
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 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.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.
SeeVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
lightin the2. Instruments and controlssec-
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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-90Starting and driving 

•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
VDC warning light
may 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 prevail-
ing 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.
Starting and driving5-91 

NOTE
Activate VDC as soon as the situations described
above no longer apply. VDC will otherwise not be
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
wheel. 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 

WARNING
•Never rely solely on the Hill Start Assist
(HSA) system to prevent the vehicle from
moving backward on a hill. Always drive
carefully and attentively. Depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Be especially careful when
stopped on a hill on frozen or muddy roads.
Failure to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards may result in a loss of control of
the vehicle and possible serious injury or
death.
•The Hill Start Assist system is not designed
to hold the vehicle at a standstill on a hill.
Depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to roll backwards and may
result in a collision or serious personal in-
jury.
•The Hill Start Assist system may not pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a
hill under all load or road conditions. Al-
ways be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards. Failure to do so may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
•After a short time, hill start assist will no
longer brake your vehicle and it could roll
away There is a risk of an accident and in-
jury. Therefore, quickly move your foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
Never leave the vehicle when it is held by
hill start assist.
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It
holds the vehicle for a short time after you have
removed your foot from the brake pedal. This
gives you enough time to move your foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and
depress it before the vehicle begins to roll.
Hill start assist is not active if
•You are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
•On vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is in position N.
•The electric parking brake is applied.
•VDC is malfunctioning.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer 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
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check the
antifreeze to assure proper winter protection. For
additional information, seeEngine cooling
systemin the8. Do-it-yourselfsection.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
Batteryin the8. Do-it-yourselfsection of this
manual.
DRAINING OF ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, seeChanging engine
coolantin the8. Do-it-yourselfsection of this
manual.
HILL START ASSIST (HSA) COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-93 

The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is
counted from the moment the tire pressure loss
warning appears in the vehicle information dis-
play.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of 50
MPH (80 km/h).
When replacing one or all tires, observe the
following specifications for your vehicle’s tires:
•Size
•Type
•Run-flat mark
If a tire has gone flat and cannot be replaced
with a run flat tire, a standard tire may be used
as a temporary measure. Make sure that you
use the proper size and type (summer or winter
tire).
WARNING
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving maneuvers,
and driving over obstacles (curbs, pot holes,
off road). This applies in particular to a laden
vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
•You hear banging noises.
•The vehicle starts to shake.
•You see smoke and smell rubber.
•VDC is intervening constantly.
•There are tears in the sidewalls of the tire.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked with regard to their further
use. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. The faulty tire must be
replaced.
REMOVING AND FITTING WHEELS
NOTE
A spare wheel is not provided with your vehicle.
Blocking the wheels
WARNING
Make sure to block the appropriate wheel to
prevent the vehicle from moving, which may
cause personal injury.
Place suitable blocks
1in front of and behind
the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire
Ato
prevent the vehicle from moving when it is on
the jack.
MCE0001DZ
In case of emergency6-5 

•Only use devices specifically designed for
vehicle recovery and follow the manufactur-
er’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 attach-
ment point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, or mud,
and the vehicle is unable to free itself without
being pulled, use the recovery hook stored in
the vehicle trunk.
WARNING
•Use the recovery hook only. Do not attach
the pulling device to any other part of the
vehicle body. Otherwise, the vehicle body
may be damaged.
•Use the recovery hook to free a vehicle only.
Never tow a vehicle using only the recovery
hook.
•The recovery hook is under tremendous
stress when used to free a trapped vehicle.
Always pull the pulling device straight out
from the vehicle. Never pull on the recovery
hook at an angle.
Securely install the recovery hook (stored in the
vehicle trunk) to the attaching mount located on
the front or rear bumper.
Make sure that the recovery hook is properly
secured in its storage location after use and the
license plate is properly reinstalled before driv-
ing the vehicle.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
WARNING
•To avoid potential injury, stand clear of a
stuck vehicle.
•Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result in
serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the
vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back-
ward.
•Shift back and forth between R (Reverse)
and D (Drive).
•Apply the accelerator as little as possible to
maintain the rocking motion.
•Release the accelerator pedal before shifting
between R (Reverse) and D (Drive).
•Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55
km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few
tries, contact a professional towing service
to remove the vehicle.
6-16In case of emergency 

•Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires on
the front and rear axles which can cause the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to
malfunction resulting in personal injury or
death, excessive tire wear and may damage
the transmission, transfer case and differ-
ential gears.
•For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information“ (Canada)
in the Warranty Information Booklet.
CAUTION
ONLY use spare tires specified for the model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as nec-
essary. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
All season tires
INFINITI specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow tires
have better snow traction than all season tires
and may be more appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M&S on the tire
sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating to
the original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.Generally, snow tires have lower speed ratings
than factory equipped tires and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never
exceed the maximum speed rating of the tire. If
you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels.
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 capa-
bilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as nec-
essary. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer.
8-32Do-it-yourself 

Confirm the following for the TPMS:
WARNING
•The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of different
brands, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), or tread patterns can adversely af-
fect the ride, braking, handling, VDC sys-
tem, ground clearance, body-to-tire clear-
ance, tire chain clearance, speedometer
calibration, headlight aim and bumper
height. Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious per-
sonal injury.
•For 2WD models, if your vehicle was origi-
nally equipped with 4 tires that were the
same size and you are only replacing 2 of
the 4 tires, install the new tires on the rear
axle. Placing new tires on the front axle may
cause loss of vehicle control in some driving
conditions and cause an accident and per-
sonal injury.
•If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same off-set dimension. Wheels of a differ-
ent off-set could cause premature tire wear,
degrade vehicle handling characteristics,
affect the VDC system and/or interferencewith the brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency and/or
early brake pad wear. For additional infor-
mation on wheel off-set dimensions, refer to
Wheels and Tiresin the9. Maintenance
and Schedulessection.
•When a replacement tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not func-
tion and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute. The
light will remain on after 1 minute. 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.
•The TPMS sensor may be damaged if it is
not handled correctly. Be careful when han-
dling the TPMS sensor.
•When replacing the TPMS sensor, the ID
registration may be required. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
ID registration.
•Do not use a valve stem cap that is not
specified by INFINITI. The valve stem cap
may become stuck.
•Be sure that the valve stem caps are cor-
rectly fitted. Otherwise the valve may be
clogged up with dirt and cause a malfunc-
tion or loss of pressure.
•Do not install a damaged or deformed wheel
or tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural dam-
age and could fail without warning.
•The use of retread tires is not recom-
mended.
•For additional information regarding tires,
refer toImportant Tire Safety Information
(US) orTire Safety Information(Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Care of wheels
•Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
•Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
•Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
•Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
Do-it-yourself8-35