•Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted,
or radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the front
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.
•Be sure to check the brakes immediately
after driving in mud or water. .
•Avoid parking your vehicle on steep hills.
If you get out of the vehicle and it rolls
forward, backward or sideways, you
could be injured.
•Whenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the wheel
hub, more frequent maintenance may be
required. For additional information, re-
fer to "Maintenance schedules".
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
(IF SO EQUIPPED)
WARNING
•Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
•Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the front
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.
•This vehicle is not designed for off-road
(rough road) use. Do not drive on sandy
or muddy roads that tires may get stuck
in.
•For AWD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to any
D (Drive) or R (Reverse) position with
the engine running. Doing so may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in se-
rious 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.
5-12Starting 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
P (Park):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the P
(Park) position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
Use this position when the vehicle is parked
or when starting the engine. Always make
sure that the vehicle is completely stopped
before pressing button
1to engage the P
(Park) position. For maximum safety, the
brake pedal must be depressed before en-
gaging the P (Park) position. Use this position
together with the parking brake. When park-
ing on a hill, first depress the brake pedal,
apply the parking brake and then engage the
P (Park) position. The parking lock should not
be used as a brake when parking. In order tosecure the vehicle, always apply the electric
parking brake in addition to the parking lock.
In the event of a malfunction of the vehicle's
electronics, the transmission may lock in po-
sition P (Park). Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Park position P is automatically engaged if:
•You switch off the engine using the key
and remove the key.
•You open the driver's door when the ve-
hicle is stationary or driving at very low
speed and the transmission is in position D
(Drive) or R (Reverse).
R (Reverse):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the R
(Reverse) position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
Use this position to back up the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped
before selecting the R (Reverse) position.The
brake pedal must be depressed and the shift
lever button pushed in to move the shift le-
ver from P (Park), N (Neutral) or any drive
position to R (Reverse).N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled
engine while driving the vehicle.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driv-
ing.
The automatic transmission changes gear
automatically. All forward gears are avail-
able.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the in-
dividual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D (Drive). Shifting is de-
termined by:
•The selected drive program.
•The position of the accelerator pedal.
•The road speed.
Accelerator pedal position:
Your style of driving influences how the au-
tomatic transmission shifts gear:
•little throttle: early upshifts
•more throttle: late upshifts
NSD586
5-20Starting and driving