brakes INFINITI G35 2006 Owners Manual

If the AWD system malfunctions, or the di-
ameter of the front and the rear wheels
are different, the warning light will either
remain illuminated or blink. See ªAll-
wheel drive (AWD) warning lightº in the
ª5. Starting and drivingº section.
CAUTIONO If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction in the
AWD system. Reduce the vehicle speed
and have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI dealer as soon as possible.
O Do not drive on dry, hard surface roads in
the SNOW mode.
O If the AWD warning light blinks on when
you are driving:
· blinks rapidly (about twice a second):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. The driving mode will
change to 2WD to prevent the AWD
system from malfunctioning.
If the warning light turns off, you can
drive again. · blinks slowly (about once every 2 sec-
onds):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. Check that all tire
sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is still on after the above
operations, have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI dealer as soon as possible.
or Anti-lock brake
warning lightWhen the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, the anti-lock brake warning
light will illuminate and then turn off. This
indicates the anti-lock brake system (ABS)
is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock
brake system is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by an INFINITI
dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function of the brake will cease
operation but the ordinary brakes will
continue to operate. See ªAnti-lock brake system (ABS)º in the ª5. Starting and
drivingº section for further details.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an INFINITI dealer for repair.
Automatic transmission
check warning light When the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, the automatic transmission
check warning light comes on and then
turns off. This indicates that the auto-
matic transmission system is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is
running or while driving, it may indicate
that the automatic transmission system is
not functioning properly. Have an INFINITI
dealer check and repair the transmission.
or Brake warning
light The brake warning light indicates the
parking brake system operation, low
brake fluid level of the brake system and
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) malfunction.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON po-
sition, the light comes on when the park-
ing brake is applied.
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Have the vehicle inspected by an
INFINITI dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the re-
tailer.
CAUTIONContinued vehicle operation without having
the emission control system checked and re-
paired as necessary could lead to poor drive-
ability, reduced fuel economy, and possible
damage to the emission control system.
Slip indicator lightThe light will blink when the vehicle dy-
namic control (VDC) system is operating,
thus alerting the driver to the fact that the
road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits.
This light also comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position.
The light will turn off if the VDC is opera-
tional.
Snow mode indicator light
(if so equipped)When selecting SNOW mode while the en-
gine is running, this light will illuminate. See ªSNOW MODE SWITCHº in the ª2. In-
struments and controlsº section.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights The light flashes when the turn signal
switch lever or hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light The light comes on when the vehicle dy-
namic control (VDC) off switch is pushed
to OFF. This indicates that the VDC system
is not operating.
This light also comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position.
The light will turn off if the VDC system is
operational.
When the VDC off indicator light and slip
indicator light come on with the VDC sys-
tem turned on, this light alerts the driver
to the fact that the VDC system fail-safe
mode is operating and the system may
not be functioning properly. Have the sys-
tem checked by an INFINITI dealer. If a
malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
system function will be canceled but the
vehicle is still driveable. For additional in- formation, see ªVehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) systemº in the ª5. Starting and
drivingº section of this manual.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime The chime will sound if the driver's side
door is opened while the key is left in the
ignition switch (ignition switch is turned
off). Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime The chime will sound when the front door
is opened with the headlight switch on
unless the ignition switch is in the ON po-
sition.
Make sure to turn the light switch off
when you leave the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in mo-
tion whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is
heard.
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BRAKING PRECAUTIONS The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunc-
tions, you will still have braking ability at
two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required
to stop the vehicle and the stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance will be
longer and the vehicle may pull to one
side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake
pedal to heat-up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the
brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes when-
ever the stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened or whenever the park-
ing brake shoes and/or drums/rotors are
replaced, in order to assure the best
braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by
your INFINITI dealer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating
of the brakes, increases wear on the
brakes and pads, and reduces gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce
speed and downshift to a lower gear be-
fore going down a slope or long grade.
Overheated brakes may reduce braking
performance and could result in loss of
vehicle control.
