drive when under the influence of alcohol or
drugs (including prescription or over the-
counter drugs which may cause drowsiness).
Always wear your seat belt as outlined in the
“Safety – Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual, and
also instruct your passengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
collisions and rollovers.In a rollover crash, an
unbelted or improperly belted person is sig-
nificantly more likely to be injured or killed
than a person properly wearing a seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If
this occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note
that this procedure is only a general guide.
The vehicle must be driven as appropriate
based on the conditions of the vehicle, road
and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel
with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.4. When appropriate, slowly release the ac-
celerator pedal to gradually slow the ve-
hicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle to follow the road while vehicle
speed is reduced. Do not attempt to drive
the vehicle back onto the road surface
until vehicle speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the
steering wheel until both tires return to
the road surface. When all tires are on the
road surface, steer the vehicle to stay in
the appropriate driving lane.
If you decide that it is not safe to return
the vehicle to the road surface based on
vehicle, road or traffic conditions, gradu-
ally slow the vehicle to a stop in a safe
place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged
due to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air
pressure loss can also be caused by driving on
under-inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the han-
dling and stability of the vehicle, especially at
highway speeds.Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by main-
taining the correct air pressure and visually
inspect the tires for wear and damage. For
additional information, refer to “Wheels and
tires” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual. If a tire rapidly loses air
pressure or “blows-out” while driving, main-
tain control of the vehicle by following the
procedure below. Please note that this pro-
cedure is only a general guide. The vehicle
must be driven as appropriate based on the
conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury.
•The vehicle generally moves or pulls in
the direction of the flat tire.
•Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
•Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
•Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
Starting and driving5-9
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel
with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the ac-
celerator pedal to gradually slow the ve-
hicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe loca-
tion off the road and away from traffic if
possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually
stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and
contact a roadside emergency service to
change the tire. For additional informa-
tion, refer to "Flat tire".
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alcohol
or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream re-
duces coordination, delays reaction time
and impairs judgement. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of
being involved in an accident injuring your-
self and others. Additionally, if you are in-
jured in an accident, alcohol can increase
the severity of the injury.INFINITI is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under the
influence of alcohol. Every year thousands of
people are injured or killed in alcohol-related
accidents. Although the local laws vary on
what is considered to be legally intoxicated,
the fact is that alcohol affects all people dif-
ferently and most people underestimate the
effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs). Don’t
drive if your ability to operate your vehicle is
impaired by alcohol, drugs, or some other
physical condition.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your INFINITI is designed for both normal
and off-road use. However, avoid driving in
deep water or mud as your INFINITI is mainly
designed for leisure use, unlike a conventional
off-road vehicle.
Remember that 2–wheel drive vehicles are
less capable than all-wheel drive (AWD)
models for rough road driving and extrication
when stuck in deep snow or mud, or the like.Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
•Spinning the front wheels on slippery
surfaces may cause the AWD warning
message to display and the AWD system
to automatically switch from the AWD
to 2WD mode. This could reduce the
traction. Be especially careful when
towing a trailer. (AWD models)
•Drive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle should
be seated with their seat belt fastened.
This will keep you and your passengers
in position when driving over rough ter-
rain.
•Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead
drive either straight up or straight down
the slopes. Off-road vehicles can tip
over sideways much more easily than
they can forward or backward.
•Many hills are too steep for any vehicle.
If you drive up them, you may stall. If you
drive down them, you may not be able to
control your speed. If you drive across
them, you may roll over.
5-10Starting and driving
START3
The engine starter activates and the engine
will start. As soon as the engine has started,
release the key immediately. It will return to
the ON position.
NOTE
For vehicles fitted with Idle Stop/Start Sys-
tem:
When the engine is automatically stopped
by the Idle Stop/Start System the ignition
switch can still be operated as usual.
At the end of a journey turn the ignition OFF
to avoid a discharged battery. The Idle
Stop/Start System does not automatically
turn ignition off.
