•Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
–
When replacing tires, install the speci-fied size of tires on all four wheels.
– When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. For additional
information, see “Tire and Loading
Information label” (P. 8-29).
–
For additional information, see “Wheels and tires” (P. 8-27).
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 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes
electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic
solenoids and a computer. The computer has
a built-in diagnostic feature 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 malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off
and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally 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 above3-6mph(5-10km/h). 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.
Starting and driving5-141
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 wheelslip 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 fol-
lowing 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
situations. When the VDC system operates, theindicator light 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 indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, see “Slip indicator
light” (P. 2-17) and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-17).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in the
instrument panel. The VDC system automati-
cally turns off when these indicator lights are
on.
The lower display is used to turn off the VDC
system. When the VDC system is turned off,
the
indicator light, the RAB system
warning light, and the FEB with Pedestrian
Detection system warning light illuminate to
indicate the VDC, FEB with Pedestrian De-
tection, and RAB systems are off. When the lower display 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 light flashes if this occurs.
All other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light 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 tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be es-
pecially careful when driving and corner-
ing on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-142Starting and driving
When the Active Trace Control is operated
and the “Chassis Control” mode is selected in
the vehicle information display, the Active
Trace Control graphics are shown in the ve-
hicle information display.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Active Trace Control is
not functioning properly. Have the system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.WARNING
The Active Trace Control may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
When the Active Trace Control is operating,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise. This is normal and indicates
that the Active Trace Control is operating
properly.
You may also feel deceleration when the Ac-
tive Trace Control is operating. However, this
is not a malfunction. Even if the Active Trace Control is set to OFF,
some functions will remain on to assist the
driver (for example: avoidance scenes).
ACTIVE ENGINE BRAKE
The Active Engine Brake function adds subtle
deceleration by controlling Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) gear ratio, de-
pending on the cornering condition calcu-
lated from the driver's steering input and
plural sensors. This benefit is for easier trace-
ability and less workload of adjusting speed
with braking at corners.
The Active Engine Brake also adds subtle
deceleration with gear ratio control accord-
ing to the driver's brake pedal operation.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
Vehicle Dynamic Control system, the Active
Engine Brake system is also turned off.
When the PERSONAL mode is selected, the
Active Engine Brake can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled).
When the Active Engine Brake is operated at
corners and the “Chassis Control” mode is
selected in the vehicle information display,
the Active Engine Brake graphics are shown
in the vehicle information display.
LSD4792
Starting and driving5-145
•The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other maneu-
vers. Always look around and check that
it is safe to do so before parking.
• This function is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary ob-
jects to help avoid damaging the vehicle.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the bum-
per fascia, leaving it misaligned or bent, the
sensing zone may be altered causing inaccu-
rate measurement of obstacles or false
alarm.
CAUTION
• Excessive noise (such as audio system
volume or an open vehicle window) will
interfere with the tone and it may not be
heard.
• Keep the sonar sensors (located on the
bumper fascias) free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. Do not clean
the sensors with sharp objects. If the
sensors are covered, the accuracy of the
sonar function will be diminished.
SYSTEM OPERATION
The system informs with a visual and audible
signal of front obstacles when the shift lever
is in the D (Drive) position and both front and
rear obstacles when the shift lever is in the R
(Reverse) position.
Sonar Operation Table
FR Sensor RR Sensor
Range Sound Display Sound Display Px † x†
Roooo
Nx † x † Do o x †
o – Display/Beep when detect
† – Display on camera view
x – No Display and Beep
The system is deactivated at speeds above
6 mph (10 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
The intermittent tone will stop after 3 sec-
onds when an obstacle is detected by only
the corner sensor and the distance does not
change. The tone will stop when the obstacle
get away from the vehicle. When the object is detected, the indicator
(green) appears and blinks and the tone
sounds intermittently. When the vehicle
moves closer to the object, the color of the
indicator turns yellow and the rate of the
blinking increases. When the vehicle is very
close to the object, the indicator stops blink-
ing and turns red, and the tone sounds
continuously.
5-148Starting and driving
HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
SONAR SYSTEM
The system is automatically activated when
the ignition is in the ON position and the shift
lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
Perform the following steps to enable or dis-
able the sonar system:
Type A (if so equipped):
1. Press the MENU button below the lowerdisplay screen.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. Select “Parking Sonar”
4. Select “Front” to turn the front sonar sen- sors on or off.
• Select “Rear” to turn the rear sonar sensors on or off.
LSD3577
Type A (if so equipped)
5-150Starting 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.
• The system is deactivated at speeds
above 6 mph (10 km/h). 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.; thin ob-
jects such as rope, wire and chain, etc.; or
wedge-shaped objects. •
The system may not detect objects at
speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may
not detect certain angular or moving
objects.
• Do not attach stickers (including trans-
parent material), install accessories, or
apply anything blocking the sensors.
These conditions may reduce the ability
of the system.
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.
LSD2993
5-152Starting and driving
Check for and remove objects obstructing
the area around the sonar sensors.
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
collision.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 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see
“Engine cooling system” (P. 8-4).
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, see “Battery” (P. 8-12).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For additional information, see
“Changing engine coolant” (P. 8-5).
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 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.
3. Tire chains may be used. For additional information, see “Tire chains”(P. 8-38).
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-153
To shut off the engine in an emergency situ-
ation while driving, perform the following
procedure:
– Rapidly push the push-button ignitionswitch three consecutive times in less than
1.5 seconds, or
– Push and hold the push-button ignition switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire
pressure of all tires. When the low tire pres-
sure warning light is lit, and the “Tire Pressure
Low - Add Air” warning appears in the vehicle
information display, one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. The system
also displays pressure of all tires (except the
spare tire) on the vehicle information display
screen by sending a signal from a sensor that
is installed in each wheel. If the vehicle is
being driven with low tire pressure, the TPMS
will activate and warn you of it by the low tire
pressure warning light. This system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 16 mph (25 km/h). For additional in-
formation, see “Warning lights, indicator
lights and audible reminders” (P. 2-9) and
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
(P. 5-5).
WARNING
• Radio waves could adversely affect elec-
tric medical equipment. Those who use a
pacemaker should contact the electric
medical equipment manufacturer for the
possible influences before use. •
If the low tire pressure warning light illu-
minates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road to
a safe location and stop the vehicle as
soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal injury.
Check the tire pressure for all four tires.
Adjust the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label to
turn the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If the light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pressure,
a tire may be flat or the TPMS may be
malfunctioning. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a replacement tire as soon
as possible. If no tires are flat and all tires
are properly inflated, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3