wheel, may reduce the steering per-
formance.
Direct Adaptive Steering is designed to
control the steering force and steering angle
according to the vehicle speed and amount
of turning of the steering wheel.
The steering characteristic can be selected
using the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector. See
“INFINITI Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
If the VDC system is turned off, the setting
of steering becomes Standard mode.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the hybrid system is running, it
may indicate that Direct Adaptive Steering is
not functioning properly and may need
servicing. It is recommended you have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Power steering warning light” (P.2-14).)
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the hybrid system running,
the power assist for the steering will cease
operation. You will still have control of the
vehicle. However, greater steering effort will
be needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
If Direct Adaptive Steering is malfunction-
ing, the steering wheel may turn slightly even
when driving on a straight road.
Under the following conditions, the steering wheel may turn slightly even when driving on
a straight road. This is due to a protection
mechanism for Direct Adaptive Steering. The
steering wheel will return to the normal
position after the protection mechanism is
deactivated.
Condition A
.
When the engine is stalled or likely to be
stalled
. When the steering wheel is held in the full
lock position or when the front tire
touches an obstruction.
. When the battery is discharged
To return the steering wheel to the normal
position, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and stop operating the steering wheel. Then
drive the vehicle for a short period of time.
Condition B
. When the steering wheel is operated
repeatedly or continuously while parking
or driving at a very low speed. In this
case, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced.
To return the steering wheel to the normal
position, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and wait for a period of time, without
operating the steering wheel, until the
temperature of Direct Adaptive Steering
cools down. Avoid repeated steering wheel
operations that could cause Direct Adaptive
Steering to overheat. When the vehicle is tested on the 2-wheel
dynamometer, the power steering warning
light may illuminate. To turn off the power
steering warning light, stop the vehicle in a
safe location, turn the hybrid system off,
restart the hybrid system, and then drive the
vehicle for a period of time.
The following conditions do not indicate a
malfunction of Direct Adaptive Steering.
.
You may notice wider steering play when
the ignition switch is in the OFF or ACC
position compared to when it is in the
ON position.
. After the hybrid system is started, the
steering wheel may turn slightly even
when driving on a straight road. To
return to the normal position, drive the
vehicle on a straight road for a period of
time.
. After the hybrid system is started, the
steering wheel may move if the steering
wheel was turned to the fully locked
position while the ignition switch was in
the OFF position.
. After the vehicle is tested on the 4-wheel
dynamometer, the steering wheel may
turn slightly even when driving on a
straight road. To return the steering
wheel to the normal position, drive the
vehicle on a straight road for a period of
time.
Starting and driving5-127
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 insert-
ing it into the key hole or use the Intelligent
Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F
(0°C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine cooling system” (P.8-5) and
“Inverter cooling system” (P.8-7).
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged
during extremely cold weather conditions,
the battery fluid may freeze and damage the
12-volt battery. To maintain maximum effi-
ciency, the 12-volt battery should be
checked regularly. For additional informa-
tion, see “12-volt battery” (P.8-14).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling
system” (P.8-5) and “Inverter cooling sys-
tem” (P.8-7).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, INFINITI
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. It is
recommended you consult an INFINITI re-
tailer for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
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 capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” (P.8-35) of this manual.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
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 window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
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
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
Starting and driving5-135
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch ..................................... 6-2
Roadside assistance program ........................................ 6-2
Emergency INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®
System shut off ................................................................. 6-3
Flat tire ........................................................................\
......... 6-3Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ............ 6-3
Run-flat tires ................................................................. 6-4 If the vehicle does not start .......................................... 6-5
Confirm battery is discharged ................................ 6-5
Jump starting ..................................................................... 6-5
Push starting ....................................................................... 6-7
If your vehicle overheats ................................................ 6-8
Towing your vehicle ......................................................... 6-9
Towing recommended by INFINITI .................... 6-10
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ......... 6-11
Before attempting to jump start the vehicle,
make sure the fuel tank is not empty and the
correct starting procedure is followed. See
“Starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System” (P.5-14). Do not drive the
vehicle on battery power only if the fuel tank
is empty. The Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery will
become discharged and the INFINITI Direct
Response Hybrid
®System will turn off.
CONFIRM BATTERY IS DIS-
CHARGED
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.
Check the following if you notice above
conditions.
1. Check that the 12-volt battery terminals are tight and clean. See “12-volt battery”
(P.8-14). The 12-volt battery is located
on the left hand side of the trunk behind
an access panel. If the 12-volt battery
terminals are loose, it is recommended
you contact an INFINITI retailer. 2. If the 12-volt battery terminals are tight
and clean, try to jump start the vehicle.
See “Jump starting” (P.6-5).
