5-4Starting and driving
cause a fire.
CAUTION
.Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously reduce
the three-way catalyst’s ability to help
reduce exhaust pollutants.
. Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunctions
in the ignition, fuel injection, or elec-
trical systems can cause overrich fuel
flow into the three-way catalyst, causing
it to overheat. Do not keep driving if the
engine misfires, or if noticeable loss of
performance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have the vehicle
inspected promptly by an INFINITI retai-
ler.
. Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
. Do not race the engine while warming it
up.
. Do not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’
s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunc-
tions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning prop-
erly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels
allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
5-10Starting and driving
by strong side winds. Slower speeds
ensure better vehicle control.
. Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with AWD
engaged.
. 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
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such
as the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing), or similar
equipment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure you
inform 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 vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury. (AWD
models)
. When a wheel is off the ground due to an unlevel surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively.
. Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may cause
loss of control.
. If at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.
Your vehicle has a higher center of
gravity than a conventional passenger
car. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as con-
ventional passenger cars. Failure to
operate this vehicle correctly could
result in loss of control and/or a rollover
accident.
. Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the rear
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.
. Be sure to check the brakes immediately
after driving in mud or water. See “Brake
system” (P.5-80) for wet brakes.
. Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or sideways,
you could be injured. .
Whenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent maintenance
may be required. See the maintenance
information in the “INFINITI Service and
Maintenance Guide”.
. Spinning the rear wheels on slippery
surfaces may cause the AWD warning
light to flash and the AWD system to
automatically switch from the AWD
mode to the 2WD mode. This could
reduce traction. Be especially careful
when towing a trailer. (AWD models)
5-76Starting and driving
.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).)
SSD0336
The AWD warning light is located in the
meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. It turns off soon after the engine
is started. If any malfunction occurs in the AWD
system while the engine is running, the
warning light will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about
twice per second) while trying to free a
stuck vehicle due to high power train oil
temperature. The driving mode may change
to two-wheel drive. If the warning light
blinks rapidly during operation, stop the
vehicle with the engine idling in a safe
place immediately. Then if the light goes
off after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters
of front and rear wheels will make the
warning light blink slowly (about once per
two seconds). Pull off the road in a safe
area, and idle the engine. Check that all
tire sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is blinking after the
above operation, 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
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)
SSD0471
Warning light and display
When the Preview Function is not operating
properly, the chime sounds and the system
warning light (orange) will come on.
Action to take:
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine and resume driving.
If the indicator stays on, it may indicate
that the Preview Function is malfunction-
ing (the brake is operative). Although the
Vehicle is still driveable under normal
conditions, have the vehicle checked at
an INFINITI retailer.
How to handle the sensor
The sensor for the Preview Function is
common with Intelligent Cruise Control and
is located below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating
properly, be sure to observe the following:
.Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe
with a soft cloth carefully so as not to
damage the sensor.
. Do not strike or damage the areas
around the sensor. Do not touch or
remove the screw located on the
sensor. Doing so could cause failure
or malfunction. If the sensor is da-
maged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
. Do not attach a sticker (including
transparent material) or install an
accessory near the sensor. This could
cause failure or malfunction.
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. Remember
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 responsible
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
Starting and driving5-83
through attentive and careful driving meth-
ods can the Rear Active Steer system be
fully appreciated and safety assured.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).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the
battery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly.
For additional information, see “Battery”
(P.8-17).
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).
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) of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
Starting and driving5-87
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
6-8In case of emergency
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tiretouches the ground. Then, with the
wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel
nuts securely in the sequence as
illustrated. Lower the vehicle comple-
tely.
WARNING
. Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tigh-
tened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to
become loose or come off. This could
cause an accident.
. Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts
to become loose.
. Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
.As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to specification at all times. It is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specifications at each
lubrication interval.
.Adjust tire pressure to the COLD
pressure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked
for three hours or more or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on
the Tire and Loading Information
label affixed to the driver side center
pillar.
After adjusting tire pressure to the COLD
tire pressure, the display of the tire
pressure information may show higher
pressure than the COLD tire pressure after
the vehicle has been driven more than 1
mile (1.6 km). This is because the tire
pressurizes as the tire temperature rises.
This does not indicate a system malfunc-
tion.
Stowing the damaged tire and tools
1. Securely store the damaged tire, jack and tools in the storage area.
2. Close the luggage floor cover.
3. Close the lift gate.
WARNING
. Always make sure that the spare tire and
jacking equipment are properly secured
after use. Such items can become
dangerous projectiles in an accident or
sudden stop.
. The T-type spare tire and small size
spare tire are designed for emergency
use. See specific instructions under the
heading “Wheels and tires” (P.8-32).
8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2703
Tire and Loading Information label
*1Seating capacity: The maximum
number of occupants that can be
seated in the vehicle.
*2Vehicle load limit: See“Vehicle
loading information” (P.9-15).
*3Original size: The size of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle
at the factory.
*4Cold tire pressure: Inflate the
tires to this pressure when the
tires are cold. Tires are consid- ered COLD after the vehicle has
been parked for 3 or more hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km) at moderate speeds. The
recommended cold tire inflation
is set by the manufacturer to
provide the best balance of tire
wear, vehicle handling, driveabil-
ity, tire noise, etc., up to the
vehicle’s GVWR.
*5Tire size
—see “Tire labeling”
(P.8-36).
*6Spare tire size or compact spare
tire size (if so equipped)
SDI1949
Checking the tire pressure
1.Remove the valve stem cap from
the tire.
2.Press the pressure gauge
squarely onto the valve stem. Do
not press too hard or force the
valve stem sideways, or air will
escape. If the hissing sound of air
escaping from the tire is heard
while checking the pressure, re-
position the gauge to eliminate
this leakage.
3.Remove the gauge.
4.Read the tire pressure on the
gauge stem and compare it to
the specification shown on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
5.Add air to the tire as needed. If
too much air is added, press the
core of the valve stem briefly with
the tip of the gauge stem to
release pressure. Recheck the
pressure and add or release air
as needed.
6.Install the valve stem cap.
7.Check the pressure of all other
tires, including the spare.
SIZECOLD TIRE
INFLATION
PRESSURE
FRONT
ORIGINAL
TIRE P265/60R18
109V
230 kPa,
33 PSI
P265/50R20
106V 230 kPa,
33 PSI
P265/45R21
104V 230 kPa,
33 PSI
REAR ORI-
GINAL TIRE P265/60R18
109V
230 kPa,
33 PSI
P265/50R20
106V 230 kPa,
33 PSI
P265/45R21
104V 230 kPa,
33 PSI
SPARE TIRE T175/90D18
110M 420 kPa,
60 PSI
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-35