WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift lever is
in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause the
vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away
and result in serious personal injury or
property damage.
CAUTION
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped
and the transmission is in the P (Park)
position.
P (Park) position:
Use this shift position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped.The
brake pedal must be depressed and the
shift lever button pushed in to move the
shift lever from the N (Neutral) position or
any drive position to the P (Park) position.
Apply the parking brake. When parking on
a hill, apply the parking brake first, then
move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be
sure the vehicle is completely stopped
before selecting the R (Reverse) position.
The brake pedal must be depressed and
the shift lever button pushed in to move
the shift lever from the P (Park) position,
the N (Neutral) position or any drive
position to the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to the N (Neutral)
position and restart a stalled engine while
the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
DS (Drive Sport) mode
Move the shift lever from D (Drive) to the
left into the manual shift gate. The
transmission position indicator in the
meter shows
“DS”.
In the DS (Drive Sport) mode, the transmis-
sion changes to the “sporty”driving shift
operation, creating a more aggressive
acceleration feeling than the D (Drive)
mode and providing a gear change sensa-
tion when the driver accelerates quickly.
When the driver selects the manual shift
mode using the shift lever (or the paddle
shifter) during the DS (Drive Sport) mode
operation, the driver must move the shift
lever from DS (Drive Sport) to D (Drive) and
back again to re-select the DS (Drive Sport)
mode.
Starting and driving5-15
5-16Starting and driving
SSD0599
Paddle shifter
Manual shift mode
When the shift lever is in the DS (Drive
Sport) position, the transmission is ready
for the manual shift mode. Shift ranges can
be selected manually by moving the shift
lever up or down, or pulling the right-side
or left-side paddle shifter.
When shifting up, move the shift lever to
the + (up) side or pull the right-side paddle
shifter (+)
*A(if so equipped). The
transmission shifts to the higher range.
When shifting down, move the shift lever to
the −(down) side or pull the left-side
paddle shifter (−)
*B(if so equipped). The transmission shifts to the lower range.
When canceling the manual shift mode,
return the shift lever to the D (Drive)
position. The transmission returns to the
normal driving mode.
When you pull the paddle shifter while in
the D (Drive) position, the transmission will
shift to the upper or lower range tempora-
rily. The transmission will automatically
return to the D (Drive) position after a short
period of time. If you want to return to the
D (Drive) position manually, pull and hold
the paddle shifter for about 1.5 seconds.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the
meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:
M1
?
/M2?
/M3?
/M4?
/M5?
/M6?
/M7
M7 (7th):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving at highway speeds.
M6 (6th) andM5 (5th):
Use this position when driving up long
slopes, or for engine braking when driving
down long slopes.
M4 (4th),M3 (3rd) andM2 (2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep
snow, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.
. Remember not to drive at high speeds
for extended periods of time in lower
than 7th gear. This reduces fuel econ-
omy.
. Moving the shift lever rapidly to the
same side twice will shift the ranges in
succession.
. In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear
or may automatically shift to the other
gear. This helps maintain driving per-
formance and reduces the chance of
vehicle damage or loss of control.
. When the transmission does not shift
to the selected gear, the Automatic
Transmission (AT) position indicator
light (on the dot matrix liquid crystal
display) will blink and the chime will
sound.
.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 —
For 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-safe
When 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 release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shift lever may not be moved from the P
(Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the shift lever button
pushed.
To move the shift 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
5-18Starting and driving
4. Push down the shift lock*Bas
illustrated.
5. Push the shift lever button
*Cand
move the shift lever to N (Neutral)
position
*Dwhile holding down the
shift lock.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion. Now the vehicle may be moved to the
desired location.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have an INFINITI retailer check the
automatic transmission system as soon as
possible.
Adaptive shift control (ASC)
The adaptive shift control system automa-
tically operates when the transmission is
in the "D" (drive) and "DS" (Drive Sport)
position and selects an appropriate gear
depending on the road conditions such as
uphill, downhill or curving roads.
Control on uphill and curving roads:
A low gear is maintained that suits the
degree of the slope or curve to allow
smooth driving with a small number of
shifts. Control on downhill roads:
The adaptive shift control system shifts to
a low gear that suits the degree of the
slope, and uses the engine braking to
reduce the number of times that the brake
must be used.
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 engine braking. 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.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING
.
Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control.
. Do not over-rev the engine when shifting
to a lower gear. This may cause a loss of
vehicle control or engine damage.
CAUTION
.Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may damage the
clutch.
. Fully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.
.Stop your vehicle completely before
shifting into the R (Reverse) position.
. When the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running for a period of time, for
example at a stop light, shift to the N
(Neutral) position and release the clutch
pedal with the foot brake applied.
SSD0536
Shifting
To change gears, or when upshifting or
downshifting, fully depress the clutch
pedal, shift into the appropriate gear, then
release the clutch pedal slowly and
smoothly.
