HYBRID VEHICLE
CHARACTERISTICS
WARNING
●When you leave your vehicle, be sure to
place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.
● Be sure to put the transmission in the P
(Park) position because the vehicle can
move when the READY to drive indica-
tor light is on even if the gasoline en-
gine is not running. When the READY to
drive indicator light is on, do not leave
your vehicle in a shift position other
than the P (Park) position. The vehicle
will creep and start abruptly if the accel-
erator pedal is depressed by mistake.
This may cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
●If the vehicle is parked for a long period
of time, the battery discharges gradu-
ally. To avoid this occurrence, drive the
vehicle for approximately 30 minutes at
least once every two to three months.
Otherwise, the Lithium ion (Li-ion) bat-
tery may be damaged. If the Li-ion bat-
tery is completely discharged and the
hybrid system cannot be activated, con-
tact an INFINITI retailer.
High-voltage parts and harnesses on the hybrid
vehicles emit approximately the same amount of
electromagnetic waves as the conventional
gasoline-powered vehicles or home electronic
appliances despite of their electromagnetic
shieldings.
Charging the Li-ion battery while driving is impor-
tant. The vehicle cannot run if the Li-ion battery is
discharged. In the N (Neutral) position, the Li-ion
battery does not recharge. Leaving the transmis-
sion in the N (Neutral) position for an extended
period of time may discharge the Li-ion battery.
The Li-ion battery recharges when the shift lever
is in any position other than N (Neutral) . An air vent is located on the rear side trim panels
Ato cool the high-voltage battery. If the vent is
covered, the battery will overheat resulting in
reduced output performance of the hybrid sys-
tem. For additional information, refer to “Lithium-
ion (Li-ion) battery air vent” in the “Appearance
and care” section of this manual.
You may hear the noise of the cooling fan from the
air vent.
CAUTION
Do not place objects over or into the air
vent. The Li-ion battery or DC/DC con-
verter may overheat and be damaged.
LPD2173
HEV OverviewHEV-13
Tow mode should be used when pulling a heavy
trailer or hauling a heavy load. Driving the vehicle
in the tow mode with no trailer/load or light
trailer/light load will not cause any damage. How-
ever, fuel economy maybe reduced and the
transmission/engine driving characteristics may
feel unusual.
Press the tow mode switch to activate tow mode.
The indicator light on the tow mode switch illumi-
nates when tow mode is selected. Press the tow
mode switch again to turn tow mode OFF.
Tow mode is automatically canceled when the
key is turned OFF.For additional information, refer to “Tow mode” in
the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion later in this manual.
This power outlet can be used with an accessory
cigarette lighter element. Contact your INFINITI
retailer for information.
This power outlet can also be used for powering
electrical accessories such as cellular tele-
phones.
CAUTION
●The cigarette lighter should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
● The outlet and plug may be hot during
or immediately after use.
LIC0594LIC2888
TOW MODE SWITCH CIGARETTE LIGHTER (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-47
Do not stand on your vehicle to perform
the next steps.
4. At the receiver located on the garage door opener motor in the garage, locate the
“learn” or “smart” button (the name and color
of the button may vary by manufacturer but it
is usually located near where the hanging
antenna wire is attached to the unit) . If there
is difficulty locating the button, reference the
garage door opener’s manual.
5. Press and release the “learn” or “smart” but- ton.
6. Return to the vehicle and firmly press and hold the trained HomeLink® button for
2 seconds and release. Repeat the
“press/hold/release” sequence up to three
times to complete the training process.
HomeLink® should now activate your rolling
code equipped device.
7. If you have any questions or are having diffi- culty programming your HomeLink® but-
tons, refer to the HomeLink® web site at:
www.homelink.com or call 1-800-355-
3515.PROGRAMMING HOMELINK® FOR
CANADIAN CUSTOMERS AND
GATE OPENERS
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmit-
ter signals to “time-out” (or quit) after several
seconds of transmission – which may not be long
enough for HomeLink® to pick up the signal
during training. Similar to this Canadian law,
some U.S. gate operators are designed to “tim-
eout” in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having difficulties
training a gate operator orgarage door opener
by using the “Training” procedures, replace
“Programming HomeLink®” Step 2with the fol-
lowing:
NOTE:
When programming a garage door opener,
etc., unplug the device during the “cycling”
process to prevent possible damage to the
garage door opener components.
1. For additional information, refer to “Pro- gramming HomeLink®” step 1 in this sec-
tion.
2. Using both hands, simultaneously press and hold the desired HomeLink® button and the
hand-held transmitter button. During train-
ing, your hand-held transmitter may auto- matically stop transmitting. Continue to
press and hold the desired HomeLink® but-
ton while you press and re-press (“cycle”)
your hand-held transmitter every 2 seconds
until the frequency signal has been learned.
The HomeLink® indicator light will flash
slowly and then rapidly after several seconds
upon successful training. DO NOT release
until the HomeLink® indicator light flashes
slowly and then rapidly. When the indicator
light flashes rapidly, both buttons may be
released. The rapid flashing indicates suc-
cessful training.
Proceed with “Programming HomeLink®”
step 3 to complete.
If the device was unplugged during the pro-
gramming procedure, remember to plug it
back in when programming is completed.
OPERATING THE HOMELINK®
UNIVERSAL TRANSCEIVER
The HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, after it is
programmed, can be used to activate the pro-
grammed device. To operate, simply press and
release the appropriate programmed
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver button. The
amber indicator light will illuminate while the sig-
nal is being transmitted.
For convenience, the hand-held transmitter of the
device may also be used at any time.
2-66Instruments and controls
NOTE:
If the outside mirror control switch is in the
neutral position, neither mirror will turn
downward when the shift lever is moved to
R (Reverse) .
