Brake pads/linings and rotors that are either
new or have been replaced only achieve opti-
mum braking effect after several hundred
miles of driving. Compensate for the reduced
braking effect by applying greater force to the
brake pedalFollow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driving
Tips to help you achieve the most fuel economy
from your vehicle.
1.
Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake Pedal Ap-
plication
•Avoid rapid starts and stops.
•Use smooth, gentle accelerator and brake
application whenever possible.
•Maintain constant speed while commuting
and coast whenever possible.
2. Maintain Constant Speed
•Look ahead to try and anticipate and
minimize stops.
•Synchronizing your speed with traffic
lights allows you to reduce your number
of stops.
•Maintaining a steady speed can minimize
red light stops and improve fuel effi-
ciency.
3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher Vehicle
Speeds
•Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
•Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle due
to increased aerodynamic drag.
•Recirculating the cool air in the cabin
when the A/C is on reduces cooling load.
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Distances
•Observing the speed limit and not ex-
ceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where legally
allowed) can improve fuel efficiency due
to reduced aerodynamic drag.
•Maintaining a safe following distance be-
hind other vehicles reduces unnecessary
braking.
•Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate
changes in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes.
•Select a gear range suitable to road con-
ditions.
5. Use Cruise Control
•Using cruise control during highway driv-
ing helps maintain a steady speed.
•Cruise control is particularly effective in
providing fuel savings when driving on
flat terrains.
Utilize a map or navigation system to determine
the best route to save time.
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
5-82Starting and driving
VDC warning lightmay illuminate. This
is not a malfunction. Restart the engine af-
ter driving onto a stable surface.
•If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
•The VDC system is not a substitute for win-
ter tires or tire chains on a snow covered
road.
•If VDC is malfunctioning, VDC is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. In addition, other driv-
ing safety systems are switched off. This
increases the risk of skidding and an acci-
dent. Drive on carefully. Have VDC checked.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
CAUTION
•When VDC is deactivated, theVDC
OFF warning light lights up continuously.
•If both thewarning light andwarning light are lit continuously, VDC is
not available due to a malfunction.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS) is part of
VDC..
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you deactivate
VDC.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VDC
If theVDC warning light goes out before
beginning the journey, VDC is automatically
active.
If VDC intervenes, the
VDC warning lamp
flashes in the combination meter.
If VDC intervenes:
•Do not deactivate VDC under any circum-
stances.
•When pulling away, only depress the accel-
erator pedal as far as is necessary.
•Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road and weather conditions.
Deactivating/activating VDC
WARNING
If you deactivate VDC, VDC no longer stabilizes
the vehicle. There is an increased risk of skid-
ding and an accident.
Only deactivate VDC in the situations de-
scribed in the following section.
You can select between the following statuses
of VDC:
•VDC is activated.
•VDC is deactivated.
It may be best to deactivate VDC in the follow-
ing situations:
•When using snow chains.
•In deep snow.
•On sand or gravel.
NOTE
Activate VDC as soon as the situations described
above no longer apply. VDC will otherwise not be
Starting and driving5-91
able to stabilize the vehicle if the vehicle starts
to skid or a wheel starts to spin.
You can activate/deactivate VDC using the ve-
hicle information display. To activate/
deactivate VDC:
1. Start the engine
2. Press the
orbutton on the
steering wheel to select the [DriveAssist]
menu in the vehicle information display.
3. Press the
orbutton to select
VDC.
4. Press the
The current selection is displayed.
5. To activate/deactivate: press the
ton again.
VDC is deactivated if the
warning light
in the combination meter lights up continu-
ously when the engine is running.
Characteristics when VDC is deactivated
:
If VDC is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, theVDC warning lamp
flashes in the combination meter. In such situ-
ations, VDC will not stabilize the vehicle. If you deactivate VDC:
•VDC no longer intervenes in understeer or
oversteer situations.
•Engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action, so the tires cut through the
loose surface until the hit solid ground,
giving better traction.
•Traction control is still activated.
•VDC still provides support when you brake.
EBD (ELECTRONIC BRAKE FORCE
DISTRIBUTION)
EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure
on the rear wheels to help improve handling
during braking.
WARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the EBD [Inoperative
See Operator’s Manual] warning is displayed
in the vehicle information display. The
VDC warning lamp may also light up.
If EBD is malfunctioning as a result of a VDC
malfunction, the rear wheels can lock, e.g. un-
der full braking. This increases the risk of skid-
ding and an accident.You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked. It is recommended
you see an INFINITI retailer.
STEER CONTROL
STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering wheel
in the direction required for vehicle stabilisa-
tion.
This steering support is provided in particular if:
•Both right wheels or both left wheels are on
a wet or slippery road surface when you
brake.
•The vehicle starts to skid.
WARNING
No steering support is provided from STEER
CONTROL, if:
•VDC is malfunctioning.
•The steering is faulty.
Power steering will, however, continue to
function.
5-92Starting and driving
The hazard warning flasher switch1operates
regardless of the ignition switch position except
when the battery is discharged.
The hazard warning flasher is used to warn
other drivers when you have to stop or park
under emergency conditions.
When the hazard warning flasher switch is
pushed, all turn signal lights will flash. To turn
off the hazard warning flasher, push the hazard
warning switch again.
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 un-
usual circumstances force you to drive so
slowly that your vehicle might become a
hazard to other traffic.
•Turn signals do not work when the hazard
warning flasher lights are on.
Some jurisdictions may prohibit the use of the
hazard warning flasher switch while driving. If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions in
this section.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
WARNING
•If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates or a tire pressure-related warning is
displayed by the vehicle information dis-
play while driving, avoid sudden steering
maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce ve-
hicle speed, pull off the road to a safe loca-
tion and stop the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible. Driving with under-inflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and increase
the likelihood of tire failure. Serious vehicle
damage could occur and may lead to an ac-
cident and could result in serious personal
injury. Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
tire and loading information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If
you have a flat tire, replace it with a replace-
ment tire as soon as possible.
•When a replacement tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not func-
tion and the low tire pressure warning light
NIC2621
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH
FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
will flash for approximately 1 minute. The
light will remain on after 1 minute. It is rec-
ommended you Contact an INFINITI retailer
as soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
•Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
•If you used Emergency Tire Sealant to repair
a minor tire puncture, the TPMS sensor
should be checked when repairing or re-
placing the tire. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
monitors tire pressure of all tires. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, and a tire
pressure-related warning (if equipped) appears
in the vehicle information display, one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated. If
the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the TPMS will activate and warn you of it
by the low tire pressure warning light (in the
meter panel). This system will activate only
when the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16
MPH (25 km/h). For more details about the TPMS, see
Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in the
5. Starting and driving section.
STOPPING VEHICLE
WARNING
•Be sure to apply the parking brake firmly.
•Be sure that P (Park) is engaged.
•Never change tires when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or slippery area. This is hazard-
ous.
•Never change tires when the oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Call for profes-
sional road assistance.
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard indicator flasher lights.
3. Park on a level surface.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Press the P (Park) button.
6. Turn off the engine. 7. Open the hood and set up the triangle
reflector (if equipped):
•To warn other traffic.
•To signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
8. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from other
traffic and clear of the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-3
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Failure
to do so could result in damage to the charging
system and cause personal injury.1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries near each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Check if the parking brake is applied.
If not, after connecting the vehicle with the
booster battery (after step 8), apply the
parking brake.
The vehicle has an electric parking brake, for
more information see, Parking brakein the
3. Pre-driving checks and adjustments sec-
tion
3. Press the P (Park) button.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (headlights, hazard lights etc,).
5. Ensure that the ignition switch of the vehicle being jump-started is in the OFF position.
6. Open the hood. For details, see Hoodin the
3. Pre-driving checks and adjustments sec-
tion.
7. Remove the vent caps (if equipped) on the battery and cover the battery with an old
cloth.
8. Connect the jump leads in the sequence (
1→2→3→4) as illustrated.NDI1595
In case of emergency6-11
WARNING
•Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. 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 hot. When the radiator or
coolant reservoir cap is removed, pressur-
ized hot water will spurt out, possibly caus-
ing serious injury.
•Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
If the engine of your vehicle is overheating
(indicated by the engine coolant temperature
gauge) or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect unusual noise, etc., proceed as follows:
1. Move and park the vehicle safely off the road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher lights.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Press the P (Park) button. DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE.
5. Open all windows. 6. Switch off the air conditioner system (if
equipped).
7. Set the heater or air conditioner temperature control to maximum “HOT” and fan speed
control to maximum speed.
8. Exit the vehicle.
9. Visually inspect and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator before
opening the hood.WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
10. Open the hood. For details, see Hoodin
the 3. Pre-driving checks and adjustments
section.
11. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
12. Visually check the radiator and radiator hoses for leakage.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jew-
elry or clothing to come into contact with, or
get caught in, engine belts or the engine cool-
ing fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any
time.
13. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir
with the engine running. Do not open the
radiator cap (if equipped).
14. If the level is low, remove the engine cool- ant reservoir cap and add coolant slowly
into the reservoir. After refilling the reser-
voir to the MAX level, install the reservoir
cap.
15. Close the hood.
Have your vehicle inspected or repaired. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-13
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions..................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........8-3
2.0L Gasoline engine .................. .8-3
Engine cooling system ................... .8-3
Checking engine coolant level .............8-4
Changing engine coolant ................8-4
Engine oil ........................... .8-5
Checking engine oil level ................8-5
Changing engine oil .................. .8-5
Changing engine oil filter ................8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ............8-7
Brake fluid .......................... .8-7
Window washer fluid .................... .8-8
Battery ............................ .8-9
Accessing Vehicle battery ...............8-10
Maintenance free battery ................8-10
Models with Idle Stop/Start System .........8-10
Battery replacement .................. .8-11
Reinitialisation procedure after battery
reconnection ...................... .8-12
Jump-starting ...................... .8-12
Drive belt .......................... .8-12
Spark plugs ..........................8-13
Air cleaner filter ...................... .8-13
Wiper blades .........................8-13 Cleaning
..........................8-13
Replacing front window wiper blades ........8-14
Replacing rear window wiper blade ..........8-15
Brakes ............................ .8-17
Self-adjusting brakes ..................8-17
Fuses ............................. .8-17
Before replacing a fuse .................8-17
Engine compartment .................. .8-17
Passenger compartment ................8-18
Intelligent key battery replacement ..........
.8-20
Checking the
battery ..................8-20
Replacing the battery ..................8-20
Lights ............................ .8-22
Exterior and interior lights ...............8-22
Replacement procedures ................8-24
Wheels and tires ..................... .8-26
Tire Pressure ...................... .8-26
Tire inflation pressure .................8-28
Tire labeling ...................... .8-28
Types of tires ..................... .8-30
Tire chains ....................... .8-31
Tire wear and damage .................8-31
Tire rotation ...................... .8-32
Replacing wheels and tires ..............8-32
Wheel balance ..................... .8-34