When the VDC system operates, theindi-
cator in the instrument panel flashes to note the
following:
● The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip indicator
light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
indicator light” in the ”Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically turns
off when these indicator lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to indi-
cate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transferring
power to a non slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off and the
indicator will not
flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
hybrid system and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test oc-
curs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is
not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
● The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or by
careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be
especially careful when driving and cor-
nering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully. ●
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the
indicator may
flash or both the
andindica-
tor lights may illuminate.
● If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
5-138Starting and driving
HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
SONAR SYSTEM
The system is automatically activated when the
ignition is in the ON position and the shift lever is
in the R (Reverse) position.
Perform the following steps to enable or disable
the sonar system:1. Press the
button until “Driving Assis-
tance” displays in the vehicle information
display and then press ENTER. Use
the
button to select “Parking Aids”.
Then press the ENTER button.
2. Select “Sensor” and press the ENTER but- ton.
NOTE: ● The system will automatically be turned on
when the engine is restarted.
SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations for
the sonar system. Failure to operate the
vehicle in accordance with these system
limitations could result in serious injury or
death.
LSD2614
Starting and driving5-143
Push the switch on to warn other drivers when
you must stop or park under emergency condi-
tions. All turn signal lights flash.
WARNING
●If stopping for an emergency, be sure to
move the vehicle well off the road.
● Do not use the hazard warning flashers
while moving on the highway unless
unusual circumstances force you to
drive so slowly that your vehicle might
become a hazard to other traffic.
● Turn signals do not work when the haz-
ard warning flasher lights are on. The flashers will operate with the ignition switch
placed in any position.
Some jurisdictions may prohibit the use of
the hazard warning flasher switch while
driving.
To shut off the hybrid system in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the following pro-
cedure:
– Rapidly push the push-button ignition switch 3
consecutive times in less than 1.5 seconds, or
– Push and hold the push-button ignition switch for more than 2 seconds.
LIC0394
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCH EMERGENCY HYBRID SYSTEM SHUT
OFF
6-2In 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 illustrated (
A,B,C,D,
E) . Lower the vehicle completely.
WARNING
●Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened 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 ve-
hicle has been driven for 621 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: 83 ft-lb (113 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specifications at each lubrication interval. Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure: After vehicle has been
parked for 3 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.
5. Securely store the flat tire, tools and jacking equipment in the vehicle.
6. Close the liftgate.
WARNING
● Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly se-
cured after use. Such items can become
dangerous projectiles in an accident or
sudden stop.
● The spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. For additional information,
refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
WARNING
●If the hybrid system stops operating
while driving, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work. Brak-
ing and steering will be harder.
● If the hybrid system stops operating
while driving, do not open any door until
the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Opening a door will lock the steering
wheel. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
The hybrid system may stop operating while driv-
ing if the high-voltage battery becomes dis-
charged, the 12-volt battery becomes dis-
charged or the fuel tank is empty. If the hybrid
system stops operating while driving, perform the
following: 1. Reduce your speed gradually. Pull to the side of the road to a safe area.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Set the push-button ignition switch at ACC or OFF, and try to start the hybrid system.
4. If the hybrid system will not start, refer to the “If the vehicle does not start” section of this
manual.
HYBRID SYSTEM STOPS OPERATING
WHILE DRIVING
In case of emergency6-9
Before attempting to jump start the vehicle, make
sure the fuel tank is not empty and the correct
starting procedure is followed. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Starting the INFINITI Direct
Response Hybrid System” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual. Do not drive the
vehicle on battery power only if the fuel tank is
empty. The Li-ion battery will become discharged
and the hybrid system will turn off.
CONFIRM BATTERY IS
DISCHARGED
Confirm the battery is discharged by pushing the
ignition switch to the ON position. Confirm the
instrument cluster or head lights come on at the
normal brightness levels or that other accesso-
ries such as the audio system come on. Push the
ignition switch to turn the hybrid system on.
If any of the following conditions occurs, the
12-volt battery might discharged:● The instrument cluster and/or headlights are
not normal brightness.
● Audio accessories cannot be turned on.
● The hybrid system does not become READY
to drive mode.
● The ignition switch cannot be placed in the
ON position. Check the following if you notice above condi-
tions:
1. Check that the 12-volt battery terminals are tight and clean. For additional information,
refer to “12-volt battery” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. If
the 12-volt battery terminals are loose, it is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
2. If the 12-volt battery terminals are tight and clean, try to jump start the vehicle. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Jump starting” in
this section.
EMERGENCY START
When the hybrid system cannot be started, the
following procedure can be used if the hybrid
system and push-button ignition switch function
normally:
1. Put the transmission in P (Park) position.
2. Push the ignition switch to the ACC posi- tion.
3. Depress the brake pedal. 4. Push and hold the ignition switch for about
90 seconds. Even if the hybrid system starts
using this procedure, the system may be
malfunctioning. Do not continue to use this
emergency procedure to start the system.
Have the vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
If the hybrid system still does not start, it is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
IF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT START
6-10In case of emergency
Jump starting provides power to the 12–volt sys-
tem to allow the electrical systems to operate.
The electrical systems must be operating to allow
the Li-ion battery to be charged. Jump starting
does not charge the Li-ion battery.
To start the hybrid system with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING
●The engine may start at any time with-
out warning when the ignition is on and
the hybrid system is in the READY
mode. When jump starting keep your
hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from fans, belts and any other parts that
can move to avoid personal injury.
● If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a 12–volt battery explosion, re-
sulting in severe injury or death. It could
also damage your vehicle.
● Explosive hydrogen gas is always pres-
ent in the vicinity of the battery. Keep all
sparks and flames away from the
battery. ●
Do not allow battery fluid to come into
contact with eyes, skin, clothing or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a cor-
rosive sulfuric acid solution which can
cause severe burns. If the fluid should
come into contact with anything, imme-
diately flush the contacted area with
water.
● Keep 12–volt battery out of the reach of
children.
● The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
● Whenever working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protectors (for
example, goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean
over the battery when jump starting.
● Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause se-
rious injury.
● Your vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any
time. Keep hands and other objects
away from it. ●
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to jump start a hybrid
vehicle as a booster vehicle.
JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency6-11
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be towed
with the driving wheels (front) off the ground or
place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
WARNING
●Never tow your vehicle with the front
wheels on the ground or four wheels on
the ground (forward or backward) , as
this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is nec-
essary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised always use towing dollies
under the front wheels. ●
When towing with the rear wheels on
the ground or on towing dollies, place
the ignition switch in the ACC or ON
position, and secure the steering wheel
in the straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device.VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious personal
injury or death when recovering a stuck
vehicle: ●
Contact a professional towing service
to recover the vehicle if you have any
questions regarding the recovery
procedure.
● Tow chains or cables must be attached
only to main structural members of the
vehicle.
● Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow
or free a stuck vehicle.
● Only use devices specifically designed
for vehicle recovery and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
● Always pull the recovery device straight
out from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull at an angle.
● Route recovery devices so they do not
touch any part of the vehicle except the
attachment point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed specifi-
cally for vehicle recovery. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery de-
vice.
LCE2213
6-16In case of emergency
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. For
additional information, refer to “Appearance and
care” section of this manual.
Windshield-washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir. When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
●
Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift lever to P
(Park) .
● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
● If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
● It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle. ●
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition switch is in the OFF posi-
tion and the engine is not running. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working
near the fan.
● If you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
● Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
● Because the fuel lines on gasoline en-
gine models are under high pressure
even when the engine is off, it is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for service of the fuel filter or fuel
lines.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5