stop start INFINITI G-CONVERTIBLE 2011 Owner's Guide

●Except in an emergency, do not shift to the N
(Neutral) position while driving. Doing so
can cause a loss of engine braking which
may result in a collision, serious personal
injury or death. In addition, coasting with
the transmission in the N (Neutral) position
may cause serious damage to the
transmission.
CAUTION
● When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by depressing
the accelerator pedal. The foot brake should
be used for this purpose.
● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery roads.
This may cause a loss of control.
Shifting
To move the selector lever,
: Push the button while depressing the
brake pedal,
: Push the button,
: Just move the selector lever.
After starting the engine, fully depress the
brake pedal and shift the selector lever from P
(Park) to R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), DS
(Drive Sport) or Manual shift mode position. Push the button to shift into P (Park) or R
(Reverse). All other positions can be selected
without pushing the button.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector lever is
in any position while the engine is not running.
Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
CAUTION
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped
and the transmission is in the P (Park) position.
P (Park) position :
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector lever
button pushed in to move the selector lever from
the N (Neutral) position or any drive position to
the P (Park) position. Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.Selector lever
SSD0596
5-13Starting and driving

CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
R (Reverse) :
Use this position to back up. Always be sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position. The brake pedal must
be depressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from the P
(Park) position, the N (Neutral) position or any
drive position to the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral) :
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to the N (Neutral) position and restart
a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive) :
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
DS (Drive Sport) mode
Move the selector lever from D (Drive) to the left
into the manual shift gate. The transmission
position indicator in the meter shows “DS”.
In the DS (Drive Sport) mode, the transmission
changes to the “sporty” driving shift operation,
creating a more aggressive acceleration feeling
than the D (Drive) mode and providing a gear
change sensation when the driver accelerates
quickly.
When the driver selects the manual shift mode
using the selector lever (or the paddle shifter)
during the DS (Drive Sport) mode operation, the
driver must move the selector lever from DS
(Drive Sport) to D (Drive) and back again to
re-select the DS (Drive Sport) mode.
Manual shift mode
When the selector lever is in the DS (Drive
Sport) position, the transmission is ready for
the manual shift mode. Shift ranges can be
selected manually by moving the selector lever
up or down, or pulling the right-side or left-side
paddle shifter.
When shifting up, move the selector lever to the
+ (up) side or pull the right-side paddle shifter
(+)
A(if so equipped). The transmission shifts
to the higher range.
Paddle shifter
SSD0599
5-14Starting and driving

When shifting down, move the selector lever to
the(down) side or pull the left-side paddle
shifter ()
B(if so equipped). The transmis-
sion shifts to the lower range.
When canceling the manual shift mode, return
the selector lever to the D (Drive) position. The
transmission returns to the normal driving mode.
When you pull the paddle shifter while in the D
(Drive) position, the transmission will shift to the
upper or lower range temporarily. The transmis-
sion will automatically return to the D (Drive)
position after a short period of time. If you want
to return to the D (Drive) position manually, pull
and hold the paddle shifter for about 1.5 seconds.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1 →
←M2→
←M3→
←M4→
←M5→
←M6→
←M7
M7 (7th) :
Use this position for all normal forward driving
at highway speeds.
M6 (6th) andM5 (5th) :
Use this position when driving up long slopes,
or for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
M4 (4th),M3 (3rd) andM2 (2nd) :
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
M1 (1st) :
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, or
for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
● Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than 7th
gear. This reduces fuel economy.
●
Moving the selector lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succession.
●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 control.
When this situation occurs, the Automatic
Transmission (AT) position indicator light (on
the dot matrix liquid crystal display) will
blink and the chime will sound.
● 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.
Starting and driving5-15

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 orLOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover
Ausing a
suitable tool. 4. Push down the shift lock
Bas 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.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING
● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery roads.
This may cause a loss of vehicle control.
● Do not over-rev the engine when shifting to a
lower gear. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control or engine damage.
CAUTION
● Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may damage the clutch.
● Fully depress the clutch pedal before shift-
ing to help prevent transmission damage.
● Stop your vehicle completely before shifting
into the R (Reverse) position.
● When the vehicle is stopped with the engine
running for a period of time, for example at a
stop light, shift to the N (Neutral) position
and release the clutch pedal with the foot
brake applied.SSD0598
5-16Starting and driving

Shifting
To change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, fully depress the clutch pedal, shift
into the appropriate gear, then release the
clutch pedal slowly and smoothly.
This vehicle is equipped with a short throw
shifter manual transmission. To ensure smooth
gear changes, fully depress the clutch pedal
before operating the shift lever. If the clutch
pedal is not fully depressed before the trans-
mission is shifted, a gear noise may be heard.
Transmission damage could occur.Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd,
3rd, 4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence
according to vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and then
move it to the R (Reverse) position after stop-
ping the vehicle completely.
The shift lever returns to its original position
when the shift lever is moved to the N (Neutral)
position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into the R
(Reverse) or 1st gear, shift the N (Neutral)
position, and then release the clutch pedal
once. Fully depress the clutch pedal again and
shift into the R (Reverse) or 1st gear.Suggested upshift speeds
The following are suggested vehicle speeds for
shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions
relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance.
Actual upshift speeds will vary according to
road conditions, the weather and individual
driving habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude areas
[less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear change
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 16 (25)
3rd to 4th 25 (40)
4th to 5th 28 (45)
5th to 6th 33 (53)
For quick acceleration in low altitude areas or in
high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear changeMPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
5th to 6th 50 (80)
SSD0536
Starting and driving5-17

PRECAUTIONS ON VEHICLE-TO-
VEHICLE DISTANCE CONTROL MODE
The system is intended to enhance the opera-
tion of the vehicle when following a vehicle
traveling in the same lane and direction.
If the distance sensor
Adetects a slower
moving vehicle ahead, the system will reduce
the vehicle speed so that your vehicle follows
the vehicle in front at the selected distance.
The system automatically controls the throttle
and applies the brakes (up to 25% of vehicle
braking power) if necessary.
The detection range of the sensor is approxi-
mately 390 ft (120 m) ahead.
WARNING
● This system is only an aid to assist the driver
and is not a collision warning or avoidance
device. It is the driver’s responsibility to stay
alert, drive safely and be in control of the
vehicle at all times.
● The system is primarily intended for use on
straight, dry, open roads with light traffic. It
is not advisable to use the system in city
traffic or congested areas. ●
This system will not adapt automatically to
road conditions. This system should be used
in evenly flowing traffic. Do not use the sys-
tem on roads with sharp curves, or on icy
roads, in heavy rain or in fog.
The distance sensor will not detect under most
conditions:
● Stationary and slow moving vehicles
● Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
● Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
●
Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel lane
This system will not automatically brake the ve-
hicle to a stop.
WARNING
● As there is a performance limit to the dis-
tance control function, never rely solely on
the Intelligent Cruise Control system. This
system does not correct careless, inatten-
tive or absent-minded driving, or overcome
poor visibility in rain, fog, or other bad
weather. Decelerate the vehicle speed by de-
pressing the brake pedal, depending on the
distance to the vehicle ahead and the sur-
rounding circumstances in order to maintain
a safe distance between vehicles.
Type A
SSD0662
Type B
SSD1169
Starting and driving5-23

