Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system
is operating, thus alerting the driver to the
fact that the road surface is slippery and the
vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working; this
is normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds after the
VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The
indicator light also comes on when
you place the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion. The light will turn off after approxi-
mately 2 seconds if the system is operational.
If the light does not come on have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the VDC
OFF switch is pushed to off. This indicates
the VDC has been turned off.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine and the system will be reactivated.
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual.
The VDC light also comes on when the igni-
tion switch is placed in the ON position. The
light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the
indicator light
while you are driving, have the VDC system
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
WARNING
VDC should remain on unless freeing a ve-
hicle from mud or snow.
While the VDC system is operating, you
might feel a slight vibration or hear the sys-
tem working when starting the vehicle or ac-
celerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a disc brake pad requires replace-
ment, it makes a high pitched scraping sound
when the vehicle is in motion, whether or not
the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the warning
sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the ignition switch is placed in the ACC
or OFF position or placed in the OFF or
LOCK position with the Intelligent Key left in
the vehicle. Make sure the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK position, and take the
Intelligent Key with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
and Lane Departure Prevention
(LDP) warning chime (if so
equipped)
When the LDW or LDP system is on, the
chime sounds if the vehicle is traveling close
to either the left or the right of a traveling
lane with detectable lane markers.
Instruments and controls2-15
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 models 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
the 2WD mode. This could reduce the
traction. Be especially careful when tow-
ing 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 terrain.
∙ 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. ∙ Do not shift gears while driving on down-
hill grades as this could cause loss of con-
trol of the vehicle.
∙ Stay alert when driving to the top of a hill. At the top there could be a drop-off
or other hazard that could cause an
accident.
∙ If your engine stalls or you cannot make it to the top of a steep hill, never attempt to
turn around. Your vehicle could tip or roll
over. Always back straight down in R
(Reverse) gear and apply brakes to con-
trol your speed.
∙ Heavy braking going down a hill could cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed.
∙ Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.
∙ Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. Do not
equip the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could cause
your vehicle to roll over.
Starting and driving5-11
Condition C:
If the following messages appear in the vehicle
information display, a chime will sound and the
LDP system will be turned off automatically:
∙ “Unavailable: Road is slippery”:When the VDC system (except Traction
Control System (TCS) function) or ABS
operates.
∙ “Unavailable: VDC OFF”: When the VDC system is turned off.
∙ “Unavailable: Snow mode active”: When the Drive Mode Selector switch is
turned to the SNOW mode.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
turn off the LDP system. Push the dynamic
driver assistance switch again to turn the
LDP system back on.
Temporary disabled status at high temperature:
If the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight under
high temperature conditions (over approxi-
mately 104°F [40°C]) and then the LDP sys-
tem is turned on, the LDP system may be
deactivated automatically and the following
message will appear on the vehicle informa-
tion display: “Unavailable: High Cabin Temp.”
When the interior temperature is reduced, the
system will resume operating automatically.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The lane camera unit1for the LDP system
is located behind the inside mirror. To keep
the proper operation of the LDP system and
prevent a system malfunction, be sure to ob-
serve the following:
∙ Always keep the windshield clean.
∙ Do not attach a sticker (including trans- parent material) or install an accessory
near the camera unit. ∙ Do not place reflective materials, such as
white paper or a mirror, on the instrument
panel. The reflection of sunlight may ad-
versely affect the camera unit’s capability
of detecting the lane markers.
∙ Do not strike or damage the areas around the camera unit. Do not touch the camera
lens or remove the screw located on the
camera unit. If the camera unit is dam-
aged due to an accident, it is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer.
LIC3638
Starting and driving5-37
NOTE:∙ Illustration 12: The BSI system will not
operate if your vehicle is on a lane marker
when another vehicle enters the detec-
tion zone. In this case, only the BSW sys-
tem operates.
∙ BSI braking will not operate or will stop
operating and only a warning chime will
sound under the following conditions:
– When the brake pedal is depressed.
