•Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause loss
of control of the vehicle.
•Stay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-off
or other hazard that could cause an ac-
cident.
•If your engine stalls or you cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill, never at-
tempt to turn around. Your vehicle could
tip or roll over. Always back straight
down in R (Reverse) gear and apply
brakes to control your speed.
•Heavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed.
•Unsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.
•Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as
far forward and as low as possible. Do
not equip the vehicle with tires larger
than specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over.
•Do not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move suddenly
and injure your hands. Instead drive with
your fingers and thumbs on the outside
of the rim.
•Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
•Always drive with the floor mats in place
as the floor may become hot.
•Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your INFINITI is more af-
fected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
•Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with AWD
engaged.
•For AWD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to any
drive or reverse position with the engine
running. Doing so may result in drive-
train damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
•Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamometers
used by some states for emissions test-
ing), or similar equipment even if the
other two wheels are raised off the
ground. Make sure you inform test facil-
ity personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is placed
on a dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle move-
ment which could result in serious ve-
hicle damage or personal injury.
•When a wheel is off the ground due to an
unlevel surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively.
•Accelerating quickly, sharp steering ma-
neuvers or sudden braking may cause
loss of control.
•If at all possible, avoid sharp turning ma-
neuvers, particularly at high speeds.
Your INFINITI vehicle has a higher cen-
ter of gravity than a passenger car. The
vehicle is not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as passenger cars. Fail-
ure to operate this vehicle correctly
could result in loss of control and/or a
rollover accident.
Starting and driving5-11
Holding the vehicle stationary on
uphill gradients
WARNING
If the transmission overheats, the elec-
tronic management system is automati-
cally deactivated. This interrupts the
power transmission from the engine to the
wheels. The vehicle may, for example, roll
backwards on gradients. There is a risk of
an accident. Never hold the vehicle station-
ary on uphill gradients by depressing the
accelerator.
The transmission may overheat if you hold
the vehicle stationary on uphill gradients by
depressing the accelerator pedal. If the trans-
mission overheats, a warning tone sounds
and the [Stop Vehicle Shift to P Leave Engine
Running] display message appears in the ve-
hicle information display. You will only be able
to continue your journey once the transmis-
sion has cooled down and the display mes-
sage in the vehicle information display has
disappeared.Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator. In-
stead, only ever hold the vehicle stationary on
uphill gradients by:•Depressing the brake pedal.
•Engaging the electric parking brake.
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
•Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
•Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Starting and driving5-21
•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
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
2.0L GASOLINE ENGINE
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-3)
2. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-5)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-5)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-7)5. Engine air cleaner filter (P. 8-13)
6. Battery (P. 8-9)
7. Fuse box (P. 8-17)
8. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-8)
WARNING
The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round,
antifreeze coolant solution. The antifreeze
solution contains rust and corrosion inhibi-
tors, therefore additional cooling system
additives are not necessary.
•Never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused by
high-pressure fluid escaping from the
radiator. For additional information on
precautions, refer to "If your vehicle
overheats"
•The engine coolant reservoir tank is
equipped with a pressure type cap. To
prevent engine damage, use only a
genuine INFINITI pressure cap.
CAUTION
•Never use any cooling system additives
such as radiator sealer. Additives may
clog the cooling system and cause dam-
age to the engine, transmission and/or
cooling system.NIC2833
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONSENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Do-it-yourself8-3
•When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only INFINITI Genuine En-
gine Coolant, BASF Glysantin G40 or
equivalent in its quality. The use of other
types of engine coolant may damage the
engine cooling system.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
NOTE
The coolant level must only be checked and
corrected when the engine is cold.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level if the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine is cold.2. Slowly turn cap
1half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to es-
cape.
3. Turn cap
1further counter-clockwise
and remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
3in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion tank
2.
4. If necessary, top up with INFINITI Genu-
ine Engine Coolant, BASF Glysantin G40
or equivalent in its quality.
5. Replace cap
1and turn it clockwise as
far as it will go.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
An INFINITI retailer can change the engine
coolant.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING
•To avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.
•Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
•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 reach of children
and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
NDI1602
8-4Do-it-yourself
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (Example: fuel in-
jector 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 con-
tain active solvent or similar ingredients that
can be harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rat-
ing 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 octane rating, or
if you hear steady spark knock while holding
a steady speed on level roads, it is recom-
mended you have an INFINITI retailer cor-
rect the condition. Failure to correct the con-
dition is misuse of the vehicle, for which
INFINITI is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knock-
ing, after-run and/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.However, now and then you may notice light
spark knock for a short time while accelerat-
ing 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.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure sat-
isfactory engine life and performance. For
additional information, refer to "Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities"
earlier in this section.
Select only engine oils that meet the MB229.5
specification and SAE viscosity standard. These
oils have the MB229.5 specification label on the
container. Oils which do not have the specified
quality label should not be used as they could
cause engine damage.
Oil additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant that the engine oil viscosity be selected
based on the temperatures at which the vehicle
will be operated before the next oil change.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recom-
mended could cause serious engine damage.
Outside Temperature Range
Anticipated Before Next Oil Change
GASOLINE ENGINE OIL
JVT0428X
Technical information10-5
Vanity mirror................3-18
Vanity mirror lights.............2-89
Moving object detection (MOD)......4-24
O
Oil........................10-2
Capacities and recommendations. . . .10-2
Changing engine oil.............8-5
Changing engine oil filter..........8-6
Checking engine oil level..........8-5
Overheating..................6-13
Engine....................6-13
Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6
Overview.....................0-6
Cockpit.................0-6, 2-2
Engine compartment.........0-9, 8-3
Exterior....................0-3
Interior.....................0-5
Seats, Seat belts, Supplemental restraint
system.....................0-2
P
Parcel shelf...................2-85
Installation..................2-86
Removal...................2-85
Parking.....................5-87
Brake.....................5-27
Parking sensor system...........5-76Sonar function...............5-76
Parking sensors................5-81
OFF switch.................5-81
Phone......................4-39
Power.......................3-6
Door lock switch...............3-6
Outlet....................2-79
Seat adjustment...............1-4
Steering...................5-89
Windows..................2-74
Precautions...................1-34
Booster seats................1-34
Brake.....................5-90
Child restraints...............1-19
Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA)......5-70
Maintenance.................8-2
Safety.....................4-2
Seat belt usage...............1-10
Starting and driving.............5-2
Supplemental Restraint System.....1-37
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)....................5-3
Pregnant women................1-12
Protection....................7-7
Corrosion...................7-7
Push-button ignition.............5-14
Push-starting..................6-12
R
Rear seats....................1-5
Folding.....................1-6
RearView monitor................4-3
Maintenance................4-11
Repairing....................8-25
Headlights..................8-25
Replacement..................1-54
Air bags...................1-54
Air cleaner filter...............8-13
Engine coolant................8-4
Engine oil...................8-5
Engine oil filter................8-6
Intelligent Key battery...........8-20
Spark plugs.................8-12
Tires and wheels..............8-34
Wiper blades................8-13
Roof.......................2-78
Glass.....................2-78
Sunshade operation............2-78
Roof Rack....................2-86
S
Safety......................1-17
Children...................1-17
Child safety rear door locks........3-7
Head restraints................1-7
Injured persons...............1-12
Index11-5