5-142Starting and driving
JVS0345X
Key LOCK warning
The information is displayed and a buzzer
sounded to remind the driver to place the
ignition switch in the OFF position to avoid a
discharged battery.
The message can be cleared by placing the
ignition switch in the OFF position (or
restarting the engine) or pushing the
orswitch on the steering wheel.
JVS0346X
System fault
This message is displayed when the Idling
Stop System is malfunctioning.
It is recommended you have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
JVS0269X
IDLING STOP OFF SWITCH
The system can be temporarily deactivated
by pushing the Idling Stop OFF switch.
Pushing the switch again or restarting the
engine by using the ignition switch will
reactivate the Idling Stop System.
.When the Idling Stop System is deacti-
vated while the engine is running, the
engine is prevented from automatically
stopping.
.When the Idling Stop System is deacti-
vated after the engine has been auto-
matically stopped by the Idling Stop
System, the engine will immediately
restart if suitable conditions are present.
The engine will then be prevented from
automatically stopping during the same
journey.
.Whenever the Idling Stop System is
deactivated the indicator light
on the
Idling Stop OFF switch illuminates. In
this condition the Idling Stop System
cannot prevent unnecessary fuel con-
sumption, exhaust emissions, or noise
during your journey.
.If the Idling Stop System is malfunction-
ing, the indicator light
on the Idling
Stop OFF switch illuminates.
NOTE:
The Idling Stop System ON or OFF message
is displayed for a few seconds in the vehicle
information display when the Idling Stop
OFF switch is pushed. See “Idling Stop
System ON or OFF” (P.5-141).
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 (for
VR30DDTT engine models)” (P.8-6), “En-
gine cooling system (for 2.0L turbo gasoline
engine models)” (P.8-8) or “Intercooler cool-
ing system (for VR30DDTT engine models)”
(P.8-9).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly. For
additional information, see “Battery” (P.8-
16).
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 (for VR30DDTT engine models)”
(P.8-6) or “Engine cooling system (for 2.0L
turbo gasoline engine models)” (P.8-8).
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.8-40) of this manual.
Starting and driving5-143
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-144Starting and driving
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.
.Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
.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
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
.Do not use the cruise control on
slippery 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 in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine 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.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged
in for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and
properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.
WARNING
.If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a 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 battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away from
the battery.
.Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
.Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
.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
battery, always wear suitable eye
protectors (for example, goggles orindustrial safety spectacles) and re-
move rings, metal bands, or any other
jewelry. Do not lean over the 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.
For 2.0L turbo gasoline engine models:
The vehicle has 2 batteries, a main
battery and an auxiliary battery. The
engine cannot be started if either bat-
tery is discharged. First, apply the
following procedure to the main battery
to jump-start the engine.
If the engine does not start, apply the
procedure to the auxiliary battery. For
the position of the batteries, see “Engine
compartment check locations” (P.8-4)
or “Battery” (P.8-16).
.Use the special battery that is dedi-
cated for the Idling Stop System,
with enhanced charge-discharge ca-
pacity and life performance. Using
the non-special battery could cause
early deterioration of the battery
and/or malfunction of the Idling StopSystem. For the special battery, it is
recommended to use Genuine
NISSAN parts. For more information,
contact an INFINITI retailer.
.It may take some time until the Idling
Stop System activates when the
battery is replaced or the battery
terminal is disconnected for extended
periods and then reconnected.
In case of emergency6-15
JUMP STARTING
INFINITI retailer.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.
CAUTION
.Do not continue to drive if your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle fire.
.To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the
radiator cap is removed, pressurized
hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.
.Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading),
or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following
steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
shift lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
In case of emergency6-21
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-22In case of emergency
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the
radiator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off the
engine.) Do not open the hood further
until no steam or coolant can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is
leaking or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine coolingfan can start at any time.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with
the engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir tank if necessary. Have your
vehicle repaired. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.When towing your vehicle, all State (Pro-
vincial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle. Tow-
ing instructions are available from an
INFINITI retailer. Local service operators
are familiar with the applicable laws and
procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, INFINITI recommends that you
have a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator care-
fully read the following precautions.
WARNING
.Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
.Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
.Always attach safety chains before
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING
Be sure the engine and the ignition
switch are off and that the parking
brake is engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
SDI2020
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
If replacement is required, it is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace the iridium-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the
conventional type spark plugs since they will
last much longer. Follow the maintenance
schedule shown in the “9. Maintenance and
schedules” section, but do not reuse them by
cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.
WARNING
.Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if the engine backfires. If it is not
there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with
the air cleaner removed, and be care-
ful when working on the engine with
the air cleaner removed.
.Never pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the main-
tenance schedule shown in the “9. Main-
tenance and schedules” section. When
replacing the filter, wipe the inside of the
air cleaner housing and the cover with a
damp cloth.
When maintenance is required, it is recom-
mended you contact an INFINITI retailer for
servicing.
Do-it-yourself8-21
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER
11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ................... 5-133
Active Lane Control ............................................ 5-26
Active noise cancellation ................................. 5-146
Active sound enhancement ............................ 5-146
Active trace control .......................................... 5-136
Air bag system
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ..................... 1-52
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system ...... 1-52
Air bag warning labels ....................................... 1-55
Air bag warning light ............................... 1-55, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner specification label ......... 10-16
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 10-10
Air deflectors ...................................................... 10-17
Alarm
How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ............................................. 2-33
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-10
Antenna .................................................................... 4-3
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ................... 5-133
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ................................ 7-5
Audible reminders ................................................ 2-20Autolight system .................................................. 2-38
Automatic
Automatic adjusting function
(power windows) ........................................... 2-54
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ....... 8-13
Driving with Automatic
Transmission (AT) .......................................... 5-16
Automatic door locks ............................................ 3-6
Automatic drive positioner ............................... 3-32
Automatic seat positioner ................................ 3-32
Auxiliary battery .................................................. 6-19
Average speed ...................................................... 2-29
Avoiding collision and rollover ............................ 5-9
B
Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) .............. 5-61
Battery .................................................................... 8-16
Auxiliary battery ............................................ 6-19
Battery replacement, Intelligent Key ......... 3-2
Battery saver system .................................... 2-41
Intelligent Key ................................................. 8-26
Variable voltage control system ............... 8-19
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-14
Belts (See drive belts) ......................................... 8-20
Blind Spot Intervention
®(BSI) ......................... 5-49
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) ............................... 5-41
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............. 5-133
Brake fluid ....................................................... 8-14Brake force distribution ............................. 5-135
Brake system ................................................ 5-132
Parking brake operation .............................. 5-21
Brake warning light ............................................. 2-13
Break-in schedule .............................................. 5-124
Bulb check/instrument panel ........................... 2-12
Bulb replacement ................................................. 8-29
C
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ....................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio ......................................... 4-3
Card holder ............................................................ 2-50
Catalytic converter
Three-way catalyst ......................................... 5-5
Changing intercooler coolant ........................... 8-10
Chassis and body maintenance ....................... 9-13
Chassis control ................................................... 5-138
Check tire pressure warning ............................. 2-24
Checking intercooler coolant level .................. 8-10
Child restraints ...................................................... 1-19
LATCH system ............................................... 1-21
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-19
Child safety ............................................................ 1-17
Chimes
Audible reminders .......................................... 2-20
Seat belt warning light and chime ............ 2-17
Circuit breaker
Fusible link ....................................................... 8-25