Vehicles with Intelligent Key are equipped with
keys featuring an integrated Intelligent Key
function and in some cases a detachable push-
button ignition switch (Start/Stop button).
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the key
determines whether a valid key is in the ve-
hicle. This occurs, for example, when starting
the engine.
When you insert the push-button ignition
switch into the ignition lock, the system needs
approximately two seconds recognition time.
You can then use the push-button ignition
switch.
WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except in
an emergency. (The engine will stop when
the ignition switch is pressed 3 consecutive
times in quick succession or the ignition
switch is pushed and held for more than 2
seconds.) If the engine stops while the ve-
hicle is being driven, this could lead to a
crash and serious injury.
Before operating the push-button ignition
switch:
•Select P (Park).Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. Prerequisite
for this is that:
•You do not depress the brake pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
To start the vehicle without actively using the
key:
•The push-button ignition switch must be
inserted in the ignition lock.
•The key must be in the vehicle.
•The vehicle must not be locked with the
key or Intelligent Key (see "Keys").
Do not keep the Intelligent Key:
•With electronic devices, for example a mo-
bile phone or another key.
•With metallic objects, for example coins or
metal film.
•Inside metallic objects, for example a metal
case.
This can affect the functionality of the Intel-
ligent Key.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
(IF EQUIPPED)
5-14Starting and driving
If you lock the vehicle with the key's remote
control or with the Intelligent Key, after a
short time:
•You will not be able to switch on the igni-
tion with the push-button ignition switch.
•You will not be able to start the engine
with the push-button ignition switch until
the vehicle is unlocked again.
If you lock the vehicle centrally using the but-
ton on the front door (see "Locking with in-
side door knob"). you can continue to start the
engine with the push-button ignition switch.
KEY POSITIONS WITH THE
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION
SWITCH
1Start/Stop button
2Ignition lock
When you switch on the ignition, all of the
indicator lights in the combination meter light
up. For further information on situations
where an indicator light either fails to go out
after starting the engine or lights up while
driving see "Warning lights, indicator lights
and audible reminders".
If the push-button ignition switch
1has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the key
being removed from the ignition.
To switch on the power supply (accessory
mode):press the push-button ignition switch
1once without depressing the brake pedal.The power supply is switched on. You can
now activate the windshield wipers, for ex-
ample.
The power supply is switched off again if the
driver's door is opened and you press the
push-button ignition switch
1twice when in
this position.
To switch on the ignition:press the push-
button ignition switch
1twice without de-
pressing the brake pedal. The ignition is
switched on.
The ignition is switched off if the driver's door
is opened and you press the push-button
ignition switch
1when in this position.
REMOVING THE START/STOP
BUTTON
You can remove the start/stop button from
the ignition lock and start the vehicle as nor-
mal using the key.
You can only switch between push-button
ignition switch mode and key operation when
the vehicle is stationary.
You must also engage park position P (Park).
Remove the start/stop button
1from igni-
tion lock
2.
NPA1484
Starting and driving5-15
You do not have to remove the start/stop
button from the ignition lock when you leave
the vehicle. You should, however, always
take the key with you when leaving the ve-
hicle. As long as the key is in the vehicle:
•The vehicle can be started using the push-
button ignition switch.
•The electrically powered equipment can be
operated.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF
To shut off the engine in an emergency situ-
ation while driving, perform the following
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.
•Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
•Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and windshield-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. Measure and check the tire
pressure for proper inflation.
•Check that all doors are closed.
•Position seat and adjust head restraints/
headrests.
•Adjust the inside and outside rear view
mirrors.
•Fasten your seat belt and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
•Check the operation of the warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position.
STARTING PROCEDURE WITH
THE KEY
0OFF position
1ACC position
2ON position
3START position
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to position P (Park)
by pressing the
button.
The transmission position indicator in the
vehicle information display shows
When the transmission is in position N
(Neutral), you can also start the engine
with the brake pedal depressed.
