battery INFINITI EX 2011 Owner's Guide

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving.............. 5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .................. 5-2
Three-way catalyst ............................. 5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ......... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ................... 5-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions .................................... 5-5
Off-road recovery ............................... 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ......................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............. 5-7
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) driving safety
precautions (for AWD models) ................... 5-7
Push-button ignition switch ........................ 5-8
Operating range for engine start function ......... 5-8
Push-button ignition switch operation ............ 5-9
Steering lock (if so equipped) ................... 5-9
Push-button ignition switch positions ............ 5-9
Emergency engine shut off .....................5-10
Intelligent Key battery discharge ................5-10
Before starting the engine .........................5-11
Starting the engine ................................ 5-11
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-12
Automatic transmission ......................... 5-12
Parking brake .................................... 5-16Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system/Lane
Departure Prevention (LDP) system (if so
equipped)
........................................ 5-17
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system ..........5-18
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system .........5-20
Lane camera unit maintenance .................5-24
Blind spot warning (BSW) system (if so equipped) . . 5-25 Bsw system operation ......................... 5-26
Bsw driving situations ......................... 5-28
Bsw malfunction ............................... 5-31
System maintenance ........................... 5-31
Cruise control .................................... 5-32
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-32
Cruise control operations ......................5-33
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system (FULL
SPEED RANGE) (if so equipped) ....................5-34
Selecting the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode ................................. 5-35
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode ........5-35
Precautions on vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode .................................
5-36
Vehicle-to-vehicle
distance control mode
operation ..................................... 5-37
Conventional (FIXED SPEED) cruise control
mode ........................................ 5-50

Preview function (for Intelligent Cruise
Control system equipped models)..............5-54
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system (if so
equipped) ....................................... 5-54
Precautions on distance control assist
system ....................................... 5-54
Distance control assist operation ...............5-56
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system (if so
equipped) ....................................... 5-66
Precautions on FCW system ....................5-67
Intelligent brake assist (IBA) system (if so
equipped) ....................................... 5-69
Precautions on IBA system .....................5-70
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-73
Increasing fuel economy .......................... 5-73
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped) .............5-74
Parking/parking on hills .......................... 5-76
Power steering ................................... 5-77Brake system
.................................... 5-77
Braking precautions ........................... 5-77
Parking brake break-in ......................... 5-77
Brake assist ..................................... 5-78
Brake assist .................................. 5-78
Preview function (Intelligent Cruise Control
system equipped models) ......................5-78
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-80
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-82
Cold weather driving ............................. 5-83
Freeing a frozen door lock .....................5-83
Antifreeze .................................... 5-83
Battery ....................................... 5-83
Draining of coolant water ......................5-83
Tire equipment ................................ 5-84
Special winter equipment ......................5-84
Driving on snow or ice ......................... 5-84
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ............5-85

WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition switch
while driving the vehicle except in an emer-
gency. (The engine will stop when the ignition
switch is pushed 3 consecutive times or the
ignition switch is pushed and held for more
than 2 seconds.) If the engine stops while the
vehicle is being driven, this could lead to a
crash and serious injury.
Before operating the push-button ignition
switch, be sure to move the selector lever to the
P (Park) position.
OPERATING RANGE FOR ENGINE
START FUNCTION
The Intelligent Key can only be used for starting
the engine when the Intelligent Key is within the
specified operating range
1.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost dis-
charged or strong radio waves are present near
the operating location, the Intelligent Key sys-
tem’s operating range becomes narrower and
may not function properly.
If the Intelligent Key is within the operating
range, it is possible for anyone, even someone
who does not carry the Intelligent Key, to push
the ignition switch to start the engine. ●
The trunk area is not included in the operat-
ing range but the Intelligent Key may func-
tion.
● If the Intelligent Key is on the instrument
panel, cargo area, inside the glove box or
door pocket, or the corner of interior com-
partment, it may not be possible to start the
engine.
● If the Intelligent Key is near the door or door
glass outside the vehicle, it may be possible
to start the engine.
SSD0436
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
5-8Starting and driving

PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
OPERATION
When the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal, the ignition switch
position will change as follows:
●Push center once to change to ACC.
● Push center two times to change to ON.
● Push center three times to change to OFF.
(No position illuminates.)
● Push center four times to return to ACC.
● Open or close any door to return to LOCK
during the OFF position. The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch position cannot be switched to LOCK
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When the ignition switch cannot be switched
toward the LOCK position, proceed as follows:
1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Push the ignition switch to the OFF posi- tion. The ignition switch position indicator
will not illuminate.
3. Open the door. The ignition switch will change to the LOCK position.
The selector lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in the ON
position and the brake pedal is depressed.
If the battery of the vehicle is discharged, the
push-button ignition switch cannot be turned
from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the dot matrix liquid crystal dis-
play between the speedometer and tachometer.
(See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
STEERING LOCK (if so equipped)
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a right or left turn
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, push the ignition
switch to the OFF position. To unlock the steer-
ing wheel, push the ignition switch.
If the steering lock release malfunction indica-
tor appears on the dot matrix liquid crystal
display, push the push-button ignition switch
again while lightly turning the steering wheel
right and left. (See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYS-
TAL DISPLAY” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.)
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
The ignition switch can only be locked in this
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while carrying the
Intelligent Key or with the Intelligent Key in-
serted in the port.
SSD1021
Starting and driving5-9

ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not
running.
ON (Normal operating position)
This position turns on the ignition system and
electrical accessories.
OFF
The engine can be turned off in this position.
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be switched to the LOCK position
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the push-button
ignition switch in ACC or ON positions when the
engine is not running for an extended period.
This can discharge the battery.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF
To shut off the engine in an emergency situation
while driving perform the following procedure:
●Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times.
● Push and hold the push button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DISCHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is almost
discharged, the guide light
Bof the Intelligent
Key port
Ablinks and the indicator appears on
the dot matrix liquid crystal display. (See “DOT
MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section.)
In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key into
the port
1allows you to start the engine. Make
sure that the key ring side faces backward as
illustrated. Insert the Intelligent Key in the port
until it is latched and secured.
To remove the Intelligent Key from the port,
push the ignition switch to the OFF position and
pull the Intelligent Key out of the port.
SSD0785
5-10Starting and driving

NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge the In-
telligent Key battery. If you see the low battery
indicator in the dot matrix liquid crystal display,
replace the battery as soon as possible. (See
“INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
●Never place anything except the Intelligent
Key in the Intelligent Key port. Doing so may
cause damage to the equipment.
● Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the cor-
rect direction when inserting it to the Intelli-
gent Key port. The engine may not start if it is
in the incorrect direction.
● Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelli-
gent Key port after the ignition switch is
pushed to the OFF position. ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window 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. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head restraints.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
● If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion to start cranking the engine. After 5
or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by depressing the brake
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11

●Moving the selector lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succes-
sion. However, if this motion is done rapidly,
the second shifting may not be completed
properly.
● In the manual shift mode, the transmission
may not shift to the selected gear. This helps
maintain driving performance and reduces
the chance of vehicle damage or loss of con-
trol.
● In the manual shift mode, the transmission
automatically shifts down to 1st gear before
the vehicle comes to a stop. When accelerat-
ing again, it is necessary to shift up to the
desired range.
Accelerator downshift — In D (Drive)
position —
For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into the lower gear, depend-
ing on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, note that
the transmission will be locked in any of the
forward gears according to the condition.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions,
such as excessive wheel spinning and subse-
quent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be
activated. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this case,
push the ignition switch to the OFF position and
wait for 3 seconds. Then push the ignition switch
back to the ON position. The vehicle should re-
turn to its normal operating condition. If it does
not return to its normal operating condition,
have an INFINITI retailer check the transmission
and repair if necessary.
Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged, the
selector lever may not be moved from the P
(Park) position even with the brake pedal de-
pressed and the selector lever button pushed.
To move the selector lever, perform the follow-
ing procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover
Ausing a
suitable tool.
SSD0713
Starting and driving5-15

4. Push down the shift lockBas illustrated.
5. Push the selector lever button
Cand
move the selector lever to N (Neutral)
position
Dwhile holding down the shift
lock.
Push the ignition switch to the ON position to
unlock the steering wheel (if so equipped). Now
the vehicle may be moved to the desired loca-
tion.
For models with a steering wheel lock mecha-
nism: If the battery is discharged completely,
the steering wheel cannot be unlocked. Do not
move the vehicle with the steering wheel
locked.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park),
have an INFINITI retailer check the automatic
transmission system as soon as possible.
WARNING
● Be sure the parking brake is fully released
before driving. Failure to do so can cause
brake failure and lead to an accident.
● Do not release the parking brake from out-
side the vehicle.
● Do not use the gear shift in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure the
parking brake is fully engaged.
● Do not leave children unattended in a ve-
hicle. They could release the parking brake
and cause an accident. To apply:Fully depress the parking brake pedal
1.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake2.
2. Depress the parking brake pedal
1and
the parking brake will be released.
3. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
SPA2331
PARKING BRAKE
5-16Starting and driving

●Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI recommended
for your vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling performance, and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
● If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI recom-
mended or are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely de-
teriorated, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the VDC
warning light
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 VDC
warning light
may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface. ●
If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI rec-
ommended ones are used, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
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” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
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 details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEM” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-83

To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING
●If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to
a battery explosion, resulting in severe in-
jury or death. It could also damage your
vehicle.
● Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in
the vicinity of the battery. Keep all sparks
and flames away from the battery.
● Do not allow battery fluid to come into con-
tact with eyes, skin, clothing or painted sur-
faces. Battery fluid is a corrosive sulphuric
acid solution which can cause severe burns.
If the fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the contacted
area with water.
● Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
● The booster battery must be rated at 12
volts. Use of an improperly rated battery can
damage your vehicle. ●
Whenever working on or near a battery, al-
ways wear suitable eye protectors (for ex-
ample, goggles or industrial safety spec-
tacles) and remove rings, metal bands, or
any other jewelry. Do not lean over the bat-
tery when jump starting.
● Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery.
It could explode and cause serious injury.
● Your vehicle has an automatic engine cool-
ing fan. It could come on at any time. Keep
hands and other objects away from it.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty Information
Booklet (Canada).
JUMP STARTING
6-8In case of emergency