function. However, this may result in
minor personal injury if someone is
behind the vehicle when the switch is
activated, or damage to the lift gate.
NOTE:
.To avoid damaging the lift gate system,
do not manually force the lift gate to
open or close when the lift gate is
moving. When manually operating the
lift gate from the full close or full open
position, do not use excessive force.
Using excessive force may damage the
system.
. Do not install accessories such as bike
racks onto the lift gate. The additional
weight of these accessories may cause
the lift gate to operate slowly or to not
open completely. This is a normal
operation and does not indicate a
malfunction. The lift gate will operate
normally when the accessory is re-
moved.
. If the lift gate is opened when the
vehicle is parked on a steep slope, the
lift gate may not open to the expected
position. This is a normal operation
and does not indicate a malfunction. .
If the automatic lift gate is operated
continuously for approximately 180
seconds, the system automatically
turns off to prevent overheating. The
lift gate cannot be opened using the
switches. The system resets and opera-
tion returns to normal after approxi-
mately 180 seconds. This is a normal
operation and does not indicate a
malfunction.
. The lift gate may automatically reverse
direction if the lift gate is operating
and passengers enter/exit the vehicle.
This is a normal operation and does
not indicate a malfunction.
. The lift gate must be operated manually
if the battery is disconnected or
discharged.
. If the lift gate is not activated due to a
low voltage (less than approximately
11V), operate the lift gate with the
engine running.
Manual mode
If power operation is not available, the lift
gate can be operated manually. Power
operation may not be available if multiple
obstacles have been detected in a single
power cycle or if the battery voltage is low. When the power lift gate main switch is in
the OFF position, the lift gate can be
opened manually by pushing the lift gate
opener switch. If the power lift gate opener
switch is pushed during power open or
close, the power operation will be canceled
and the lift gate can be operated manually.
AUTO CLOSURE
If the lift gate is pulled down to a partly
open position, the lift gate will pull itself to
the closed position.
Do not apply excessive force when the
auto closure is operating. Excessive force
applied may cause the mechanism to
malfunction.
CAUTION
.
The lift gate will automatically close
from a partly open position. To avoid
pinching, keep hands and fingers away
from lift gate opening.
. Do not let children operate the lift gate.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-23
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
Automatic operation
Cooling and/or dehumidified heating
(AUTO):
This mode may be used all year round. The
system works automatically to control the
inside temperature, air flow distribution
and fan speed after the preferred tempera-
ture is set manually.
1. Push the“AUTO” button on. (The
indicator on the button will illuminate
and AUTO will be displayed.)
2. Turn the temperature control dial (dri- ver side) to set the desired tempera-
ture.
.The temperature can be set withinthe following range.
— For U.S.: 60 to 908F
— For Canada: 18 to 328C
.The temperature of the passenger
compartment will be maintained
automatically. Air flow distribution
and fan speed will also be controlled
automatically.
3. You can individually set driver and front passenger side temperature using each
temperature control button. When the “DUAL”
button is pushed or the pas-
senger side temperature control button
is turned, the DUAL indicator will come
on. To turn off the passenger side
temperature control, push the “DUAL”
button.
4. To turn off the climate control system, push the “OFF”button.
A visible mist may be seen coming from the
ventilators in hot, humid conditions as the
air is cooled rapidly. This does not indicate
a malfunction.
Heating (A/C OFF):
The air conditioner does not activate in this
mode. When you need to heat only, use
this mode.
1. Push the “AUTO”button on.
2. Push the “A/C” button. (The A/C
indicator will turn off.)
3. Turn the temperature control dial to set the desired temperature.
. The temperature of the passenger
compartment will be maintained auto-
matically. Air flow distribution and fan
speed are also controlled automati-
cally. .
Do not set the temperature lower than
the outside air temperature. Otherwise
the system may not work properly.
. Not recommended if windows fog up.
Dehumidified defrosting or defogging: 1. Push the “
”front defroster button.
(The indicator light on the button will
illuminate.)
2. Turn the temperature control dial to set the desired temperature.
. To quickly remove ice from the outside
of the windows, push the fan speed
increase button “
”and set it to the
maximum position.
. As soon as possible after the wind-
shield is clean, push the “AUTO”button
to return to the auto mode.
. When the “
”front defroster button
is pushed, the air conditioner will
automatically be turned on at outside
temperatures above 238 F(−58C) to
defog the windshield, and the air
recirculate mode will automatically be
turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging
performance.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-51
conditions. To avoid accidents, never use
the Intelligent Cruise Control system
under the following conditions:
—On roads where the traffic is heavyor there are sharp curves
—On slippery road surfaces such as
on ice or snow, etc.
—During bad weather (rain, fog, snow,etc.)
When the windshield wiper is oper-
ated at the low speed (LO) or high
speed (HI) position, the Intelligent
Cruise Control system is automati-
cally canceled.
—When strong light (for example, atsunrise or sunset) is directly shining
on the front of the vehicle
—When rain, snow or dirt adhere to
the system sensor
—On steep downhill roads (the vehi-cle may go beyond the set vehicle
speed and frequent braking may
result in overheating the brakes)
—On repeated uphill and downhillroads
—When traffic conditions make itdifficult to keep a proper distance
between vehicles because of fre-
quent acceleration or deceleration
. Do not use the Intelligent Cruise Control
system if you are towing a trailer. The
system may not detect a vehicle ahead.
. In some road or traffic conditions, a
vehicle or object can unexpectedly come
into the sensor detection zone and cause
automatic braking. You may need to
control the distance from other vehicles
using the accelerator pedal. Always stay
alert and avoid using the ICC system
when it is not recommended in this
section.
