5-130Starting and driving
the vehicle, but the steering will be much
harder to operate.
The hydraulic pump electric power steering
is designed to provide power assistance
while driving to operate the steering wheel
with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power assist
for the steering wheel will be reduced. This is
to prevent overheating of the hydraulic
pump electric power steering and protect it
from getting damaged. While the power
assist is reduced, steering wheel operation
will become heavy. If the steering wheel
operation is still performed, the power
steering may stop and the power steering
warning light will illuminate. Stop the engine
and place the ignition switch in the OFF
position. The temperature of the hydraulic
pump electric power steering will go down
and the power assist level will return to
normal after starting the engine. The power
steering warning light will go off. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations
that could cause the hydraulic pump electric
power steering to overheat.
You may hear a noise from the front of the
vehicle when the steering wheel is operated.
This is not a malfunction.If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the hydraulic pump electric power
steering is not functioning properly and may
need servicing. It is recommended you have
the hydraulic pump electric power steering
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the
power assist for the steering will cease
operation but you will still have control of
the vehicle. At this time, greater steering
efforts are required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING
TYPE
WARNING
.When the power steering warning
light illuminates with the engine run-
ning, the power assist for the steer-
ing will cease operation. You will still
have control of the vehicle, but the
steering will be harder to operate.
.If wheels or tires other than the
INFINITI recommended ones are
used, Direct Adaptive Steering may
not operate properly and the powersteering warning light may illumi-
nate.
.Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not INFINITI recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
Direct Adaptive Steering may not
operate properly and the power
steering warning light may illumi-
nate.
.Do not modify the vehicle’s steering.
If steering parts are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, Direct Adap-
tive Steering may not operate prop-
erly and the power steering warning
light may illuminate.
.If the VDC warning light illuminates,
the power steering warning light may
also illuminate at the same time. Stop
the vehicle in a safe location, turn the
engine off and restart the engine. If
the power steering warning light
continues to illuminate, have the
system checked. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. For the VDC system, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem” (P.5-134).
5-132Starting and driving
a straight road for a period of time.
.After the engine 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.
You may hear a noise under the following
conditions. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.
.When the engine is started or stopped.
.When the steering wheel is turned in the
full lock position.BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you
will still have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal will be required to stop the
vehicle and the stopping distance will be
longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating of
the brakes, wearing out the brake and pads
faster and reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance and
could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
.While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, acceleratingor downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
.If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedal
to heat-up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in
order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended you visit
BRAKE SYSTEM
an INFINITI retailer for this service.BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even with
light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered roads,
or if you are using tire chains. Always
maintain a safe distance from the
vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
.Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See
“Tire and loading information la-
bel” (P.10-16) of this manual.
— For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” (P.8-32) of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during
hard braking or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake
fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from
locking and sliding. By preventing each
Starting and driving5-133
BRAKE ASSIST
5-134Starting and driving
wheel from locking, the system helps the
driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid
obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle at a
low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk”
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a mal-function, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation
in the brake pedal and hear a noise from
under the hood or feel a vibration from the
actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating
properly. However, the pulsation may indi-
cate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving
conditions, the VDC system helps to perform
the following functions.
.Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a non slipping drive
wheel on the same axle.
.Controls brake pressure and engine out-
put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control function).
.Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not follow
the steered path despite increased
steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to
certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it cannot
prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving
situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel
flashes so note the following:
.The road may be slippery or the system
may determine some action is required to
help keep the vehicle on the steered path.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM
6-2In case of emergency
SIC2574
Push the switch on to warn other drivers
when you must stop or park under emer-
gency conditions. All turn signal lights will
flash.
WARNING
.If stopping for an emergency, be sure
to move the vehicle well off the road.
.Do not use the hazard warning
flashers while moving on the highway
unless unusual circumstances force
you to drive so slowly that your
vehicle might become a hazard to
other traffic..Turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning flasher lights are on.
The flasher can be actuated with the ignition
switch in any position.
When an impact that could activate the
supplemental air bags is detected, the
hazard warning flasher lights blink automa-
tically. If the hazard warning flasher switch is
pushed, the hazard warning flashers will turn
off.
WARNING
Do not turn the hazard warning flasher
switch to off until you can make sure
that it is safe to do so. Also, the hazard
flasher warning may not blink automa-
tically depending on the force of impact.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of the
hazard warning flasher switch while driving.In the event of a roadside emergency,
Roadside Assistance Service is available to
you. Please refer to your Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada) for
details.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCHROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
6-4In case of emergency
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 recommended 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.
.INFINITI recommends using only
Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire
Sealant provided with your vehicle.
Other tire sealants may damage the
valve stem seal which can cause the
tire to lose air pressure. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer
as soon as possible after using tire
repair sealant (for models equipped
with the emergency tire puncture
repair kit).RUN-FLAT TIRES
Run-flat tires are those tires that can be
used temporarily if they are punctured. See
“Run-flat tires” (P.8-39).
Also, refer to “Important Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (US) or “Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the INFINITI Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
WARNING
.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.
.Drive safely at reduced speeds. Avoid
hard cornering or braking, which may
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle..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.
CAUTION
.Never install tire chains on a punctu-
red run-flat tire, as this could damage
your vehicle.
.Avoid driving over any projection or
pothole, as the clearance between
the vehicle and the ground is smaller
than normal.
.Do not enter an automated car wash
with a punctured run-flat tire.
.It is recommended you have the
punctured tire inspected by an
INFINITI retailer or other authorized
repair shop. Replace the tire as soon
as possible if the tire is seriously
damaged.
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
6-14In case of emergency
puncture repair kit.It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for servi-
cing.
7. When the tire pressure is at the specified
amount, turn the air compressor off. If
the pressure cannot be inflated to the
specified amount, the air compressor can
be turned off at the minimum of 26 psi
(180 kPa). Remove the power plug from
the power outlet and quickly remove the
hose from the tire valve. Attach the
protective cap and valve cap. Properly
stow the emergency tire puncture repair
kit in the trunk.
CAUTION
To avoid serious personal injury when
stowing the emergency tire puncture
repair kit:
.Keep the sealant bottle screwed into
the compressor. Failure to do so can
cause the sealant to spray into the air
and get into your eyes or on the skin.
8. Immediately drive the vehicle for 10
minutes or 2 miles (3 km) at a speed of
50 MPH (80 km/h) or less.
9. After driving, make sure that the air
compressor switch is in the OFF (*)position, then screw the hose securely
onto the tire valve. Check the tire
pressure with the pressure gauge. The
temporary repair is completed if the tire
pressure does not drop.
Make sure the pressure is adjusted to the
pressure that is specified on the tire and
loading information label before driving.
10. If the tire pressure drops, repeat the
steps from 5 to 9. If the pressure drops
again or under 19 psi (130 kPa),the tire
cannot be repaired with this tire punc-
ture repair kit.It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this servi-
cing.
The sealant bottle and hose cannot be
reused to repair another punctured tire.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer to purchase replacements.
After repairing tire
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for tire repair/replacement as soon
as possible.
WARNING
.After using Emergency Tire Sealant
to repair a minor tire puncture, do not
drive the vehicle at speeds fasterthan 50 MPH (80 km/h).
.Immediately after using Emergency
Tire Sealant to repair a minor tire
puncture, take your vehicle to in-
spect, 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
Sealant provided with your vehicle.
Other tire sealants may damage the
valve stem seal which can cause the
tire to lose air pressure. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer
as soon as possible after using tire
repair sealant.