Infiniti EX35 (2012 year). Manual — part 25

SSD0701

SSD0749

Vehicle ahead detection indicator light

The IBA system uses a distance sensor

*

A

located below the front bumper to measure
the distance to the vehicle ahead. When
the system judges that your vehicle is
getting close to the vehicle ahead in the
traveling lane, the vehicle ahead detection
indicator light on the instrument panel
blinks and a warning chime sounds.

The IBA system will be turned on/off by
pushing the IBA OFF switch. The IBA OFF
indicator light display will illuminate when
the system is turned off.

PRECAUTIONS ON IBA SYSTEM

WARNING

.

The IBA system is not a collision
avoidance system. It is the driver’s
responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all
times.

.

As there is a performance limit, the
system may not provide a warning or
braking in certain conditions.

.

The system will not detect the following
objects:

— Pedestrians, animals or obstacles in

the roadway

— Oncoming vehicles in the same lane

.

The system will not detect another
vehicle under the following conditions:

— When the sensor gets dirty and it is

impossible to detect the distance
from the vehicle ahead.

— When driving into a strong light

(i.e., sunlight)

.

The sensor generally detects the signals
returned from the reflectors on a vehicle
ahead. Therefore, the system may not
function properly under the following
conditions:

— When the reflectors of the vehicle

ahead are positioned high or close to
each other (including a small vehicle
such as motorcycles).

— When the sensor gets dirty and it is

impossible to detect the distance
from the vehicle ahead.

— When the reflectors on the vehicle

ahead are missing, damaged or
covered.

— When the reflectors of the vehicle

ahead are covered with dirt, snow or

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Starting and driving

road spray.

— When visibility is low (such as rain,

fog, snow, etc.).

— When snow or road spray from

traveling vehicles is splashed.

— When dense exhaust or other smoke

(black smoke) from vehicles reduces
the visibility of the sensor.

— When excessively heavy baggage is

loaded in the rear seat or the
luggage room of your vehicle.

— When abruptly accelerating or de-

celerating.

— On a steep downhill slope or on

roads with sharp curves.

— When there is a highly reflective

object near the vehicle ahead (i.e.,
being very close to another vehicle,
signboard, etc.)

.

Depending on certain road conditions
(curved or beginning of a curve), vehicle
conditions (steering position or vehicle
position), or the preceding vehicle’s
conditions (position in lane, etc.), the
system may not function properly. The
system may detect highly reflective

objects such as reflectors, signs, white
markers, and other stationary objects on
the road or near the traveling lane and
provide unnecessary warning.

.

The system may not function in offset
conditions.

.

The system may not function when the
distance to the vehicle ahead is extre-
mely close.

SSD0782

Reflectors on the road

WARNING

.

The system may detect highly reflective
objects such as reflectors, signs, white
markers and other stationary objects on
the road or near the traveling lane.

In extreme conditions, detection of these
objects may cause the system to func-
tion.

.

The system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s functionality. If the
sensor is covered with ice, a transparent
or translucent plastic bag, etc., the

system may not detect them. In these
instances the system may not be able to
warn the driver properly. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor regularly.

.

Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the chime
may not be heard.

.

Never place your foot under the brake
pedal when the IBA system turns on.
Your foot may be caught when the
system controls the brake.

.

A sudden appearance of a vehicle in
front (i.e., it abruptly cuts in) may not be
detected and the system may not warn
the driver soon enough.

.

The system will be cancelled automati-
cally with a beep sound and the IBA
warning light will illuminate under the
following conditions:

— When the sensor window is dirty

— When the system malfunctions

If the IBA OFF indicator light illuminates
with a beep sound, pull off the road to a
safe location, stop the vehicle and turn the
engine off. Check to see if the sensor
window is dirty. If the sensor window is

dirty, clean it with a soft cloth and restart
the engine. If the sensor window is not
dirty, restart the engine. If the IBA OFF
indicator light continues to illuminate even
if the IBA system is turned on, have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.

SSD0887

IBA system operation

The IBA system will function when your
vehicle is driven at speeds of approxi-
mately 10 MPH (15 km/h) or above, and
when the vehicle’s speed is approximately
10 MPH (15 km/h) faster than that of the
vehicle ahead.

To turn the system off/on, push and hold
the IBA OFF switch

*

B

for more than 1

second after starting the engine. When the
IBA OFF indicator light

*

A

on the instru-

ment panel turns off and the IBA OFF
switch is pushed, the system will turn off
and the IBA OFF indicator light will
illuminate. When the IBA OFF switch is

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5-77

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Starting and driving

pushed again, the system will turn on and
the IBA OFF indicator light will turn off.