JVS0124X
VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE DISTANCE
CONTROL MODE OPERATION
Always pay attention to the operation of
the vehicle and be ready to manually
control the proper following distance. The
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode of
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
may not be able to maintain the selected
distance between vehicles (following dis-
tance) or selected vehicle speed under
some circumstances.
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode uses a sensor
*Alocated on the
front of the vehicle to detect vehicles
Starting and driving5-35
5-56Starting and driving
—When rain, snow or dirt adhere tothe system sensor
—On steep downhill roads (frequentbraking may result in overheating
the brakes)
—On repeated uphill and downhill
roads
. Do not use the Distance Control Assist
system if you are towing a trailer. The
system may not detect a vehicle ahead.
. In some road or traffic conditions, a
vehicle or object can unexpectedly come
into the sensor detection zone and cause
automatic braking. You may need to
control the distance from other vehicles
using the accelerator pedal. Always stay
alert and avoid using the DCA system
when it is not recommended in this
section.
JVS0124X
DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST OP-
ERATION
Always pay attention to the operation of
the vehicle and be ready to manually
decelerate to maintain the proper following
distance. The Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system may not be able to decelerate the
vehicle under some circumstances.
The DCA system uses a sensor
*Alocated
on the front of the vehicle to detect
vehicles traveling ahead. The sensor gen-
erally detects the signals returned from the
reflectors on a vehicle ahead. Therefore, if
the sensor cannot detect the reflector on the vehicle ahead, the DCA system may not
operate.
The following are some conditions in which
the sensor cannot detect the signals:
.
When the reflector of the vehicle ahead
is positioned high on the vehicle
(trailer, etc.)
. When the reflector on the vehicle ahead
is missing, damaged or covered
. When the reflector of the vehicle ahead
is covered with dirt, snow and road
spray
. When the snow or road spray from
traveling vehicles reduces the sensor’s
visibility
. When dense exhaust or other smoke
(black smoke) from vehicles reduces
the sensor’s visibility
. When excessively heavy baggage is
loaded in the rear seat or the luggage
room of your vehicle
The DCA system is designed to automati-
cally check the sensor’s operation. When
the sensor is covered with dirt or is
obstructed, the system will automatically
be canceled. If the sensor is covered with
ice, a transparent or translucent vinyl bag,
etc., the DCA system may not detect them.
5-80Starting and driving
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed
slowly. This is not a malfunction and
indicates that the brake assist mechanism
is operating properly.
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 pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and the stopping distance
will be longer.
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly
and firmly, you may hear a clicking noise
and feel a slight pulsation. This is normal
and indicates that the Brake Assist System
is operating.
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 sideduring braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping 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.
EUROPEAN DESIGN BRAKE PADS (if
so equipped)
The FX50 Sport (only) is equipped with
more aggressive European style brake
pads which provide increased fade resis-
tance when repeatedly braking from very
high speeds. These pads are likely to
experience increased brake dust and noise
as well as increased pad and rotor wear,
with replacement intervals of less than
20,000 miles (32,000 km) for some custo-
mers depending upon their driving pat-
terns.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by
an INFINITI retailer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating
of the brakes, wearing out the brake and
pads faster and reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes 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.
WARNING
.
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
BRAKE SYSTEM
6-12In case of emergency
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 stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to
maximum hot and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a long hill on a hot day, run
the engine at a fast idle (approximately
1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge
indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the
radiator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off
the engine.) Do not open the hood
further until no steam or coolant can be
seen.
5. Open the engine hood.WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and
radiator should not leak water. If cool-
ant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan
can start at any time.
7. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir tank with
the engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir tank if necessary. Have your
vehicle repaired at the nearest INFINITI
retailer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
15%.)
. E-15 fuel contains more than 10%
oxygenate. E-15 fuel will adversely
affect the emission control devices
and systems of the vehicle and should
not be used. Damage caused by such
fuel is not covered by the INFINITI new
vehicle limited warranty.
. If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanol
blends may cause fuel system damage
and/or vehicle performance problems.
At this time, sufficient data is not
available to ensure that all methanol
blends are suitable for use in INFINITI
vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems
such as engine stalling or hard hot starting
are experienced after using oxygenate-
blend fuels, immediately change to a
non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a low
blend of MTBE. Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygenates
can cause paint damage.
E-15 fuel
E-15 fuel is a mixture of approximately
15% fuel ethanol and 85% unleaded
gasoline. E-15 can only be used in vehicles
designed to run on E-15 fuel. Do not use E-
15 in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified with small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percentage
for that region.
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately
85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline. E-85 can only be used in a
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do not use E-
85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percentage
for that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of
any aftermarket fuel additives (Example:
fuel injector cleaner, octane booster, intake
valve deposit removers, etc.) which are
sold commercially. Many of these additives
intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to
the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above can
cause persistent, heavy spark knock.
(Spark knock is a metallic rapping noise.)
If severe, this can lead to engine damage.
If you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have an INFINITI retailer
correct the condition. Failure to correct the
condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which INFINITI is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in
knocking, after-run or overheating. This in
turn may cause excessive fuel consumption
or damage to the engine. If any of the
Technical and consumer information9-5
9-20Technical and consumer information
STI0541
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load.
Towing loads greater than these or using
improper towing equipment could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very
steep grades or for low traction situations
(for example, on slippery boat ramps).
Temperature conditions can also affecttowing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The transmission high
fluid temperature protection mode, which
helps reduce the chance of transmission
damage, could activate and automatically
decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip
carefully to account for trailer and vehicle
load, weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced speed
may be lower than other traffic, which could
increase the chance of a collision. Be
especially careful when driving. If the
vehicle cannot maintain a safe driving
speed, pull to the side of the road in a safe
area. Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See
“If your vehicle over-
heats” (P.6-12) of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures are not covered by
INFINITI warranties.