•The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality, within
certain limitations. The system may not
detect some forms of obstruction of the
sensor area such as ice, snow, stickers,
for example. In these cases, the system
may not be able to warn the driver prop-
erly. Be sure that you check, clean and
clear the sensor area regularly.
•Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
If the FEB stops working due to a malfunc-
tion or some other reason, one of the follow-
ing three messages will be displayed in the
vehicle information display.
•[Emergency Brake Currently Unavailable
See Operator's Manual]
•[Emergency Brake Inoperative]
•[Radar Sensors Dirty See Operator's
Manual]
For each of these messages, possible causes
and solutions are listed below. [Emergency Brake Currently Unavailable
See Operator's Manual]:
The FEB system is
temporarily inoperative. Possible causes:
•The radar sensor system is temporarily in-
operative, for example, due to electro-
magnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV
or radio stations or other sources of elec-
tromagnetic radiation.
•The system is outside the operating tem-
perature range.
•The on-board voltage is too low.
Once the causes listed above no longer apply,
the display message goes out. The FEB sys-
tem is operative again.
If the display message does not disappear:
•Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
•Secure the vehicle against rolling away.
•Switch off the engine.
[Emergency Brake Inoperative]: The FEB
system is temporarily inoperative due to a
malfunction. The adaptive brake assist func-
tion may also have failed.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer. [Radar Sensors Dirty See Operator's
Manual]:
The FEB system is temporarily re-
stricted or inoperative. Possible causes:
•The sensor behind the INFINITI logo is
dirty.
•The function of the FEB system is im-
paired due to heavy rain or snow.
A warning tone also sounds.
Once the causes listed above no longer apply,
the display message goes out. The FEB sys-
tem is operative again.
If the display message does not disappear:
•Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
•Secure the vehicle against rolling away.
•Switch off the engine.
•Clean the area around the sensors.
•Restart the engine. The display message
disappears.
5-68Starting 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
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
function and the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will flash for approximately 1
minute. The light will remain on after 1
minute. It is recommended you Contact
an INFINITI retailer as soon as possible
for tire replacement and/or system re-
setting.
•Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
•If you used Emergency Tire Sealant to
repair a minor tire puncture, the TPMS
sensor should be checked when repair-
ing or replacing the tire. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
monitors tire pressure of all tires. When the
low tire pressure warning light is lit, and a tire
pressure-related warning (if equipped) ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, one
or more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with low
tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and
warn you of it by the low tire pressure warn-
ing light (in the meter panel). This system will
activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For more details about the TPMS, see "Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)" in the
"5. Starting and driving" section.
STOPPING VEHICLE
WARNING
•Be sure to apply the parking brake
firmly.
•Be sure that P (Park) is engaged.
•Never change tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery area. This is
hazardous.
•Never change tires when the oncoming
traffic is close to your vehicle. Call for
professional road assistance.
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard indicator flasher lights.
3. Park on a level surface.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Press the P (Park) button.
6. Turn off the engine. 7. Open the hood and set up the triangle
reflector (if equipped):
•To warn other traffic.
•To signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
8. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from
other traffic and clear of the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-3
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 fol-
lows:
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
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
10. Open the hood. For details, see "Hood" in the "3. Pre-driving checks and adjust-
ments" section.
11. Visually check if the cooling fan is run- ning.
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
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.................8-2
Engine compartment check locations .........8-3
2.0L Gasoline engine ................ .8-3
Engine cooling system .................. .8-3
Checking engine coolant level ............8-4
Changing engine coolant ...............8-4
Engine oil .......................... .8-5
Checking engine oil level ...............8-5
Changing engine oil ................. .8-5
Changing engine oil filter ...............8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ..........8-7
Brake fluid ......................... .8-7
Window washer fluid .................. .8-8
Battery ........................... .8-9
Accessing Vehicle battery ..............8-10
Maintenance free battery ..............8-10
Models with Idle Stop/Start System .......8-11
Battery replacement ................ .8-11
Reinitialisation procedure after battery
reconnection ..................... .8-12
Jump-starting .................... .8-12
Drive belt ......................... .8-12
Spark plugs ........................ .8-13
Air cleaner filter ..................... .8-13
Wiper blades ....................... .8-13Cleaning
........................ .8-13
Replacing front window wiper blades ......8-14
Replacing rear window wiper blade .......8-16
Brakes ........................... .8-17
Self-adjusting brakes ................ .8-17
Fuses ............................ .8-17
Before replacing a fuse ...............8-17
Engine compartment ................ .8-17
Passenger compartment ..............8-18
Intelligent Key battery replacement ........
.8-20
Checking
the battery ................ .8-20
Replacing the battery ............... .8-20
Lights ........................... .8-22
Exterior and interior lights ..............8-22
Replacement procedures ..............8-24
Wheels and tires ..................... .8-27
Tire Pressure ..................... .8-27
Tire inflation pressure ............... .8-29
Tire labeling ..................... .8-29
Types of tires ..................... .8-31
Tire chains ...................... .8-32
Tire wear and damage ............... .8-33
Tire rotation ..................... .8-34
Replacing wheels and tires .............8-34
Wheel balance .................... .8-35