If the hybrid system still does not start, it is
recommended that you contact an INFINITI
retailer. To start your INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
Jump starting provides power to the 12 volt
system to allow the electrical systems to
operate. The electrical systems must be
operating to allow the Lithium ion (Li-ion)
battery to be charged. Jump starting does
not charge the Li-ion battery.
WARNING
. If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a 12-volt battery explosion,
resulting in severe injury or death. It
could also damage your vehicle.
. Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the 12-volt
battery. Make sure that the vent
tube is mounted.
. Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulfuric acid solution which
can cause severe burns. If the fluid
should come into contact with any-
thing, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
. Keep the 12-volt battery out of the
reach of children.
In case of emergency6-5
IF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STARTJUMP STARTING
6-6In case of emergency
.The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
. Whenever working on or near a 12-
volt battery, always wear suitable
eye protectors (for example, goggles
or industrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other jewelry. Do not lean over the
12-volt battery when jump starting.
. Do not attempt to jump start a
frozen battery. It could explode and
cause serious injury.
. Your vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any
time. Keep hands and other objects
away from it.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to jump start a hybrid
vehicle as a booster vehicle.JVE0174X
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage to
the charging system and cause personal
injury. 1. If the booster battery is in another
vehicle
, position the two vehicles (and) to bring the battery and the fuse
box into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position. Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (light,
heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
???).
CAUTION
.Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (−) to body
ground (as illustrated) − not to the
12-volt battery.
. Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine
compartment and that clamps do
not contact any other metal.
4. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
and let it run for a few minutes.
5. Start the hybrid system of the vehicle being jump started
.
CAUTION
If the hybrid system does not start right
away, push the ignition switch to the
OFF position and wait 10 seconds
before trying again. 6. After starting your hybrid system, care-
fully disconnect the negative cable and
then the positive cable (
???).
NOTE:
If it is not possible to turn the hybrid system
ON by following this procedure, it is
recommended that you contact an INFINITI
retailer immediately. Do not attempt to start the engine by
pushing.CAUTION
.
Automatic Transmission (AT) models
cannot be push-started or tow-
started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
. Three-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three-way catalyst may be
damaged.
. Never try to start the vehicle by
towing it; when the engine starts,
the forward surge could cause the
vehicle to collide with the tow vehi-
cle.
. Hybrid models cannot be push-
started or tow-started. Attempting
to do so may cause electrical or
transmission damage.
In case of emergency6-7
PUSH STARTING
7 Appearance and care
Cleaning exterior ................................................................ 7-2Washing ........................................................................\
... 7-2
Waxing ........................................................................\
..... 7-2
Removing spots ............................................................. 7-3
Underbody ...................................................................... 7-3
Glass ........................................................................\
......... 7-3
Wheels ........................................................................\
..... 7-3
Chrome parts ................................................................ 7-4
Tire dressing .................................................................. 7-4 Cleaning interior ................................................................. 7-5
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery and DC/DC
converter air vent ....................................................... 7-5
Air fresheners ............................................................... 7-6
Floor mats ..................................................................... 7-6
Seat belts ...................................................................... 7-7
Corrosion protection ........................................................ 7-8 Most common factors contributing to
vehicle corrosion ........................................................ 7-8
Environmental factors influence the rate
of corrosion ................................................................. 7-8
To protect your vehicle from corrosion ............... 7-8
Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a
vacuum cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe
the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean,
soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution,
then wipe clean with a dry soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order
to maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Some
fabric protectors contain chemicals that
may stain or bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to
clean the meter and gauge lens.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot
steam cleaners) on the seat. This can
damage the seat or occupant classifica-
tion sensors. This can also affect the
operation of the air bag system and
result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION
.Never use benzine, thinner, or any
similar material. .
For cleaning, use a soft cloth, dam-
pened with water. Never use a rough
cloth, alcohol, benzine, thinner or any
kind of solvent or paper towel with a
chemical cleaning agent. They will
scratch or cause discoloration to the
lens.
. Do not spray any liquid such as water
on the meter lens. Spraying liquid
may cause the system to malfunction.
. Small dirt particles can be abrasive
and damaging to the leather surfaces
and should be removed promptly. Do
not use saddle soap, car waxes,
polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, sol-
vents, detergents or ammonia-based
cleaners as they may damage the
leather’s natural finish.
. Do not clean the interior or trunk
using water. If water contacts the
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, it may
cause a short circuit and damage the
battery.
. Only use fabric protectors approved
by INFINITI.
. Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may
damage the lens cover.
JVO0114X
LITHIUM-ION (Li-ion) BATTERY
AND DC/DC CONVERTER AIR
VENT
CAUTION
.Do not place objects over or into the
air vent. The Li-ion battery or DC/
DC converter may overheat and be
damaged.
. Do not allow any liquid to get on or in
the air vent. It may cause a short
circuit and damage the Li-ion battery
or DC/DC converter.
Appearance and care7-5
CLEANING INTERIOR