The starter is designed not to operate if the
shift lever is in any of the driving positions.
NPA1483
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE STARTING ENGINE
5-16Starting and driving
3. Turn the key to the START position3in
the ignition lock and release it as soon as
the engine is running.
If the engine is very hard to start because it is
flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and hold it. Turn the ignition
switch to the START position to start crank-
ing the engine. After 5 or 6 seconds, stop
cranking by turning the ignition switch to
OFF. After cranking the engine, release the
accelerator pedal. Crank the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal by depressing
the brake pedal and turning the ignition
switch to start the engine. If the engine starts,
but fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not
start, turn the ignition key to the OFF po-
sition and wait 10 seconds before cranking
again, otherwise the starter could be
damaged.4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the
engine while warming it up. Drive at mod-
erate speed for a short distance first, es-
pecially in cold weather. In cold weather,
keep the engine running for a minimum of
2 - 3 minutes before shutting it off. Start-
ing and stopping the engine over a short
period of time may make the vehicle more
difficult to start.
5. To stop the engine, Shift the transmission
to position P (Park) by pressing the
button. and turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
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 main-
tain battery health.
STARTING PROCEDURE USING
THE PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION
SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
The push-button ignition switch can be used
to start the vehicle manually without insert-
ing the key into the ignition lock. The key must
be in the vehicle and the start/stop button
must be inserted in the ignition lock (see "Re-
moving the start/stop button" earlier in this
section). This mode for starting the engine
operates independently of the ECO start/
stop automatic engine start function.
You can start the engine if a valid key is in the
vehicle. Switch off the engine and always
take the key with you when leaving the ve-
hicle, even if you only leave it for a short time.
Pay attention to the important safety notes.
•Depress the brake pedal and keep it de-
pressed.
•Press the push button ignition switch once
(see " Push-button ignition switch (if
equipped)" earlier in this section). The en-
gine starts.
Starting and driving5-17
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Driving precautions
•Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral)
to R (Reverse), D (Drive), or M (Manual
shift mode). Always depress the brake
pedal until shifting is completed. Failure
to do so could cause you to lose control
and have an accident.
•Cold engine idle speed is high, so use cau-
tion when shifting into a forward or re-
verse gear before the engine has warmed
up.
•Never shift to either the P (Park) or R
(Reverse) position while the vehicle is
moving forward and P (Park) or D (Drive)
position while the vehicle is reversing.
This could cause an accident or damage
the transmission.
•Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
WARNING
•Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. this may cause a loss of control.
CAUTION
•To avoid possible damage to your ve-
hicle; when stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal. The
foot brake should be used for this pur-
pose.
•Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
brake pedal before shifting the shift lever
to R (Reverse), D (Drive) or Manual shift
mode.
2. Keep the brake pedal depressed and push
the shift lever to shift into a driving gear.
3. Release the parking brake and brake, then
gradually put the vehicle in motion by
pressing the accelerator pedal.
The automatic transmission is designed so
that the brake pedalMUSTbe depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-18Starting and driving
Shifting
P Park position with parking lock
R Reverse
N Neutral
D DriveTransmission position display:
NOTE
If the transmission position display in the ve-
hicle information display is not working, you
should pull away carefully to check whether
the desired transmission position IS en-
gaged. Ideally, you should select transmis-
sion position D and automatic drive program
EorS.
The shift lever indicator
1located in the
lower part of the vehicle information display
shows the current position of the transmis-
sion.
It shows the P,R,N,D modes when the trans-
mission is in auto mode or the shift position
when the transmission is in manual mode.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift lever is
in any position while the engine is not run-
ning. Failure to do so could cause the ve-
hicle to move unexpectedly or roll away
and result in serious personal injury or
property damage.
CAUTION
Use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only
when the vehicle is completely stopped.NSD585NSD649
Starting and driving5-19