– When the vehicle is accelerated dur-
ing BSI system operation. –
When steering quickly.
– When the ICC, DCA, PFCW or FEB
with Pedestrian Detection warnings
sound.
– When the hazard warning flashers
are operated.
– When driving on a curve at a high
speed.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
When any of the following messages appear
on the vehicle information display, a chime
will sound and the BSI system will be turned
off automatically.
∙ “Unavailable: Road is slippery”: When the VDC system (except traction
control system function) or ABS oper-
ates.
∙ “Unavailable: VDC OFF”: When the VDC system is turned off.
∙ “Unavailable: Snow mode active”: When the drive mode select switch is
turned to the SNOW mode. ∙ “Unavailable: High Cabin Temp.”:
When the camera detects that the inte-
rior temperature is high (over approxi-
mately 104°F [40°C]).
∙ “Unavailable: Side Radar Obstruction”: When side radar blockage is detected.
Turn off the BSI system and turn it on again
when the above conditions no longer exist.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
When the BSI system malfunctions, it will be
turned off automatically, a chime will sound
and the BSI system warning light (orange) will
illuminate.
Action to take:
Stop the vehicle in a safe location, place the
vehicle in the P (Park) position, turn the en-
gine off and restart the engine. If the warning
light (orange) continues to illuminate, have
the system checked. It is recommended that
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Illustration 12 – Entering from the side
LSD2051
Starting and driving5-57
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
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 that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) operates
at speeds above3-6mph(5-10km/h). The
speed varies according 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.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the brake assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even with
light pedal force.
WARNING
The brake assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the driv-
er’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all times.
The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Un-
der certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem 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 out- put 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 fol- low the steered path despite in-
creased 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
5-136Starting and driving
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. For additional information, refer to “Tire chains” in the
“Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
∙ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re- move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
∙ A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack to give it firm support.
∙ A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow- drifts. ∙ Extra washer fluid to refill the
windshield-washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
∙ Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),very cold snow or ice can be slick and very
hard to drive on. The vehicle will have
much less traction or “grip” under these
conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet
ice until the road is salted or sanded.
∙ Whatever the condition, drive with cau- tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even more
traction.
∙ Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
∙ Allow greater following distances on slippery roads.
∙ Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These may appear on an otherwise clear
road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is
seen ahead, brake before reaching it. Try
not to brake while on the ice, and avoid
any sudden steering maneuvers. ∙ Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
∙ Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around your
vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist with
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or
lower.
WARNING
∙ Do not use your engine block heater withan ungrounded electrical system or a
2-pronged adapter. You can be seriously
injured by an electrical shock if you use an
ungrounded connection.
∙ Disconnect and properly store the engine block heater cord before starting the en-
gine. Damage to the cord could result in
an electrical shock and can cause serious
injury.
Starting and driving5-145
∙ Always use tires of the same type, size,brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Failure to do so may re-
sult in a circumference difference be-
tween tires on the front and rear axles
which can cause the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system to malfunction re-
sulting in personal injury or death, exces-
sive tire wear and may damage the trans-
mission, transfer case and differential
gears.
∙ For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
∙ ONLY use spare tires specified for the AWD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked and corrected as necessary. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
All season tires
INFINITI specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow tires
have better snow traction than All Season
tires and may be more appropriate in some
areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance is sub-
stantially reduced in snow and ice. Summer
tires do not have the tire traction rating
“M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the use
of SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all
four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load ratingto the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed rat-
ings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of
the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires. Skid and traction ca-
pabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be installed
on 235/55R20 size tires. Installation of the
tire chains/cables on 235/55R20 size tires
will cause damage to the vehicle. If you plan
to use tire chains/cables, you should install
235/65R18 size tires on your vehicle.
Do-it-yourself8-35
DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform
to federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The rela-
tive performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service prac-
tices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions onspecified government test surfaces of as-
phalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat, and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive tempera-
ture can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
heat build-up and possible tire failure.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
10-30Technical and consumer information