or death.WARNING
In case of a collision:
.If your vehicle is drivable, pull your
vehicle off the road, put the trans-
mission in the P (Park) position, apply
the parking brake and turn the
INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®
System off.
. Check to see if there are exposed high
voltage parts and cables. Never touch
the parts and cables. For their loca-
tions, see “High voltage components”
(P.Hybrid System-9). To avoid per-
sonal injury, never touch high-vol-
tage wiring, connectors, and other
high-voltage parts, such as electric
motor inverter and Lithium ion (Li-
ion) battery. An electric shock may
occur if exposed electric wires are
visible when viewed from inside or
outside of your vehicle. Therefore,
never touch exposed electric wires.
. If the vehicle receives a strong impact
to the floor while driving, stop the
vehicle in a safe location and check
the floor.
. Inspect the ground under the vehicle.
If liquid has leaked onto the ground,
the fuel system may have been da- maged. Leave the vehicle as soon as
possible.
. Leaks or damage to the Li-ion bat-
tery may result in a fire. If you
discover them, contact emergency
services immediately. Since the fluid
leak may be lithium organic electro-
lyte from the Li-ion battery, never
touch the fluid leak inside or outside
the vehicle. If the fluid contacts your
skin or eyes, wash it off immediately
with a large amount of water and
receive immediate medical attention
to help avoid serious injury.
. If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle,
leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Only use a type ABC, BC or C fire
extinguisher that is meant for use on
electrical fires. Using water or the
incorrect fire extinguisher can result
in serious injury or death from elec-
trical shock.
. If you are not able to safely assess
the vehicle due to vehicle damage, do
not touch the vehicle. Leave the
vehicle and contact emergency ser-
vices. Advise 1st responders that this
is a hybrid vehicle.
. In the event of an accident that
requires body repair and painting, it
is recommended that the vehicle be
Hybrid System OverviewHybrid System-3
ROAD ACCIDENT CAUTIONS
0-10Illustrated table of contents
JVM0034X
VQ35HR ENGINE
1. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-8)
2. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-12)
3. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-19)
4. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-12)
5. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-11)
6. Inverter coolant reservoir (P.8-7)
7. Air cleaner (P.8-16)
8. Radiator filler cap (P.8-5)
9. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-8)
10. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-5)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2-12Instruments and controls
off. This indicates that the Blind Spot
Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Interven-
tion
®(BSI) systems are operational.
If the light comes on in orange and remains
on, it may indicate that the BSW and BSI
systems are not functioning properly.
Although the vehicle is still driveable, have
the systems checked. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service. See
“Blind Spot Warning (BSW)” (P.5-31) and
“Blind Spot Intervention
®(BSI)” (P.5-40).
Brake system warning light
(yellow)
This light will illuminate after the hybrid
system is started and then turns off after a
few seconds.
WARNING
If both the brake system warning light
(yellow) and the brake warning light
(red) illuminate when the parking brake
is released and the hybrid system is on,
do not drive the vehicle. More brake
pedal effort than normal will be required
and there will be a significant reduction
in brake performance, which could result
in an accident. Immediately stop the
vehicle in a safe location and it is recommended you contact an INFINITI
retailer.
If the brake system warning light (yellow)
illuminates when the ignition switch is in the
ON position, it may indicate a malfunction in
the brake system or one of the following
other functions.
. Regenerative brake system
. Hill start assist system
. Rise-up and build-up function
It is recommended you see an INFINITI
retailer for an inspection as soon as possible.
A chime sounds if a malfunction occurs in the
brake system power supply.
orBrake warning light
(red)
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on with the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle and
perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid
is low, add fluid and have the system
checked. It is recommended you have this
service performed by an INFINITI retai-
ler. (See “Brake fluid” (P.8-12).)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recom-
mended you have this service performed
by an INFINITI retailer.
Brake system malfunction warning:
If the brake warning light (red) and the
following warning light illuminate at the
same time when the parking brake is re-
leased and the brake fluid level is sufficient,
there may be a malfunction in the brake
system.
. Brake system warning light (yellow)
WARNING
If both the brake system warning light
(yellow) and the brake warning light
(red) illuminate when the parking brake
is released and the hybrid system is on,
do not drive the vehicle. More brake
pedal effort than normal will be required
and there will be a significant reduction
in brake performance, which could result
in an accident. Immediately stop the
vehicle in a safe location and it is
recommended you contact an INFINITI
retailer.
A chime sounds if a malfunction occurs in the
brake system power supply.
. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
— Avoid driving at high speed and sud-
den braking, and see an INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for an
inspection.
WARNING
.Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the brake warning
light (red) is on. Driving could be
dangerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest service
station for repairs. Otherwise, have
your vehicle towed because driving it
could be dangerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
hybrid system stopped and/or low
brake fluid level may increase your
stopping distance and braking will
require greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel. .
If the brake fluid level is below the
minimum or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
Direct Response Hybrid®Sys-
tem warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Direct Response Hybrid®Sys-
tem (hybrid system) warning light illumi-
nates. After starting the hybrid system, the
hybrid system warning light turns off.
If the hybrid system warning light illuminates
while driving, it may indicate that there is a
malfunction in the electric motor and/or
other hybrid system components.
Stop your vehicle immediately and it is
recommended that you contact your
INFINITI retailer.
If the hybrid system warning light blinks
while driving, it may indicate that the Li-ion
battery charge is low and you cannot
continue to drive.
Do not allow the vehicle to coast when the
Li-ion battery is low or when the hybrid
system warning light blinks while driving.
