Wire color designation for electric trailer
brake controller jumper harness.
WIRE COLOR NOTE
RED/GREEN Vehicle stop lamp switchto trailer brake controller.
BLACK Brake controller ground (-).
BROWN/WHITE Trailer brake controller switched output.
RED/BLUE Not used
RED Fused trailer brake controller battery feed (B+).
3. Peel off the tape and connect the jumperharness to the connector .
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake controller according to the manu-
facturer’s instructions.
WARNING
∙ If the engine is not running or is turned offwhile driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.
∙ When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of the
vehicle but the steering will be harder to
operate. Have the power steering system
checked. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assist while driving to operate
the steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeat-
edly or continuously while parking or driving
at a very low speed, the power assist for the
steering wheel will be reduced. This is to pre-
vent overheating of the power steering sys-
tem and protect it from getting damaged.
While the power assist is reduced, steering
wheel operation will become heavy. If the
steering wheel operation is still performed,
the power steering may stop and the power
steering warning light will illuminate. In a safe
location, stop the engine and push the igni-
tion switch to the OFF position. The temperature of the power steering sys-
tem will go down after a period of time and
the power assist level will return to normal
after starting the engine. The power steering
warning light will go off. Avoid repeating
such steering wheel operations that could
cause the power steering system to overheat.
You may hear a sound from the front of the
vehicle when the steering wheel is operated
quickly. This is a normal operational noise and
is not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light
PSillumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may indi-
cate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will
still have control of the vehicle. At this time,
greater steering effort is required to operate
the steering wheel, especially in sharp turns
and at low speeds.
For additional information, refer to “Power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
POWER STEERING
5-140Starting and driving
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will
still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
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 and stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.
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.
WARNING
∙ While driving on a slippery surface, becareful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or acceler-
ating could cause the wheels to skid and
result in an accident.
∙ 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.
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 pressing the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes
return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at
high speeds until the brakes function cor-
rectly.
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 rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best brake performance. This procedure is described in the INFINITI
Service Manual. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
∙ The ABS is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting from
careless or dangerous driving techniques.
It can help maintain vehicle control dur-
ing braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle 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 speci- fied size of tires on all four wheels.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-141
– When installing a spare tire, make surethat it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Tire plac-
ard” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do
not lock during hard braking or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing each
wheel from locking, the system helps the
driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to pre-
vent the wheels from locking up. Steer the
vehicle to avoid obstacles.
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 above5-10km/h (3 - 6 mph). 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.
5-142Starting and driving
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. When the VDC system operates, the
indicator in the instrument panel flashes to
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 indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
∙ Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip indi-
cator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights come on
in the instrument panel. The VDC system au-
tomatically turns off when these indicator
lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The
indicator illuminates
to indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to pre-
vent one drive wheel from slipping by trans-
ferring power to a non-slipping drive wheel.
The
indicator flashes if this occurs. All
other VDC functions are off and the
indicator will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in re-
verse at a slow speed. When the self-test oc-
curs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
∙ The VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or by
careless or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-143
∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. Ifsuspension parts such as shock absorb-
ers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bush-
ings and wheels are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
∙ If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not INFINITI rec-
ommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and both the
and
the
indicator lights may illuminate.
∙ If engine control related parts are not INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate. ∙ When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate. Do not drive on these types of
roads.
∙ When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp,
the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights 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
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
(if so equipped)
This system senses driving based on the driv-
er’s steering and acceleration/braking pat-
terns, and controls brake pressure at indi-
vidual wheels to help smooth vehicle
response.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the VDC system, the active trace control sys-
tem is also turned off.
If the active trace control is not functioning
properly, the FEB OFF indicator light illumi-
nates in the instrument panel.
5-144Starting and driving
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of force
to each of the four wheels depending on the
radius of the turn.
WARNING
∙ The VDC system is designed to help thedriver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or by
careless or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle 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 absorb-
ers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bush-
ings and wheels are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate. ∙ If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI rec-
ommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and both the
and
the
indicator lights may illuminate.
∙ If engine control related parts are not INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
∙ When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate. Do not drive on these types of
roads.
∙ When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp,
the
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights 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
indicator may flash or both
the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
Starting and driving5-145
HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
SONAR SYSTEM
The system is automatically activated when
the ignition is in the ON position and the shift
lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
Perform the following steps to enable or dis-
able the sonar system:1. Press the SETTING button on the control panel and highlight the “Camera/Sonar”
key on the display using the INFINITI
controller then press the ENTER button.
2. Highlight the “Sonar” key then press the ENTER button.
3. To turn the sonar system on or off, high- light the “Sonar” key and press the EN-
TER button. To enable the front sensors
only, highlight “FR Sensor Only” and
press the ENTER button.
NOTE:
The system will automatically be turned on
when the engine is restarted.
LSD2697
Starting and driving5-149
Do not attach stickers (including transparent
material), install accessories or apply addi-
tional paint near the sonar sensors.
Do not strike or damage the area around the
sonar sensors. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer if the area around
the sonar sensors is damaged due to a colli-
sion.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer 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 0°C (32°F),
check the antifreeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, refer
to “Engine cooling system” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
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 additional
information, refer to “Battery” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For additional information, refer
to “Changing engine coolant” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate 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 infor-
mation.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However,
some states, provinces and territories
prohibit their use. Check local laws be-
fore installing studded tires.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-151