For additional information regarding this feature,
refer to “Automatic drive positioner” in this sec-
tion.
Heated mirrors
The outside mirrors can be heated to defrost,
defog, or de-ice for improved visibility. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Rear window and
outside mirror defroster switch” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.The automatic drive positioner system has three
features:
● Memory storage function
● Entry/exit function
● Seat synchronization function
MEMORY STORAGE FUNCTION
Two positions for the driver’s seat, steering col-
umn, and outside mirrors can be stored in the
automatic drive positioner memory. Follow these
procedures to use the memory system.
1. Place the ignition in the ON or ACC position. The Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) shift lever should be in the P (Park)
position or the vehicle should be stopped
while setting the memory.
2. Adjust the driver’s seat, steering column, and outside mirrors to the desired positions
by manually operating each adjusting
switch. For additional information, refer to
LPD2068
AUTOMATIC DRIVE POSITIONER (if
so equipped)
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-33
●Do not drive across steep slopes. In-
stead drive either straight up or straight
down the slopes. Off-road vehicles can
tip over sideways much more easily
than they can forward or backward.
● Many hills are too steep for any vehicle.
If you drive up them, you may stall. If
you drive down them, you may not be
able to control your speed. If you drive
across them, you may roll over.
● Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
● Stay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-off
or other hazard that could cause an
accident.
● If your engine stalls or you cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill, never at-
tempt to turn around. Your vehicle could
tip or roll over. Always back straight
down in R (Reverse) gear and apply
brakes to control your speed.
● Heavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed. ●
Unsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.
● Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as
far forward and as low as possible. Do
not equip the vehicle with tires larger
than specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over.
● Do not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.
● Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
● Always drive with the floor mats in place
as the floor may become hot.
● Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your INFINITI is more af-
fected 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 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 vehicle damage or personal
injury.
● Do not attempt to test a 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 unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
● When a wheel is off the ground due to
an unlevel surface, do not spin the
wheel excessively.
Starting and driving5-11
Shifting
Press the buttonAwhile depressing the
brake pedal
Press the buttonAto shift
Shift without pressingAbutton
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal, push and press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever from the P (Park) position to
any of the desired shift positions.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift lever is
in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause the
vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away
and result in serious personal injury or
property damage.
CAUTION
Use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position
only when the vehicle is completely
stopped.
P (Park)
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped
Use the P (Park) shift lever position when the
vehicle is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal must be depressed and
the shift lever button pushed in to move the
shift lever from N (Neutral) or any drive
position to P (Park) . Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the shift lever into the P (Park)
position. R (Reverse)
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
R (Reverse) position only when the vehicle
is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the shift lever
button pushed in to move the shift lever
from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive po-
sition to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
Manual shift mode
When the shift lever is in the manual shift gate,
the transmission is ready for the manual shift
mode. Shift ranges can be selected manually by
moving the shift lever up or down. To cancel
LSD2019
5-18Starting and driving
manual shift mode, return the shift lever to the D
(Drive) position. The transmission returns to au-
tomatic driving mode.
When the shift lever is shifted from D (Drive) to
the manual shift gate with the vehicle stopped or
while driving, the transmission enters the manual
shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manu-
ally. In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the meter.
When shifting the shift lever to the manual shift
gate, the position indicator displays 1 (first) up to
7 (seventh) depending on vehicle speed.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
1⇔2⇔ 3⇔ 4⇔ 5⇔ 6⇔ 7
7 (7th)
Use this position for all normal forward driving at
highway speeds.
5 (5th) and 6 (6th)
Use this position when driving up long slopes, or
for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
4 (4th) , 3 (3rd) and 2 (2nd)
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades. 1 (1st)
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or when driving slowly, or for maximum engine
braking on steep downhill grades.
● Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than 7th
gear. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up
Move the shift lever to the + (up) side. (Shifts to
higher range.)
When shifting down
Move the shift lever to the (down) side. (Shifts
to lower range.)
● The transmission will automatically down-
shift the gears. (For example, if you select the
3rd range, the transmission will shift down
between the 3rd and 1st gears.)
● Moving the shift lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succession.
When canceling the manual shift mode
Return the shift lever to the D (Drive) position to
return the transmission to the normal driving
mode. ●
In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of ve-
hicle damage or loss of control.
● When this situation occurs, the CVT
position indicator light will blink and
the chime will sound.
● In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the en-
gine speed is too high. When the ve-
hicle speed decreases, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down and
shifts to 1st gear before the vehicle
comes to a stop.
● CVT operation is limited to automatic drive
mode when CVT fluid temperature is ex-
tremely low even if manual shift mode is
selected. This is not a malfunction. When
CVT fluid warms up, manual mode can be
selected.
● When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the
shift range may upshift in lower rpm than
usual. This is not a malfunction.
Starting and driving5-19
Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged, the
shift lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed
and the shift lever button pushed. To move the
shift lever, perform the following procedure:1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover
Aus-
ing a suitable tool.
4. Push down the shift lock release
Busing a
suitable tool. 5. Press the shift lever button
Cand move the
shift lever to the N (Neutral) position
D
while holding down the shift lock release.
The vehicle may be moved to the desired
location. Replace the removed shift lock re-
lease cover after the operation. If the shift
lever cannot be moved out of the P (Park)
position, have an INFINITI retailer check the
CVT system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position while the engine is run-
ning and the brake pedal is depressed, the
stop lights may not work. Malfunctioning
stop lights could cause an accident injur-
ing yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be- comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperatures with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. The MIL may illu-
minate to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated. For additional information, refer
to “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in the
“Instrument and controls” section of this
manual. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then turn
the switch back to the ON position. The
vehicle should return to its normal operat-
ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have an
INFINITI retailer check the transmission
and repair if necessary.
LSD2022
5-20Starting and driving