•Do not place the ignition switch in the on
position while the steering wheel or a
tire is removed.
•Do not turn the steering wheel as much
as possible while the ignition switch is in
any position other than the ON position.
•Installing an accessory on the steering
wheel, or changing the steering wheel,
may reduce the steering performance.
NOTE
When the steering wheel is operated repeat-
edly or continuously while parking or driving
at a very low speed, the power assistance for
the steering wheel will be reduced. This is to
prevent overheating of the electric power
steering system and protect it from becom-
ing damaged. While the power assistance is
reduced, steering wheel operation will be-
come heavy. When the temperature of the
electric power steering system decreases,
the power assistance level will return to nor-
mal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel
operations that could cause the electric
power steering system to overheat.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will
still have braking ability at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or acceler-
ating could cause the wheels to skid and
result in an accident.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using en-
gine 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 ve-
hicle. The stopping distance will be longer.
WARNING
•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.
•Do not coast with the engine stopped.When the brake pedal is depressed slowly
and firmly, you may hear a clicking noise and
feel a slight pulsation. This is normal and
indicates that the Brake Assist System is op-
erating (if equipped).
Using brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings/pads faster, and
increase fuel consumption.
To help reduce brake wear 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.
While driving on a slippery surface, be careful
when braking, accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking or acceleration could cause
the wheels to skid and result in an accident.
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 the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly depressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-90Starting and driving
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes func-
tion correctly.
Driving uphill
When starting on a steep gradient, it is some-
times difficult to operate the brake. Use the
parking brake to hold the vehicle. When ready
to start, make sure that the shift lever is in an
appropriate forward or reverse driving posi-
tion, release the parking brake while depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle has
an electric parking brake, this will automati-
cally release when you depress the accelera-
tor pedal (DCT models).
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for
controlling the vehicle while descending hills.
A low gear position in the manual shift mode,
low enough to obtain sufficient engine brak-
ing, should be selected.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weak-
ened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
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 dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that stopping
distances on slippery surfaces will be lon-
ger than on normal surfaces even with
ABS. Stopping distances may also be lon-
ger on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains. Al-
ways maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle 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 replacement tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire and loading informa-
tion label. (See "Wheels and Tires".)
–For detailed information, see "Wheels and
tires".
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during
hard braking or when braking on slippery sur-
faces. The system detects the rotation speed
at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pres-
sure to prevent each wheel from locking and
sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, 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 distances.
Starting and driving5-91
•After a short time, hill start assist will no
longer brake your vehicle and it could
roll away There is a risk of an accident
and injury. Therefore, quickly move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal. Never leave the vehicle
when it is held by hill start assist.
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It
holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake
pedal. This gives you enough time to move
your foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal and depress it before the vehicle
begins to roll.
Hill start assist is not active if
•You are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
•On vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is in position N.
•The electric parking brake is applied.
•VDC is malfunctioning.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock be-
comes frozen, heat the key before inserting it
into the key hole, or use the INFINITI Intelli-
gent Key.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see
"Engine cooling system".
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
"Battery" of this manual.
DRAINING OF ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see "Changing engine
coolant" of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. 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 that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial 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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-96Starting and driving
•Be sure that the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
9. Start the engine of the other vehicle
Aand let it run for a few minutes. Keep the
engine speed at about 2,000 rpm.
10. Start the engine of your vehicle
Bin the
normal way.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does
not start right away, place the ignition
switch in the OFF position and wait 10 sec-
onds before trying again.
11. After starting the engine of your vehicle,
carefully disconnect the negative lead
and then the positive lead (
4→3→2→1).
12.
Remove and dispose of the cloth that was
used to cover the ventilator holes as it may
be contaminated with corrosive acid.
13. Install the ventilator caps (if equipped).
14. Close the hood.NOTE
For models which incorporate the Idle Stop/
Start System:
•Ensure that the battery fitted is the special
battery that is enhanced with regard to the
charge-discharge capacity and life perfor-
mance. Avoid using any other battery for
the Idle Stop/Start System, as this may
cause early deterioration of the battery or
a malfunction of the Idle Stop/Start Sys-
tem. It is recommended that a Genuine
INFINITI battery is fitted. For more infor-
mation, it is recommended you contact an
INFINITI retailer.
•If the battery terminal is disconnected (for
battery replacement, etc.) and then recon-
nected, there may be some delay before
the Idle top/Start System reactivates.Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing
the vehicle.
CAUTION
•Automatic Transmission (AT) model
cannot be push-started or tow-started.
