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
SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations for
the sonar system. Failure to operate the
vehicle in accordance with these system
limitations could result in serious injury or
death.
∙ Read and understand the limitations ofthe sonar system as contained in this sec-
tion. Inclement weather may affect the
function of the sonar system; this may
include reduced performance or a false
activation.
∙ The system is deactivated at speeds above 10 km/h (6 mph). It is reactivated
at lower speeds.
∙ Inclement weather or ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car wash, a truck’s
compressed-air brakes or a pneumatic
drill may affect the function of the sys-
tem; this may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.
∙ The system is not designed to prevent contact with small or moving objects. Al-
ways move slowly. The system will not
detect small objects below the bumper or
on the ground. ∙ The system may not detect the following
objects: fluffy objects such as snow,
cloth, cotton, glass-wool, etc., or thin ob-
jects such as rope, wire and chain, etc., or
wedge-shaped objects.
∙ The system may not detect objects at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph) and may
not detect certain angular or moving
objects.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
When sonar blockage is detected, the system
will be deactivated automatically.
The system is not available until the condi-
tions no longer exist.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by tempo-
rary ambient conditions such as splashing
water, mist or fog. The blocked condition
may also be caused by objects such as ice,
frost or dirt obstructing the sonar sensors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the system will resume automatically.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The sonar sensors are located on the front
and rear bumpers. Always keep the area near
the sonar sensors clean.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by tempo-
rary ambient conditions such as splashing
water, mist or fog.
The blocked condition may also be caused by
objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing
the sonar sensors.
Check for and remove objects obstructing
the area around the sonar sensors.
LSD2135
5-150Starting and driving
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
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic andto signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the ve- hicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
∙ Make sure the parking brake is securelyapplied and the Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) is shifted into P
(Park).
∙ Never change tires when the vehicle is on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
∙ Never change tires if oncoming traffic is close to your vehicle. Wait for profes-
sional road assistance.
A. Blocks
B. Flat tire
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire to prevent the vehicle from moving when
it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and result in personal injury.
Getting the spare tire and tools
1. Open the liftgate and lift the luggage board in the cargo area using the handle.
LCE2142LCE2407
6-4In case of emergency
4. Remove the jack.∙ The jack is secured by a fastener
E.To
release the fastener, assemble the
jacking rod
Finto the wheel nut
wrench
Gand rotate counterclock-
wise to release.
∙ Insert the flat end of the wheel nut wrench
Ginto the slot of the fastener
E, and rotate counterclockwise to re-
lease the jack.
5. The lowering mechanism for the spare tire is located on the passenger side of
the cargo area. Remove the cover
Hto
access the lowering mechanism. 6. Attach the spare tire winch socket
Ito
the lowering mechanism nut.
7. To lower the spare tire, insert the wheel nut wrench
Ginto the jacking rodF
and insert the T-shaped end of the jack-
ing rod into the winch socket
Iand
rotate counterclockwise.
8. Once the spare tire is lowered, release it from the vehicle by guiding the lowering
cable and winch through the center of
the tire. NOTE:
Fully lower the spare tire below the vehicle
before attempting to remove the winch from
the spare tire.
9. After removing the spare tire from under the vehicle, be sure to crank the cable up
by rotating the winch socket clockwise
to stow it.
10. Securely store the flat tire, tools and jacking equipment in the vehicle.
CAUTION
∙ Make sure safety cable is coiled abovespare tire when reinstalling spare
tire/wheel.
∙ When re-installing the spare tire under the vehicle after use, be sure to secure it
with the tire stem facing down toward
the ground. If the spare tire is improperly
secured with the tire stem facing up to-
wards the bottom of the vehicle, there is
an increased risk of separating from the
vehicle in the event of a crash which may
pose a hazard in traffic or risk of injury to
others.LCE2350LCE2351
6-6In case of emergency
Jacking up vehicle and removing
the damaged tire
WARNING
∙ Never get under the vehicle while it issupported only by the jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support it
with safety stands.
∙ Use only the jack provided with your ve- hicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use the jack
provided with your vehicle on other ve-
hicles. The jack is designed for lifting only
your vehicle during a tire change.
∙ Use the correct jack-up points. Never use any other part of the vehicle for jack
support.
∙ Never jack up the vehicle more than necessary.
∙ Never use blocks on or under the jack.
∙ Do not start or run the engine while ve- hicle is on the jack. It may cause the ve-
hicle to move. This is especially true for
vehicles with limited slip differentials.
∙ Do not allow passengers to stay in the vehicle while it is on the jack. ∙ Never run the engine with a wheel(s) off
the ground. It may cause the vehicle to
move.
Always refer to the illustration for the correct
placement and jack-up points for your spe-
cific vehicle model and jack type.
Carefully read the caution label attached to
the jack body and the following instructions.
In case of emergency6-7
1. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turnsby turning counterclockwise with the
wheel nut wrench. Do not remove the
wheel nuts until the tire is off the
ground. 2. Place the jack directly under the jack-up
point as illustrated so the top of the jack
contacts the vehicle at the jack-up point.
The jack-up points are indicated by
stamped arrows on the side of the
frame. The jack should be used on firm and level
ground.
LCE2408
6-8In case of emergency