2.0L GASOLINE ENGINE
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-3)
2. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-5)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-5)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-7)5. Engine air cleaner filter (P. 8-13)
6. Battery (P. 8-9)
7. Fuse box (P. 8-17)
8. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-8)
NIC2833
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Illustrated table of contents0-9
WARNING LIGHTS
Also see "Vehicle information display" later in
this section.
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the ABS warning light illuminates to in-
dicate that the ABS is operational. The light
then turns off within a few seconds after the
engine is started.
If the ABS light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock braking
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
If the ABS warning light comes on while driv-
ing, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Observe the additional display mes-
sages (if any) in the vehicle information dis-
play. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock as-
sistance (see "Brake system").
BRAKE warning light (red)
WARNING
•Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it to
be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driving
it could be dangerous.
•Pressing the brake pedal when the igni-
tion switch is not in the ON position
and/or when the brake fluid level is low
may increase the stopping distance and
braking will require greater pedal effort
as well as pedal travel.
•If the brake fluid level is below the mini-
mum or MIN mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light remains illuminated and
turns off when the engine is started. If the
light illuminates at any other time, it may
indicate that the brake system is not func-
tioning properly. If the BRAKE warning lightilluminates, stop the vehicle immediately and
contact an INFINITI retailer.
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Low tire pressure warning
light (if equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the
tire pressure of all its tires.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of
low tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS
is not functioning properly.
When the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the Low tire pressure warming light illu-
minates to indicate that the system is opera-
tional. The light then tuns off within a few
seconds after the engine is started.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate. A
tire pressure warning message also appears
in the vehicle information display.
When the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates, you should stop and adjust the
tire pressure of all 4 tires to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label located in
Instruments and controls2-9
Message Possible causes/consequences and solutions
[Check Brake Fluid Level]There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the redwarning light lights up in the combination meter and a warning tone sounds.
1. Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
2. Secure the vehicle against rolling away.
3. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid is necessary, add fluid and have the system checked. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service. See "Brake fluid".
4. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
WARNING•Your brake system may not be working properly if the warning light is on. Driving could be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest service station for repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed because driving it could be
dangerous.
•Pressing the brake pedal with the engine stopped and/or low brake fluid level may increase your stopping distance and braking
will require greater pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
•If the brake fluid level is below the minimum or MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do not drive until the brake system has
been checked. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
[Check Brake Pad Wear]The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer.
2-36Instruments and controls
Vehicle
Message Possible causes/consequences and solutions
[Depress Brake to Start
Engine](DCT models only). You have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in position N (Neutral) without depressing the
brake pedal.
Depress the brake pedal.
[To Deselect P or N,
Depress Brake and Start
Engine]You have attempted to shift the shift lever to position R (Reverse) or D (Drive) without starting the engine.
Start the engine and depress the brake pedal.
NOTE•It is only possible to move the shift lever from position P (Park) to the desired position if you depress the brake pedal. Only then
can the parking lock be deactivated.
•At transmission fluid temperatures below -5°F (-20°C) you can only shift out of position P (Park) into another transmission
position when the engine is running.
[Apply Brake to Shift
From 'P']You have attempted to shift the shift lever to position R (Reverse), N (Neutral) or D (Drive) without depressing the brake pedal.
Depress the brake pedal.
[Risk of Rolling Transmis-
sion Not in P]The driver's door is open/not fully closed and the shift lever is in position R (Reverse), N (Neutral) or D (Drive).
A warning tone also sounds
WARNING
The vehicle may roll away.
There is a risk of an accident.
1. Press the P (Park) button.
2. Secure the vehicle against rolling away.
3. Close the driver's door fully.
[Service Required Do Not
Shift Gears Visit Dealer]You cannot change the transmission position due to a malfunction.
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position D (Drive) is selected, Drive to an INFINITI retailer without shifting the transmission from position D (Drive).
If transmission position R (Reverse), N (Neutral) or P (Park), secure the vehicle against rolling away. It is recommended you consult
an INFINITI retailer.
2-54Instruments and controls
You do not have to remove the start/stop
button from the ignition lock when you leave
the vehicle. You should, however, always
take the key with you when leaving the ve-
hicle. As long as the key is in the vehicle:
•The vehicle can be started using the push-
button ignition switch.
•The electrically powered equipment can be
operated.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF
To shut off the engine in an emergency situ-
ation while driving, perform the following
procedure:
•Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times in less than
1.5 seconds, or
•Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.
•Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
•Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer
fluid as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
•Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
•Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Measure and check the tire
pressure for proper inflation.
•Check that all doors are closed.
•Position seat and adjust head restraints/
headrests.
•Adjust the inside and outside rear view
mirrors.
•Fasten your seat belt and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
•Check the operation of the warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position.
STARTING PROCEDURE WITH
THE KEY
0OFF position
1ACC position
2ON position
3START position
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to position P (Park)
by pressing the
button.
The transmission position indicator in the
vehicle information display shows
When the transmission is in position N
(Neutral), you can also start the engine
with the brake pedal depressed.
The starter is designed not to operate if the
shift lever is in any of the driving positions.
NPA1483
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE STARTING ENGINE
5-16Starting 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
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are the proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed according
to the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
Use chain tensioners when recommended
by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a
tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chains
must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage
to the fenders or underbody. In addition,
drive at a reduced speed, otherwise, your
vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be ad-
versely affected.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during the winter:
•A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows.
•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 (32°F, 0°C 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 cruise control on slippery
roads.
•Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas
under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around your
vehicle.
Starting and driving5-97