
For descriptions specified for four-wheel drive
models, a4WDmark is placed at the beginning
of the applicable sections/items.
As with other vehicles with features for
off-road use, failure to operate four-wheel
drive models correctly may result in loss of
control or an accident. Be sure to read
“Driving safety precautions” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIV-
ING
This vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passenger
car because it has a higher center of
gravity for off-road use. As with other
vehicles with features of this type, fail-
ure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or an accident.
Be sure to read “On-pavement and off-
road driving precautions”, and “Avoid-
ing collision and rollover”, and “Driving
safety precautions”, in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its
performance, safety or durability, and
may even violate governmental
regulations. In addition, damage or per-
formance problems resulting from modi-
fications may not be covered under
INFINITI warranties. This manual includes information for all options
available on this model. Therefore, you may find
some information that does not apply to your
vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustrations in
this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. INFINITI reserves the right to change
specifications or design at any time without no-
tice.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
THIS MANUAL
You will see various symbols in this manual. They
are used in the following ways:
WARNING
This is used to indicate the presence of a
hazard that could cause death or serious
personal injury. To avoid or reduce the
risk, the procedures must be followed
precisely.
CAUTION
This is used to indicate the presence of a
hazard that could cause minor or moder-
ate personal injury or damage to your ve-
hicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the pro-
cedures must be followed carefully.
WHEN READING THE MANUAL

MEDIUM OR HIGH SPEED DRIVING
The system automatically controls the gasoline
engine and electric motor in order to obtain the
optimum fuel mileage and performance, depend-
ing on the driving situation and available Li-ion
battery charge.
When the remaining battery level is low, the Li-ion
battery is charged by the electric motor that is
driven to generate electric power while the ve-
hicle is driving.
RAPID ACCELERATION
The vehicle is accelerated using both the gaso-
line engine and the electric motor depending on
the available Li-ion battery charge.
DECELERATION AND BRAKING
The Li-ion battery is charged by the electric mo-
tor that changes the energy of the rotating
wheels into electric power. See “Regenerative
brake” later in this section.
STOPPING
The gasoline engine may stop running to save
fuel depending on the available Li-ion battery
charge.The INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid® System
monitors the status of power being sent to the
electric motor and the Li-ion battery state of
charge. The status is shown on the assist charge
gauge in the meter and the energy
flow/remaining Li-ion battery charge in the dot
matrix display. System status can also be shown
on the navigation system display (if so equipped)
when the screen is in the energy flow mode or
energy/fuel history mode.
POWER METER
This meter displays the actual electric motor
power consumption and the charging power to
the Li-ion battery.
For additional information, See “Power meter” in
the “Instruments and controls” section.
ENERGY FLOW (models with
navigation system)
When you use this system, make sure the hybrid
system is in the READY to drive mode. See
“Operation of the hybrid system” in this section.
LIC2544
ENERGY MONITORS
HEV OverviewHEV-5

Parking brakeCheck the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see an INFINITI retailer.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head
restraints/headrests move up and down
smoothly and the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts Check 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 wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make 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 defroster
Check 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) .
12–volt Battery* Except for maintenance-free
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
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. Installation or extended use of electronic
accessories 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 distances. 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. Make sure that the
coolant level is
between the MAXandMIN lines on the reser-
voir.
Inverter coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the inverter is cold. Make sure the coolant
level is between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the
reservoir.
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 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, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by an INFINITI retailer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3