●Although the brake operation is controlled
by the system, the system does not auto-
matically stop the vehicle. If the vehicle
speed falls below approximately 20 MPH (32
km/h), the Intelligent Cruise Control system
is automatically canceled and a warning
chime sounds. (The brake control is also
canceled.)
● The system may not detect the vehicle in
front of you in certain road or weather condi-
tions. To avoid accidents, never use the In-
telligent Cruise Control system under the
following conditions:
– On roads where the traffic is heavy or there are sharp curves
– On slippery road surfaces such as on ice or snow, etc.
– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.) When the windshield wiper is operated at
the low speed (LO) or high speed (HI) po-
sition, the Intelligent Cruise Control sys-
tem is automatically canceled.
– When strong light (for example, at sun- rise or sunset) is directly shining on the
front of the vehicle
– When rain, snow or dirt adhere to the sys- tem sensor – On steep downhill roads (the vehicle may
go beyond the set vehicle speed and fre-
quent braking may result in overheating
the brakes)
– On repeated uphill and downhill roads
– When traffic conditions make it difficult to keep a proper distance between vehicles
because of frequent acceleration or
deceleration
● In some road or traffic conditions, a vehicle
or object can unexpectedly come into the
sensor detection zone and cause automatic
braking. You may need to control the dis-
tance from other vehicles using the accelera-
tor pedal. Always stay alert and avoid using
the ICC system when it is not recommended
in this section.
Type A
SSD0662
Type B
SSD1169
5-24Starting and driving

1. System set display with vehicle ahead
2. System set display without vehicle ahead
System operation
WARNING
Normally when controlling the distance to a
vehicle ahead, this system automatically accel-
erates or decelerates your vehicle according to
the speed of the vehicle ahead. Depress the
accelerator to properly accelerate your vehicle
when acceleration is required for a lanechange. Depress the brake pedal when decel-
eration is required to maintain a safe distance
to the vehicle ahead due to its sudden braking
or if a vehicle cuts in. Always stay alert when
using the ICC system.
The driver sets the desired vehicle speed based
on the road conditions. The ICC system main-
tains the set vehicle speed, similar to standard
cruise control, as long as no vehicle is detected
in the lane ahead.
The ICC system displays the set speed. Vehicle detected ahead :
When a vehicle is detected in the lane ahead,
the ICC system decelerates the vehicle by con-
trolling the throttle and applying the brakes to
match the speed of a slower vehicle ahead. The
system then controls the vehicle speed based
on the speed of the vehicle ahead to maintain
the driver selected distance.
The stoplights of the vehicle come on when brak-
ing is performed by the ICC system.
When the brake operates, a noise may be heard.
This is not a malfunction.
When a vehicle ahead is detected, the vehicle
ahead detection indicator comes on. The ICC
system will also display the set speed and
selected distance.
Vehicle ahead not detected :
When a vehicle is no longer detected ahead, the
ICC system gradually accelerates your vehicle to
resume the previously set vehicle speed. The
ICC system then maintains the set speed.
When a vehicle is no longer detected the vehicle
ahead detection indicator turns off.
SSD0610
5-32Starting and driving

●The distance to the vehicle ahead will
change according to the vehicle speed. The
higher the vehicle speed, the longer the
distance. ●
If the engine is stopped, the set distance
becomes “long”. (Each time the engine is
started, the initial setting becomes “long”.)
Approach warning
If your vehicle comes closer to the vehicle
ahead due to rapid deceleration of that vehicle
or if another vehicle cuts in, the system warns
the driver with the chime and ICC system dis-
play. Decelerate by depressing the brake pedal
to maintain a safe vehicle distance if:
● The chime sounds.
● The vehicle ahead detection and set dis-
tance indicator blink.
The warning chime may not sound in some
cases when there is a short distance between
vehicles. Some examples are:
● When the vehicles are traveling at the same
speed and the distance between vehicles is
not changing
● When the vehicle ahead is traveling faster
and the distance between vehicles is in-
creasing
● When a vehicle cuts in near your vehicle
The warning chime will not sound when:
● Your vehicle approaches vehicles that are
parked or moving slowly.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed, overrid-
ing the system.
SSD0613
Starting and driving5-35

●Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
● Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
● Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
● Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
● Avoid unnecessary prolonged engine idling.
● Keep your engine tuned up.
● Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
● Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Improper tire pressure will increase
wear and waste fuel.
● Make sure the front wheels are properly
aligned. Improper alignment will cause pre-
mature tire wear and lower fuel economy.
● Climate control operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary. ●
When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-43