The engine will not automatically start to charge the Li-ion battery while the vehicle is
coasting.
Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system warning light (orange; if so
equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunction
in the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system.
If the warning light illuminates, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Stop the hybrid
system, restart the hybrid system, resume
driving and turn on the DCA system again.
If it is not possible to turn on the system or
the warning light stays on, it may indicate
that the system is malfunctioning. Although
the vehicle is still driveable under normal
conditions, have the vehicle checked. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engine immediately and it is recom-
mended that you call an INFINITI retailer or
other authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
Instruments and controls2-13
2-16Instruments and controls
after the 1 minute. Have the system checked.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. THE CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE warning does not appear if the
low tire pressure warning light illuminates to
indicate a TPMS malfunction.
For additional information, see “Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System (TPMS) ” (P.5-5).
WARNING
.If the light does not illuminate with
the ignition switch pushed ON, have
the vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service as soon as possible.
. If the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location
and stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Driving with under-inflated
tires may permanently damage the
tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious
personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD
tire pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label to turn the
low tire pressure warning light OFF.
If the light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pres-
sure, a tire may be flat or the TPMS
may be malfunctioning. If you have a
flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as
soon as possible. If no tire is flat and
all tires are properly inflated, have
the vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
. Since the spare tire is not equipped
with the TPMS, when a spare tire is
mounted or a wheel is replaced, the
TPMS will not function and the low
tire pressure warning light will flash
for approximately 1 minute. The light
will remain on after the 1 minute.
Have your tires replaced and/or
TPMS system reset as soon as pos-
sible. 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.
CAUTION
.The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
. If the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h), the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
. Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the four wheels correctly.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the master warning light illumi-
nates if any of the following are displayed on
the vehicle information display:
.No key warning
. Low fuel warning
. Low washer fluid warning
. Parking brake release warning
. Door/trunk open warning
. Loose fuel cap warning
. Check tire pressure warning
. Intelligent Key system warning
. SHIFT “P” warning
. Hybrid system over heat warning
2-24Instruments and controls
Key battery is running out of power.
If this indicator appears, replace the battery
with a new one. (See “Intelligent Key battery
replacement” (P.8-21).)
7. Intelligent Key ignition indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent
Key battery is running out of power and
when the Intelligent Key System and vehicle
are not communicating normally.
If this indicator appears, touch the ignition
switch with the Intelligent Key while depres-
sing the brake pedal. (See “Intelligent Key
battery discharge” (P.5-12).)
8. Parking brake release warning
This warning appears when the vehicle
speed is above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the
parking brake is applied.
9. Low fuel warning
This warning appears when the fuel level in
the tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches the empty (0) position.
There is a small reserve of fuel remaining in
the tank when the fuel gauge reaches the
empty (0) position.
10. Low washer fluid warning
This warning appears when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. (See “Window washer fluid” (P.8-
12).)
11. Door/trunk open warning (igni-
tion switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors
and/or the trunk lid are open or not closed
securely. The vehicle icon indicates which
door or the trunk lid is open on the display.
12. Intelligent Key system warning
This warning appears if there is a malfunc-
tion in the steering lock system or Intelligent
Key system.
If this warning appears while the hybrid
system is stopped, the steering lock (if so
equipped) cannot be released or the hybrid
system cannot be started. If this warning
appears while the hybrid system is running,
the vehicle can be driven. However, it is
recommended you contact an INFINITI
retailer for repair as soon as possible.
13. Loose fuel cap warning
This warning appears when the fuel-filler
cap is not tightened correctly after the
vehicle has been refueled. (See “Fuel-filler
cap” (P.3-22).)
14. Check tire pressure warning
This warning appears when the low tire
pressure warning light in the meter illumi-
nates and low tire pressure is detected. If
this warning appears, stop the vehicle and
adjust the pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label. (See
“Low tire pressure warning light” (P.2-15)
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ” (P.5-5).)
15. “TIMER” indicator
This indicator appears when the set “TIMER”
indicator activates. You can set the time for
up to 6 hours. (See “Trip computer” (P.2-
28).)
16. Low outside temperature
warning
This warning appears if the outside tem-
perature is below 37°F (3°C). The warning
can be set not to be displayed. (See “Trip
computer” (P.2-28).)
17. Hybrid system over heat warn-
ing
This warning appears when the temperature
of the hybrid system is too high. Stop the
vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible.
.Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head restraints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position. (See “Warning lights, in-
dicator lights and audible reminders”
(P.2-10).) 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park) position.
The INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®
System is designed not to operate if the
shift lever is not in the P (Park) position.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the ignition switch to start the hybrid sys-
tem. The READY to drive indicator light
will illuminate on the meter.
When starting the hybrid system at very
low outside temperatures, the READY
to drive indicator light will flash and it
may take longer for the READY to drive
indicator light to illuminate.
. The hybrid system may not start even
with the READY to drive indicator light
illuminated. Once the READY to drive
indicator light is illuminated you may
begin driving the vehicle.
. You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed with the hybrid system off.
This does not indicate a problem.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 12-volt battery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the 12-volt battery may
need to be charged to maintain 12-volt
battery health.
Starting and driving5-13
BEFORE STARTING THE INFINITI
DIRECT RESPONSE HYBRID®SYSTEM
STARTING THE INFINITI DIRECT
RESPONSE HYBRID®SYSTEM
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 regenerative 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.10-10).
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-26).
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
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 hybrid system 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
Starting and driving5-121
BRAKE ASSIST