•Do not place the ignition switch in the on
position while the steering wheel or a
tire is removed.
•Do not turn the steering wheel as much
as possible while the ignition switch is in
any position other than the ON position.
•Installing an accessory on the steering
wheel, or changing the steering wheel,
may reduce the steering performance.
NOTE
When the steering wheel is operated repeat-
edly or continuously while parking or driving
at a very low speed, the power assistance for
the steering wheel will be reduced. This is to
prevent overheating of the electric power
steering system and protect it from becom-
ing damaged. While the power assistance is
reduced, steering wheel operation will be-
come heavy. When the temperature of the
electric power steering system decreases,
the power assistance level will return to nor-
mal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel
operations that could cause the electric
power steering system to overheat.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will
still have braking ability at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or acceler-
ating could cause the wheels to skid and
result in an accident.
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. The stopping distance will be longer.
WARNING
•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.
•Do not coast with the engine stopped.When the brake pedal is depressed slowly
and firmly, you may hear a clicking noise and
feel a slight pulsation. This is normal and
indicates that the Brake Assist System is op-
erating (if equipped).
Using brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings/pads faster, and
increase fuel consumption.
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.
While driving on a slippery surface, be careful
when braking, accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking or acceleration could cause
the wheels to skid and result in an accident.
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 depressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-90Starting 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
5-92Starting 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
vehicle from rolling backwards. Failure
to do so may result in a collision or seri-
ous personal injury.
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
Starting and driving5-95
When towing your vehicle, all jurisdictions and
local regulations for towing must be followed.
Incorrect towing equipment could damage
your vehicle. Towing instructions are available
from an INFINITI retailer. Local service opera-
tors are generally familiar with the applicable
laws and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental dam-
age to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends
having a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions.
WARNING
•Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
•Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
•When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any of these conditions apply, dollies or
a flatbed tow truck must be used.
•Always attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
INFINITI
INFINITI recommends towing your vehicle
based upon the type of drivetrain. Please re-
fer to the diagrams in this section to ensure
that your vehicle is properly towed.
NCE451
FWD (2WD) models
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-14In case of emergency
Parking brake*:
Check the parking brake operation regularly.
Also make sure that the vehicle is held se-
curely on a fairly steep hill when only the
parking brake is applied. If the parking brake
needs adjustment, it is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if so equipped) hold se-
curely in all latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system
(for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters and
retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt
webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering condition,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or
strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure that all warning lights and chimes
are operating properly.Windshield defroster:
Check that the air comes out of the defroster
outlets properly and in good quantity when
operating the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate
properly and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*:
Except for maintenance free battery, check
the fluid level in each cell. It should be be-
tween the “UPPER” and “LOWER” lines.
NOTE
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic
accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone
chargers, GPS, DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.Brake fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake fluid level is be-
tween the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the res-
ervoir.
Coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is
cold.
Engine drive belt(s)*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn,
cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking the vehicle on a
level spot and turning off the engine. Wait
more than 15 minutes for the oil to drain back
into the oil pan.
Exhaust system:
Make sure there are no loose supports,
cracks or holes. If the sound of the exhaust
seems unusual or there is a smell of exhaust
fumes, immediately have the exhaust system
inspected. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service. See "Precau-
tions when starting and driving".
Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil, water or
other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been
parked for a while. Water dripping from the
9-4Maintenance and Schedules
Vanity mirror................3-18
Vanity mirror lights.............2-89
Moving object detection (MOD)......4-24
O
Oil........................10-2
Capacities and recommendations....10-2
Changing engine oil.............8-5
Changing engine oil filter..........8-6
Checking engine oil level..........8-5
Overheating ..................6-13
Engine....................6-13
Engine coolant temperature gauge....2-6
Overview.....................0-6
Cockpit .................0-6,2-2
Engine compartment.........0-9,8-3
Exterior....................0-3
Interior.....................0-5
Seats, Seat belts, Supplemental restraint
system.....................0-2
P
Parcelshelf...................2-85
Installation..................2-86
Removal...................2-85
Parking.....................5-87
Brake.....................5-27
Parking sensor system...........5-76Sonar function...............5-76
Parkingsensors ................5-81
OFF switch.................5-81
Phone......................4-39
Power.......................3-6
Door lock switch...............3-6
Outlet ....................2-79
Seat adjustment...............1-4
Steering...................5-89
Windows..................2-74
Precautions...................1-34
Boosterseats................1-34
Brake.....................5-90
Child restraints...............1-19
Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA)......5-70
Maintenance.................8-2
Safety.....................4-2
Seat belt usage...............1-10
Starting and driving.............5-2
Supplemental Restraint System.....1-37
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)....................5-3
Pregnant women................1-12
Protection ....................7-7
Corrosion...................7-7
Push-button ignition.............5-14
Push-starting..................6-12
R
Rear seats....................1-5
Folding.....................1-6
RearView monitor................4-3
Maintenance................4-11
Repairing....................8-25
Headlights..................8-25
Replacement..................1-54
Airbags ...................1-54
Air cleaner filter...............8-13
Engine coolant................8-4
Engine oil...................8-5
Engine oil filter................8-6
Intelligent Key battery...........8-20
Spark plugs.................8-12
Tires and wheels..............8-34
Wiper blades................8-13
Roof.......................2-78
Glass.....................2-78
Sunshade operation............2-78
Roof Rack....................2-86
S
Safety......................1-17
Children ...................1-17
Child safety rear door locks........3-7
Head restraints................1-7
Injuredpersons...............1-12
Index11-5
Precautions..................4-2
Pregnant women..............1-12
Reporting safety defects........10-17
Seat belts................1-10,1-13
Adjustment.................1-15
Children-Infants..............1-17
Children-Larger..............1-18
Children - Small...............1-18
Childsafety .................1-17
Cleaning....................7-5
Maintenance................1-16
Overview...................0-2
Precautions.................1-10
Warninglight................2-11
Warnings...................1-13
Seats.......................1-2
Adjustment..................1-4
Adjustment (Manual)............1-3
Booster seats................1-34
Head restraints................1-7
Heating ...................2-73
Leather ....................7-6
Memory...................3-21
Overview...................0-2
Rear......................1-5
Rear seats - Folding.............1-6
Seat belts..................1-10
Security system................2-60
Servicing....................4-38
Air conditioner...............4-38Sonar function.................5-81
OFF switch.................5-81
Spark plugs...................8-12
Information.................8-12
Replacement................8-12
Speedometer...................2-5
Starting.....................5-16
Before starting the engine........5-16
Engine....................5-16
Jump-starting................6-10
Precautions..................5-2
Push-starting................6-12
Steering.....................5-89
Power steering system..........5-89
Steering wheel.................3-17
Adjustment.................3-17
Storage.....................2-80
Luggage hooks...............2-84
Luggage net.................2-85
Mappocket.................2-84
Sunshade....................2-78
Operation..................2-78
Sunvisors....................3-18
Supplemental Restraint System.......1-37
Overview...................0-2
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)....0-2
Air bags....................0-2
Switches.....................2-71
Brightness..................2-71
Defroster ..................2-64
Foglights ..................2-71Front passenger air bag..........1-45
Hazard warning flasher...........6-2
Headlight..................2-65
Ignition
....................5-13
Ignition positions..............5-13
Parkingbrake................5-27
Parking sensor system...........5-81
Power door lock...............3-6
Push-button ignition............5-14
Seat......................3-21
Seat adjustment...............1-4
Sonar function...............5-81
Turn signal..................2-67
Windshieldde-icer.............2-64
Wiperandwasher.............2-61
T
Tachometer...................2-6
Three-way catalyst...............5-2
Precautions..................5-2
Tire chains...................8-33
Tires.......................8-34
Changing..................8-34
Coldweather................5-96
Equipment..................5-96
Flat tire....................6-2
Inflationpressure..............8-28
Placard...................10-11
Quality grading..............10-16
11-6Index