5-140Starting and driving
NOTE:
It may take some time until the Idling Stop
System activates under the following con-
ditions:
.when the battery is discharged.
.when the outside temperature is low or
high.
.when the battery is replaced or the
battery terminal is disconnected for
extended periods and then reconnected.
NOTE:
When the Idling Stop System indicator light
illuminates, the engine starts running auto-
matically under at least one of the following
conditions:
.The brake pedal is released with the shift
lever in the D (Drive) or N (Neutral)
position.
.The shift lever is placed in the D (Drive)
or R (Reverse) position from the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position.
.The driver’s seat belt is unfastened, or
the driver’s door is open.
.The battery voltage becomes low (due to
electrical load from other vehicle sys-
tems like headlights, heaters, etc., or
auxiliary devices connected to the 12
volt socket inside the vehicle).
.The vehicle speed is above about 1 MPH
(2 km/h)..The front defroster is operated.
.The rear window defroster is operated.
.When the temperature inside the vehicle
is lower than approximately 68°F
(20°C).
.When the temperature inside the vehicle
is higher than approximately 86°F
(30°C). (When the air conditioner is
off, the Idling Stop System will operate.)
.When the front defroster is turned on.
(The engine may not starts depending
on the outside temperature.)
.When more than 3 minutes have elapsed
since the Idling Stop System was active.
.When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
.When the steering wheel is operated.
(The steering wheel operation may be-
come heavy, but this is not a malfunc-
tion.)
.When the battery capacity is low.
.When the power consumption is high.
.When the shift lever is placed in the R
(Reverse) position.
NOTE:
The following condition will prevent the
Idling Stop System from automatically re-
starting the engine. Starting the engine
with the ignition switch operation is then
necessary:.The hood is open.
Use this system while waiting at stoplight,
etc. When the vehicle is stopped for long
periods of time, turn off the engine.
When the engine is stopped by the Idling
Stop System, heating, cooling and dehumi-
difying functions will be deactivated. To
avoid the air conditioning functions from
being deactivated, turn off the Idling Stop
mode by pushing the Idling Stop OFF switch.
RETROGRADE MOVEMENT
CONTROL FUNCTION
This system is designed to reduce the retro-
grade movement that occurs while the
driver’s foot changes from depressing the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal when
moving the vehicle while the Idling Stop
System is active on a hilly road.
IDLING STOP SYSTEM DISPLAY
The status of the Idling Stop System can be
checked in the vehicle information display.
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.
6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch...................................... 6-2
Roadside assistance program......................................... 6-2
Emergency engine shut off............................................. 6-3
Flat tire ................................................................................. 6-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ............ 6-3
Run-flat tires.................................................................. 6-4
Changing a flat tire...................................................... 6-5
Repairing a flat tire (for models with emergency
tire puncture repair kit)............................................... 6-9Jump starting ................................................................... 6-15
Main battery (for all models) ................................ 6-17
Auxiliary battery (for 2.0L turbo gasoline
engine models)........................................................... 6-19
Push starting .................................................................... 6-21
If your vehicle overheats............................................... 6-21
Towing your vehicle........................................................ 6-22
Towing recommended by INFINITI..................... 6-23
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ......... 6-24
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
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
6-18In case of emergency
JVE0194X
2.0L turbo gasoline engine
4. For 2.0L turbo gasoline engine model:
Pull up the engine cover and remove it.
5. 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
battery.
.Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine
compartment and that clamps donot contact any other metal.
6. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
and let it run for a few minutes.
7. Keep the engine speed of the booster
vehicle
at about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle being jump
started
.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, push the
ignition switch to the OFF position and
wait 10 seconds before trying again.
8. After starting your engine, carefully
disconnect the negative cable and then
the positive cable (
???).
9. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped).
Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be
contaminated with corrosive acid.
10. Put the battery cover and the engine
cover back to the original location.
NOTE:
For 2.0L turbo gasoline engine models, if
the engine cannot be started after theprocedure above, the auxiliary battery
may be discharged. Connect the jumper
cables to the auxiliary battery and apply
the procedure shown in “Auxiliary battery
(for 2.0L turbo gasoline engine models)”
(P.6-19).