•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
CAUTION
Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the differential. Damage
of this sort is not covered by the warranty.
All wheels must be fully raised (see "Four-
Wheel Drive (4WD) models" in the "6. In
case of emergency" section)
4WD, together with VDC, improves the trac-
tion of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel
spins due to insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4WD
can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4WD cannot
take account of road, weather, and traffic
conditions. 4WD is only an aid. You are re-
sponsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time, and for staying in lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip
•When pulling away, only depress the ac-
celerator pedal as far as is necessary.
•Accelerate less when driving.
NOTE
In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effectiveness of 4WD can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
WARNING
•Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
•Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied and
the P (Park) position engaged. Failure to
do so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result in
an accident.
•When parking the vehicle, make sure the
P (Park) position is engaged. The shift
lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position without depressing the
brake pedal.
•Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.
•Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls or move the
vehicle. Unattended children could be-
come involved in serious accidents.
•To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not leave
children, people who require the assis-
tance of others, or pets unattended in your vehicle. Additionally, the tempera-
ture inside a closed vehicle on a warm
day can quickly become high enough to
cause a significant risk of injury or death
to people and pets.
CAUTION
Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its
drive train could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
•The electric parking brake must be applied.
•The transmission must be in position P
(Park) and the transmission position dis-
play must show P in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
•The key must be removed from the ignition
switch.
•On uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb.
PARKING
5-88Starting and driving
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
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
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
If you deactivate VDC:
•VDC no longer intervenes in understeer or
oversteer situations.
•Engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action, so the tires cut through the
loose surface until the hit solid ground,
giving better traction.
•Traction control is still activated.
•VDC still provides support when you
brake.
EBD (ELECTRONIC BRAKE
FORCE DISTRIBUTION)
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to help improve han-
dling during braking.
WARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the EBD [Inop-
erative See Operator's Manual] warning is
displayed in the vehicle information dis-
play. The
VDC warning light may also
light up.
If EBD is malfunctioning as a result of a
VDC malfunction, the rear wheels can lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the
risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving
style to the different handling characteris-
tics. Have the brake system checked. It is
recommended you see an INFINITI retailer.
STEER CONTROL
STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting
a noticeable steering force to the steering
wheel in the direction required for vehicle
stabilisation.
This steering support is provided in particular
if:
•Both right wheels or both left wheels are
on a wet or slippery road surface when
you brake.
•The vehicle starts to skid.
WARNING
No steering support is provided from
STEER CONTROL, if:
•VDC is malfunctioning.
•The steering is faulty.
Power steering will, however, continue to
function.
WARNING
•Never rely solely on the Hill Start Assist
(HSA) system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill. Always
drive carefully and attentively. Depress
the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Be especially
careful when stopped on a hill on frozen
or muddy roads. Failure to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards may re-
sult in a loss of control of the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
•The Hill Start Assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill
on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll backwards and may result in a colli-
sion or serious personal injury.
•The Hill Start Assist system may not
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards on a hill under all load or road
conditions. Always be prepared to de-
press the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling backwards. Failure to
do so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
•After a short time, hill start assist will no
longer brake your vehicle and it could
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
5-96Starting and driving
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" in the "8. Do-it-
yourself" section.
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" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section 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" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section 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.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure they are the proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed according
to the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
Use chain tensioners when recommended
by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a
tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chains
must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage
to the fenders or underbody. In addition,
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-97
6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch.............6-2
Flat tire ........................... .6-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .....6-2
Stopping vehicle .................... .6-3
Warning triangle (if equipped) ............6-4
Run-flat tires ...................... .6-4Removing and fitting wheels
.............6-5
Jump starting ...................... .6-10
Push starting ....................... .6-12
If your vehicle overheats ................ .6-13
Towing your vehicle .................. .6-14
Towing recommended by INFINITI ........6-14