This vehicle is equipped with a short throw
shifter manual transmission. To ensure
smooth gear changes, fully depress the
clutch pedal before operating the shift
lever. If the clutch pedal is not fully
depressed before the transmission is
shifted, a gear noise may be heard.
Transmission damage could occur. Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to
2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th up to 6th gear in
sequence according to vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and
then move it to the R (Reverse) position
after stopping the vehicle completely.
The shift lever returns to its original
position when the shift lever is moved to
the N (Neutral) position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
the R (Reverse) or 1st gear, shift the N
(Neutral) position, and then release the
clutch pedal once. Fully depress the clutch
pedal again and shift into the R (Reverse)
or 1st gear.Suggested upshift speeds
The following are suggested vehicle
speeds for shifting into a higher gear.
These suggestions relate to fuel economy
and vehicle performance. Actual upshift
speeds will vary according to road condi-
tions, the weather and individual driving
habits.
Starting and driving5-19
SPA2331
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MOD-
ELS
To apply:Fully depress the parking brake
pedal
*1.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake
*2.
2. Depress the parking brake pedal
*1and the parking brake will be released.
3. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
SPA2110
MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS
To apply: Pull the parking brake lever up
*1.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. While pulling up on the parking brake lever slightly, push the button
*2and
lower the lever completely
*3.
3. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CONTROL
.If the cruise control system malfunc-
tions, it will cancel automatically. The
SET indicator on the dot matrix crystal
display 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 SET indicator blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have
the system checked by your INFINITI
retailer.
. The SET indicator may sometimes blink
when the cruise control main switch is
turned ON while pushing the ACCELER-
ATE/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
Starting and driving5-21
CRUISE CONTROL
5-22Starting and driving
.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.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N (Neutral) without depressing the
clutch pedal when the cruise control is set.
Should this occur, depress the clutch pedal
and turn the main switch off immediately.
Failure to do so may cause engine damage.SSD0600
1. ACCELERATE/RESUME switch
2. COAST/SET switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. MAIN (ON·OFF) switch
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accel-
erator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control, push the
MAIN switch on. The CRUISE indicator will
come on.
To set cruising speed, accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it. (The
CRUISE SET indicator will come on in the
instrument panel.) Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will main-
tain the set speed.
.
To pass another vehicle, depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release
the pedal, the vehicle will return to the
previously set speed.
. The vehicle may not maintain the set
speed on winding or hilly roads. If this
happens, drive without the cruise con-
trol.
To cancel the preset speed, follow any of
these methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button. The SET indicator will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal. The SET indicator will go out.
c) Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position. The SET indicator will go out.
d) Turn the MAIN switch off. Both the CRUISE indicator and SET indicator
will go out.
. If you depress the brake pedal while
pushing the ACCELERATE/RESUME or
COAST/SET switch and reset at the
cruising speed, the cruise control will
disengage. Turn the MAIN switch off
once and then turn it on again.
. The cruise control will automatically
cancel if the vehicle slows more than
8 MPH (12 km/h) below the set speed.
. If you depress the clutch pedal (Manual
Transmission models) or move the shift
lever to N (Neutral) position (Automatic
Transmission models), the cruise con-
trol will be canceled.
To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one
of the following methods:
. Depress the accelerator pedal. When
the vehicle attains the desired speed,
push and release the COAST/SET
switch.
. Push and hold the ACCELERATE/RE-
SUME switch. When the vehicle attains
the speed you desire, release the
switch.
. Push, then quickly release the ACCEL-
ERATE/RESUME switch. Each time you
do this, the set speed will increase by
about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed, use
one of the following methods:
. Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it.
. Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
. Push, then quickly release the COAST/
SET switch. Each time you do this, the
set speed will decrease by about 1 MPH
(1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and
release the ACCELERATE/RESUME switch.
The vehicle will resume the last set
cruising speed when the vehicle speed is
over 25 MPH (40 km/h). The Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
automatically maintains a selected dis-
tance from the vehicle traveling in front of
you according to that vehicle’s speed (up
to the set speed), or at the set speed when
the road ahead is clear.
The ICC function can be set to one of two
cruise control modes:
.
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode:
For maintaining a selected distance
between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you up to the preset speed.
. Conventional (fixed speed) cruise con-
trol mode:
For cruising at a preset speed.
WARNING
. Always drive carefully and attentively
when using either cruise control mode.
Read and understand the Owner’s Man-
ual thoroughly before using the cruise
control. To avoid serious injury or death,
do not rely on the system to prevent
accidents or to control the vehicle’ s
speed in emergency situations. Do not
use cruise control except in appropriate
road and traffic conditions.
Starting and driving5-23
INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL (ICC)
SYSTEM (if so equipped)