Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The MIL may also come on steady if the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the
vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least
11.4 liters (3 gallons) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light
should turn off if no other potential emission
control system malfunction exists.
Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:
∙ MIL on steady — An emission control sys- tem malfunction has been detected.
Check the fuel-filler cap. If the fuel-filler
cap is loose or missing, tighten or install
the cap and continue to drive the vehicle.
The
light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
light does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have
the vehicle checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the retailer. ∙ MIL blinking — An engine misfire has been
detected which may damage the emis-
sion control system. To reduce or avoid
emission control system damage:
– do not drive at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph).
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The check engine light may stop blinking and
come on steady. Have the vehicle checked. It
is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the retailer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates
that the security systems equipped on the
vehicle are operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security
systems” in this section.
Side light and headlight indicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light
illuminates when the side light or headlights
are on (not including daytime running or sig-
nature lights). If the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position, the side light and headlight
indicator light will illuminate when the head-
lights turn on. For additional information, re-
fer to “Headlight and turn signal switch” in
this section.
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.
2-14Instruments and controls
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
∙ Spinning the front wheels on slipperysurfaces 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. ∙ Do not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move suddenly
and injure your hands. Instead drive with
your fingers and thumbs on the outside of
the rim.
∙ Before operating the vehicle, ensure that the driver and all passengers have their
seat belts fastened.
∙ Always drive with the floor mats in place as the floor may become hot.
∙ Lower your speed when encountering strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your INFINITI is more affected
by strong side winds. Slower speeds en-
sure better vehicle control.
∙ Do not drive beyond the performance ca- pability of the tires, even with AWD
engaged.
∙ For AWD 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 drivetrain damage
or unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
Starting and driving5-11
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
Condition A:
The warning and assist functions of the LDP
system are not designed to work under the
following conditions:∙ When you operate the lane change signal and change the traveling lanes in the di-
rection of the signal. (The LDP system will
be deactivated for approximately 2 sec-
onds after the lane change signal is
turned off.)
∙ When the vehicle speed lowers to less than approximately 70 km/h (45 mph).
After the above conditions have finished and
the necessary operating conditions are satis-
fied, the warning and assist functions will
resume.
Condition B:
The assist function of the LDP system is not
designed to work under the following condi-
tions (warning is still functional): ∙ When the brake pedal is depressed.
∙ When the steering wheel is turned as far as necessary for the vehicle to change
lanes. ∙ When the vehicle is accelerated during
LDP system operation.
∙ When the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) approach warning occurs.
∙ When the hazard warning flashers are operated.
∙ When driving on a curve at high speed.
After the above conditions have finished and
the necessary operating conditions are satis-
fied, the LDP system application of the
brakes will resume.
Condition C:
If the following messages appear in the ve-
hicle information display, a chime will sound
and the LDP system will be turned off auto-
matically: ∙ “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 40°C [104°F]) 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.
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 Selector 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 40°C [104°F]).
∙ “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
5-58Starting 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
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
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion 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 (0°C, 32°F 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.
5-152Starting and driving
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
∙ When changing or replacing tires, be sureall four tires are of the same type (i.e.,
Summer, All Season or Snow) and con-
struction. An INFINITI retailer may be
able to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
∙ Replacement tires may have a lower speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
∙ Replacing tires with those not originally specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the low tire pressure
warning system. ∙ 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.
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 rating
to 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.
8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
LOADING TIPS
∙ The GVW must not exceed GVWR orGAWR.
∙ Do not load the front and rear axle to the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
∙ Properly secure all cargo with ropes orstraps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. In a sudden stop or collision, un-
secured cargo could cause personal
injury.
∙ Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the maximum front and
rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your ve-
hicle can break, tire damage could occur,
or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of con-
trol and cause personal injury.
∙ Overloading not only can shorten the life of your vehicle and the tire, but can also
cause unsafe vehicle handling and longer
braking distances. This may cause a pre-
mature tire failure which could result in a
serious accident and personal injury. Fail-
ures caused by overloading are not cov-
ered by the vehicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale
and weigh the front and the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads. Individual
axle loads should not exceed either of the
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR). The total
of the axle loads should not exceed the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If weight rat-
ings are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings. Quality Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to 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.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-15