WARNING
Do not use or allow occupants to come
into contact with the heated steering
wheel if you or the occupants cannot
monitor elevated steering wheel tem-
peratures or have an inability to feel pain
in those body parts in contact. Use of the
heated steering wheel by such people
could result in serious injuries.
CAUTION
.The battery could run down if the
steering wheel heater is operated
while the engine is not running.
.Do not use the steering wheel heater
for extended periods of time as it may
cause burns and overheating.
.Any liquid spilled on the steering
wheel should be removed immedi-
ately with a dry cloth.
.When cleaning the steering wheel,
never use gasoline, thinner, or any
similar materials.
.If any malfunctions are found or the
steering wheel heater does not oper-
ate, turn the heater off and have thesystem checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
Push the CLIMATE button and touch
[Steering Heater] on the lower display to
turn on or off the steering wheel heating
manually. The steering wheel heating will
turn off automatically 30 minutes after it
has been turned on. When the steering
wheel heating is turned on, the indicator
above [Steering Heater] will turn on.
If the surface temperature of the steering
wheel is above the temperature within which
the system is designed to operate, the
system will not heat the steering wheel. This
is not a malfunction.
Automatic steering wheel heating can be
turned on or off from the climate control
settings screen. For details, see the Infiniti
InTouch Owner’s Manual.
SIC4316
In the storage box
JVI1298X
In the console box
Instruments and controls2-47
HEATED STEERING WHEEL (if so
equipped)POWER OUTLETS
— On roads where the traffic is
heavy or there are sharp curves
— On slippery road surfaces such as
on ice or snow, etc.
— During bad weather (rain, fog,
snow, etc.)
— When rain, snow or dirt adhere to
the system sensor
— On steep downhill roads (the
vehicle may go beyond the set
vehicle speed and frequent brak-
ing may result in overheating the
brakes)
— On repeated uphill and downhill
roads
— When traffic conditions make it
difficult to keep a proper distance
between vehicles because of fre-
quent acceleration or deceleration
.In some road or traffic conditions, a
vehicle or object can unexpectedly
come into the sensor detection zone
and cause automatic braking. You
may need to control the distance
from other vehicles using the accel-
erator pedal. Always stay alert and
avoid using the ICC system when it is
not recommended in this section.The radar sensor will not detect the follow-
ing objects:
.Stationary and slow moving vehicles
.Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
.Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
.Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel
lane
The sensor generally detects the signals
returned from the vehicle ahead. Therefore,
if the sensor cannot detect the reflection
from the vehicle ahead, the ICC system may
not maintain the selected distance.
The following are some conditions in which
the sensor cannot detect the signals:
.When the snow or road spray from
traveling vehicles reduces the sensor’s
visibility
.When excessively heavy baggage is
loaded in the rear seat or the trunk of
your vehicle
The ICC system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s operation within the
limitation of the system. When the sensor
is covered with dirt or is obstructed, the
system will automatically be canceled. If the
sensor is covered with ice, a transparent or
translucent vinyl bag, etc., the ICC system
may not detect them. In these instances, the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
may not cancel and may not be able to
maintain the selected following distancefrom the vehicle ahead. Be sure to check
and clean the sensor regularly.
Starting and driving5-85
moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF
position.ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
TYPE
WARNING
.If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the steering will not work.
Steering will be harder to operate.
.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.
The electric power steering is designed to
provide power assist while driving to oper-
ate 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 electric power
steering and protect it from getting da-
maged. While the power assist is reduced,
steering wheel operation will become heavy.
When the temperature of the electric power
steering goes down, the power assist level
will return to normal. Avoid repeating suchsteering wheel operations that could cause
the electric power steering to overheat.
You may hear a sound when the steering
wheel is operated quickly. However, this is
not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the electric power steering is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
It is recommended you have the electric
power steering checked by an INFINITI
retailer. (See “Power steering warning light”
(P.2-16).)
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the
power assist for the steering will cease
operation. You will still have control of the
vehicle. However, greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
HYDRAULIC PUMP ELECTRIC
POWER STEERING TYPE
WARNING
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the
power assist for the steering will cease
operation. You will still have control of
Starting and driving5-129
POWER STEERING
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
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
8-10Do-it-yourself
JVM0653X
CHECKING INTERCOOLER
COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below the MIN level
, add coolant to the
MAX level.
If the intercooler cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
CHANGING INTERCOOLER
COOLANT
Intercooler coolant is maintenance-free.
If replacement is required, it is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Improper servicing can result in intercooler
overheating.
WARNING
.To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
.Never remove the cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the intercooler cooling re-
servoir.
.Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
.Keep coolant out of the reach of
children and pets.
Intercooler coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
JVM0654X
VR30DDTT engine
JVM0429X
2.0L turbo gasoline engine
ENGINE OIL
use in INFINITI vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such
as engine stalling or hard hot starting are
experienced after using oxygenate-blend
fuels, immediately change to a non-oxyge-
nate fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygenates
can cause paint damage.
E-15 fuel
E-15 fuel is a mixture of approximately 15%
fuel ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline. E-
15 can only be used in vehicles designed to
run on E-15 fuel. U.S. government regula-
tions require fuel ethanol dispensing pumps
to be identified with small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-
85 can only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle
(FFV). Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle.
U.S. government regulations require fuel
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identified
by a small, square, orange and black label
with the common abbreviation or the appro-
priate percentage for that region.
Fuel containing MMT
MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manga-
nese tricarbonyl, is an octane boosting
additive. INFINITI does not recommend the
use of fuel containing MMT. Such fuel may
adversely affect vehicle performance, in-
cluding the emissions control system. Note
that while some fuel pumps label MMT
content, not all do, so you may have to
consult your gasoline retailer for more de-
tails.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (Example: fuel
injector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve
deposit removers, etc.) which are sold com-
mercially. Many of these additives intended
for gum, varnish or deposit removal may
contain active solvent or similar ingredients
that can be harmful to the fuel system and
engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above can
cause persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If severe,
this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octanerating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level roads,
it is recommended you have an INFINITI
retailer correct the condition. Failure to
correct the condition is misuse of the
vehicle, for which INFINITI is not respon-
sible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knock-
ing, after-run or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
damage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for servicing.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
FUEL INFORMATION (for 2.0L
turbo gasoline engine model)
Use unleaded premium gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not avail-
able, unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI number
(Research octane number 91) may be tem-
Technical and consumer information10-5