5-20Starting and driving
5. Push the shift lever buttonand move
the shift lever to N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park),
have the automatic transmission system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)
The adaptive shift control system automati-
cally operates when the transmission is in
the D (Drive) position and selects an appro-
priate gear depending on the road conditions
such as uphill, downhill or curving roads.
Control on uphill and curving roads:
A low gear is maintained that suits the
degree of the slope or curve to allow smooth
driving with a small number of shifts.
Control on downhill roads:
The adaptive shift control system shifts to a
low gear that suits the degree of the slope,
and uses the engine braking to reduce the
number of times that the brake must be
used.
Control on winding roads:
A low gear is maintained on continuous
curves that involve repeated acceleration
and deceleration, so that smooth accelera-
tion is available instantly when the accel-erator pedal is depressed.
NOTE:
.Adaptive shift control may not operate
when the transmission oil temperature
is low immediately after the start of
driving or when it is very hot.
.During some driving situations, hard
braking for example, the adaptive shift
control may automatically operate. The
transmission may automatically shift to
a lower gear for engine braking. This
increases engine speed but not vehicle
speed. Vehicle speed is controlled by the
accelerator pedal when the vehicle is in
the Adaptive shift control mode.
.When the adaptive shift control oper-
ates, the transmission sometimes main-
tains a lower gear for a longer period of
time than when adaptive shift control is
not operating. Engine speed will be
higher for a specific vehicle speed while
ASC system is operating than when ASC
is not operating.
NAVI Shift Control (if so equipped)
NAVI Shift Control automatically adjusts the
Automatic Transmission (AT) gear position
in certain situations based on road informa-
tion from the navigation system.
When the navigation system detects that
the vehicle is approaching a curved road,NAVI Shift Control will adjust the gear
position if needed to help the driver run
through the curve smoothly.
Precaution on NAVI shift control:
.The NAVI Shift Control does not provide
steering input or automated driving on a
curve. It is not a speed limit support
system and will not modify your speed
according to local speed limits.
.The NAVI Shift Control is a convenient
system intended to help the vehicle move
through a curve smoothly. However, the
driver must always drive safely and use
the brake pedal if needed.
.The NAVI Shift Control may be delayed
or not operate properly in the following
situations, because this function uses the
road information provided by the navi-
gation system.
— When the navigation system cannot
accurately detect the location of the
vehicle.
— When the vehicle is driving on a road-
way that is not recognized by the
navigation system.
— When the actual roadway differs from
the map information on the naviga-
tion system due to road construction,
traffic lane obstructions, etc.
.The NAVI Shift Control may not operate
properly in the following situations:
Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.
1. Use smooth accelerator and brake pedal
application.
.Avoid rapid starts and stops..Use smooth, gentle accelerator and
brake application whenever possible.
.Maintain constant speed while com-
muting and coast whenever possible.
2. Maintain constant speed.
.Look ahead to try and anticipate and
minimize stops.
.Synchronizing your speed with traffic
lights allows you to reduce your
number of stops.
.Maintaining a steady speed can mini-
mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency.
3. Use air conditioning (A/C) at higher
vehicle speeds.
.Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
.Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the
vehicle due to increased aerodynamic
drag.
.Recirculating the cool air in the cabin
when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.4. Drive at economical speeds and dis-
tances.
.Observing the speed limit and not
exceeding 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 anticipate
changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to road
conditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during highway
driving helps maintain a steady speed.
.Cruise control is particularly effective
in 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 than
30 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, opening
the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C system.
Starting and driving5-125
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
5-126Starting and driving
.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.10-8).)If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system while the
engine 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
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMYINTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)
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 engine
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 engine
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
engine running. Doing 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 dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equip-
ment even if the other two wheels are
raised off the ground. Make sure that
you inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with
AWD before it is placed on a dynam-
ometer. Using the wrong test equip-
ment may result in drivetrain damage
or unexpected vehicle movement
which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
CAUTION
.Do not operate the engine on a free
roller when any of the wheels are
raised.
.If the “AWD Error” warning appears
while driving there may be a mal-
function in the AWD system. Reduce
the vehicle speed and have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
.If the “AWD Error” warning remains
on after the above operation, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
.The power train may be damaged if
you continue driving with the “AWD
Error” warning on.