Attempting to do so may cause damage
to the transmission.
•Three-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing. At-
tempting to do so may cause damage to
the three-way catalyst.
•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 vehicle.
PUSH STARTING
6-12In case of emergency
WARNING
•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 or coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is hot.
When the radiator or coolant reservoir
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
•Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
If
the engine of your vehicle is overheating
(indicated by the engine coolant temperature
gauge) or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect unusual noise, etc., proceed as follows:
1. Move and park the vehicle safely off the
road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher lights.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Press the P (Park) button.
DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE.
5. Open all windows.6. Switch off the air conditioner system (if
equipped).
7. Set the heater or air conditioner tempera-
ture control to maximum “HOT” and fan
speed control to maximum speed.
8. Exit the vehicle.
9. Visually inspect and listen for steam or
coolant escaping from the radiator before
opening the hood.
WARNING
Ifsteam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
10. Open the hood. For details, see "Hood".
11.
Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
12. Visually check the radiator and radiator
hoses for leakage.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan
can start at any time.13. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the engine coolant reser-
voir with the engine running.Do not
open the radiator cap (if equipped).
14. If the level is low, remove the engine
coolant reservoir cap and add coolant
slowly into the reservoir. After refilling
the reservoir to the MAX level, install the
reservoir cap.
15. Close the hood.
Have your vehicle inspected or repaired. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-13
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches the normal operating tempera-
ture, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Remove the engine undershield.
5.
Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
6. Remove the drain plug with a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and com-
pletely drain the oil. If the oil filter is to be
changed, remove and replace it at this
time. For additional information, refer to
"Changing engine oil filter" later in this
section.
•Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
•Check your local regulations.
7. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench. Do not use excessive
force.
Drain plug tightening torque: 22 ft-lb,
30 N•m
8. Refill engine with recommended oil
through the oil filler opening, then install
the oil filler cap securely.
For additional information on drain and
refill capacity, refer to "Recommended
fluids/lubricants and capacities".
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always
use the dipstick to determine when the
proper amount of oil is in the engine.
9. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug and oil filter. Correct
as required.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than
15 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off and wait more than
15 minutes.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
1.
4. Loosen the oil filter
1with an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise.
Then remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
NDI1622NDI1610
2.0L gasoline engine
8-6Do-it-yourself
•Keep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
•Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
•If the vehicle is not used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the
-negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
NOTE
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
•Installation or extended use of electronic
accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone
chargers, GPS, DVD players, etc).
•Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only
driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
WARNING
•Do not expose the battery to flames, an
electrical spark or a cigarette. Hydrogen
gas generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Explosive gases can cause blind-
ness or injury. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your skin, eyes, fabrics orpainted surfaces. Sulfuric acid can cause
blindness or injury. After touching a bat-
tery or battery cap, do not touch or rub
your eyes. Thoroughly wash your hands.
If the acid contacts your eyes, skin or
clothing, immediately flush with water
for at least 15 minutes and seek medical
attention.
•Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid in
the battery is low. Low battery fluid can
cause a higher load on the battery which
can generate heat, reduce battery life,
and in some cases lead to an explosion.
•When working on or near a battery, al-
ways wear suitable eye protection and
remove all jewelry.
•Battery posts, terminals and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
•Keep battery out of the reach of chil-
dren.
•Do not tip the battery. Keep the vent
caps tight and the battery level.
ACCESSING VEHICLE BATTERY
The vehicle battery is stored under a cover. To
remove the cover to gain access to the battery:
1. Disconnect the hood release cable1and
any other cables from the battery cover.
NDI1590
BATTERY
Do-it-yourself8-9
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer if checking or replacement is required.
WARNING
•Operating the engine with the air
cleaner filter off can cause you or others
to be burned. The air cleaner filter not
only cleans the intake air, it also stops
the flame if the engine backfires. If the
air cleaner is not installed and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Never
drive with the air cleaner filter off. Be
cautious working on the engine when
the air cleaner is off.
•Never pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.
CLEANING
If the windshield or rear window is not clear
after using the window washer or if a wiper
blade chatters when running, wax or other
material may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield or rear
window with a washer solution or a mild
detergent. The windshield or rear window is
clean if beads do not form when rinsing with
clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter-
gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If
the windshield or rear window is still not clear
after cleaning the blades and using the wiper,
replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can damage
the windshield and impair driver vision.
AIR CLEANER FILTER WIPER BLADES
Do-it-yourself8-13