5-6Starting and driving
Please note that the TPMS is not a sub-
stitute 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 system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illumi-
nated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction 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 alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction 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.Additional information
.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).
. The low tire pressure warning light does
not automatically turn off when the tire
pressure is adjusted. After the tire is
inflated to the recommended pressure,
the vehicle must be driven at speeds
above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate the
TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure
warning light. Use a tire pressure gauge
to check the tire pressure.
. The “Tire Pressure Low - Add Air”
warning appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display when the low tire pressure
warning light is illuminated and low tire
pressure is detected. The “Tire Pressure
Low - Add Air” warning turns off when
the low tire pressure warning light turns
off.
The “Tire Pressure Low - Add Air”
warning does not appear if the low tire
pressure warning light illuminates to
indicate a TPMS malfunction.
. The “Flat Tire - Visit dealer” warning
appears in the vehicle information dis-
play when the low tire pressure warning
light is illuminated and one or more flat tires are detected.
. Tire pressure rises and falls depending on
the heat caused by the vehicle’s opera-
tion and the outside temperature. Do not
reduce the tire pressure after driving
because the tire pressure rises after
driving. Low outside temperature can
lower the temperature of the air inside
the tire which can cause a lower tire
inflation pressure. This may cause the
low tire pressure warning light to illumi-
nate. If the warning light illuminates in
low ambient temperature, check the tire
pressure for all four tires.
. You can also check the pressure of all
tires in the vehicle information display.
(See “Vehicle information display” (P.2-
18).)
. After the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position, it may take a period of time
for the tire pressure to be displayed while
the vehicle is driven. Depending on the
radio wave circumstance, tire pressure
may not correctly be displayed.
For additional information, see “Low tire
pressure warning light” (P.2-12) and “Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.6-
3).
WARNING
.Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment man-
ufacturer for the possible influences
before use.
. If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
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 accident and
could result in serious personal injury.
Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still illuminates while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat or the TPMS may be
malfunctioning. If no tire is flat and
all tires are properly inflated, it is recommended you consult an
INFINITI retailer.
. Although you can continue driving
with a punctured run-flat tire, re-
member that vehicle handling stabi-
lity is reduced, which could lead to an
accident and personal injury. Also,
driving a long distance at high speeds
may damage the tires.
. Do not drive at speeds above 50
MPH (80 km/h) and do not drive
more than approximately 93 miles
(150 km) with a punctured run-flat
tire. The actual distance the vehicle
can be driven on a flat tire depends on
outside temperature, vehicle load,
road conditions and other factors.
. If you detect any unusual sounds or
vibrations while driving with a punc-
tured run-flat tire, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. The tire may be
seriously damaged and need to be
replaced.
. When a wheel is replaced, the TPMS
will not function and the low tire
pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will
remain on after 1 minute. Have your
tires replaced and/or TPMS system
reset as soon as possible. It is recom- mended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for these services.
. Replacing tires with those not origin-
ally specified by INFINITI could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.
. Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CAUTION
.The TPMS may not function properly
when the wheels are equipped with
tire chains or the wheels are buried in
snow.
. Do not place metalized film or any
metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the
windows. This may cause poor recep-
tion of the signals from the tire
pressure sensors, and the TPMS will
not function properly.
Some devices and transmitters may tem-
porarily interfere with the operation of the
TPMS and cause the low tire pressure
warning light to illuminate. Some examples
are:
Starting and driving5-7
5-8Starting and driving
.Facilities or electric devices using similar
radio frequencies are near the vehicle.
. If a transmitter set to similar frequencies
is being used in or near the vehicle.
. If a computer (or similar equipment) or a
DC/AC converter is being used in or near
the vehicle.
Low tire pressure warning light may illumi-
nate in the following cases.
. If the vehicle is equipped with a wheel
and tire without TPMS.
. If the TPMS has been replaced and the ID
has not been registered.
. If the wheel is not originally specified by
INFINITI.
FCC Notice:
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment. For Canada:
This device complies with Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1.
This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must accept any interfer-
ence, include interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator
When adding air to an under-inflated tire,
the TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator
provides visual and audible signals outside
the vehicle to help you inflate the tires to the
recommended COLD tire pressure.
Vehicle set-up:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe and level place.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position.
3. Place the ignition switch in the ON position. Do not start the hybrid system.
Operation:
1. Add air to the tire.
2. After a few seconds, the hazard indica- tors will start flashing.
3. When the designated pressure is reached, the horn beeps once and the
hazard indicators stop flashing. 4. Perform the above steps for each tire.
.
If the tire is over-inflated more than
approximately 4 psi (30 kPa), the horn
beeps and the hazard indicators flash 3
times. To correct the pressure, push the
core of the valve stem on the tire briefly
to release pressure. When the pressure
reaches the designated pressure, the
horn beeps once.
. If the hazard indicator does not flash
within approximately 15 seconds after
starting to inflate the tire, it indicates
that the Tire Inflation Indicator is not
operating.
. The TPMS will not activate the Tire
Inflation Indicator under the following
conditions:
— If there is interference from an ex-
ternal device or transmitter
— The air pressure from the inflation device such as those using a power
socket is not sufficient to inflate the
tire
— If an electrical equipment is being used in or near the vehicle
— There is a malfunction in the TPMS system
— There is a malfunction in the horn or hazard indicators
. If the Tire Inflation Indicator does not
operate due to TPMS interference, move
the vehicle about 3 ft (1 m) backward or
forward and try again.
If the Tire Inflation Indicator is not working,
use a tire pressure gauge.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss of
control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle. As with any vehicle, a loss of
control could result in a collision with other
vehicles or objects, or cause the vehicle to
rollover, particularly if the loss of control
causes the vehicle to slide sideways. Be
attentive at all times, and avoid driving when
tired. Never drive when under the influence
of alcohol or drugs (including prescription or
over-the-counter drugs which may cause
drowsiness). Always wear your seat belt as
outlined in the “Seat belts” (P.1-9) of this
manual, and also instruct your passengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
collisions and rollovers.
