5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving........................ 5-4Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)............................... 5-4
Three-way catalyst...................................................... 5-5
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ........... 5-5
Avoiding collision and rollover................................... 5-7
Off-road recovery ........................................................ 5-8
Rapid air pressure loss................................................ 5-8
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving......................... 5-9
Push-button ignition switch ........................................... 5-9 Operating range for hybrid system
start function............................................................... 5-10
Push-button ignition switch operation................ 5-10
Push-button ignition switch positions ................. 5-11
Emergency engine shut off...................................... 5-12
Intelligent Key battery discharge........................... 5-12
Before starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System ................................................................ 5-13
Starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System ................................................................ 5-13
Driving the vehicle ........................................................... 5-14
Automatic transmission............................................ 5-14
Parking brake.................................................................... 5-18
INFINITI Drive Mode Selector ..................................... 5-19
Standard mode............................................................ 5-19
Sport mode................................................................... 5-19 Snow mode ................................................................ 5-19
Eco mode.................................................................... 5-19
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)/Lane Departure
Prevention (LDP) (if so equipped) .............................. 5-21 LDW system operation........................................... 5-23
Turning the LDW system ON/OFF.................... 5-24
How to enable/disable the LDW system.......... 5-25
LDP system operation ............................................ 5-25
Turning the LDP system ON/OFF ..................... 5-26
How to enable/disable the LDP system ........... 5-27
LDW/LDP system limitations .............................. 5-27
System temporarily unavailable ........................... 5-29
System malfunction................................................ 5-30
System maintenance .............................................. 5-30
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) (if so equipped) ............ 5-31 BSW system operation........................................... 5-32
Turning the BSW system ON/OFF.................... 5-33
How to enable/disable the BSW system.......... 5-33
BSW system limitations.......................................... 5-34
BSW driving situations ........................................... 5-35
System temporarily unavailable ........................... 5-38
System malfunction................................................. 5-38
System maintenance ............................................... 5-39
Blind Spot Intervention
®(BSI) (if so equipped) ..... 5-40
BSI system operation .............................................. 5-41
5-4Starting and driving
WARNING
.Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves
or others through inadvertent opera-
tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
. Closely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously
injured. Keep the car locked, with the
rear seatback and trunk lid securely
latched when not in use, and prevent
children’s access to car keys.
. Do not attempt to test the vehicle on
a dynamometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing), or similar equip-
ment. Doing so may cause damage to
the drivetrain or the high voltage
battery. Make sure you inform test
facility personnel that your vehicle is
hybrid. Using the wrong test equip- ment may result in drivetrain damage
or unexpected vehicle movement
which could result in serious vehicle
damage or pearsonal injury.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
.
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-
gerous. It can cause unconsciousness
or death.
. If you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
. Do not run the engine in closed spaces
such as a garage.
. Do not park the vehicle with the
ignition switch in the ON position
and the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System in the READY to
drive mode for any extended length
of time.
. Do not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time. .
Keep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could be
drawn into the passenger compart-
ment. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, follow these precau-
tions:
1) Open all the windows.
2) Set the
air recirculation to
off and the fan control to high to
circulate the air.
. If electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
. The exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
— The vehicle is raised for service.
— You suspect that exhaust fumes are entering into the passenger
compartment.
— You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system.
— You have had an accident invol- ving damage to the exhaust sys-
tem, underbody, or rear of the
vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-10Starting and driving
SSD0659
OPERATING RANGE FOR HYBRID
SYSTEM START FUNCTION
The Intelligent Key can only be used for
starting the hybrid system when the Intelli-
gent Key is within the specified operating
range.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost
discharged or strong radio waves are pre-
sent near the operating location, the Intelli-
gent Key system’s operating range becomes
narrower and may not function properly.
If the Intelligent Key is within the operating
range, it is possible for anyone, even some-
one who does not carry the Intelligent Key,
to push the ignition switch to start thehybrid system.
.
The trunk area is not included in the
operating range but the Intelligent Key
may function.
. If the Intelligent Key is placed on the
instrument panel, rear parcel shelf, inside
the glove box or door pocket, the
Intelligent Key may not function.
. If the Intelligent Key is placed near the
door or window outside the vehicle, the
Intelligent Key may function.
CAUTION
When pressing the ignition to the OFF
position, make sure the button is not
pressed twice. This may unintentionally
leave the vehicle in ACC or ON mode.
This may discharge the 12-volt battery.
SSD0910
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION
SWITCH OPERATION
When the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal, the ignition
switch position will change as follows:
. Push center once to change to ACC.
. Push center two times to change to ON.
. Push center three times to change to
OFF. (No position illuminates.)
. Push center four times to return to ACC.
. Open or close any door to return to
LOCK during the OFF position.
If the ignition switch is pushed quickly or is
rapidly pushed twice, the hybrid system may
not start. If this occurs, put the shift lever in
the “P” (Park) position, and leave the ignition
switch in the “OFF” position for one minute.
Then depress the brake pedal and push the
ignition switch to “ON”. When the READY to
drive indicator light
illuminates, the
vehicle can be driven.
The ignition lock is designed so that the
ignition switch position cannot be switched
to LOCK until the shift lever is moved to the
P (Park) positon.
When the ignition switch cannot be
switched toward the LOCK position, pro-
ceed as follows:
Move the shift lever into the P (Park)
position.
Steering lock (if so equipped)
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a right or left
turn from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, push the ignition
switch to the OFF position.
To unlock the steering wheel, push the
ignition switch.
