:
.Adaptive shift control may not operate
when the transmission oil temperature
is low immediately after the start of
driving or when it is very hot.
. During some driving situations, hard
braking for example, the adaptive shift
control may automatically operate. The
transmission may automatically shift
to a lower gear for re-acceleration. This
increases engine speed but not vehicle
speed. Vehicle speed is controlled by
the accelerator pedal when the vehicle
is in the Adaptive shift control mode.
. When the adaptive shift control oper-
ates, the transmission sometimes
maintains a lower gear for a longer
period of time than when adaptive shift
control is not operating. Engine speed
will be higher for a specific vehicle
speed while ASC system is operating
than when ASC is not operating.NAVI Shift Control (if so equipped)
NAVI Shift Control automatically adjusts
the Automatic Transmission (AT) gear posi-
tion in certain situations based on road
information from the navigation system.
When the navigation system detects that
the vehicle is approaching a curved road,
NAVI Shift Control will adjust the gear
position if needed to help the driver run
through the curve smoothly.
Precaution on NAVI Shift Control:
. The NAVI Shift Control does not provide
steering input or automated driving on
a curve. It is not a speed limit support
system and will not modify your speed
according to local speed limits.
. The NAVI Shift Control is a convenient
system intended to help the vehicle
move through a curve smoothly. How-
ever, the driver must always drive
safely and use the brake pedal if
needed.
. The NAVI Shift Control may be delayed
or not operate properly in the following
situations, because this function uses
the road information provided by the
navigation system. —
When the navigation system cannot
accurately detect the location of the
vehicle.
— When the vehicle is driving on a
roadway that is not recognized by
the navigation system.
— When the actual roadway differs
from the map information on the
navigation system due to road con-
struction, traffic lane obstructions,
etc.
. The NAVI Shift Control may not operate
properly in the following situations:
— If the vehicle’s transmission, engine,
hybrid system and/or navigation
system, and/or GPS is malfunction-
ing.
— If the vehicle speed is higher than
74 MPH (120 km/h) or lower than
37 MPH (60 km/h) and/or transmis-
sion gear is outside the operating
range of the system.
— When the vehicle is driving on a
freeway.
— When the vehicle is driving on a
gentle curve
— When the vehicle is driving with the
shift lever except in the D (Drive)
position.
Starting and driving5-19
5-100Starting and driving
6. Plan for the shortest route..Utilize a map or navigation system todetermine 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. .
Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine
oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation” (P.9-6).)
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system while the
INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®System is
running, warning messages appear in the
vehicle information display.
JVS0228M
If the “AWD Error” warning*1appears,
there may be a malfunction in the Intelli-
gent AWD system. Reduce vehicle speed
and have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
The “AWD High Temp.” (high temperature)
warning
*2may appear while trying to free a stuck vehicle due to increased oil
temperature. The driving mode may change
to Two-Wheel Drive (2WD). If this warning
is displayed, stop the vehicle with the
hybrid system idling, as soon as it is safe
to do so. Then if the warning turns off, you
can continue driving.
The
“Tire Size Incorrect” warning
*3may
appear if there is a large difference
between the diameters of front and rear
wheels. Pull off the road in a safe area,
with the hybrid system idling. Check that
all tire sizes are the same, that the tire
pressure is correct and that the tires are
not excessively worn.
If any warning message continues to be
displayed, have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
WARNING
. For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
hybrid system running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or
Starting and driving5-101
INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so
equipped)
.Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions sup-
plied with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any
abrasives, cutting compounds or clea-
ners that may damage the vehicle
finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polish-
ing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish
may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning
products are available at an INFINITI
retailer or any automotive accessory
stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter,
the underbody must be cleaned regularly.
This will prevent dirt and salt from building
up and causing the acceleration of corro-
sion on the underbody and suspension.
Before the winter period and again in the
spring, the underseal must be checked
and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is
normal for glass to become coated with a
film after the vehicle is parked in the hot
sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will
easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant clea-
ners. They could damage the electrical
conductors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
. Clean the inner side of the wheels when
the wheel is changed or the underside
of the vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents
or corrosion. Such damage may cause
loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire
bead. .
INFINITI recommends that the road
wheels be waxed to protect against
road salt in areas where it is used
during winter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
Aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in
a mild soap solution, especially during
winter months in areas where road salt is
used. Salt could discolor the wheels if not
removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid stain-
ing or discoloring the wheels:
. Do not use a cleaner that uses strong
acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.
. Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as
Appearance and care7-3
7-4Appearance and care
ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely remove
the cleaner within 15 minutes after the
cleaner is applied.
Bright wheels (if so equipped)
The bright wheels use a different coating
process than typical aluminum alloy wheel
and they are not plated wheels. These
wheels are clear-coated and require the
following special cleaning. They should be
regularly washed with a soft sponge
soaked in a lot of water. After washing
with water, wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth
and dry completely. When there is chemical
or tire wax, or dirt such as an antifreeze
agent on the surface, wash them with
water as soon as possible.
CAUTION
.The surfaces of the wheels use a
different coating process than typical
aluminum alloy wheels. Do not use
aluminum alloy wheel cleaners or abra-
sive cleaners to clean the wheels. Using
such cleaners could damage the wheel
surfaces. .
Do not use an automatic car wash if the
vehicle is equipped with bright wheels.
The wheel coating may be damaged.
. Do not use a brush to wash the wheels if
the vehicle is equipped with bright
wheels. The wheel coating may be
damaged.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.
TIRE DRESSING
INFINITI does not recommend the use of
tire dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a
coating to the tires to help reduce dis-
coloration of the rubber. If a tire dressing is
applied to the tires, it may react with the
coating and form a compound. This com-
pound may come off the tire while driving
and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take
the following precautions:
.Use a water-based tire dressing. The
coating on the tire dissolves more
easily with an oil-based tire dressing. .
Apply a light coat of tire dressing to
help prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be diffi-
cult to remove).
. Wipe off excess tire dressing using a
dry towel. Make sure the tire dressing
is completely removed from the tire
tread/grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as
recommended by tire dressing manu-
facturer.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and that all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up
and down smoothly and that the locks (if
so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel).
12-volt battery*: Check the fluid level in
each cell. It should be between the MAX
and MIN lines. Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under severe condition
require frequent checks of the battery fluid
level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1.
Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 12-volt
battery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the 12-volt battery may
need to be charged to maintain 12-volt
battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the
brake fluid level is between the MAX and
MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt
is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
(P.5-3).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or
if gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
Inverter coolant lebel: Check the coolant
level when the inverter is cold.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
JVM0326X
CHECKING INVERTER COOLANT LE-
VEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the engine and inverter are cold. If
the coolant level is below the MIN level
*B,
add coolant to the MAX level
*A.
If the inverter cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
CHANGING INVERTER COOLANT
An INFINITI ratailer can change the inverter
coolant. The service procedure can be
found in the INFINITI Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in inverter
overheating.
WARNING
. To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
inverter is hot.
. Never remove the cap when the inverter
is hot. Serious burns could be caused by
high pressure fluid escaping from the
inverter coolant reservoir.
. Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
. Keep coolant out of the reach of children
and pets.
Inverter coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
SDI2045
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operat- ing temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the
range
*1. If the oil level is below*2,
remove the oil filler cap and pour
ENGINE OIL