●When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights 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
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the hybrid system af-
ter driving onto a stable surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses driving based on the driver’s
steering and acceleration/braking patterns, and
controls brake pressure at individual wheels to
help smooth vehicle response.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system, the active trace control system is
also turned off.
If the active trace control is not functioning prop-
erly, the IBA OFF indicator light illuminates in the
instrument panel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns, the
system optimizes the distribution of force to each
of the four wheels depending on the radius of the
turn.
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.
5-138Starting and driving
●If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights 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
indicator may flash or
both the
andindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the hybrid system af-
ter driving onto a stable surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
WARNING
● Never rely solely on the hill start assist
system to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing 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 ve-
hicle 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 de-
signed 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 injury.
● The hill start assist system may not pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always 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 per-
sonal injury. The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backward in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate automati-
cally under the following conditions:
● The transmission is shifted to a forward or
reverse gear.
● The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake. The maximum holding
time is 2 seconds. After 2 seconds the ve-
hicle will begin to roll back and the hill start
assist system will stop operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate when
the shift lever is placed in the N (Neutral) or P
(Park) position or on a flat and level road.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-139
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.
●Read and understand the limitations of
the sonar system as contained in this
section. Inclement weather may affect
the function of the sonar system; this
may include reduced performance or a
false activation.
● The system is deactivated at speeds
above 6 mph (10 km/h). It is reactivated
at lower speeds.
● Inclement weather or ultrasonic
sources such as an automatic car wash,
a truck’s compressed-air brakes or a
pneumatic drill may affect the function
of the system; this may include reduced
performance or a false activation.
● The system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects.
Always move slowly. The system will
not detect small objects below the bum-
per or on the ground. ●
The system may not detect the follow-
ing objects: Fluffy objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass-wool, etc.
Thin objects such as rope, wire and
chain, etc, or wedge-shaped objects.
● The system may not detect objects at
speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may
not detect certain angular or moving
objects.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
When sonar blockage is detected, the system
will be deactivated automatically.
The system is not available until the conditions no
longer exist.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by temporary
ambient conditions such as splashing water, mist
or fog. The blocked condition may also be caused
by objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing
the sonar sensors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist, the
system will resume automatically.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The sonar sensors are located on the front and
rear bumpers. Always keep the area near the
sonar sensors clean.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by temporary
ambient conditions such as splashing water, mist
or fog.
The blocked condition may also be caused by
objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing the
sonar sensors.
Check for and remove objects obstructing the
area around the sonar sensors.
LSD2135
Starting and driving5-143
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:● A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction. ●
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist with cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or lower.
WARNING
● Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system or
a 2–pronged adapter. You can be seri-
ously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
● Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the hybrid system. Damage to the cord
could result in an electrical shock and
can cause serious injury.
● Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
To use the engine block heater: 1. Turn the hybrid system off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
Starting and driving5-145
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parkingbrake. Move the shift lever to P (Park) .
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
●Make sure the parking brake is securely
applied and the CVT is shifted into P
(Park) .
● Never change tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
● Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for profes-
sional road assistance.
A. Blocks
B. Flat tire
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks at both the front and back
of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to
prevent the vehicle from moving when it is jacked
up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and result in personal injury.
Getting the spare tire and tools
Open the liftgate, and lift the luggage board in the
cargo area using the handle
A.
Please follow the procedure below to remove the
tools and spare tire:
LCE2142
Type A (if so equipped)
LCE2285
6-4In case of emergency
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 “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. 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.
HYBRID SYSTEM STOPS OPERATING
WHILE DRIVING IF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT START
6-10In case of emergency
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 “Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual. If the 12-volt
battery terminals are loose, it is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer 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. 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.
JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency6-11
1. Locate the fusible link box behind the engineair cleaner.
2. Push the tab in and lift up
Ato remove the
lid and expose the remote positive battery
terminal
B.
3. 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.
4. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to P (Park) . Switch off all unnecessary elec-
trical systems (lights, heater, air conditioner,
etc.) . 5. Ensure the vent caps are level and tight.
6. Connect jumper cables in the sequence il-
lustrated (
B,C,D,E).
CAUTION
●Always connect positive () to positive
() and negative () to body ground (for
example, strut mounting bolt, engine
lift bracket, etc.) — not to the battery.
● Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal. ●
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, place the ig-
nition switch in the OFF position and
wait 10 seconds.
7. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
8. Hold down the brake pedal and press the START button. The vehicle instruments and
gauges will light up, and the green READY
light will come on.
CAUTION
If the green READY light does not come
on, press the START button to turn the
hybrid system OFF. Carefully disconnect
the negative cable then the positive cable.
Have vehicle taken to dealership for
repair.
9. After the green READY light in the meter display comes on, carefully disconnect the
negative cable and then the positive cable.LCE2170
In case of emergency6-13