In a rollover crash,
an unbelted or improperly belted person is
significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a seat
belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
If driving the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface.
Maintain control of the vehicle by following
the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle
must be driven as appropriate based on the
conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering
wheel with both hands and try to hold
a straight course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accelerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle to follow the road while the
vehicle speed is reduced. Do not attempt
to drive the vehicle back onto the road
surface until vehicle speed is reduced. 6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn
the steering wheel until both tires return
to the road surface. When all tires are on
the road surface, steer the vehicle to stay
in the appropriate driving lane.
.If you decide that it is not safe toreturn the vehicle to the road surface
based on vehicle, road or traffic
conditions, gradually slow the vehicle
to a stop in a safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged
due to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air
pressure loss can also be caused by driving
on under-inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the
handling and stability of the vehicle, espe-
cially at highway speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by
maintaining the correct air pressure and
visually inspect the tires for wear and
damage. See “Wheels and tires” (P.8-28) of
this manual.
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-
out” while driving maintain control of the
vehicle by following the procedure below.
Please note that this procedure is only a
general guide. The vehicle must be driven as
appropriate based on the conditions of the
Starting and driving5-9
5-10Starting and driving
vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury.
.The vehicle generally moves or pulls
in the direction of the flat tire.
. Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
. Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
. Do not rapidly turn the steering
wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold
a straight course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accelerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from
traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradu- ally stop the vehicle. 6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and
either contact a roadside emergency
service to change the tire or see “Jacking
up the vehicle and replacing tires” (P.8-
39) of this Owner’s Manual.DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving
after drinking alcohol increases the like-
lihood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in an accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
INFINITI is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under the
influence of alcohol. Every year thousands of
people are injured or killed in alcohol-related
accidents. Although the local laws vary on
what is considered to be legally intoxicated,
the fact is that alcohol affects all people
differently and most people underestimate
the effects of alcohol. Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don’t drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or some
other physical condition.
INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE (AWD) DRIVING SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS (AWD models)
WARNING
.
Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with
Intelligent AWD engaged. Accelerat-
ing quickly, sharp steering maneuvers
or sudden braking may cause loss of
control.
. 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 rear wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
. This vehicle is not designed for off-
road (rough road) use. Do not drive
on sandy or muddy roads that tires
may get stuck in.
5-14Starting and driving
the brake pedal within 10 seconds after
the chime sounds. The hybrid system will
start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the
brake pedal, the ignition switch position will
change to ACC.
NOTE:
. When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the hybrid
system is started by the above proce-
dures, the Intelligent Key battery dis-
charge indicator appears in the vehicle
information display even if the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle. This is not
a malfunction. To turn off the Intelligent
Key battery discharge indicator, touch
the ignition switch with the Intelligent
Key again.
. If the Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator appears, replace the battery as
soon as possible. (See “Intelligent Key
battery replacement” (P.8-21).) .
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head restraints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position. (See “Warning lights, in-
dicator lights and audible reminders”
(P.2-9).) 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park) position.
The INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®
System is designed not to operate if the
shift lever is not in the P (Park) position.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the ignition switch to start the hybrid sys-
tem. The READY to drive indicator light
will illuminate on the meter.
When starting the hybrid system at very
low outside temperatures, the READY
to drive indicator light will flash and it
may take longer for the READY to drive
indicator light to illuminate.
. The hybrid system may not start even
with the READY to drive indicator light
illuminated. Once the READY to drive
indicator light is illuminated you may
begin driving the vehicle.
. You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed with the hybrid system off.
This does not indicate a problem.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 12-volt
BEFORE STARTING THE INFINITI
DIRECT RESPONSE HYBRID®SYSTEMSTARTING THE INFINITI DIRECT
RESPONSE HYBRID®SYSTEM
5-122Starting and driving
4. Drive at economical speeds and dis-tances.
.Observing the speed limit and notexceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel
efficiency due to reduced aerody-
namic drag.
.Maintaining a safe following distance
behind other vehicles reduces unne-
cessary braking.
.Safely monitoring traffic to anticipatechanges in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to roadconditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed.
.Cruise control is particularly effectivein providing fuel savings when driving
on flat terrains.
6. Plan for the shortest route.
.Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save time.
7. Avoid idling.
.Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions. 8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.
.Automated passes permit drivers to
use special lanes to maintain cruising
speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil
before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-ating temperature more quickly while
driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possi-
ble.
.When entering a hot vehicle, openingthe windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C system. .
Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine
oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter recom-
mendation” (P.10-6).)
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system while the
INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®System is
running, warning messages appear in the
vehicle information display.
JVS0228M
If the “AWD Error” warningappears, there
may be a malfunction in the Intelligent AWD
system. Reduce vehicle speed and have the
system checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
The “AWD High Temp.” (high temperature)
warning
may appear while trying to free a stuck vehicle due to increased oil tempera-
ture. The driving mode may change to Two-
Wheel Drive (2WD). If this warning is
displayed, stop the vehicle with the hybrid
system idling, as soon as it is safe to do so.
Then if the warning turns off, you can
continue driving.
The “Tire Size Incorrect” warning
may
appear if there is a large difference between
the diameters of front and rear wheels. Pull
off the road in a safe area, with the hybrid
system idling. Check that all tire sizes are the
same, that the tire pressure is correct and
that the tires are not excessively worn.
If any warning message continues to be
displayed, have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
WARNING
. For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
hybrid system running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
Starting and driving5-123
INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)