If the steering lock release malfunction
indicator appears on the vehicle information
display, push the push-button ignition
switch again while lightly turning the steer-
ing wheel right and left. (See “Vehicle
information display” (P.2-21).) If the battery of the vehicle is discharged, the
push-button ignition switch cannot be
turned from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation
are displayed on the vehicle information
display between the speedometer and tach-
ometer. (See “Vehicle information display”
(P.2-21).)
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION
SWITCH POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
The ignition switch can only be locked in this
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it
is pushed to the ACC position while carrying
the Intelligent Key or with the Intelligent Key
inserted in the port.
ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not
running.
ACC has a battery saver feature that will
turn the ignition switch to the OFF position
after a period of time under the following
conditions:
.
all doors are closed. .
shift lever is in P (Park).
The battery saver feature will be cancelled if
any of the following occur:
. any door is opened.
. shift lever is moved out of P (Park).
. ignition switch changes position.
ON (Normal operating position)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
ON has a battery saver feature that will turn
the ignition switch to the OFF position, if the
vehicle is not running, after some time under
the following conditions:
.all doors are closed.
. shift lever is in P (Park).
The battery saver feature will be cancelled if
any of the following occur:
. any door is opened.
. shift lever is moved out of the P (Park)
position.
. ignition switch changes position.
OFF
The hybrid system can be turned off in this
position.
The ignition lock is designed so that the
ignition switch cannot be switched to the
LOCK position until the shift lever is moved
to the P (Park) position.
Starting and driving5-11
5-12Starting and driving
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the push-
button ignition switch in ACC or ON
positions when the hybrid system is not
running for an extended period. This can
discharge the 12-volt battery.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF
To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure:
.Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times in less than
1.5 seconds, or
. Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.
SSD0860
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is
discharged, or environmental conditions in-
terfere with the Intelligent Key operation,
start the hybrid system according to the
following procedure:
1. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Intelligent Key as illustrated. (A chime
will sound.)
4. Push the ignition switch while depressing the brake pedal within 10 seconds after
the chime sounds. The hybrid system will
start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the
brake pedal, the ignition switch position will
change to ACC.
NOTE:
. When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the hybrid
system is started by the above proce-
dures, the Intelligent Key battery dis-
charge indicator appears on the vehicle
information display even if the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle. This is not
a malfunction. To turn off the Intelligent
Key battery discharge indicator, touch
the ignition switch with the Intelligent
Key again.
. If the Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator appears, replace the battery as
soon as possible. (See “Intelligent Key
battery replacement” (P.8-21).)
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” (P.8-5).
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged
during extremely cold weather conditions,
the 12-volt battery fluid may freeze and
damage the 12-volt battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the 12-volt battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “12-volt battery” (P.8-13).
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” (P.8-5) and “Inverter cooling sys-
tem” (P.8-7).
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.8-32).
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.
Starting and driving5-125
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ................................................ 8-2
Engine compartment check locations .......................... 8-3VQ35HR engine............................................................ 8-3
Engine cooling system...................................................... 8-5 Checking engine coolant level................................... 8-6
Changing engine coolant............................................ 8-6
Inverter cooling system.................................................... 8-7 Checking inverter coolant level ................................ 8-8
Changing inverter coolant.......................................... 8-8
Engine oil.....................................................................\
......... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ............................................ 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter................................... 8-9
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).......................... 8-11
Power steering fluid........................................................ 8-11
Brake fluid...................................................................\
....... 8-12 Brake fluid .................................................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid...................................................... 8-12
12-volt battery ................................................................. 8-13 Checking battery fluid level..................................... 8-14
Jump starting............................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
8-15 Replacing spark plugs................................................ 8-15 Air cleaner........................................................................\
.. 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ............................................... 8-17
Cleaning....................................................................... 8-17
Replacing..................................................................... 8-17
Brakes..................................................................\
............... 8-18 Self-adjusting brakes............................................... 8-18
Brake pad wear warning........................................ 8-18
Fuses...................................................................\
................ 8-19 Engine compartment or trunk room ................... 8-19
Passenger compartment ....................................... 8-20
Intelligent Key battery replacement........................... 8-21
Lights........................................................................\
.......... 8-23 Headlights.................................................................. 8-24
Exterior and interior lights.................................... 8-24
Wheels and tires.............................................................. 8-26 Tire pressure .............................................................. 8-26
Tire labeling............................................................... 8-30
Types of tires............................................................. 8-32
Tire chains................................................................... 8-32
Changing wheels and tires..................................... 8-33
8-2Do-it-yourself
When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
.This vehicle has high voltage DC and
AC systems as well as a 12-volt
system. DC and AC high voltage is
very dangerous and can cause severe
burns and electric shock that may
result in serious injury or death.
. Never touch, disassemble, remove or
replace the high voltage parts, har-
nesses and their connectors. High
voltage cables are orange. Touching,
disassembling, removing or replacing
those parts and harnesses can cause
severe burns or electric shock that
may result in serious injury or death.
. Never try to remove the service plug
located in the trunk room. The service
plug is used only when the vehicle is
serviced by trained technicians wear-
ing personal protection equipment
and is part of the high voltage
system. Touching the service plug
can cause severe burns or electric shock that may result in serious injury
or death.
. The INFINITI Direct Response Hy-
brid
®System uses high voltage up to
408 volts. The system can be hot
while and after starting. Be careful of
both the high voltage and the high
temperature. Obey the caution labels
attached to the vehicle.
. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving. Move the shift
lever to P (Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. The engine can start at any time
without warning when the hybrid
system is in the READY to drive
mode. If you must work with the
Hybrid System in the READY to drive
mode, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from fans, belts and
any other parts that can move.
. It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle. .
Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable
before working near the fan.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the hybrid system
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly dis-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS