•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
approved for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ABLS system
may not operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the slip indicator light may
illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI rec-
ommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the ABLS system may not operate
properly and the slip indicator light may
illuminate.
• If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the ABLS
system may not operate properly and
the slip indicator light may illuminate. 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 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 fol-
lowing conditions:– Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing 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 prevent
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. 2-20) and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-20).
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 vehicle information display is used to turn
off the VDC system. The
indicator light
and the FEB with Pedestrian Detection sys-
tem warning light illuminate to indicate the
VDC system is off.
When the vehicle information display is used
to turn off the system, the VDC system still
operates to prevent one drive wheel from
slipping by transferring 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-168Starting and driving
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. The chassis control is an electric control mod-
ule that includes the following functions:
• Active Trace Control
• Active Ride Control (if so equipped)
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
This system senses driving based on the driv-
er’s steering and acceleration/braking pat-
terns, and controls brake pressure at indi-
vidual wheels to aid tracing at corners and
help smooth vehicle response.
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 VDC system is turned off, the Ac-
tive Trace Control is also turned off.
Amount of brake control is changed depend-
ing on the mode selected by the INFINITI
Drive Mode Selector.
When the Active Trace Control is not func-
tioning properly, the master warning light il-
luminates, and the warning message “Chassis
Control System Error” will also appear in the
vehicle information display.
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-170Starting and driving
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. For additional information, see
“Vehicle information display warnings and in-
dicators” (P. 2-37) or (P. 2-60).
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 Active Trace Control is operating.
However, this is not a malfunction.
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses upper body motion and
controls four wheel brake pressure. This will
enhance ride comfort in an effort to restrain
uncomfortable upper body movement when
passing over undulated road surfaces. When
the VDC system is turned off, the Active Ride
Control is also turned off.
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.
WARNING
The Active Ride Control may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
When the Active Ride Control is operating,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise. This is normal and indicates
that the Active Ride Control is operating
properly. You may also feel deceleration
when the Active Ride Control is operating.
However, this is not a malfunction.
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.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-171
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 position is placed in the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road. The sonar system sounds a tone to inform the
driver of obstacles around the vehicle using
the sonar sensors located in the front and
rear bumpers..
When the sonar system is turned on, the
sonar view will automatically appear in the
vehicle information display.
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.
• Read and understand the limitations of
the sonar system as contained in this
section. The colors of the corner sonar
indicator indicates different distances to
the object.
• 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 sonar system is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large stationary
objects to help avoid damaging the
vehicle.
• 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, and may not detect objects
close to 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.
LSD4335
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
5-172Starting and driving
Jacking up vehicle and removing
the damaged tire
WARNING
• Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by the jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support it
with safety stands.
• Use only the jack provided with your ve-
hicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use the
jack provided with your vehicle on other
vehicles. The jack is designed for lifting
only your vehicle during a tire change.
• Use the correct jack-up points. Never use
any other part of the vehicle for jack
support.
• If your vehicle is equipped with Running
Boards use the Jack Point located on the
front or rear mounting brackets.
• Never jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
• Never use blocks on or under the jack. •
Do not start or run the engine while ve-
hicle is on the jack. It may cause the ve-
hicle to move. This is especially true for
vehicles with limited slip differentials.
• Do not allow passengers to stay in the
vehicle while it is on the jack.
• Never run the engine with a wheel(s) off
the ground. It may cause the vehicle to
move.
Always refer to the illustration for the correct
placement and jack-up points for your spe-
cific vehicle model and jack type.
Carefully read the caution label attached to
the jack body and the following instructions.
6-8In case of emergency
In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of
it.
To protect the paint surfaces, wash your ve-
hicle as soon as you can:
• After a rainfall to prevent possible damagefrom acid rain.
• After driving on coastal roads.
• When contaminants such as soot, bird droppings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs
get on the paint surface.
• When dust or mud builds up on the surface.
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body cover.
WASHING
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty
of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a
mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general
purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean,
lukewarm (never hot) water.
CAUTION
• Do not concentrate water spray directly
on the sonar sensors (if so equipped) on
the bumper as this will result in damage
to the sensors. Do not use pressure
washers capable of spraying water over
1,200 psi (8,274 kPa) to wash your ve-
hicle. Use of high-pressure washers over
1,200 psi (8,274 kPa) can result in dam-
age to or removal of paint or graphics.
Avoid using a high-pressure washer
closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to the ve-
hicle. Always use a wide-angle nozzle
only, keep the nozzle moving and do not
concentrate the water spray on any one
area.
• Do not use car washes that use acid in the
detergent. Some car washes, especially
brushless ones, use some acid for clean-
ing. The acid may react with some plastic
vehicle components, causing them to
crack. This could affect their appear-
ance, and also could cause them not to
function properly. Always check with
your car wash to confirm that acid is not
used.
• Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical deter-
gents, gasoline or solvents. •
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight
or while the vehicle body is hot, as the
surface may become water-spotted.
• Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must
be taken when removing caked-on dirt
or other foreign substances so the paint
surface is not scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of
clean water.
Inside edges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable
to the effects of road salt. Therefore, these
areas must be cleaned regularly. Take care
that the drain holes in the lower edge of the
door are open. Spray water under the body
and in the wheel wells to loosen the dirt and
wash away road salt.
A damp chamois can be used to dry the ve-
hicle to avoid water spots.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove built-up
wax residue and to avoid a weathered ap-
pearance before re-applying wax.
An INFINITI retailer can assist you in choos-
ing the proper product.
CLEANING EXTERIOR
7-2Appearance and care
• Wax your vehicle only after a thoroughwashing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
• Do not use a wax containing any abrasives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compounding or aggressive polish-
ing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, in-
sects, and tree sap as quickly as possible from
the surface of the paint to avoid lasting dam-
age or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at an INFINITI retailer or any auto-
motive accessory store. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for these
products.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is
necessary to clean the underbody regularly in
order to prevent dirt and salt from building up
and causing the acceleration of corrosion on
the underbody and suspension. Before the
winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for
glass to become coated with a film after the
vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner
and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant
cleaners. They could damage the electrical
conductors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash the wheels regularly with a sponge
dampened in a mild soap solution, especially
during winter months in areas where road
salt is used. If not removed, road salt can
discolor the wheels.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid stain-
ing or discoloring the wheels:
• Do not use a cleaner that uses strong acid
or alkali contents to clean the wheels. •
Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as am-
bient temperature.
• Rinse the wheel to completely remove
the cleaner within 15 minutes after the
cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSINGS
INFINITI does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating
to the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires,
it may react with the coating and form a
compound. This compound may come off the
tire while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
• Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat- ing on the tire dissolves more easily than
with an oil-based tire dressing.
• Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove).
Appearance and care7-3
Floor mat installation for 3rd row
seats
When installing Genuine INFINITI floor mats
in the 3rd row seating positions:
1. Position the floor mat in the floorwell sothat the floor mat’s installation tabs are
aligned with the rearmost part of 2nd row
seat tracks.
2. Insert the floor mat installation tabs
OAunderneath the 2nd row seat tracksOBand ensure that the floor mat is properly
positioned. It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for details about installing the floor
mats in your vehicle.
SEAT BELTS
The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them
with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solu-
tion. Allow the belts to dry completely in the
shade before using them. For additional in-
formation, see “Seat belt maintenance”
(P. 1-25).
WARNING
Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the
retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or
chemical solvents to clean the seat belts,
since these materials may severely weaken
the seat belt webbing.
CLEANING THE SEAT TRACKS
CAUTION
Periodically clean the seat tracks to pre-
vent reduction of ability to move the seats.
Clean periodically with a high-powered
vacuum cleaner. Dirt and debris may reduce
the ability to adjust the seat. A wet cleansing
agent may be used if necessary.
MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
Most vehicle corrosion is caused by:
• The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavi-
ties, and other areas.
• Damage to paint and other protective coatings caused by gravel and stone chips
or minor traffic collisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate corro-
sion. Wet floor coverings will not dry com-
pletely inside the vehicle and should be re-
moved for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas
where the temperatures stay above freezing
and where atmospheric pollution exists and
road salt is used.
LAI2089
CORROSION PROTECTION
Appearance and care7-7