WARNING O While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel- erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
O If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for the
brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The anti-lock brake system (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slip-
pery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing
wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery sur-
faces.
Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it
down.BRAKE SYSTEM
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WARNINGDo not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Normal operation The ABS will not operate at speeds below
3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to stop the ve-
hicle. (The speeds will vary according to
road conditions.) When the anti-lock
system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator
(under the hood) rapidly applies and re-
leases hydraulic pressure (like pumping
the brakes very quickly). While the actua-
tor is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood.
This is normal and indicates that the ABS
is working properly. However, the ABS op-
eration may indicate that road conditions
are hazardous and extra care is required
while driving.
Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of
electronic sensors, electric pumps, and
hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com- puter. The computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each
time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or re-
verse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation
in the brake pedal. This is normal and is
not an indication of any malfunction. If
the computer senses any malfunction, it
switches the ABS off and turns on the
ABS warning light in the instrument
panel. The brake system operates nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test
or while driving, take the vehicle to an
INFINITI dealer for repair.
WARNING The anti-lock brake system is a sophisticated
device, but it cannot prevent accidents re-
sulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain vehicle con-
trol during braking on slippery surfaces, but
remember that the stopping distance on slip-
pery surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with the anti-lock brake system. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you. Ultimately, the responsibility
for safety of self and others rests in the
hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also af-
fect braking effectiveness.
O When replacing tires, install the speci-
fied size of tires to the front and rear.
O When installing a spare tire, make sure it
is the proper size and type as specified
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See ªVehicle identificationº in the
ª9. Technical and consumer informa-
tionº section for the Tire and Loading In-
formation label location.
Starting and driving
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When accelerating or driving on a slippery
surface, the tires may spin or slide. With
the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system, sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine
output to help improve vehicle stability.
O When the VDC system is operating,
the ªSLIPº indicator in the instrument
panel blinks.
O When only the Traction Control System
(TCS) portion of the VDC system is op-
erating, the ªSLIPº indicator in the in-
strument panel blinks.
O If the ªSLIPº indicator blinks, the road
conditions are slippery. Be sure to ad-
just your speed and driving to these
conditions. Be sure to drive carefully.
See ªSlip indicator lightº, and ªVe-
hicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indica-
tor lightº in the ª2. Instruments and
controlsº section.
O Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the ªSLIPº and ªVDC OFFº indicator
lights illuminate in the instrument
panel. As long as these indicators are
illuminated, the VDC system function
is canceled. The VDC system uses an Active Brake Lim-
ited Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle
traction. The ABLS system works when
one of the driving wheels is spinning on a
slippery surface. The ABLS system brakes
the spinning wheel which distributes the
driving power to the other driving wheel.
If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
system turned off, all VDC system func-
tions and TCS functions will be turned off.
The ABLS system and ABS will still op-
erate with the VDC system off. When the
ABLS system is activated, the ªSLIPº indi-
cator light will blink and 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.
While the VDC system is operating, you
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and
hear a noise or feel a vibration from under
the hood. This is normal and indicates that
the VDC system is working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move
the vehicle forward or backward. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction. WARNING O The VDC system is designed to help im-
prove driving stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration at high speeds or due to careless
or dangerous driving. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
O If engine related parts such as muffler
are not standard equipment or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ªVDC OFFº in-
dicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both indi-
cator lights may illuminate.
O Do not modify the vehicle's suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars
and bushings are not INFINITI-approved
or are extremely deteriorated, the VDC
system may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle handling
performance, and the ªVDC OFFº indi-
cator or ªSLIPº indicator or both indi
cator lights may illuminate.VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
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Inside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mecha-
nism: On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P (Park) position without ap-
plying any brakes.
Brake pedal*: Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure it has the proper
distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be sure
to keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake*: Check that the pedal/
lever has the proper travel and confirm
that your vehicle is held securely on a
fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. Seats: Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc.
to ensure they operate smoothly and that
all latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up
and down smoothly and that the locks (if
so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (For example, buckles, an-
chors, adjusters and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts,
fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive
free play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure
that all warning lights and chimes are op-
erating properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets prop-
erly and in sufficient quantity when oper-
ating the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak. Under the hood and the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (For example,
each time you check the engine oil or re-
fuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each
cell. It should be between the MAX and
MIN lines. Vehicles operated in high tem-
peratures or under severe conditions re-
quire frequent checks of the battery fluid
level.
