Precautions on cruise control ...................5-51
Cruise control operations.......................5-51
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system
(Full Speed Range) (if so equipped)................5-53
Selecting the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode..................................5-54
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode.........5-54
Precautions on vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode..................................5-55
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
operation.....................................5-56
Conventional (fixed speed) cruise control
mode........................................5-68
Preview function (for Intelligent Cruise
Control system equipped models)...............5-72
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-72
Precautions on distance control assist
system.......................................5-72
Distance control assist operation................5-74
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-82
Precautions on FCW system....................5-83
FCW system operation.........................5-85Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system
(if so equipped) . . ................................5-86
Precautions on IBA system.....................5-86
IBA system operation..........................5-88
Break-in schedule................................5-89
Fuel efficient driving tips...........................5-89
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-90
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped) . . . 5-90
Parking/parking on hills............................5-93
Power steering...................................5-94
Brake system....................................5-94
Brake precautions.............................5-94
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-95
Brake assist (if so equipped)....................5-96
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.............5-96
Active trace control (if so equipped).............5-98
Brake force distribution........................5-98
Hill start assist system
............................5-99
Cold weather driving.............................5-100
Freeing a frozen door lock.....................5-100
Anti-freeze...................................5-100
Battery......................................5-100
Draining of coolant water......................5-100
WARNING
●Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires. Accelerating
quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or
sudden braking may cause loss of con-
trol, even with Intelligent AWD
engaged.
●For AWD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in
serious personal injury or vehicle
damage.●Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamometers
used by some states for emissions test-
ing) or similar equipment even if the
other two wheels are raised off the
ground. Make sure that you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle
is equipped with AWD before it is
placed on a dynamometer. Using the
wrong test equipment may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in
serious personal injury or vehicle
damage.
CAUTION
●Do not operate the engine on a free
roller when any of the wheels are
raised.
●If you use the free roller, rotate 4 wheels
with the same speed without raising
any wheels.
●If an AWD warning message is dis-
played while driving there may be a
malfunction in the AWD system. Reduce
the vehicle speed immediately and have
your vehicle checked by an INFINITI re-
tailer as soon as possible.●The powertrain may be damaged if you
continue driving when the AWD tem-
perature or tire size incorrect messages
are displayed
●If the AWD high temperature message
is displayed while you are driving, pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. The driving mode will change to
2WD to prevent the AWD system from
malfunctioning. If the warning message
turns off, you can drive again.
●If the tire size incorrect message is dis-
played while you are driving, pull off the
road in a safe area with the engine
idling. Check that all tire sizes are the
same, that the tire pressure is correct
and that the tires are not excessively
worn.
●If a warning message continues to be
displayed after the above operations,
have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
5-92Starting and driving
WARNING
●If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
●When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still per-
formed, the power steering may stop and the
power steering warning light will illuminate. In a
safe location, stop the engine and push the igni-
tion switch to the OFF position. The temperatureof the power steering system will go down after a
period of time and the power assist level will
return to normal after starting the engine. The
power steering warning light will go off. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the power steering system to over-
heat.
You may hear a sound from the front of the vehicle
when the steering wheel is operated quickly. This
is a normal operational noise and is not a mal-
function.
If the electric power steering warning lightPS
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
For additional information see “Power steering
warning light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at 2 wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The 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 pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear 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.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-94Starting and driving
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.
Wet brakes
When 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 the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
effect of the parking brake is weakened or when-
ever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors
are replaced, in order to assure the best brake
performance.This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by an INFINITI
retailer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
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. Remem-
ber 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 respon-
sible 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 “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls 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 pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
Starting and driving5-95
When the VDC system operates, theindi-
cator in the instrument panel flashes so note the
following:
●The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
●You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
●Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Slip indicator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the ”Instru-
ments and controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically turns
off when these indicator lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to indi-
cate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transferring
power to a non slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off and the
indicator will not
flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse
at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
●The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or by
careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be
especially careful when driving and cor-
nering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.●Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the
indicator may
flash or both the
andindica-
tor lights may illuminate.
●If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate.
●If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
Starting and driving5-97
6. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank
with the engine running. Add coolant to the
engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary.
Have your vehicle repaired at an INFINITI
retailer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must be
followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam-
age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail-
able from an INFINITI retailer. Local service op-
erators are generally familiar with the applicable
laws and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable
to have the service operator carefully read the
following precautions:
WARNING
●Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
●Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
●When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any of these conditions apply, dollies or
a flatbed tow truck must be used.
●Always attach safety chains before
towing.For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV) , refer to “Flat towing”
in the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
INFINITI
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-13
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-8
Engine oil.........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level........................8-9
Changing engine oil...........................8-10
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid......8-11
Power steering fluid...............................8-12
Brake fluid.......................................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid...........................8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir...............8-13
Battery..........................................8-14
Jump starting.................................8-15
Variable voltage control system.....................8-16
Drive belt........................................8-16
Spark plugs......................................8-17Replacing spark plugs.........................8-17
Air cleaner.......................................8-18
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-18
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-18
Cleaning.....................................8-18
Replacing....................................8-19
Brakes..........................................8-20
Fuses...........................................8-21
Engine compartment...........................8-21
Passenger compartment.......................8-22
Battery replacement..............................8-23
INFINITI Intelligent Key.........................8-24
Lights...........................................8-25
Headlights....................................8-25
Fog lights.....................................8-25
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-26
Wheels and tires.................................8-30
Tire pressure . . ................................8-30
Tire labeling...................................8-33
Types of tires..................................8-36
Tire chains....................................8-37
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-37
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
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) .
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations that
can lead to potential battery discharge and
potential no-start conditions such as: 1. In-
stallation or extended use of electronic ac-
cessories that consume 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 dis-
tances. In these cases, the battery may need
to be charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*Make sure that the brake fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake 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, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by an INFINITI retailer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.Fluid leaksCheck 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 imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck 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.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield-washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself