The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and
vehicle motion. Under certain driving condi-
tions, the VDC system helps to perform 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 steering
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. When the VDC system operates, the VDC warn-
ing light in the instrument panel flashes so 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.
See Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light in the 2. Instruments and controls sec-
tion.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off.
WARNING
•The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or danger-
ous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when driv- ing and cornering on slippery surfaces and
always drive carefully.
•Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI recommended
for your vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect vehicle
handling performance, and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
•If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI recom-
mended or are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
•If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely de-
teriorated, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate.
•When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
•When driving on an unstable surface such
as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-90Starting 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
In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it.
To protect the paint surfaces, please wash your
vehicle as soon as you can:
•After a rainfall, to prevent possible damage
from acid rain.
•After driving on coastal roads.
•When contaminants such as soot, bird drop-
pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get
on the paint surface.
•When dust or mud builds up on the surface.
Whenever possible, park your vehicle inside a
garage or in a covered area to minimize the
chances of damaging the paint surface of your
vehicle.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover. Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body cover.
WASHING
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of
water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild
soap, a special vehicle soap or general purpose
dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm
(never hot) water.
CAUTION
•Do not use car washes that use acid in the
detergent. Some car washes, especially
brushless ones, use some acid for cleaning.
The acid may react with some plastic vehicle
components, causing them to crack. This
could affect their appearance, and also
could cause them not to function properly.
Always check with your car wash to confirm
that acid is not used.
•Do not wash the vehicle with strong house-
hold soap, strong chemical detergents,
gasoline or solvents.
•Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or
while the vehicle body is hot, as the paint
surface may become water-spotted.
•Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths,
such as washing mitts. Care must be taken
when removing caked-on dirt or other for-
eign substances so the paint surface is not
scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of
clean water.
Inside edges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to
the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas must be cleaned regularly. Take care that the
drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
A damp chamois can be used to dry the vehicle
to avoid water spots.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps maintain a new vehicle appearance.
After waxing, polishing is recommended to re-
move built-up residue and to avoid a weathered
appearance.
An INFINITI retailer can assist you in choosing
the appropriate waxing products.
•Wax your vehicle only after a thorough wash-
ing. Follow the instructions supplied with the
wax.
•Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing
on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull
the finish or leave swirl marks.
CLEANING EXTERIOR
7-2Appearance and care
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care to
prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are gen-
eral precautions which should be closely ob-
served.
WARNING
•Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Press the P (Park) button.
•Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
position when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
•Do not work under the hood while the en-
gine is hot. Always turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
•If you must work with the engine running,
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 any jewelry, such as rings,
watches, etc. before working on your ve-
hicle.
•If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to es-
cape.
•Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported by a jack.
•Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel and the battery.
•Never connect or disconnect either the bat-
tery or any transistorized component con-
nector while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
•On gasoline engine models with the Multi-
port Fuel Injection system, the fuel filter and
fuel lines should be serviced by an INFINITI
retailer or qualified workshop because the
fuel lines are under high pressure even
when the engine is turned off.
•Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
engine cooling fan. It may come on at any
time without warning, even if the ignition
switch is in the OFF position and the engine
is not running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
•Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
•Never leave the engine or the transmission
related component harness connector dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
•Avoid direct contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant, and/or other vehicle flu-
ids can hurt the environment. Always con-
form to local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluids.
This “ 8. Do-it-yourself” section provides in-
structions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, it is recommended you have it done by
an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ACCESSING VEHICLE BATTERY
The vehicle battery is stored under a cover. To
remove the cover to gain access to the battery:
1. Disconnect the hood release cable
1and
any other cables from the battery cover. 2. Hold the battery top cover firmly and slide it
towards the front of the car
2and upwards
3.
3. Lift the cover up and away from the battery.
NOTE
When installing the battery cover, remember to
replace cables in their original position.
MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY
For a maintenance free battery it is not required
to check the fluid level. However, INFINITI rec-
ommends to visually check the status of the
green indicator
A(if so equipped) periodically.
If it is not visible, replace the battery as soon as
possible.
MODELS WITH IDLE STOP/START
SYSTEM
•Ensure that the battery fitted is the special
battery that is enhanced with regard to the
charge-discharge capacity and life perfor-
mance. Avoid using any other battery for the
Idle Stop/Start System, as this may cause
early deterioration of the battery or a mal-
function of the Idle Stop/Start System. It isNDI1590
NDI920Z
8-10Do-it-yourself
8. Press on housing cover1and turn it to the
right.
9. Reconnect the negative (—) battery cable and close the hood. If you have a flat tire, refer to
Flat tirein the6.
In case of emergency section.
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
monitors tire pressure of all tires. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, one or more of
the tires is significantly under-inflated.
The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). Also,
this system may not detect a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example a flat tire while driving).
For additional information, refer to Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System (TPMS) in the
5. Starting and driving section.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures (including the spare)
often and always prior to long distance trips.
The recommended tire pressure specifications
are shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label or
the Tire and Loading Information label (if so
equipped) under the Cold Tire Pressure head-
ing. The Tire and Loading Information label is
affixed to the driver side center pillar. Tire pressures should be checked regularly be-
cause:
•Most tires naturally lose air over time.
•Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over
potholes or other objects or if the vehicle
strikes a curb while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked when the
tires are cold. The tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds.
WARNING
•Improperly inflated tires can fail suddenly
and cause an accident.
•The Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) is
located on the F.M.V.S. S./C.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label. The vehicle weight capacity is
indicated on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label (if so equipped). Do not load your
vehicle beyond this capacity. Overloading
your vehicle may result in reduced tire life,
unsafe operating conditions due to prema-
ture tire failure, or unfavorable handling
characteristics and could also lead to a se-
rious accident. Loading beyond the speci-
fied capacity may also result in failure of
other vehicle components.
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-26Do-it-yourself
Some day-to-day and regular maintenance is
essential to maintain your vehicle’s good me-
chanical condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the specified maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-to-
day operation of the vehicle. They are essential
if your vehicle is to continue to operate prop-
erly. It is your responsibility to perform these
procedures regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks and inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician, or if you prefer,
an INFINITI retailer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed underMainte-
nance schedules later in this section are re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals. How-
ever under severe driving conditions, additional
or more frequent maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your ve-
hicle appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips and training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on INFINITI vehicles before
work begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI retailer’s
service department can perform the service
needed to meet the maintenance requirements
on your vehicle. During normal day-to-day operation of the ve-
hicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smells, be sure to check for the cause or have
an INFINITI retailer do it promptly. In addition, it
is recommended you notify an INFINITI retailer if
you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe
Explanation of general
maintenance items later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following items
with “*” is found later in the “Do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood
:
Check that all doors, the lift gate and the engine
hood operate smoothly. Also make sure that all
latches lock securely. Lubricate if necessary.
Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance and Schedules