•When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the engine after driv-
ing onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may flash or both
theandindicator lights may
illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of force
to each of the four wheels depending on the
radius of the turn.
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.
• 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 VDC system
may not operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI rec-
ommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and both the
and theindicator lights may illuminate. •
If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the
indicator light may flash or
both theandindicator lights
may illuminate. Do not drive on these
types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the engine after driv-
ing onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may flash or both
theandindicator lights may
illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
Starting and driving5-143
The chassis control is an electric control mod-
ule that includes the following functions:
• Active Trace Control
• Active Engine Brake
• Active Ride Control
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
The Active Trace Control senses driving
based on the driver’s steering and
acceleration/braking patterns, and controls
brake pressure at individual wheels to aid
tracing at corners and help smooth vehicle
response.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Trace Control sys-
tem is also turned off.
When the PERSONAL mode is selected, the
Active Trace Control can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled). For additional infor-
mation, see “INFINITI Drive Mode Selector”
(P. 5-29).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. For additional in-
formation, see “Vehicle information display”
(P. 2-19).
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.
LSD4774
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-144Starting and driving
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 plu-
ral sensors. This benefit is for easier
traceability 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 driver’s brake pedal operation.
When the PERSONAL mode is selected, the
Active Engine Brake can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled). For additional infor-
mation, see “INFINITI Drive Mode Selector”
(P. 5-29).
When the lower display is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Engine Brake system
is also turned off.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. For addi-
tional information, see “Vehicle information
display” (P. 2-19).
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Active Engine Brake 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 Engine Brake may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
When the Active Engine Brake is operating,
the needle of the tachometer will rise up and
you may hear an engine noise. This is normal
and indicates that the Active Engine Brake is
operating properly.
You may also feel deceleration when the Ac-
tive Engine Brake is operating. However, this
is not a malfunction.
LSD4774
Starting and driving5-145
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion
(based on wheel speed information) and con-
trols four wheel brake pressure. This will en-
hance ride comfort in effort to restrain un-
comfortable upper body movement when
passing over undulated road surfaces.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Ride Control is also
turned off.
When the Active Ride Control is operated
and the “Chassis Control” mode is selected in
the vehicle information display, the Active
Ride Control graphics are shown in the ve-
hicle information display. For additional in-
formation, see “Vehicle information display”
(P. 2-19).If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Active Ride 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.
When the Active Ride Control is operating,
you may hear noise and sense slight decel-
eration. This is normal and indicates that the
Active Ride Control is operating properly.
WARNING
• Never rely solely on the hill start assist
system to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing 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 result 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. Fail-
ure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll
backwards and may result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
• The hill start assist system may not pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards. Failure to do so may result in
a collision or serious personal injury.
LSD3922
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-146Starting and driving
When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill
start assist system automatically keeps the
brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backward in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply
the accelerator.
The hill start assist system will operate auto-
matically under the following conditions:
• The transmission is shifted to a forward orreverse gear.
• The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake. The maximum hold-
ing time is 2 seconds. After 2 seconds the
vehicle will begin to roll back and the hill
start assist system will stop operating
completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the shift lever is placed in the N (Neu-
tral), the Park button is pressed to place the
vehicle in the P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road.
The Hill Start Assist function status can be
checked in the “Chassis Control” mode in the
vehicle information display. For additional in-
formation, see “Vehicle information display”
(P. 2-19). The sonar system sounds a tone to inform the
driver of obstacles near the bumper.
When the sonar system is turned on, the
sonar view will automatically appear in the
touch screen display when the camera is
activated.
WARNING
• The sonar system is a convenience but it
is not a substitute for proper parking.
• 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.
LSD4775LSD2993
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-147
The system indicatorsOAwill appear when
the vehicle moves closer to an object.
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. •
Read and understand the limitations of
the sonar system as contained in this
section. Inclement weather may affect
the function of the sonar system; this
may include reduced performance or a
false activation.
• The sonar system is deactivated at
speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h). It is re-
activated 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 sonar
system; this may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.
• The sonar system is not designed to pre-
vent contact with small or moving ob-
jects. Always move slowly. The system
will not detect small objects below the
bumper or on the ground.
• The sonar system may not detect the fol-
lowing objects: fluffy objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass-wool, etc.;
thin objects such as rope, wire and chain,
etc.; or wedge-shaped objects; complex-
shaped objects or multiple objects in
close. •
The sonar system may not detect objects
at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may
not detect certain angular or moving
objects.
• The sonar system may not operate in the
following conditions:
– When rain, snow, ice, dirt, etc. ad- heres to the sonar.
– When a loud sound is heard in the area around the vehicle.
– When the surface of the obstacle is diagonal to the front or rear of the
vehicle.
– When a sonar or the area around the sensor is extremely hot or cold.
• The sonar system may unintentionally
operate in the following conditions:
– When there is overgrown grass in the area around the vehicle.
– When there are bumps, protrusions or manhole covers on the road
surface.
– When the vehicle drives through a draped flag or a curtain.
– When there is an accumulation of snow or ice behind the vehicle.
– When driving on a steep hill.
LSD4242
Starting and driving5-151
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. 8-37).
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 snowdrifts.
• 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
caution. 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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-153
•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.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist with
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or
lower.
WARNING
• Do not use your engine block heater with
an ungrounded electrical system or a
2-pronged adapter. You can be seriously
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
• Disconnect and properly store the engine
block heater cord before starting the en-
gine. Damage to the cord could result in
an electrical shock and can cause serious
injury.
• Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal injury. To use the engine block heater:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least2-4hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
5-154Starting and driving