Page 191 of 578

3-26Pre-driving checks and adjustments
rear of the vehicle.
. Push the power door lock switch to the
UNLOCK position.
To lock, close the fuel-filler door securely
and lock all doors by operating the door
handle request switch, the LOCK button on
the Intelligent Key, the mechanical key or
the power door lock switch.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
WARNING
. Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop engine and do not smoke or
allow open flames or sparks near the
vehicle when refueling.
. Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
. Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis- sion control system. An incorrect cap can
result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause the
malfunction indicator light to come on.
. Never pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.
. Do not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable fuel
containers:—Always place the container on the
ground when filling.
—Do not use electronic devices whenfilling.
—Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are
filling it.
—Use only approved portable fuelcontainers for flammable liquid.
CAUTION
. If fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.
. Insert the cap straight into the fuel-filler
tube, then tighten until the fuel-filler cap
clicks. Failure to tighten the fuel-filler
cap properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator light (MIL) to illumi-
nate. If the
light illuminates
because the fuel-filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and
continue to drive the vehicle. The
light should turn off after a few driving
trips. If thelight does not turn off
after a few driving trips, have the vehicle
inspected by an INFINITI retailer.
. The LOOSE FUEL CAP warning will appear
if the fuel-filler cap is not properly
tightened. It may take a few driving
trips for the message to be displayed.
Failure to tighten the fuel-filler cap
properly after the LOOSE FUEL CAP
warning appears may cause the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to
illuminate.
Page 451 of 578

5-110Starting 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.
The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking ability 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.
Hydraulically-assisted brakes
The hydraulically-assisted brake system is
designed to use a hydraulic pump driven
electrically, to assist braking. If the engine
stops, you can stop the vehicle by depres-
sing the foot brake pedal. However, greater
foot pressure on the foot brake pedal will
be required to stop the vehicle. The
stopping distance will be longer.
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 brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedalto 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 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.
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM
Page 507 of 578
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2533
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Water pump
3. Alternator
4. Crankshaft pulley
5. Air conditioner compressor
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position before servicing drive belts.
The engine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs ofunusual wear, cuts, fraying or loosen- ess. If the belt is in poor condition or
loose, have it replaced or adjusted by
an INFINITI retailer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condition and tension in accordance
with the maintenance schedule in your
“INFINITI Service and Maintenance
Guide”.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and the ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to remove
the spark plugs. An incorrect socket can
damage the spark plugs.
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS