CAUTION
•Do not use leaded gasoline. (SeeRecom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacitiesin
the9. Maintenance and Schedulessec-
tion.) Deposits from leaded gasoline seri-
ously reduce the ability of the three-way
catalyst to help reduce exhaust pollutants
and/or damage the three-way catalyst.
•Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunctions in
the ignition, fuel injection, or electrical sys-
tems may cause overrich fuel to flow into
the three-way catalyst, causing it to over-
heat. Do not keep driving if the engine mis-
fires, or if noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions are de-
tected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
•Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause the
engine to misfire, damaging the three-way
catalyst.
•Do not race the engine while warming it up.
•Do not push or tow your vehicle to start the
engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if present),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunc-
tion indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from working properly. Always check
the TPMS telltale after replacing one or more tires
or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
The vehicle’s wheels have sensors fitted that
monitor the tire pressures in all four tires The
tire pressure monitor warns you if the pressure
drops in one or more of the tires The tire
pressure monitor only functions if the corre-
sponding sensors are fitted to all wheels.
Information on tire pressures is shown in the
vehicle information display. After a few minutes
of driving, the current tire pressure of each tire
is shown in the [Serv.] menu of the vehicle
information display.
Starting and driving5-5
•If at all possible, avoid sharp turning ma-
neuvers, particularly at high speeds. Your
INFINITI vehicle has a higher center of grav-
ity than a passenger car. The vehicle is not
designed for cornering at the same speeds
as passenger cars. Failure to operate this
vehicle correctly could result in loss of con-
trol and/or a rollover accident.
•Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted, or
radial), and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Install tire chains on the front wheels when
driving on slippery roads and drive care-
fully.
•Be sure to check the brakes immediately
after driving in mud or water. .
•Avoid parking your vehicle on steep hills. If
you get out of the vehicle and it rolls for-
ward, backward or sideways, you could be
injured.
•Whenever you drive off-road through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub, more
frequent maintenance may be required. For ad-
ditional information, refer toMaintenance
schedulesin the9. Maintenance and Sched-
ulessection.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) DRIVING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (IF SO
EQUIPPED)
WARNING
•Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
•Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Install tire chains on the front wheels when
driving on slippery roads and drive care-
fully.
•This vehicle is not designed for offroad
(rough road) use. Do not drive on sandy or
muddy roads that tires may get stuck in.
•For AWD equipped vehicles, do not attempt
to raise two wheels off the ground and shift
the transmission to any D (Drive) or R (Re-
verse) position with the engine running. Do-
ing so may result in drivetrain damage or
unexpected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury
•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 you inform test facil-
ity personnel that your vehicle is equipped
with AWD before it is placed on a dynamom-
eter. Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in se-
rious vehicle damage or personal injury.
•When a wheel is off the ground due to an
unlevel surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively.
Starting and driving5-13
KEY POSITIONS
OFF (Normal parking position)
0
The ignition key can only be removed when in
this position.
The steering lock can only be locked in this
position.
ACC (Accessories)/1
The engine is turned off without locking the
steering wheel. This position activates electrical
accessories, such as the radio, when the engine
is not running.
ON (Normal operating position)2
This position turns on the ignition system and
electrical accessories.
START3
The engine starter activates and the engine will
start. As soon as the engine has started, release
the key immediately. It will return to the ON
position.NOTE
For vehicles fitted with Idle Stop/Start System:
When the engine is automatically stopped by
the Idle Stop/Start System the ignition switch
can still be operated as usual.
At the end of a journey turn the ignition OFF to
avoid a discharged battery. The Idle Stop/Start
System does not automatically turn ignition off.
•Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
•Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer fluid
as frequently as possible, or at least when-
ever you refuel.
•Check that all windows and lights are clean.
•Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Measure and check the tire
pressure for proper inflation.
•Check that all doors are closed.
•Position seat and adjust head restraints/
headrests.
•Adjust the inside and outside rear view
mirrors.
•Fasten your seat belt and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
•Check the operation of the warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
Starting and driving5-15
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
brake pedal before shifting the shift lever to
R (Reverse), D (Drive) or Manual shift mode.
2. Keep the brake pedal depressed and push
the shift lever to shift into a driving gear.
3. Release the parking brake and brake, then
gradually put the vehicle in motion by press-
ing the accelerator pedal.
The automatic transmission is designed so that
the brake pedalMUSTbe depressed before
shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while
the ignition switch is ON.
Shifting
P Park position with parking lock
R Reverse
N Neutral
D DriveTransmission position display
:
NOTE
If the transmission position display in the ve-
hicle information display is not working, you
should pull away carefully to check whether the
desired transmission position IS engaged. Ide-
ally, you should select transmission position D
and automatic drive program E or S.
The shift lever indicator
1located in the lower
part of the vehicle information display shows
the current position of the transmission.
It shows the P,R,N,D modes when the transmis-
sion is in auto mode or the shift position when
the transmission is in manual mode.
NSD585NSD649
5-18Starting and driving
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift lever is in
any position while the engine is not running.
Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
CAUTION
Use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only
when the vehicle is completely stopped.
P (Park)
:
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the P
(Park) position only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
Use this position when the vehicle is parked or
when starting the engine. Always make sure
that the vehicle is completely stopped before
pressing button
1to engage the P (Park)
position. For maximum safety, the brake pedal
must be depressed before engaging the P (Park)
position. Use this position together with the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, first
depress the brake pedal, apply the parking
brake and then engage the P (Park) position.
The parking lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. In order to secure the vehicle,always apply the electric parking brake in addi-
tion to the parking lock.
In the event of a malfunction of the vehicle’s
electronics, the transmission may lock in posi-
tion P (Park). Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Park position P is automatically engaged if:
•You switch off the engine using the key and
remove the key.
•You open the driver’s door when the vehicle
is stationary or driving at very low speed and
the transmission is in position D (Drive) or R
(Reverse).
R (Reverse)
:
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the R
(Reverse) position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
Use this position to back up the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped
before selecting the R (Reverse) position.The
brake pedal must be depressed and the shift
lever button pushed in to move the shift lever
from P (Park), N (Neutral) or any drive position to
R (Reverse).
NSD586
Starting and driving5-19
Deactivating the temporary manual drive program:
Pull and hold the right steering wheel gearshift
paddle until the automatic transmission shifts into
the last active automatic drive program E or S.
When manual drive program M is deactivated,
the automatic transmission in automatic drive
program E or S may shift from the current gear
into a higher or lower gear. This is dependent
on the position of the accelerator pedal, speed
and load.Problems with the transmission
:
Problem Possible causes/consequences and solutions
The transmission has problems shift-
ing gearThe transmission is losing oil.
Have the transmission checked immediately. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
The acceleration ability is deteriorat-
ing The transmission no longer shifts
into all of the gears Reverse gear can
no longer be engagedThe transmission is in emergency mode.
•Stop.•Shift the transmission to position P (Park).•Switch off the engine.•Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.•Shift the transmission to position D (Drive).•Have the transmission checked immediately. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
5-24Starting and driving
WARNING
•Be sure the parking brake is fully released
before driving. Failure to do so can cause
brake failure and lead to an accident.
•Do not release the parking brake from out-
side the vehicle.
•Do not use the shift lever in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure the
parking brake is fully engaged.
•To help avoid risk of injury or death through
unintended operation of the vehicle and/or
its systems, do not leave children, people
who require the assistance of others, or
pets unattended in your vehicle. Addition-
ally, the temperature inside a closed vehicle
on a warm day can quickly become high
enough to cause a significant risk of injury
or death to people and pets.The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or if there is a malfunction
in the system, it may not be possible to apply
the released parking brake. If this is the case:
•Only park the vehicle on level ground and
secure it to prevent it from rolling away.
•Shift the automatic transmission to position
P (Park).
•It is recommended you contact an INFINITI
retailer.
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or
if there is a malfunction in the system. It is
recommended you contact an INFINITI retailer.
The electric parking brake carries out a function
check at regular intervals when the engine is
switched off. Noises that occur are normal.APPLYING/RELEASING MANUALLY
The electric parking brake can be applied or
released by operating the parking brake handle
1.
To apply:Push handle
1.
When the electric parking brake is applied, the
red
indicator lamp lights up in the
combination meter.
The electric parking brake can also be applied
when the ignition switch is in the OFF position
or the key is removed.
To release:With the ignition switch in the ON
position, pull handle
1.
NPA1485
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-25
Before driving, check that the brake warning
lightgoes out. For additional informa-
tion, seeWarning lights, indicator lights and
audible remindersin the2. Instruments and
controlssection.
The electric parking brake can only be released
when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
APPLYING AUTOMATICALLY (VEHICLES
WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
The electric parking brake is automatically ap-
plied when:
•Intelligent cruise control (if equipped) brings
the vehicle to a standstill.
or
•Intelligent Parking Assist (if equipped) is
keeping the vehicle stationary.
The red
indicator lamp lights up in the
combination meter.
The electric parking brake is not automatically
applied if the engine is switched off by the Idle
Stop/Start function.
RELEASING AUTOMATICALLY
The electric parking brake can only be released
automatically in vehicles with automatic trans-
mission.
The electric parking brake of your vehicle is
released automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
•The engine is running.
•The transmission is in position D (Drive) or R
(Reverse).
•The seat belt is fastened.
•You depress the accelerator pedal.
If the transmission is in position R, the lift gate
must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
•The driver’s door is closed
•You have shifted out of transmission posi-
tion P (Park) or you have previously driven
faster than 2 MPH (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the accelerator
pedal unintentionally. Otherwise, the parking
brake will be released and the vehicle will start
to move.
EMERGENCY BRAKING
The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-
gency by using the electric parking brake.
While driving, push handle
1of the electric
parking brake. The vehicle is braked as long as
you keep handle
1of the electric parking
brake pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle
1is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
•A warning tone sounds.
•The [Please Release Parking Brake] message
appears.
•The redindicator lamp in the combi-
nation meter flashes.
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is applied.
5-26Starting and driving