The IBA system will remain in the last ON
or OFF state it was left in until it is
manually changed by pressing the IBA
OFF switch.

Illumination of the IBA OFF indicator light
without the warning chime sound is an
indication that the IBA system is tempora-
rily unavailable. It will occur under the
following conditions:

. When driving into a strong light (for

example, sunlight)

The IBA OFF indicator light will turn off
when the system returns to its normal
operating conditions.

For the sensor maintenance, see “Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system (FULL
SPEED RANGE)” earlier in this section.

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and ensure
the future reliability and economy of your
new vehicle.

Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in shortened engine life and
reduced engine performance.

. Avoid driving for long periods at con-

stant speed, either fast or slow. Do not
run the engine over 4,000 rpm.

. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possi-

ble.

. Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-

tain cruising speeds with a constant
accelerator position.

. Drive at moderate speeds on the high-

way.

. Avoid unnecessary stopping and brak-

ing. Keep a safe distance behind other
vehicles.

. Select a gear range suitable to road

conditions.

. Avoid unnecessary prolonged engine

idling.

. Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended periodic main-

tenance schedule.

. Keep the tires inflated at the correct

pressure. Improper tire pressure will
increase wear and waste fuel.

. Make sure the front wheels are properly

aligned. Improper alignment will cause
premature 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 condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

SSD0336

The AWD warning light is located in the
meter.

The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. It turns off soon after the engine
is started.

If any malfunction occurs in the AWD
system while the engine is running, the
warning light will come on.

The warning light may blink rapidly (about
twice per second) while trying to free a
stuck vehicle due to high power train oil
temperature. The driving mode may change
to two-wheel drive. If the warning light
blinks rapidly during operation, stop the
vehicle with the engine idling in a safe
place immediately. Then if the light goes
off after a while, you can continue driving.

A large difference between the diameters
of front and rear wheels will make the
warning light blink slowly (about once per
two seconds). 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 blinking after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon as
possible.

WARNING

.

For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the

ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.

.

Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such
as the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing) or similar
equipment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure that
you inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with AWD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.

CAUTION

.

Do not operate the engine on a free
roller when any of the wheels are raised.

.

If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction in

Starting and driving

5-79

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)

5-80

Starting and driving

the AWD system. Reduce the vehicle
speed and have your vehicle checked by
an INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.

.

If the warning light remains on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon
as possible.

.

The power train may be damaged if you
continue driving with the warning light
blinking.

SD1006MA

WARNING

.

Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite and
cause a fire.

.

Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.

.

Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly
activate switches or controls. Unat-
tended children could become involved
in serious accidents.

.

Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied and
the transmission be placed in the P
(Park) position. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly
or roll away and result in an accident.

.

Make sure the automatic transmission
selector lever has been pushed as far
forward as it can go and cannot be
moved without depressing the foot
brake pedal.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)

position.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling

into the street when parked on a
sloping drive way, it is a good practice
to turn the wheels as illustrated.

.

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:

*

1

Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the

curb side wheel gently touches the

curb.

.

HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:

*

2

Turn the wheels away from the curb

and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the

curb.

.

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:

*

3

Turn the wheels toward the side of
the road so the vehicle will move

away from the center of the road if it

moves.

4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF

position.

WARNING

If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.

The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.

If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.

BRAKING PRECAUTIONS

The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.

You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed
slowly. This is not a malfunction and
indicates that the brake assist mechanism
is operating properly.

Vacuum assisted brakes

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 distance
will be longer.

When the brake pedal is depressed slowly
and firmly, you may hear a clicking noise
and feel a slight pulsation. This is normal
and indicates that the Brake Assist System
is operating.

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

Starting and driving

5-81

POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

5-82

Starting and driving

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 whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking 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
an INFINITI retailer.

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating
of the brakes, wearing out the brake and
pads faster and reduce gas mileage.

To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance

and could result in loss of vehicle control.

WARNING

.

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.

.

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.

BRAKE ASSIST

When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.

WARNING

The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation 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.

PREVIEW FUNCTION (Intelligent
Cruise Control system equipped
models)

When the Preview Function identifies the
need to apply emergency braking by
sensing a vehicle ahead in the same lane
and the distance and relative speed from
it, it applies the brake pre-pressure before
the driver depresses the brake pedal and
helps improve brake response by reducing
pedal free play.

BRAKE ASSIST

. This system will not operate when the

vehicle is moving at approximately 20
MPH (32 km/h) or less.

. The pre-pressure function ceases when

the following conditions are met:
— When the driver depresses the

accelerator pedal or the brake ped-
al.

— If the driver does not operate the

accelerator or brake pedal within
approximately 1 second.

