CAUTION
Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the differential. Damage
of this sort is not covered by the warranty.
All wheels must be fully raised (see "Four-
Wheel Drive (4WD) models")
4WD, together with VDC, improves the trac-
tion of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel
spins due to insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4WD
can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4WD cannot
take account of road, weather, and traffic
conditions. 4WD is only an aid. You are re-
sponsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time, and for staying in lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip
•When pulling away, only depress the ac-
celerator pedal as far as is necessary.
•Accelerate less when driving.
NOTE
In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effectiveness of 4WD can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
WARNING
•Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
•Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied and
the P (Park) position engaged. Failure to
do so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result in
an accident.
•When parking the vehicle, make sure the
P (Park) position is engaged. The shift
lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position without depressing the
brake pedal.
•Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.
•Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls or move the
vehicle. Unattended children could be-
come involved in serious accidents.
•To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not leave
children, people who require the assis-
tance of others, or pets unattended in
your vehicle. Additionally, the tempera-
ture inside a closed vehicle on a warm
day can quickly become high enough to
cause a significant risk of injury or death
to people and pets.
CAUTION
Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its
drive train could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
•The electric parking brake must be applied.
•The transmission must be in position P
(Park) and the transmission position dis-
play must show P in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
•The key must be removed from the ignition
switch.
•On uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb.
PARKING
Starting and driving5-87
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Press the P (Park) button.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from moving
into traffic when parked on an incline, it is
a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB
1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb. Then apply
the parking brake.
HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB
2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
allow the vehicle to move back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the curb.
Then apply the parking brake.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL,
WITHOUT CURB
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if the vehicle moves.
Then apply the parking brake.
4.
Put the ignition switch in the OFF position.
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
position N (Neutral) when you switch off
the engine. The vehicle may roll away.
There is a risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always
switch to position P (Park). Prevent the
parked vehicle from rolling away by apply-
ing the parking brake.
Procedure
1. Apply the electric parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to position P (Park).
3.With the key:turn the key to the position
OFF in the ignition switch and remove it
The immobilizer is activated.
If you switch the engine off with the trans-
mission in position R (Reverse) or D (Drive),
the automatic transmission shifts to N (Neu-
tral) automatically.
With the key: if you then open the driver's
door or the front-passenger door or remove
the key from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to P (Park) automatically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N (Neutral), e.g. when hav-
ing the vehicle cleaned in an automatic car
wash with a towing system:
With the key:
1. Switch the ignition on.
2. Depress the brake pedal and keep it de-
pressed.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
SSD0488Z
5-88Starting and driving
4. Release the brake pedal.
5. Release the electric parking brake.
6. Switch off the ignition and leave the key in
the ignition switch.
EXTENDED PARKING
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than four weeks, the battery may be dam-
aged by exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than six weeks, it may suffer from lack of use.
Visit an INFINITI retailer and seek advice
NOTE
You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from an INFINITI retailer.The electric power steering system is de-
signed to reduce the driver effort required to
steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If during operation a fault is detected the
following message will be displayed in the
vehicle information display along with an
audible warning tone.
[Power Steering Malfunction See Opera-
tors Manual]
In conjunction with this warning, steering
assistance will no longer be provided by the
system.
The effort required to steer the vehicle will
increase. This will be most noticeable at
low speed and when performing a tight
turning maneuver.
Check whether you are able to provide the
extra effort required.
If you are able to steer safely: Carefully
drive on to an INFINITI retailer.
If
you are unable to steer safely: Do NOT
drive on. It is recommended you contact the
nearest INFINITI retailer for assistance.
CAUTION
•If wheels or tires other than INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the power
steering system may not operate prop-
erly and the [Power Steering Malfunc-
tion See Operators Manual] warning
may appear in the vehicle information
display.
•Do not modify the vehicle's suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the power steer-
ing system may not operate properly
and the [Power Steering Malfunction
See Operators Manual] warning may
appear in the vehicle information dis-
play.
