STANDARD MODE
Recommended for normal driving. Turn the
drive mode select switch to the
position.“STANDARD” appears on the dot
matrix liquid crystal display for 2 seconds.
SPORT MODE
Adjusts the engine and transmission
points to enhance performance. If the
vehicle is equipped with the active trace
control system, the amount of brake
control provided by active trace control is
reduced. (See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” (P.5-100).) Turn the drive
mode select switch to the SPORT position.
“SPORT” appears on the dot matrix liquid
crystal display for 2 seconds.
NOTE:
In the SPORT mode, fuel economy may be
reduced.
SNOW MODE
Used on snowy roads or slippery areas.
When the SNOW mode is activated, engine
output is controlled to avoid wheel spin.
Turn the SNOW mode off for normal
driving. Turn the drive mode select switch
to the SNOW position. “SNOW”appears on
the dot matrix liquid crystal display for 2 seconds.
ECO MODE
Adjusts engine and transmission points to
enhance fuel economy.
NOTE:
Selecting this drive mode will not neces-
sarily improve fuel economy as many
driving factors influence its effectiveness.
Operation
Turn the drive mode select switch to the
ECO position.
“ECO”appears on the dot
matrix liquid crystal display for 2 seconds
and the ECO drive indicator light illumi-
nates on the instrument panel.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed
within the range of economy drive, the ECO
drive indicator light illuminates in green.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed
above the range of economy drive, the
color of the ECO drive indicator light
changes to orange. For ECO pedal system
equipped models see “ECO pedal system”
(P.5-19).
The ECO drive indicator light will not
illuminate in the following cases:
. When the shift lever is in the R (Reverse)
position. .
When the vehicle speed is below 3 MPH
(4.8 km/h) or over 90 MPH (144 km/h).
. When the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system is operated.
ECO pedal system (if so equipped)
Helps assist the driver to improve fuel
economy by increasing the reaction force
of the accelerator pedal. When the ECO
drive indicator light is blinking or turns
orange, the ECO pedal system increases
the reaction force of the accelerator pedal.
SSD1041
When the ECO drive indicator illuminates in
green, the accelerator reaction force is
normal. When the ECO drive indicator light
Starting and driving5-19
5-92Starting and driving
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 hybrid System in the
READY to drive mode 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).
Failure to do so could cause the vehicle
to move unexpectedly or roll away and
result in an accident.
. Make sure the automatic transmission
shift 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. Move the shift 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, NO
CURB:
*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.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards in the
time it takes the driver to release the brake
pedal and apply the accelerator when the
vehicle is stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate
automatically under the following condi-
tions:
.The transmission is shifted to a forward
or reverse gear.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a
hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
After 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to
roll back and the hill start assist system
will stop operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the transmission is shifted to the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat
and level road.
When staring the vehicle on a steep uphill
grade, wait one second after shifting the
shift lever into the driving position.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole or use the
Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F
(08C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine cooling system” (P.8-9).
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged
during extremely cold weather conditions,
the 12-volt battery fluid may freeze and
damage the 12-volt battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the 12-volt battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see“12-volt battery” (P.8-18).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-9) and“In-
verter cooling system” (P.8-11).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, INFINITI
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire
type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces prohi-
bit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded
tires.
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”(P.8-39).
Starting and driving5-103
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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 shift lever to
the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®System.
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
into P (Park).
. 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.
6-12In case of emergency
7. Put the battery cover and fuse cover on.
NOTE:
If it is not possible to turn the hybrid
system ON by following this procedure,
contact an INFINITI retailer immediately.Do not attempt to start the engine by
pushing.
CAUTION
.
Automatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. Attempt-
ing to do so may cause transmission
damage.
. Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing since
the three way catalyst may be damaged.
. Never try to start the vehicle by towing
it; when the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.
. Hybrid models cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause electrical or transmission damage.
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 while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator cap
is removed, pressurized hot water will
spurt out, possibly causing 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 turn the INFINITI Direct Re-
sponse Hybrid
®System off.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-14In case of emergency
used.
. Always attach safety chains before tow-
ing.
For information about towing your vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle (RV), see
“Flat towing” (P.9-17).
SCE0788
Two-wheel drive models
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
INFINITI
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck as illustrated. The vehicle should only
be loaded onto a flat bed using a winch.
WARNING
If your vehicle needs to be towed, do it with
the rear wheels raised. If the rear wheels are on the ground when towing, the electric
motor may generate electricity. This may
damage the INFINITI Direct Response Hy-
brid
®System components and cause a fire.
CAUTION
.
Never tow automatic transmission mod-
els with the rear wheels on the ground
or four wheels on the ground (forward or
backward), as this may cause serious
and expensive damage to the transmis-
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement.................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance .................................. 8-2
General maintenance....................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2 Explanation of maintenance items ................... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................... 8-7 VQ35HR engine ............................................... 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-10
Inverter cooling system...................................... 8-11
Checking inverter coolant level ...................... 8-12
Changing inverter coolant.............................. 8-12
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level............................... 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-15
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-15
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-16 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-17 12-volt battery .................................................. 8-18
Checking battery fluid level.......................... 8-19
Jump starting ............................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-19 Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-21 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-21
Replacing..................................................... 8-22
Brakes .............................................................. 8-23
Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-23
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-23
Fuses ................................................................ 8-24
Engine compartment or trunk room.............. 8-24
Passenger compartment............................... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-26
Lights................................................................ 8-29 Headlights ................................................... 8-29
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-32
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-36
Types of tires............................................... 8-38
Tire chains ................................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-39
is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and
other lights are all operating properly and
installed securely. Also check headlight
aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). If your
vehicle is equipped with different sized
tires in the front and rear, tires cannot be
rotated.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in
all tires, including the spare, to the
pressure specified. Check carefully for
damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:
If the
vehicle should pull to either side while
driving on a straight and level road, or if
you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear,
there may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada)
in the INFINITI Warranty Information Book-
let.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at
least every six months for cracks or other
damage. Have a damaged windshield
repaired by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc. Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechan-
ism: On a fairly steep hill, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the shift lever
in the P (Park) position without applying
any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly
goes down further than normal, the pedal
feels spongy or the vehicle seems to take
longer to stop, see an INFINITI retailer
immediately. Keep the floor mat away from
the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjusted, see an INFINITI
retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, an-
chors, adjuster and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3