SSD0338

. The sensor will not detect:

— Pedestrians or objects in the road-

way

— Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
— Motorcycles traveling offset in the

travel lane as illustrated

WARNING

.

This system is only an aid to assist
braking operation 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.

.

As there is a performance limit to the
Preview Function, never rely solely on
this system. This system does not
correct careless inattentive or absent-
minded driving, or overcome poor visi-
bility in rain, fog, or other bad weather.
Reduce vehicle speed by depressing the
brake pedal, in order to maintain a safe
distance between vehicles.

.

The system may not detect the vehicle in
front of you in certain road or weather
conditions. The Preview Function may
not operate properly under the following
conditions. The vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions and the Brake
Assist will operate.

— When rain, snow or dirt adhere to

the system sensor

— When strong light (for example, at

sunrise or sunset) is directly shining
on the front of the vehicle

— Winding or hilly roads may cause

the sensor to temporarily not detect
a vehicle in the same lane or may
detect objects or vehicles in other
lanes.

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Starting and driving

— Vehicle position in the lane may

cause the sensor to temporarily not
detect a vehicle in the same lane or
may detect objects or vehicles in
other lanes.

.

When the Preview Function operates, the
brake pedal may move slightly and may
make a small noise. This is not a system
malfunction.

SSD0471

Warning light and display

When the Preview Function is not operating
properly, the buzzer sounds and the
system warning light (orange) will come
on.

Action to take:
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine and resume driving.

If the indicator stays on, it may indicate
that the Preview Function is malfunction-
ing (the brake is operative). Although the
Vehicle is still driveable under normal
conditions, have the vehicle checked at

an INFINITI retailer.

How to handle the sensor

The sensor for the Preview Function is
common with Intelligent Cruise Control and
is located below the front bumper.

To keep the Preview Function operating
properly, be sure to observe the following:

. Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe

with a soft cloth carefully so as not to
damage the sensor.

. Do not strike or damage the areas

around the sensor. Do not touch or
remove the screw located on the
sensor. Doing so could cause failure
or malfunction. If the sensor is da-
maged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.

. Do not attach a sticker (including

transparent material) or install an
accessory near the sensor. This could
cause failure or malfunction.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING

.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances 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 driver is responsible
for safety.

.

Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.

— When replacing tires, install the

specified size of tires on all four
wheels.

— When installing a spare tire, make

sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See “Tire

and loading information label” in the
“9. Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.

— For detailed information, see

“Wheels and tires” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section
of this manual.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols the brakes so the wheels do not lock
during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies
the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre-
venting each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.

Using the system

Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels
from locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid
obstacles.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.

Self-test feature

The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a
computer. The computer has a built-in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move
the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If the
computer senses a malfunction, it switches
the ABS off and illuminates the ABS
warning light on the instrument panel.
The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.

If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer.

Starting and driving

5-85

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Starting and driving

Normal operation

The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies
according to road conditions.

When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure. This action is similar to pumping
the brakes very quickly. You may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a
vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver
inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC system 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 func-
tion).

. Controls brake pressure at individual

wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not

follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)

— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due

to certain road or driving condi-
tions).

The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it
cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in
all driving situations.

When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light

in the instrument panel

flashes so 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.

See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light

illuminates in the

instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.

The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is
off. When the VDC switch 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 VDC warning light

flashes if

this occurs. All other VDC functions are off,
and the VDC warning light

will not

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

flash. The VDC system is automatically
reset to on when the ignition switch is
placed in the off position then back to the
on position.

See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section.

The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle
forward or in reverse at a slow speed.
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 a malfunction.

WARNING

.

The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steering
operation at high speeds or by careless
or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.

.

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 deteriorated, the VDC
system may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle handling
performance, and the VDC warning light

may illuminate.

.

If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not INFINITI
recommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, 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
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.

.

When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly 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
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light

may illumi-

nate.

.

The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.

Starting and driving

5-87

5-88

Starting and driving

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 328F
(08C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine cooling system” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.

BATTERY

If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely 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. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section .

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.

TIRE EQUIPMENT

SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. 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.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire
type, size, speed rating and availability
information.

For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces prohi-
bit their use. Check local, state and
provincial 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.

Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

For all-wheel drive

If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT

It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:

. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to

remove 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 window washer fluid to refill the

reservoir tank.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

.

Wet ice (328F, 08C 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 cau-
tion. 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.

.

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 in
cold temperature starting.

The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 208F
(−78C) or lower.

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

F a u l t I n t e r r u p t ( G F I ) p r o t e c t e d ,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.

5. The engine block heater must be

plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,
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.

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 en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.

.

Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10A.
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

Starting and driving

5-89

5-90

Starting and driving

result in a fire or electrical shock and
cause serious personal injury.