•Do not modify the vehicle's steering. If
steering parts are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the power steer-
ing system may not operate properly
and the [Power Steering Malfunction
See Operators Manual] warning may
appear in the vehicle information dis-
play.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-89
•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
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes func-
tion correctly.
Driving uphill
When starting on a steep gradient, it is some-
times difficult to operate the brake. Use the
parking brake to hold the vehicle. When ready
to start, make sure that the shift lever is in an
appropriate forward or reverse driving posi-
tion, release the parking brake while depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle has
an electric parking brake, this will automati-
cally release when you depress the accelera-
tor pedal (DCT models).
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for
controlling the vehicle while descending hills.
A low gear position in the manual shift mode,
low enough to obtain sufficient engine brak-
ing, should be selected.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weak-
ened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that stopping
distances on slippery surfaces will be lon-
ger than on normal surfaces even with
ABS. Stopping distances may also be lon-
ger on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains. Al-
ways maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle 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 specified
size of tires on all four wheels.–When installing a replacement tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire and loading informa-
tion label. (See "Wheels and Tires".)
–For detailed information, see "Wheels and
tires".
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during
hard braking or when braking on slippery sur-
faces. The system detects the rotation speed
at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pres-
sure to prevent each wheel from locking and
sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent 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.
Starting and driving5-91
•After a short time, hill start assist will no
longer brake your vehicle and it could
roll away There is a risk of an accident
and injury. Therefore, quickly move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal. Never leave the vehicle
when it is held by hill start assist.
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It
holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake
pedal. This gives you enough time to move
your foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal and depress it before the vehicle
begins to roll.
Hill start assist is not active if
•You are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
•On vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is in position N.
•The electric parking brake is applied.
•VDC is malfunctioning.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer 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 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see
"Engine cooling system".
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 details, see
"Battery" of this manual.
DRAINING OF ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see "Changing engine
coolant" of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
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 information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-96Starting and driving
•When a replacement tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will flash for approximately
1 minute. The light will remain on after
1 minute. It is recommended you Con-
tact an INFINITI retailer as soon as pos-
sible for tire replacement and/or system
resetting.
•Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
•If you used Emergency Tire Sealant to
repair a minor tire puncture, the TPMS
sensor should be checked when repair-
ing or replacing the tire. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
monitors tire pressure of all tires. When the
low tire pressure warning light is lit, and a tire
pressure-related warning (if equipped) ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, one
or more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with low
tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and
warn you of it by the low tire pressure warn-
ing light (in the meter panel). This system willactivate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h).
For more details about the TPMS, see "Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)".
STOPPING VEHICLE
WARNING
•Be sure to apply the parking brake
firmly.
•Be sure that P (Park) is engaged.
•Never change tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery area. This is
hazardous.
•Never change tires when the oncoming
traffic is close to your vehicle. Call for
professional road assistance.
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard indicator flasher lights.
3. Park on a level surface.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Press the P (Park) button.
6. Turn off the engine.7. Open the hood and set up the triangle
reflector (if equipped):
•To warn other traffic.
•To signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
8. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from
other traffic and clear of the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-3
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Fail-
ure to do so could result in damage to the
charging system and cause personal injury.1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their
batteries near each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.2. Check if the parking brake is applied.
If not, after connecting the vehicle with
the booster battery (after step 8), apply
the parking brake.
The vehicle has an electric parking brake,
for more information see, "Parking brake"
3. Press the P (Park) button.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys-
tems (headlights, hazard lights etc,).
5. Ensure that the ignition switch of the ve-
hicle being jump-started is in the OFF po-
sition.
6. Open the hood. For details, see "Hood".
7. Remove the vent caps (if equipped) on the
battery and cover the battery with an old
cloth.
8. Connect the jump leads in the sequence
(
1→2→3→4) as illustrated.
CAUTION
•Always connect positive+to positive
+and negative-to body ground (for
example, strut mounting bolt, engine lift
bracket, etc.) – not to the battery's
negative
-.
NDI1595
In case of emergency6-11