Brake and clutch fluid level*: Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid levels are
between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no
belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level location
and turning off the engine. (Wait at least
10 minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.)
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
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Self-adjusting brakes Your vehicle is equipped with self-
adjusting brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied.
WARNINGSee an INFINITI dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not re-
turn to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear in-
dicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is
normal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system. Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed. For additional information,
see the appropriate maintenance log
shown in the INFINITI Service and Mainte-
nance Guide.
High performance sports brake pads oc-
casionally make squeaks, squeals or
other braking noises because of their very
high friction coefficient.
These occasional brake noises are
normal, but if they continue, see an
INFINITI dealer.
BRAKE BOOSTER Check the brake booster function as fol-
lows:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one
pedal application to the next, continue
on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal,
start the engine. The pedal height
should drop a little. 3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop
the engine. Keeping the pedal de-
pressed for about 30 seconds, the
pedal height should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn
it off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will
decrease gradually with each depres-
sion as the vacuum is released from
the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see
an INFINITI dealer.
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CAUTIONO Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
O The hitch should not be attached to or af-
fect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
O Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
O To reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from the
rear, where practical, remove the hitch
and/or receiver when not in use.
O After the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water or
dust from entering the passenger com-
partment.
O Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted. Tire pressures
O When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
O Trailer tire condition, size, load
rating and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the
trailer and tire manufacturers' speci-
fications.
Safety chains Always use a suitable chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety
chains should be crossed and should be
attached to the hitch, not to the vehicle
bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough
slack in the chains to permit turning cor-
ners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION When splicing into the vehicle electrical sys-
tem, a commercially available power-type module/converter must be used to provide
power for all trailer lighting. This unit uses
the vehicle battery as a direct power source
for all trailer lights while using the vehicle
tail light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/converter
must draw no more than 15 milliamps from
the stop and tail lamp circuits. Using a
module/converter that exceeds these power
requirements may damage the vehicle's
electrical system. See a reputable trailer
dealer to obtain the proper equipment and to
have it installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an
INFINITI dealer or reputable trailer dealer.
Trailer brakes If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to federal
and/or local regulations and that it is
properly installed.
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O Trailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
O Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500
miles (800 km).
O Have your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the rec-
ommended maintenance schedule in
the INFINITI Service and Maintenance
Guide.
O When making a turn, your trailer
wheels will be closer to the inside of
the turn than your vehicle wheels. To
compensate for this, make a larger
than normal turning radius during the
turn.
O Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When
being passed by larger vehicles, be
prepared for possible changes in
crosswinds that could affect vehicle
handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradu-
ally) reduce vehicle speed. This combi-
nation will help stabilize the vehicle.
Never increase speed. O Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
O To maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance,
do not use sixth gear (manual trans-
mission) or fifth position (automatic
transmission).
O Avoid holding the brake pedal down
too long or too frequently. This could
cause the brakes to overheat, re-
sulting in reduced braking efficiency.
O Increase your following distance to al-
low for greater stopping distances
while towing a trailer. Anticipate stops
and brake gradually.
O Do not use cruise control while towing
a trailer.
O Check your hitch, trailer wiring har-
ness connections, and trailer wheel
lug nuts after 50 miles (80 km) of
travel and at every break.
O When stopped in traffic for long pe-
riods of time in hot weather, put the
vehicle in the P (Park) position. When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently.
For additional information, see the ª8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING Towing your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground is sometimes called flat
towing. This method is sometimes used
when towing a vehicle behind a recre-
ational vehicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION O Failure to follow these guidelines can re-
sult in severe transmission damage.
O Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
O DO NOT tow any automatic transmission
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing). Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts due
to lack of transmission lubrication.
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