•The border of the parking space must not
be too wide, as the position of the vehicle
must not exceed an angle of 45 degrees to
the starting position as it is manoeuvred
into the parking space.
•A total front and back maneuvering dis-
tance of at least 1.0 m must be available.
IPA can only assist you with exiting a parking
space if you have parked the vehicle parallel
to the direction of travel using IPA.
WARNING
•IPA is only an aid. It is not a substitute
for your attention to the immediate sur-
roundings. The responsibility for safe
maneuvering and parking remains with
you.
•Make sure that no persons, animals or
objects are in the maneuvering range.
•When the sonar function is deactivated,
IPA is also unavailable.
•While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can
drive onto areas of the oncoming lane.
This could cause you to collide with
other road users. There is a risk of an
accident.
•Pay attention to other road users. Stop
the vehicle if necessary or cancel the IPA
parking procedure.
1. Start the engine.
2. Release the electric parking brake.
3. Switch on the turn signal in the direction you are pulling away.
4. Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position D or R
The [Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:]
message appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
5. To cancel the procedure: press the
button on the steering wheel or pull away
or
6. To exit a parking space using IPA: press the
The Park Assist [Observe surroundings]
message appears in the display.
7. Release the steering wheel.
8. Pull away, being ready to brake at all times Do not exceed a maximum speed of
approximately 5 MPH (10 km/h) when
exiting a parking space. Otherwise, IPA
will be canceled.
WARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
cause you to collide with other road users.
There is a risk of an accident.
9. Depending on the message or as required, shift the transmission to position D or R.
IPA immediately steers in the other direc-
tion. The [Observe surroundings] mes-
sage appears in the display.
NOTE
You will achieve the best results by wait-
ing for the steering procedure to com-
plete before pulling away.
If you back up after activation, the steer-
ing wheel is moved to the straight-ahead
position.
10. Drive forward and back up as prompted by the IPA and sonar function warning
displays, several times if necessary.
Once you have exited the parking space com-
pletely, the steering wheel is moved to the
straight-ahead position. You hear a tone and
the [Park Assist switched off] message ap-
pears in the display. You will then have to
steer and merge into traffic on your own. The
Starting and driving5-75
sonar function is still available. You can take
over the steering before the vehicle has ex-
ited the parking space completely. This is use-
ful, for example when you recognize that it is
already possible to pull out of the parking
space.
CANCELING IPA
Stop the movement of the steering wheel or
steer yourself. IPA will be immediately can-
celed. The [Park Assist canceled] message
appears in the vehicle information display.
or
Press the sonar function OFF switch. The
sonar function is switched off and IPA is
immediately canceled The [Park Assist can-
celed] message appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display.
IPA is canceled automatically if:
•The electric parking brake is applied
•Parking using IPA is no longer possible
•You are driving faster than 5 MPH (10
km/h)
•A wheel spins and VDC intervenes or fails.
Thewarning light lights up in the
combination meter. A warning tone sounds. The parking symbol
disappears and the vehicle information dis-
play shows the [Park Assist canceled] mes-
sage.
When IPA is canceled, you must steer again
yourself.
WARNING
•The sonar function is a convenience but
it is not a substitute for proper parking.
Always look around and check that it is
safe to do so before parking. Always
move slowly.
•Read and understand the limitations of
the sonar function as contained in this
section. Inclement weather may affect
the function of the sonar function; this
may include reduced performance or a
false activation.
•The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other maneu-
vers.
•The system is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary ob-
jects to help avoid damaging the vehicle.
The system will not detect small objects
below the bumper, and may not detect
objects that are too close to the bumper
or on the ground.
•Always look around and check that it is
safe to move before parking.
CAMERA AIDING SONAR (PARKING
SENSOR) FUNCTION (IF EQUIPPED)
5-76Starting and driving
•Keep your engine tuned up.
•Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
•Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
•Keep all the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
•Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
For additional information, see "Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities"
in the "10. Technical information" section
WARNING
•Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged. Accelerating quickly, sharp
steering maneuvers or sudden braking
may cause loss of control.
•Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
•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 4WD 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 a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make sure that you inform the test facility
personnel that your vehicle is equipped
with 4WD before it is placed on a dyna-
mometer. Using the wrong test equip-
ment may result in drivetrain damage or
unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
•When a wheel is off the ground due to an
uneven surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) (IF EQUIPPED)
Starting and driving5-87
4. Release the brake pedal.
5. Release the electric parking brake.
6. Switch off the ignition and leave the key inthe ignition switch.
EXTENDED PARKING
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than four weeks, the battery may be dam-
aged by exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than six weeks, it may suffer from lack of use.
Visit an INFINITI retailer and seek advice
NOTE
You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from an INFINITI retailer. The electric power steering system is de-
signed to reduce the driver effort required to
steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If during operation a fault is detected the
following message will be displayed in the
vehicle information display along with an
audible warning tone.
[Power Steering Malfunction See Opera-
tors Manual]
In conjunction with this warning, steering
assistance will no longer be provided by the
system.
The effort required to steer the vehicle will
increase. This will be most noticeable at
low speed and when performing a tight
turning maneuver.
Check whether you are able to provide the
extra effort required.
If you are able to steer safely: Carefully
drive on to an INFINITI retailer.
If you are unable to steer safely: Do NOT
drive on. It is recommended you contact
the nearest INFINITI retailer for
assistance.
CAUTION
•If wheels or tires other than INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the power
steering system may not operate prop-
erly and the [Power Steering Malfunc-
tion See Operators Manual] warning
may appear in the vehicle information
display.
•Do not modify the vehicle's suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the power steer-
ing system may not operate properly
and the [Power Steering Malfunction
See Operators Manual] warning may
appear in the vehicle information dis-
play.
•Do not modify the vehicle's steering. If
steering parts are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the power steer-
ing system may not operate properly
and the [Power Steering Malfunction
See Operators Manual] warning may
appear in the vehicle information dis-
play.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
5-90Starting and driving
•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
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-91
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
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in
order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.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" in the
"9. Maintenance and Schedules" section.)
– For detailed information, see "Wheels and
tires" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section.
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
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid ob-
stacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
5-92Starting and driving
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you start
the engine 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 mal-
function. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates
the ABS warning light on the instrument
panel. The brake system then operates nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance. If the
ABS warning light illuminates during the self-
test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies ac-
cording to road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation
in the brake pedal and hear a noise from
under the hood or feel a vibration from the
actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating prop-
erly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra
care is required while driving.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving
conditions, the VDC system helps to perform
the following functions.
•Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel
on the same axle.
•Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function).
•Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in the
following conditions: – understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased
steering input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot pre-
vent loss of vehicle control in all driving situ-
ations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-93
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light in the instrument panel flashes
so note the following:
•The road may be slippery or the system
may determine some action is required to
help keep the vehicle on the steered path.
•You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under
the hood. This is normal and indicates that
the VDC system is working properly.
•Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See " Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light" in the "2. Instruments and controls" sec-
tion.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system automati-
cally turns off.
WARNING
•The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Reduce ve-
hicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery surfaces
and always drive carefully.
•Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
•If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
•If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
•When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the VDC warning light
may illu-
minate. Do not drive on these types of
roads.
•When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction. Re-
start the engine after driving onto a
stable surface.
•If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
•The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
•If VDC is malfunctioning, VDC is unable
to stabilize the vehicle. In addition,
other driving safety systems are
switched off. This increases the risk of
skidding and an accident. Drive on care-
fully. Have VDC checked. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
CAUTION
•When VDC is deactivated, theVDC OFF warning light lights up con-
tinuously.
5-94Starting and driving