Starting and driving5-127
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten
wheel nuts alternately and evenly in the
sequence illustrated (
,,,,) until
they are tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the
wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel
nuts securely in the sequence as illu-
strated. Lower the vehicle completely.
WARNING
.Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
.Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.
.Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
.As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a
torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N·m)The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to specification at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specifications at each
lubrication interval.
.Adjust tire pressure to the COLD
pressure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked for
three 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 and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
6. Place the spare tire cover (if so equipped)
and the trunk floor carpeting over the
damaged tire.
7. Close the trunk.
WARNING
.Always make sure that the spare tire
(if so equipped) and jacking equip-
ment are properly secured after use.
Such items can become dangerous
projectiles in an accident or sudden
stop..The T-type spare tire and small size
spare tire (if so equipped) are de-
signed for emergency use. See spe-
cific instructions under the heading
“Wheels and tires” (P.8-32).
REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE (for
models with emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit)
WARNING
.After using Emergency Tire Sealant
to repair a minor tire puncture, do not
drive the vehicle at speeds faster
than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
.Immediately after using the Emer-
gency Tire Sealant to repair a minor
tire puncture, take your vehicle to
inspect, and repair or replace the tire.
It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service. The
Emergency Tire Sealant cannot per-
manently seal a punctured tire. Con-
tinuing operation of the vehicle
without a permanent tire repair can
lead to a crash.
.INFINITI recommends using only
Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire
In case of emergency6-9
.Do not use a wax containing any abra-
sives, cutting compounds or cleaners
that may damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing
on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning pro-
ducts are available at an INFINITI retailer or
any automotive accessory stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This
will prevent dirt and salt from building up
and causing the acceleration of corrosion on
the underbody and suspension. Before the
winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for
glass to become coated with a film after the
vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner
and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based dis-
infectant cleaners. They could damage
the electrical conductors, radio antenna
elements or rear window defroster ele-
ments.
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.
.Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss
of pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
.INFINITI recommends that the road
wheels be waxed to protect against road
salt in areas where it is used duringwinter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.
Aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
.Do not use a cleaner that uses strong
acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.
.Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as
ambient temperature.
.Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.
Appearance and care7-3
7-4Appearance and care
Bright wheels (if so equipped)
The bright wheels use a different coating
process than typical aluminum alloy wheel
and they are not plated wheels. These
wheels are clear-coated and require the
following special cleaning. They should be
regularly washed with a soft sponge soaked
in a lot of water. After washing with water,
wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth and dry
completely. When there is chemical or tire
wax, or dirt such as an antifreeze agent on
the surface, wash them with water as soon
as possible.
CAUTION
.The surfaces of the wheels use a
different coating process than typical
aluminum alloy wheels. Do not use
aluminum alloy wheel cleaners or
abrasive cleaners to clean the wheels.
Using such cleaners could damage the
wheel surfaces.
.Do not use an automatic car wash if
the vehicle is equipped with bright
wheels. The wheel coating may be
damaged.
.Do not use a brush to wash the
wheels if the vehicle is equipped with
bright wheels. The wheel coating maybe damaged.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.
TIRE DRESSING
INFINITI does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coat-
ing to the tires to help reduce discoloration
of the rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to
the tires, it may react with the coating and
form a compound. This compound may come
off the tire while driving and stain the vehicle
paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
.Use a water-based tire dressing. The
coating on the tire dissolves more easily
with an oil-based tire dressing.
.Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove).
.Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is
completely removed from the tire tread/
grooves..Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
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.
.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.
LEATHER CLEANING KIT (if so
equipped)
Spray onto the leather cleaning cloth, then
gently wipe the surface of leather. Use a dry
towel to absorb any excess moisture.
Clean light-colored leather more frequently
because soiling on such surfaces is much
more visible.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions supplied with the leather cleaning kit.
You can obtain the leather cleaning kit from
an INFINITI retailer or other authorized
repair shop.
CAUTION
Do not leave the leather cleaning kit
inside the vehicle. The leather cleaning
kit left in a closed vehicle can become
very hot.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that could
affect the vehicle interior. If you use an air
freshener, take the following precautions:
.Hanging-type air fresheners can cause
permanent discoloration when they con-
tact vehicle interior surfaces. Place the
Appearance and care7-5
CLEANING INTERIOR