If the AWD error warning message is displayed,
there may be a malfunction in the Intelligent AWD
system. Reduce vehicle speed and have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.The AWD high temperature message may be
displayed while trying to free a stuck vehicle due
to increased oil temperature. The driving mode
may change to 2-wheel drive. If this message is
displayed, stop the vehicle with the engine idling,
as soon as it is safe to do so. Then if the message
turns off, you can continue driving.The tire size message may be displayed if there is
a large difference between the diameters of front
and rear wheels. Pull off the road in a safe area,
with the engine idling. Check that all tire sizes are
the same, that the tire pressure is correct and that
the tires are not excessively worn.
If any warning messages continue to be dis-
played, have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
LSD2082LSD2083LSD2084
5-132Starting and driving
WARNING
●Do not drive beyond the performance ca-
pability of the tires. Accelerating quickly,
sharp steering maneuvers or sudden
braking may cause loss of control, even
with Intelligent 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 vehicle movement which
could result in serious personal injury or
vehicle damage.
●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 that
you inform the test facility personnel that
your vehicle is equipped with AWD be-
fore 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
personal injury or vehicle damage.
CAUTION
●Do not operate the engine on a free
roller when any of the wheels are
raised.
● If you use the free roller, rotate four
wheels with the same speed without
raising any wheels.
● If an AWD warning message is dis-
played while driving there may be a
malfunction in the AWD system. Reduce
the vehicle speed immediately and have
your vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
● The powertrain may be damaged if you
continue driving when the AWD tem-
perature or tire size incorrect messages
are displayed
● If the AWD high temperature message
is displayed while you are driving, pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. The driving mode will change to
2WD to prevent the AWD system from
malfunctioning. If the warning message
turns off, you can drive again. ●
If the tire size incorrect message is dis-
played while you are driving, pull off the
road in a safe area with the engine
idling. Check that all tire sizes are the
same, that the tire pressure is correct
and that the tires are not excessively
worn.
● If a warning message continues to be
displayed after the above operations,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Starting and driving5-133
WARNING
●If the hybrid system is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the steering will not work. Steer-
ing will be harder to operate.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the hybrid system run-
ning, there will be no power assist for
the steering. You will still have control
of the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still per-
formed, the power steering may stop and the
power steering warning light will illuminate. In a
safe location, stop the hybrid system and push the ignition switch to the OFF position. The tem-
perature of the power steering system will go
down after a period of time and the power assist
level will return to normal after starting the hybrid
system. The power steering warning light will go
off. Avoid repeating such steering wheel opera-
tions that could cause the power steering system
to overheat.
You may hear a sound from the front of the vehicle
when the steering wheel is operated quickly. This
is a normal operational noise and is not a mal-
function.
If the electric power steering warning light
PS
illuminates while the hybrid system is running, it
may indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the hybrid system running, there
will be no power assist for the steering but you
will still have control of the vehicle. At this time,
greater steering effort is required to operate the
steering wheel, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
For additional information, refer to “Power steer-
ing warning light” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual. The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum-assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the hybrid system is turned off, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal.
However, greater foot pressure on the brake
pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and
stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear 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
Starting and driving5-135
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the hybrid
system and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and does
not indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the instru-
ment panel. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6mph(5
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action
is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal ex-
ceeds a certain level, the brake assist is activated
generating greater braking force than a conven-
tional brake booster even with light pedal force.
WARNING
The brake assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. it is the driv-
ers responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all times.
The VDC system uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC system helps to per-
form the following functions:
● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-137
Do not attach stickers (including transparent ma-
terial) , install accessories or apply additional
paint near the sonar sensors.
Do not strike or damage the area around the
sonar sensors. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer if the area around the sonar
sensors is damaged due to a collision.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole, or use the INFINITI Intelligent Key.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
antifreeze to assure proper winter protection. For
additional information, refer to “Engine cooling
system” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For additional information, refer to “Bat-
tery” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For additional information, refer to “Changingengine coolant” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. 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 ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, INFINITI recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit 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. 3. Tire chains may be used. For additional in- formation, refer to “Tire chains” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-145
CAUTION
●CVT models cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
● Do not push start this vehicle. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
WARNING
●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 or coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is still
hot. When the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
● Do not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by the
“High Coolant Temp: See Owner’s Manual” ve-
hicle information display warning) , 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
P (Park) .
Do not turn the INFINITI Direct Re-
sponse Hybrid System off.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed. 3. 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 hybrid system. Do
not open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not leak
water. If the coolant is leaking or the cooling
fan does not run, stop the hybrid system.
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 coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-13
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 cool- ant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank
with the hybrid system running. Add coolant
to the engine coolant reservoir tank if neces-
sary. Have your vehicle repaired. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service. When towing your vehicle, all jurisdictions and
local regulations for towing must be followed.
Incorrect towing equipment could damage your
vehicle. Towing instructions are available from an
INFINITI retailer. Local service operators are gen-
erally familiar with the applicable laws and proce-
dures for towing. To assure proper towing and to
prevent accidental damage to your vehicle,
INFINITI recommends having a service operator
tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have the ser-
vice operator carefully read the following precau-
tions:
WARNING
●
Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
● Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
●When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any of these conditions apply, dollies or
a flatbed tow truck must be used.
● Always attach safety chains before
towing. For additional information about towing your ve-
hicle behind a Recreational Vehicle (RV) , refer to
“Flat towing” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
INFINITI
INFINITI recommends towing your vehicle based
upon the type of drivetrain. Please refer to the
diagrams in this section to ensure that your ve-
hicle is properly towed.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-14In case of emergency
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-7
Engine cooling system .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-9
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Inverter cooling system ............................ 8-10
Checking inverter coolant level ..................8-10
Changing inverter coolant ......................8-11
Engine oil ........................................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level .......................8-11
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-12
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-14
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-15
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-16
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-16
12-Volt Battery ................................... 8-17
Jump starting ................................. 8-18
Drive belt ........................................ 8-19Spark plugs
...................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-20
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-20
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-21
Cleaning ..................................... 8-21
Replacing .................................... 8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-23
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .......................8-24
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
INFINITI Intelligent Key ......................... 8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Fog lights ..................................... 8-27
Exterior and
interior lights ....................... 8-27
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-29
Tire pressure .................................. 8-29
Tire labeling ................................... 8-32
Types of tires .................................. 8-35
Tire chains .................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-37